Southeast Asia & Japan

From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai. The symbol of Kagoshima is Sakura Jima - the volcanic island that sits just offshore. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history.

The largest island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Okinawa has been a center of trade and a source for conflict through its history. The island has been an independent kingdom, the feudal possession of a Japanese daimyo and a prefecture of Japan following the Meiji Restoration of 1866. Okinawa was the scene of bitter fighting during the closing days of World War II. Over 100,000 civilians perished and the island was left in ruins. A US military possession, Okinawa returned to Japanese rule in 1972. Naha is the island's largest city and the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. One of the world's most popular martial arts, karate is a fusion of Chinese kung fu and traditional island martial arts.

Tucked at the southern end of Taiwan, Kaohsiung is a thriving city with a foot firmly planted in its past yet with an eye towards the future. As Taiwan's second largest city, it's rapidly becoming an economic powerhouse, yet it fully embraces its historical heritage. Through the centuries, Kaohsiung, like the rest of Taiwan, would be bounced back and forth between the Dutch, Chinese and Japanese, and today it's a thriving metropolis that's home to the World Game Stadium, the world's largest solar-powered stadium, and Lotus Pond, a delightful attraction overflowing with colorful temples and shines. It's also the gateway to a number of spectacular must-see sights: Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city and its capital for 200 years; and the Fokuangshan Monastery, a Buddhist retreat known for its spectacular scenery, serenity and Buddha statues.

Skyscrapers form a glistening forest of steel and glass, junks and sampans ply the busy harbor waters, and the green, dragon-crested hills of Kowloon beckon. Welcome to Hong Kong, one of the world's great travel destinations. Now a semi-autonomous region of China, Hong Kong - literally "Fragrant Harbor" - has lost none of its charm, excitement or exoticism. Modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels climb the slopes of Hong Kong Island. Narrow streets are crammed with noodle vendors, fortunetellers and bonesetters. The endless array of shops offer the visitor everything from hand-tailored suits and ancient porcelain to the latest consumer electronics. And everywhere more than seven million people are moving at a breathtaking pace in one of the world's great monuments to capitalism, commerce and enterprise. The former Crown Colony has enough attractions to last a lifetime. To take in the entire spectacle, head to Victoria Peak for panoramic views. Enjoy lunch on one of the city's floating restaurants. Walk down one of the crowded streets to take the city's rapid pulse. And whether you think you are in the mood or not - shop. After all, you are in the duty-free capital of the world.

The port of Chan May is located halfway between two historic and important cities: Da Nang and Hue. At the height of the Vietnam War, Da Nang was America's major strategic base. And the 1968 Tet Offensive marked a major turning point in that conflict - particularly in the bitter fighting for control of the old imperial capital. But that was nearly four decades ago. Today Hue is a World Heritage Site. Visitors will long remember its imposing Imperial Citadel and the serene harmony of the Thien Mu Pagoda. Marble Mountain Beach, where American marines stormed ashore in 1965, is now an internationally renowned resort. The surrounding coast is lined with superb white-sand beaches. Vietnam's major cultural attractions are within an easy drive.

Over three decades have passed since the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon. Today, the name of this bustling metropolis on the Mekong River is Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, the essence of the city, a major trading center since the 18th century, remains unchanged. The air is filled with the cries of street hawkers and honking horns. Bicycles, motorbikes and automobiles fly down the boulevards at dizzying speeds. And everywhere, friendly faces and warm greetings meet you. The port of Phu My (pronounced "Foo Me") is your gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the seaside resort of Vung Tau.

Singapore - the very name summons visions of the mysterious East. The commercial center of Southeast Asia, this island city-state of four million people is a metropolis of modern high-rise buildings, Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, sturdy Victorian buildings, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars. Founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles of the fabled East India Company, the city is a melting pot of people and cultures. Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil are official languages. Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are the major faiths. Singapore is an ever-fascinating island boasting colorful traditions, luxurious hotels and some of the finest duty-free shopping in the world. Lying just 85 miles north of the Equator at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, the island was a haven for Malay pirates and Chinese and Arab traders.