Huge department stores brim with shoppers, neon flashes from dusk to dawn, and the entire world pays heed to the slightest fluctuation on the Nikkei Index. From the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine to the fabled Ginza district, 20th-century Tokyo is an intriguing composite of East and West. Yuppies sporting Walkmen bow formally in greeting. Women in kimonos and Dior suits stroll side-by-side. Geishas play samisens while disc jockeys play the Top Forty. Japanese houses of wood and paper stand in the shadow of towering steel and mortar. Not far away, one of the world's most impressive sights soars 12,388 feet to its snow-clad peak: Mount Fuji, the majestic symbol of Japan.

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.

Set on a bay in the Inland Sea, Hiroshima was the infamous site of the first atomic bomb explosion of August, 1945. But perhaps the best reason to visit Hiroshima is the enchanting island of Miyajima with its famous Itsukushima Shinto shrine, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful sights. Its famous torii stands just offshore, a tall, vermilion-colored symbol of Japan, which appears to float during high tide.

This large city is an excursion base from which to explore the dramatic coastlines, national parks and volcanic mountains of Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. Mount Sakurajima, an active volcano, can be reached by ferry. To the north, Kirishima-Yaku National Park is a scenic area of smoking volcanoes, craters and lakes. South of the city, Ibusuki, the island's most popular seaside resort, welcomes kimono-clad bathers to its sandy beaches and warm, underwater springs.

One of Japan's most historic cities, Nagasaki was a major port, trading with the Portuguese and Dutch in the 16th century. You can still see this colonial legacy in the brick buildings, old forts, canals and curving cobblestone streets. On a hill overlooking the bay, beautiful Glover Mansion, the setting of Madame Butterfly, is typical of the fine homes built by wealthy foreign residents. But Nagasaki's ties with Korea and China are equally apparent in the famous Chinese temple, a large Chinese colony and the numerous fine Korean and Chinese restaurants.

Across the Formosa Strait from mainland China is the bustling port of Keelung, on the island of Taiwan. Just 20 miles inland is Taipei, the national capital, one of the most prosperous cities in Asia. Marvel at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the Grand Hotel, and the National Palace Museum, with its art treasures from Beijing''s Forbidden City.

Hong Kong is the cosmopolitan hub of the Far East. This former British colony reverted to Chinese control in 1997, yet the culture-rich atmosphere remains. See the Wong Tai Sin Temple, tour local markets and the floating village of Aberdeen. Take the Tram to the top of Victoria Peak for one of the world''s most exciting views, or cross the harbor aboard one of the famous Star Ferries. After shopping and exploring, enjoy high tea at the favored retreat of many world travelers-the Peninsula Hotel.

Halong Bay rest right above the Red River Delta and is covered by beautiful green seas. Halong Bay is the most beautiful sight to see, it''s also covered with over 3,000 one of a kind mountainous islands. These mountainous islands are known for their dolomite and limestone rock symmetry. Legend tells it that this very bay was formed when a large dragon hurtled to earth before history was recorded. By the carvings and formation of the lime stones, the legend doesn''t seem too unbelievable.

Besides the legend that Halong Bay holds, this bay also possesses a couple tourist attractions. One of the sights to see would be the large caves that can be found in some of the larger islands. The caves add a little spunk to a extensive, laid back boat ride. Even though you''ll need to take a couple safety precautions while inside of the caves, it doesn''t take any excitement from the things to be seen.

In 1744, Southern Vietnam was controlled under the control of Nguyen. At this point in history, Hue resided as capitol of Vietnam. When the control of the city was taken away from the rebels with the defeat by Nguyen Ann in 1802, The Nguyen family dynasty began. During the resignation of the last emperor in 1945, this ended the dynasty of the Nguyen Family. Regardless of the damages as a result of the 1968 Tet offensive that occurred during the American War, this beautiful city it still entails architectural findings.

Through all of the damages due to natural disasters and wars, Hue sustained its ancient appearance. This ancient capital contains palaces, walls, and royal tombs. Considering the history and heritage that Hue contains, makes it Vietnam's most priceless possession. On December 11, 1993, Hue was appointed the status of being a World Culture Heritage by UNESCO's Director General, Federico Mayor.

One of Hue's main attractions would be the Citadel, which is constructed around the natural beauties just north of the Perfume River. The construction of this structure was built from 1805 to 1832. This structure has a circumference of 10,000 m, a height of 6.6 m and a thickness of about 21cm. It contains a dirt filled center and an outer layer of bricks. The Citadel is positioned just southeast of Mount Ngu Binh (Royal Screen Mount) and within a view point of the Ta Thanh Long (Left Green Dragon) and Huu Bach Ho (Right White Tiger).

Along with the Citadel, Hue also possesses structures as the Ngo Mon, which was built in 1833, The Palace of Supreme Harmony, and Royal Tombs. All of these magnificent works of art can be view upon your visit. We'll reserve all of the details of these architectures for your viewing pleasure.

After 20 years of isolation, this history-laden Vietnamese capital will charm and fascinate you with her vibrant sights. Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a blend of magnificent French colonial architecture set against spacious boulevards thronged with trishaws, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Leave time to shop in the Ben Thanh Market or wander in the landmark Reunification Hall. The more adventurous may opt for an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong in hiding from Allied troops.

The quiet beaches of Lamai, on the island's southeastern coast, are sure to afford you the perfect opportunity to relax. If you would prefer to be a little more active while on Ko Samui, there are plenty of beautiful underwater sights at Coral Cove or Angthong Marine National Park. Dive shops are a dime a dozen on Ko Samui, so you will have plenty of opportunities to explore some of the world's prettiest coral reefs.