Nautica - April 22, 2023

Japan's second largest city and one of its leading seaports, Yokohama belongs to the extensive urban-industrial belt around Tokyo called the Keihin Industrial Zone. The city has four universities; a variety of Christian churches, Shinto shrines, and temples; and numerous parks and gardens, notably Nogeyama Park, which was created after the earthquake of 1923. It is the site of Kanazawa Library, founded in 1275, which houses a large collection of historical documents.

Shimizu city, a port and fishing center located in Shizuoka Prefecture, exports tea, oranges, and canned food. Shimizu also produces motorcycles, ships, and musical instruments and is home to petroleum and aluminum refineries. Nearby is Miho-no-matsubara, a breakwater famed for its beauty. Located between Tokyo and Osaka, Shimizu is conveniently located for touring central Honshu.

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 Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. But you may wish to stay in Osaka itself for a few days to experience the delightful cuisine, including okinomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), tako yaki (fried octopus balls, and more.

Set on a bay on 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 that appears to float during high tide.

Pusan is South Korea's second largest city and largest port, handling most of the nation's foreign trade. Lying at the head of the Naktong River basin, it has served as a main southern gateway to Korea from Japan. Historic landmarks include the Kyongbok Palace, built in 1394 by the first monarch of the Yi dynasty; the Changdok Palace, containing many valuable relics; and the Toksu Palace, which houses the National Museum and Art Gallery.

In 1853, Commodore Perry chose Naha as his first base for the penetration of Japan. The city was virtually destroyed during World War II. In 1945 it became the headquarters of the U.S. military governor of the Ryukyus. When the island was returned to Japan in 1972, it became the capital of Okinawa prefecture.

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 Gai lies along Ha Long Bay of the Gulf of Tonkin, about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Haiphong. It is an export centre for coal mined at nearby Quang Yen, the site of anthracite deposits that are the largest in Southeast Asia. Other economic activities in the area are rice farming and fishing. Ha Long Bay is noted for its many strangely shaped limestone inlets and caves and grottoes.

The city of Nha Trang is becoming more popular with the tourists in recent years. Yet, with a population of 300,000, Nha Trang still retains its small town atmosphere. This resort town is well known for its miles of beach and the friendliness of its people. The city is flanked by nearly ten kilometers of prime beach where the water is warm year round. The average temperature in Nha Trang is 26 C.

Ho Chi Minh City is the economic center of Vietnam. Until the reunification of North and South Vietnam in April 1975 the city's name was Saigon. The Communist government of Hanoi renamed it in honour of Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Communist forces during the Vietnam War. But the inhabitants of the city have never quite gotten accustomed to the new name and thus still prefer the old name,Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City is the economic center of Vietnam. Until the reunification of North and South Vietnam in April 1975 the city's name was Saigon. The Communist government of Hanoi renamed it in honour of Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Communist forces during the Vietnam War. But the inhabitants of the city have never quite gotten accustomed to the new name and thus still prefer the old name,Saigon.

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.