CME Cruise Conference

Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan - Tokyo is a city that's unlike any other. For a first-time visitor, arriving in Japan's capital is an almost otherworldly experience. From a western point of view, there are few places on earth that are quite this foreign. The land of the rising sun is known for maintaining a wonderful balance of modernity and tradition, and nowhere is this harmonious contrast more apparent than in Tokyo. Japan's most populous city is made up of several districts that each have their own unique atmosphere, not dissimilar to New York City's boroughs. From the serene and traditional Ueno to the super-chic shopping districts of Harajuku and Aoyama to the pop culture and technology mecca of Akihabara, Tokyo really does have something for everyone. Be sure to take advantage of the city's supremely efficient public transportation system; no need to limit your time in Tokyo to a single district when the Metro allows you to travel between them with ease. But no matter where you are in the city, there are a few things that can always be found within walking distance: outstanding food, fascinating architecture, and exceedingly polite locals. To truly take in the scale of Tokyo, view this sprawling cityscape from above. While many tourists visit Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower for a chance to see the skyline, more shrewd travelers tend to favor the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's Observatory. Of course, a stay at the Ritz-Carlton also offers a spectacular view from the privacy of your room.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Kochi, Japan - Kochi is the capital of Kochi Prefecture on the southern coast of Shikoku. The city is small and friendly, with a casual atmosphere and a dose of southern flair. Kochi boasts several attractions of interest to travelers, including a well-preserved, original hilltop castle from the feudal period in Kochi's downtown.

Kagoshima, Japan - Kagoshima is the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture at the south western tip of the island of Kyushu in Japan, and the largest city in the prefecture by some margin. It has been nicknamed the "Naples of the Eastern world" for its bay location (Aira Caldera), hot climate, and emblematic stratovolcano, Sakurajima. The city was officially founded on April 1, 1889.

Nagasaki, Japan - City of melancholy memories, Nagasaki offers the chance to visit Glover House, where Puccini's Madame Butterfly reputedly awaited her errant Lieutenant Pinkerton. The city's focal point is surely Peace Memorial Park, honoring lives lost to World War II's second atomic bomb.

Seoul (Incheon), South Korea - Seoul is one of Asia's major centers of culture, entertainment, and research, with additional strengths in the arts, commerce, education, finance, media, services, and tourism. Seoul forms the heart of the Seoul Capital Area, the 5th most populous in the world, which is also one of the most populous urban agglomerations and includes the surrounding Incheon metropolis and Gyeonggi province, altogether home to roughly half of the country's population.

Jeju Island, South Korea - Jeju is the capital of Jeju Province in South Korea and the largest city on Jeju Island. The city is served by Jeju International Airport. Located on an island off the Korean Peninsula, Jeju has mild, warm weather during much of the year. The city is a well-known resort, with prestigious hotels and public casino facilities

Busan (Pusan), South Korea - Find stillness at some of the largest Korean Buddhist temples, including Beomeo-sa, first constructed in the year 678 and home to over one thousand monks-it also contains seven different registered national and cultural treasures. Near the port, explore the famous Jagalchi fish market or the city's renowned beach resorts. Journey to the Dongnae area to soak in the city's healing hot springs.

Fukuoka, Japan - Fukuoka City is the main port of international access in Japan by sea and is regarded by many as the cultural hub of Japan. It's Japan's sixth most populous city, having passed Kyoto and Kobe in population within the past couple decades.

Kanmon Strait - The Kanmon Strait is a narrow channel of water that separates two of Japan's main islands, Honshu and Kyushu. The channel has long been important to maritime transportation and cargo ships, as it connects the Sea of Japan and the Inland Sea. Passenger and car ferries link the port cities of Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu, as do trains and bridges. The battle between the U.S. and Japanese navies that presaged the Shimonoseki Campaign in 1863 took place here, and eventually led to Japan's opening up to Western powers. The cannons used during the campaign can today be seen near Shimonoseki’s port, where you can also dine at gourmet restaurants serving local delicacies such as fugu (blowfish), shop at venues like the Sea Mall, and connect with ferry service to Busan, in South Korea, and the island of Kyushu.The port at Kitakyushu (Moji Port) is equally historic and attractive, serving as a gateway to Honshu and Kyushu for centuries as well as an important international trade hub since the late 19th century. Although more industrial than Shimonoseki, it has many Western-style buildings, including the neo-Renaissance Mojiko Station, constructed in 1914, as well as other tourist attractions such as a developed promenade and the Kawachi Fuji Gardens. A highlight of the Kanmon Strait is an annual fireworks display—the largest in Japan—with more than 13,000 rockets fired from both sides of the strait. The spectacle draws more than a million visitors every August.

Hiroshima, Japan - Hiroshima is now defined as a beacon of peace and prides itself on its exceptional natural beauty. See more than 300 cherry blossom trees in bloom at Peace Memorial Park, journey to the breathtaking Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, and take time to sample "okonomiyaki"—a delicious example of Japanese soul food.

Kobe, Japan - Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea, Kobe is one of Japan's most attractive and cosmopolitan cities. Home of the heralded Kobe beef, this small city is easily navigated. Visit the Hatsukura Sake Brewery Museum for a tour or dine in one of the area's incredible restaurants.