Lonely Planet Cruise Ports Northeast Asia

Modern metropolises and ancient capitals fringe the coastlines of Northeast Asia. Volcanic mountain peaks, glittering ski fi elds and semi tropical islands, blended with world-class eating, irresistible shopping and a fascinating cultural heritage, await those cruising between the regions historic port cities.

Each stop along your voyage tells a different chapter of the regions story. Some of these historic cities bear few traces of what came before, while others offer windows to the past amid the modernity. Its there in the Ming-dynasty Yyun Gardens, the graceful temples and tea ceremonies of Kyoto, and the haunting reminders of unimaginable loss in Okinawa-hont and Hiroshima.

For generations, the ports of Northeast Asia have been the site of international exchange, meeting points for goods, cultures and people. Theres an intoxicating buzz to the regions urban centres, with their vibrant street life, glowing streetscapes, 24-hour drinking-and-dining scenes, and architectural wonders that redefine what buildings and cities should look like. Not only Tokyo and Shanghai, but rising stars Taipei and Busan, too.

Beyond the cities lie scenic stars of the natural world: the dramatic volcanic island of Jeju-do, steaming onsen amid powdery winter snow in Hokkaid, and iconic Mt Fuji among them.

Wherever you go, youre never far from a great meal. Restaurants often specialise in just one dish, and most towns have their own signature preparations and ingredients. From the splendour of a Kyoto geisha dance to the spare beauty of a Zen rock garden to the glamour of a sky-high cocktail bar, Northeast Asia tells a spellbinding tale.

Tokyo

Planet earths unrivalled 24/7 megalopolis

is one of the worlds reigning cities of superlatives the dining, drinking and shopping are all top class. Its a city always in flux, which is one of its enduring charms, forever sending up breathtaking new structures and dreaming up new culinary delights. It truly has something for everyone, whether your ideal afternoon is spent in an art museum or racing through the streets of Akihabara in a go-kart.

Sakarin Sawasdinaka/SHUTTERSTOCK

NORTHEAST ASIAS TOP 16 PLAN YOUR TRIP

Chinas neon-lit beacon of change and modernity

Its sights set squarely on the not-too-distant future, offers a taste of all the superlatives China can dare to dream up, from the worlds highest observation deck to its fastest commercially operating train. Start with the Bund, Shnghis iconic riverfront area, then head to the French Concession, where the Paris of the East turns on its European charms to maximum effect.