Regatta - May 22, 2025

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, 21st-century Tokyo is an intriguing composite of East and West. 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.

Nagoya hosts two famous shrines: The Atsuta, founded in the 2nd century, houses the sacred imperial sword; the Higashi Honganji was built in 1692. A fortress town in the 16th century, Nagoya retains a castle built in 1612, which was reconstructed in 1959. The Tokugawa Art Museum, Higashiyama Park, and an art museum partnered with the Boston Museum of Fine Arts are other attractions.

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.

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.

Shanghai's reputation as a center of unrestrained commerce and intrigue has drawn adventures since the time of the Opium Wars. Modern Shanghai will surprise you with its sprawling landscape of towering offices, beautifully contrasted by calm lakes and graceful pagodas dating from the 10th century. Take a trip to Wuxi and visit a silk factory, or serene Jichang Gardens.

Shanghai's reputation as a center of unrestrained commerce and intrigue has drawn adventures since the time of the Opium Wars. Modern Shanghai will surprise you with its sprawling landscape of towering offices, beautifully contrasted by calm lakes and graceful pagodas dating from the 10th century. Take a trip to Wuxi and visit a silk factory, or serene Jichang Gardens.

Xiamen was recently voted China's cleanest city, and its surrounding countryside offers spectacular scenery and pleasant tree-lined beaches. Gulangyu, also known as Piano Island, is a popular, peaceful weekend getaway. Xiamen's Botanical Garden is a nature lover's paradise. And the Buddhist Nanputao Temple, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, is a national treasure.

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.

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.

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.

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.

Nestled on the coast between Vietnam and Cambodia, Sihanoukville combines nature's luxury with sheer pleasure. Stretch out for undisturbed sunbathing on the pristine municipal beach. Visit the magnificent coral islands, or taste a variety of native dishes at Sam's Beach Restaurant. If adventurous recreation is what you're looking for, try the popular go-cart track at Obye Karting.

Laem Chabang is a modern harbor complex that serves Bangdok, Thailand's capital. The gentle Thai people have raised folk dance to high art, created a unique cuisine and built a capital city of fluted spires and golden domes. High on the list of "must see" sights are the Floating Market, Royal Palace, Reclining Buddha, Golden Buddha, and Temple of the Dawn.

Laem Chabang is a modern harbor complex that serves Bangdok, Thailand's capital. The gentle Thai people have raised folk dance to high art, created a unique cuisine and built a capital city of fluted spires and golden domes. High on the list of "must see" sights are the Floating Market, Royal Palace, Reclining Buddha, Golden Buddha, and Temple of the Dawn.

Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island. Surrounded by 80 smaller islands, this natural beauty has been relatively undiscovered until recent years. Rumor claims that in 1971 the first tourists to set foot on Koh Samui were hippies who arrived by way of a coconut boat from Bangkok. While Koh Samui still exports up to 2 million coconuts to Bangkok every month, recent urban developments include a no-frills airport and an ostentatious Reggae bar.

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.

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.

Semerang serves as the gateway to the Javanese city of Borobudur, site of an eighth century temple, the largest Buddhist monument on earth! View the dramatic carved towers and pathways that depict the life of Buddha.

Surabaya exhibits a strong influence from its colonial past. You'll get the feel of being in a 1930's Asian village in some parts of Surabaya, of being in a Dutch colony in others, and in an Islamic city in others. The mosques in Surabaya are quite impressive. Be sure to plan a visit to the Surabaya Zoo to see a family of Komodo dragons.

Did you ever imagine that you would see a dragon in person? On the remote island of Komodo, travelers have been know to see the Komodo Dragons. These giant lizards are the last vestiges of the dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago. As if that weren't enough, the other wildlife on Komodo is stunning as well.

Levelled by a cyclone in 1974, Darwin has rebuilt itself from scratch. Wide tree-lined streets, well-designed public buildings, and acres of park land make this an ideal tropical capital. The attitude of the locals is casual and relaxed, and the young demographic keeps things moving. Darwin's location makes it the ideal jump-off point for sojourns into Australia's natural splendour.

Levelled by a cyclone in 1974, Darwin has rebuilt itself from scratch. Wide tree-lined streets, well-designed public buildings, and acres of park land make this an ideal tropical capital. The attitude of the locals is casual and relaxed, and the young demographic keeps things moving. Darwin's location makes it the ideal jump-off point for sojourns into Australia's natural splendour.

Thursday Island is one of the islands of the Torres Strait, the body of water that lies between the Cape York Peninsula of Australia and Papua, New Guinea. At one time, Thursday Island was a major pearling center--a dangerous profession, as exemplified by the historic cemetery and maritime museum.

