East Asia Cruise - from Tokyo - 127921

Tokyo, the capital of Japan with a population of almost 8 million, combines tradition with progress. Buddhist temples stand side by side with Shinto cultural institutes and sky-scrapers. In the tiny streets you can find Kimonos, fans and miniature carvings, just a few streets away from the modern banking district and the grand architectural masterpieces. Visitors can relax in the Koraku Garden which has replicas of various features of the Japanese landscape. If it's a thrill you're after, a visit to the fish market is just the thing - and you could even bid on some fish!. More than 90,000 works of art are on display in the largest museum in Japan, the National Museum. In 1958 the Japanese built a replica of the Eiffel tower; At 333m high, 'Tokyo tower' would dwarf the original. Other sights include: the Meji shrine, the emperor's garden and palace, the town hall, the 'Capsule Hotel' where guests are accommodated in "drawers", Asakusa Kannon temple and the temple gardens in Kamakura.

Muroran is on the South coast of Hokkaido and used to be an important centre of the Japanese steel industry. The city attracts visitors primarily on account of its many natural resources, which include the skyline and the unforgettable views from Cape Chikyu. Visitors can also watch whales and dolphins here. Sights include: Hakucho Bridge, the longest suspension bridge on the island of Hokkaido.

Hakodate, with a population of 320,000 lies at the southern point of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. In 1859 it was among the five Japanese towns first opened for outside trade, representing the gateway to the outside world. Hakodate is also the traditional starting point for trips to Hokkaido, which can be reached either by ferry or by train through the underwater tunnel constructed in 1988. This Japanese port is also famous for its star-shaped fort.

The old harbour town of Otaru is on the west coast of Hokkaido, the most northerly of the four Japanese islands. With a population of 170,000 the town is fairly small by Japanese standards, but is nonetheless one of the most important tourist attractions in the country with more than five million visitors a year. In economic terms, fishing and international sea trade are also important. The town made a great historical and economic contribution to the development of Hokkaido. The legacy and proof of its colourful past are the architecture and the interesting port area. The liveliness of the port is in harmonious contrast to the tranquil atmosphere of this small town. Otaru has a canal area, which used to be highly polluted due to nearby businesses. Today this area is not in use and visitors can stroll at leisure through the streets that date back to the turn of the century and were shaped both by the Japanese style and Western influences.

The old harbour town of Otaru is on the west coast of Hokkaido, the most northerly of the four Japanese islands. With a population of 170,000 the town is fairly small by Japanese standards, but is nonetheless one of the most important tourist attractions in the country with more than five million visitors a year. In economic terms, fishing and international sea trade are also important. The town made a great historical and economic contribution to the development of Hokkaido. The legacy and proof of its colourful past are the architecture and the interesting port area. The liveliness of the port is in harmonious contrast to the tranquil atmosphere of this small town. Otaru has a canal area, which used to be highly polluted due to nearby businesses. Today this area is not in use and visitors can stroll at leisure through the streets that date back to the turn of the century and were shaped both by the Japanese style and Western influences.

The name of this city with more than a million inhabitants, Busan, means "tea-kettle mountain" and refers to the city's location, hemmed in on three sides by mountains. Before the port lies the "dragon's head rock". You can enjoy an excellent view from the platform of Pusan Tower or from the small restaurant in the tower. At the foot of the tower is a tangled labyrinth of small streets in Kukje Market. The traditional Chagalchi fish market is Korea's most lively market, selling freshly-caught seafood and fish specialities. Taejongdae, a bizarre cliff formation in a beautiful setting, has a spacious plateau from where you will have a fantastic view of the Sea of Japan. The city museum "Pokchon-dong" details Busan's history from the 4th century onwards. Other sights include: Pomo(sa) temple, the fortifications at Kumjongsansong on the Kumjong mountain, Kumgang Park with a funicular railway and ancient forests.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan with a population of almost 8 million, combines tradition with progress. Buddhist temples stand side by side with Shinto cultural institutes and sky-scrapers. In the tiny streets you can find Kimonos, fans and miniature carvings, just a few streets away from the modern banking district and the grand architectural masterpieces. Visitors can relax in the Koraku Garden which has replicas of various features of the Japanese landscape. If it's a thrill you're after, a visit to the fish market is just the thing - and you could even bid on some fish!. More than 90,000 works of art are on display in the largest museum in Japan, the National Museum. In 1958 the Japanese built a replica of the Eiffel tower; At 333m high, 'Tokyo tower' would dwarf the original. Other sights include: the Meji shrine, the emperor's garden and palace, the town hall, the 'Capsule Hotel' where guests are accommodated in "drawers", Asakusa Kannon temple and the temple gardens in Kamakura.