East Asia Cruise - from Kobe - 130313

Kobe is the capital of the prefecture of Hyogo and one of the largest cities in Japan. It lies between a large lake and the Rokko mountains and is one of the most beautiful and most cosmopolitan of Japan's cities. For many centuries, Kobe was the most important port in Japan and was the first to be opened for overseas trade.

Hiroshima is one of the most affluent cities in Japan, but its fame is attributable mainly to the atom bomb attack on August 6, 1945. The modern landmark of Hiroshima is "Genbaku domu", the "A-bomb cathedral". The ruins of the former Chamber of Industry and Commerce with its naked steel dome were left as a memorial and a warning to future generations. Close by "Genbaku domu" is the Children's Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki, a little girl who died of leukaemia. The 'Peace Park "Heiwa koen" is home to the atom bomb museum and the memorial grave with the eternal flame.

Kagoshima is the prefecture capital of the Japanese island of Kyushu. Kagoshima is the most southerly city in Japan, and is not only tropically warm, but also has a relaxed, South-Seas atmosphere despite all of its modern amenities. Opposite the city rises the imposing backdrop of the volcano Sakurajima, which towers more than a thousand metres over the peninsula, its jagged crater smouldering unceasingly. The memory of the Jesuits is upheld and revered in Kagoshima by many monuments; it was the Jesuits who facilitated the first real contact with the West. Several of the museums are worth a visit, e.g. the new prefecture museum built on the grounds of the old castle. It shows exhibits relating to a wide range of issues of national importance.

Naha is a vibrant city with a proud history. Even between the department stores and boutiques of Kokusai-dori ("international street") all kinds of Okinawan specialities are sold, such as lacquerware, textiles, glassware and local Tsuboya pottery. All this and more can be found in the many shops of Heiwa-dori, where goods are stacked high to the ceiling. The nearby public market is an excellent place to get an idea (and a taste!) of Okinawan cuisine. Naha, with a population of 300,000 is the capital of Okinawa. From Naha it is worthwhile doing some exploring in the surrounding area. One of the most famous attractions is Gyokusendo, a 5 kilometre long cave - the largest in the Orient - with a roof crowded with thousands of stalactites formed around 3 million years ago from coral. This region is also where you will find Gyokusendo Kingdom Village, a Ryukyu culture theme park, showing local handicrafts such as glass-blowing, pottery and Awamori brewing, as well as traditional local dances.

The metropolis of Manila, which has a population of around 1.7 million, is the capital of the Philippines and is considered to be a very important port. The city lies in Manila Bay, Luzon, and consists of 7 main areas. Manila has several universities, an international airport, many shopping centres, oil refineries and other industrial trades. Sights include numerous Baroque churches, which were granted World Heritage Site status in 1993, "China Town", a magical area of Manila, the Chinese cemetery, "Intramuris", the oldest part of the city with many churches and ancient buildings and "Mataki", an ultra-modern and luxurious shopping centre.