Cairns was founded in 1876 as a port for the inland gold mines of Queensland. It is now the heart of the Tropical North of Queensland, and is one of Australia's most welcoming cities. Stroll, relax, fly a kite, or have a barbecue on the Esplanade, a popular gathering area. Enjoy several great beaches just north of the city. Cairns is also a great place to watch migratory birds.

Boasting a wide array of attractions and one of the fastest growth rates in Australia, Townsville is a place with something for everyone. Formed around a mining province at the heart of town, Townsville is also one of Australia's most prevalent academic centers. Many leading universities and research organizations call this sunny haven home. Visit the Great Barrier Reef and New Pandora Museum.

Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, is an exciting, bustling town that curves around Vila Bay and creeps up its steep hillsides. You will find interesting shops, bars, and restaurants featuring the islands' specialty, flying fox, or coconut crab. The rugged island offers horseback riding, hiking to waterfalls, river canoeing and kayaking, plus snorkeling and scuba diving trips in Port Vila.

Lautoka is a very clean city and environmental concerned. It has a wonderful botanical garden and children's park. The main street of the city, Vitogo Parade, has been decorated with the planting of royal palm trees on one side. The city's municipal market, which has a floor area of about 58,000m, is another attraction for both residents and tourists.

Suva sits on the southeast shores of mountainous Viti Levu ("Great Fiji"), largest of the over 800 islands which comprise the Republic of Fiji. Local folk traditions remain strong, like fire walks and welcoming ceremonies, wood-carving and the fabrication of tree-bark cloth. The island's proud history is showcased in the Fiji Museum, with its impressive collection of war canoes.

Pago Pago--pronounced Pango Pango --is the capital of American Samoa, a small island in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian feast. Be thrilled by the native singing, dancing, and music. Tuna canneries dominate the city. Also close by are the National Park of American Samoa, traditional Ta'u Island, and Aunu'u Island, a place of natural splendor.

After years of wandering the south seas, Robert Louis Stevenson chose this paradise as his home. If you like, visit his house and Aggie Grey's hotel. After touring the island, you'll come to understand why the Reverend John Williams, the first European to visit Apia, dubbed Samoa the "Friendly Islands."

James Michener called it the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. You may confirm his opinion, either by the local "Le Truck" transport, 4-wheel-drive van, or in a helicopter overhead. And the offshore beauty is accessible by a glass-bottomed boat or by snorkeling.

The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.

James Michener called it the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. You may confirm his opinion, either by the local "Le Truck" transport, 4-wheel-drive van, or in a helicopter overhead. And the offshore beauty is accessible by a glass-bottomed boat or by snorkeling.

James Michener called it the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. You may confirm his opinion, either by the local "Le Truck" transport, 4-wheel-drive van, or in a helicopter overhead. And the offshore beauty is accessible by a glass-bottomed boat or by snorkeling.

Raiatea is the second largest island of French Polynesia after Tahiti. A tour of the island will reveal lush green valleys, numerous waterfalls, pineapple and vanilla plantations. Discover fascinating underwater scenery within Raiatea's deep lagoon which is rich with fish, and surrounded by mountains.

Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago which comprises 78 coral atolls, scattered over several hundred miles of the eastern Pacific Ocean governed by French Polynesia. Life on these remote atolls is simple, quiet and peaceful. The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, fish breeding farms, snorkeling and scuba diving.

The merchants and friendly residents of Hilo invite you to take time to explore and discover this wonderful city. Visit the many unique and one-of-a-kind stores featuring Hawaiiana (vintage island treasures). Shop for distinctive designer dresses and shirts, and see the famous Hilo Farmer's Market, or stop off for a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants.

Kailua-Kona is a great destination for those looking for small-town atmosphere in beautiful Hawaii. The town offers shops, galleries, gorgeous beaches, and spectacular sunsets. Many record-setting marlin have been caught in the area's waters. Step into the lobby of the Kamehameha Hotel, where you can see many historical Hawaiian artifacts.

Kahului, with its bustling harbor and busy shopping complexes, offers visitors the chance to find spectacular bargains. The piers along the waterfront, lined with container-cargo ships and weekly cruise ships, are the embarkation point for Maui's sugar and pineapple crops. You can also watch the containers being loaded onto and unloaded from the many ships.

Established as Kauai's principal port in 1930, Nawiliwili was named for the Wiliwili trees that were once abundant in the area. Cruise ships make port in the picturesque harbor, which is overlooked by the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club. Visitors enjoy the crystal clear waters and pristine beaches Hawaii is famous for, while in Nawiliwili.

Honolulu offers many wonderful attractions. Aloha Tower is famous for greeting all who arrive in the port of Honolulu, and has the best views of the city. The Bishop Museum has the world's largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific artifacts, and the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on American soil, has served as the residence of the last two Hawaiian monarchs.