Shanghai → Taipei/Keelung (15 nights)

Shanghai dazzles with its harmony of tradition and modernity. Along The Bund, grand colonial facades gaze across the river to futuristic towers like the twisting Shanghai Tower. In the old city, Yu Garden offers quiet Ming-era beauty, while the nearby bazaar buzzes with crafts and steaming dumplings. Beyond the city, Zhujiajiao’s canals and stone bridges evoke China’s historic waterways. From glittering skyscrapers to timeless alleys, Shanghai is a city forever reinventing itself while holding onto its soul.

Miyako Islands are a tranquil paradise where white sands and turquoise seas seem untouched by time. Yonaha Maehama Beach, often named Japan's most beautiful, invites long, lazy days, while the Higashi Henna Cape offers panoramic coastal views from its historic lighthouse. Cross Irabu Bridge to snorkel pristine reefs or explore hidden caves on neighbouring Irabu Island. Miyako is an escape for nature lovers and dreamers, blending quiet island culture with some of Japan's clearest waters.

Naha radiates island warmth and Ryukyu heritage. Atop a hill, Shurijo Castle - once the royal palace - tells the story of a proud kingdom with its unique architecture and ocean views. Stroll bustling Kokusai Dori for colourful markets and street performances, or reflect at the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, where history lingers in quiet tunnels. Naha blends lively culture, poignant history and easygoing coastal charm.

Naha radiates island warmth and Ryukyu heritage. Atop a hill, Shurijo Castle - once the royal palace - tells the story of a proud kingdom with its unique architecture and ocean views. Stroll bustling Kokusai Dori for colourful markets and street performances, or reflect at the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, where history lingers in quiet tunnels. Naha blends lively culture, poignant history and easygoing coastal charm.

On lush Amami Ōshima, Naze embraces nature and rare traditions. Paddle through Japan’s second‑largest mangrove forest, alive with tropical birds and crabs, or wander quiet villages steeped in island heritage. Discover Ōshima Tsumugi silk weaving, a craft perfected over centuries, and admire vivid works by Tanaka Isson, the ‘Gauguin of Japan’. Naze is an unspoiled subtropical paradise where art, culture and wild beauty thrive in harmony.

Nagoya tells a story of power and tradition shaped by centuries of influence. Nagoya Castle, crowned with golden shachihoko, recalls a feudal past of elegance and strength, while the sacred Atsuta Shrine safeguards one of Japan's imperial treasures. Nearby, the lively Ōsu district combines vintage shops, temples, and street food, where miso katsu and hitsumabushi tempt every palate. Blending spiritual reverence with everyday vibrancy, Nagoya offers both cultural depth and energetic urban life.

Tokyo's rhythm is one of striking contrasts - centuries-old shrines and neon-lit streets, serene gardens and buzzing crossings. Sensō-ji Temple welcomes visitors to the historic heart of Asakusa, while Meiji Shrine lies quietly in a forested sanctuary between fashionable Harajuku and Omotesandō. Shibuya Crossing pulses with energy, Akihabara glows with pop culture, and food lovers delight in Tsukiji's vibrant market. From the towering Skytree to Ueno Park's spring cherry blossoms, Tokyo captures timeless tradition wrapped in modern wonder.

Kobe is a city where mountains meet the sea, blending natural beauty with cosmopolitan flair. Stroll along the lively waterfront of Meriken Park, framed by striking modern architecture and views of the harbour. Ride the cable car up Mount Rokko for sweeping panoramas and serene garden trails, or step back in time in the preserved streets of Kitano Ijinkan, once home to foreign merchants. And, of course, savour the city’s culinary pride—world‑famous Kobe beef, celebrated for its unmatched tenderness and flavour.

Kochi celebrates samurai heritage and natural splendour. Its Edo-period castle remains one of Japan's few originals, while Chikurin-ji Temple exudes spiritual calm on Mount Godai. Katsurahama Beach offers sweeping Pacific views, watched over by a bronze statue of local hero Sakamoto Ryoma. In Hirome Market, friendly vendors serve fresh katsuo no tataki, and Cape Muroto's volcanic cliffs and sea-carved formations showcase nature's raw artistry. Kochi balances history, coastal beauty and a warm, welcoming culture.

Naha radiates island warmth and Ryukyu heritage. Atop a hill, Shurijo Castle - once the royal palace - tells the story of a proud kingdom with its unique architecture and ocean views. Stroll bustling Kokusai Dori for colourful markets and street performances, or reflect at the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, where history lingers in quiet tunnels. Naha blends lively culture, poignant history and easygoing coastal charm.

Ishigaki's turquoise waters and lush landscapes feel like a dream. Kabira Bay dazzles with emerald seas and white beaches, best admired on glass-bottom boat rides over vibrant coral reefs. Nearby, Ishigaki Limestone Cave unveils dramatic natural artistry formed over 200,000 years. The island is a diver's paradise, with manta rays, sea turtles and pristine coral gardens awaiting beneath the waves. Ishigaki is pure island serenity with a sense of adventure.

Keelung is the gateway to Taipei, Taiwan's vibrant capital. In Taipei, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and solemn Changing of the Guard showcase national pride, while Elephant Mountain rewards hikers with unforgettable skyline views of Taipei 101. Longshan Temple radiates spiritual grace, and Ximending's lively streets brim with youth culture, food stalls and art. From heritage to innovation, Taipei reveals Taiwan's warmth, creativity and endless appetite for life.