Best Of Japan Cruise 9 Nights • Hong Kong, China • Spectrum of the Seas

A vibrant, buzzing metropolis filled with history, culture and futuristic feats, Hong Kong is unlike any other city in the world. Tradition and innovation exist side by side here. You’ll see it in the city’s dazzling skyline, stately dragon boats, abundance of museums and acclaimed food scene. Before your cruise from Hong Kong, pay a visit to the massive Tian Tan Buddha, which towers at over 112 feet tall. Savor delicious noodles and other tempting bites at the Temple Street Night Market or set sail on a harbor cruise for unbeatable views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. If you have an extra day, pop over to the island of Macau for a unique mix of Chinese and Portuguese heritage. However you choose to spend your days in this eclectic city, you’ll find the hardest part about visiting Hong Kong is trying to see all of it in the time you have.

Soak in the splendor of the former Ryukyu Kingdom at the vermillion-red Shujiro Castle. Then, walk around the private garden of a king at the tropical Shikinaen Gardens. Finish your time here by taking in Okinawa's pristine coastline at Okuma Beach, where you can swim, snorkel or kayak in the brilliant waters of the East China Sea.

At once a modern metropolis and a bastion of traditional Japanese culture, Kyoto is home to more than 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After you take the 30-minute train journey from Osaka, see the iconic red gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine. Then, stroll through Nishiki Market and pick up yakitori grilled chicken for a snack, and take in a panoramic view of the city from Kyoto Tower.

Kochi is a friendly city with a wealth of cultural, historical and natural heritage waiting to be explored. Snap your holiday photos at the postcard-perfect Katsurahama Beach, where azure waters break against pagoda-topped cliffs. Check out historic Kochi Castle, and snap a picture of the city and the cherry blossom-flecked landscape below. Or walk through Chikurinji Shrine and its grounds full of Buddha statues and Japanese-style gardens.

Soak in the mix of history and scenery that is Kagoshima. Stroll through a samurai garden overlooking the sea at Sengan-en. Fill up on local korubuta pork, then finish your day with a memorable view of the city and the volcano in the distance at Shiroyama Lookout.

Although it's officially part of China, Hong Kong is a world unto itself. This bustling city is full of ancient and modern architecture, lots of people and — of course — the best dim sum around. Head to the Kowloon Peninsula for Golden Mile shopping along Nathan Road. Then, make your way to Hong Kong Island to admire the views from the top of Victoria Peak — you can see the skyscrapers of the financial district as well as the fishing village of Stanley Harbour. Cruise to Hong Kong and trek out to mountainous Lantau Island to see the famous Tian Tan Buddha, standing a full 112 feet tall. Or score some quiet time at Hong Kong Park, full of contemplative rock gardens and tree-lined paths.