40-day Shanghai nights, Taiwan lanterns & Japan in-depth

Your voyage begins in Hong Kong. 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.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Encore's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Encore with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Shanghai, China.

A second day in Shanghai, China - time to explore at your own pace.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

Your ship calls at Naha, Japan.

Your ship calls at Miyakojima, Japan.

Your ship calls at Hualien, Taiwan.

The oldest Chinese reference to Taiwan dates back to the Han Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. However, it wasn't until the 17th century A.D. that Chinese Hakka traders first settled on the island. These bold merchants were soon followed by European and Asian adventurers seeking to control and colonize the strategic island. The most famous migration of all occurred in 1948, when the government of the Republic of China fled the mainland. Taipei is one of the world's most important commercial centers. Despite its turbulent history, Taiwan today boasts an economy that is the envy of the world. Modern Taiwan is a world leader in the production of bicycles, computer chips, plastics, chemicals and computer notebooks. Taipei is a sophisticated modern metropolis that has not forgotten its rich traditional past. The port of Keelung is your gateway to Taiwan. Visit the bustling city of Taipei and other interesting areas surrounding on this fascinating island in the East China Sea.

Your ship calls at Taichung, Taiwan.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Encore's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship returns to Hong Kong.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Encore with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Tainan (Anping), Taiwan.

Your ship returns to Taichung, Taiwan.

Your ship returns to Taipei (Keelung).

The balmy, subtropical climate draws countless visitors to its sandy shores, but Ishigaki offers much more than your typical island getaway. It is the cultural, political and economic center of the Yaeyama Islands, originally founded in 1908 as Yaeyama Village and becoming Ishigaki Town in 1926. Ishigaki was elevated to city status on July 10, 1947. A hilltop Shinto shrine which dates back to 1614 is the perfect place to start your exploration of this lovely town. Noted for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to which snorkelers flock for a glimpse of the island's famed manta rays, Ishigaki Island offers many opportunities to commune with nature. Ishigaki has palm forests, mangrove-lined rivers suited for kayaking, and jungle-covered mountains perfect for hiking adventures. Amidst such natural beauty, you'll find an abundance of cultural sites with ties to the island's rich history. The Yaeyama Museum displays historic artifacts as well as traditional cultural items, and a visit to the well-preserved Miyara Dunchi, built in 1819, is a rare example of a samurai-style residence. Be sure to leave time in your busy day to sample some of the sweet island pineapple and to shop for the island's famed black pearls, a most special souvenir.

Your ship returns to Naha, Japan.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

Your ship calls at Aburatsu, Japan.

Kochi sits on the broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay. This city in Shikoku takes its name from the great feudal castle that sits at its very heart. Completed in 1611, Kochi Castle was the seat of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a noted warrior who supported Tokugawa Ieyasu in his successful quest to become Shogun. Tosa Province and Kochi Castle were Yamauchi's reward for faithful service. There is an historical irony here: 250 years later, a Kochi native son - a former low-ranked samurai and now ronin named Sakamoto Ryoma - played a pivotal role in bringing the Tokugawa Shogunate to an end and restoring the Emperor of Japan to political prominence. The prize once awarded for faithful service had become a hotbed of support for the Meiji Restoration.Kochi is one of the wettest places in Japan - and a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. Southeast of the city, warm oceans currents washing against the Aki Mountains create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park.

For centuries, Osaka was Japan's cultural and commercial gateway to Asia - the point of entry both for trade goods and, most importantly, cultural influences that shaped Japanese society. From tea to Zen, from art to science and philosophy, Osaka was Japan's contact with the great East Asian cultures that flourished in China and Korea. The city reached its zenith in the late 16th century, when the great feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi made Osaka his capital. Toyotomi was master of Japan, and an immense administrative and commercial center rapidly developed around Osaka Castle. After Toyotomi's death, the nation's seat of power shifted from Osaka to a sleepy little fishing village called Edo - modern Tokyo. While overshadowed by Tokyo, Osaka remains Japan's second largest city and a vital commercial center.Modern Osaka is home to monuments from Japan's past including Toyotomi's immense castle and the Sumiyoshi Shrine. The city is also your gateway to Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital and the nation's cultural and spiritual center.

A second day in Osaka (for Kyoto), Japan - time to explore at your own pace.

Your ship calls at Shingu, Japan.

Your ship calls at Shimizu, Japan.

Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza, an international shopping mecca, stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Encore's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship returns to Osaka (for Kyoto), Japan.

Your ship calls at Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait.

The second largest city in South Korea, Busan is your gateway to a fascinating land whose culture is a unique amalgam of old and new. Modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples. The city's bustling business district offers a stark contrast to the serene grounds of Yongdusan Park. In short, Busan is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose startling economic success often obscures one of Asia's most sophisticated and venerable cultures.Busan was the scene of bitter fighting during the Korean War. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery marks the final resting place for the troops from 16 nations who gave their lives during the conflict.

Your ship calls at Sakaiminato, Japan.

Your ship calls at Kanazawa, Japan.

A second day in Kanazawa, Japan - time to explore at your own pace.

Traditionally famous for rice making and sake production, Niigata is the place for gourmet aficionados. It is also well known for the seafood caught from the Sea of Japan. With this variety of the commodity produced locally, Niigata developed from the wealth gained through shipping and trade by Kitamae-bune, which were cargo ships operated along the Sea of Japan between Hokkaido and Osaka from mid-18th century to the end of the 19th century. To the south of Niigata is the Tsubame-Sanjo area famous today for metalworking. This derives from the production of Japanese nails used for Japanese traditional architecture. To discover Japanese craftsmanship, you will have the chance to visit the Suwada Open Factory. Also nearby is the religious center of Niigata in Yahiko. The Yahiko Shrine has gathered the devotion of the locals for more than a millennium.

Your ship calls at Akita, Japan.

The capital of the Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, Aomori derives much of its beauty from the apple orchards and cherry blossoms that encompass its landscape and the snow-covered Hakkoda Mountains that look on from a distance. Throughout its history, the city has been stricken with misfortune time and time again - in 1910, a fire destroyed Aomori, and during World War II, the city was left in ruins following an air raid - yet it always prevails.Aomori is perhaps best known for its renowned Nebuta Festival, an elaborate yearly event in which participants illuminate giant paper representations of samurai warriors, animals, and popular cartoon characters while parading them through the streets.

Your ship calls at Miyako, Japan.

Your ship calls at Sendai, Japan.

Extending from the Naka River to the Pacific Ocean, Hitachinaka offers pristine beaches, stellar views, and a charming mix of old and new attractions. Hitachinaka is steeped in traditional history which shines in such sites as the oceanside Oarai Isosaki-jinja Shrine, and the Kasama Inari Shrine, one of the most famous Inari shrines in the country. Gaze upon Hitachinaka's nature's wonders from the lookout point of the bronze Ushiku Buddha, one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world, and if flowers are your passion, you simply can't miss Kairakuen Gardens, one of the "Three Great Gardens" in Japan, and Hitachi Seaside Park, which blooms with wildflowers, including the bright Kochia ball blooms and the delicate, baby-blue Nemophila. The color blue remains a theme at Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium, where huge tanks house over 68,000 sea creatures. For those looking to delve into Hitachinaka artistic heritage, the Tokugawa Art Museum displays almost 30,000 artifacts of the Mito Tokugawa family, offering a detailed glimpse into the lives of Japan's daimyo feudal lords. And when hunger strikes, the stalls of Nakaminato Fish Market brim with the "fruits of the sea," and restaurants serve the freshest sushi and local delicacies in town.

Your voyage concludes in Tokyo, Japan.