Day 1 - Tokyo, Japan
Once the modest fishing village of Edo, modern Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis of extraordinary neighborhoods that is the sum of its seemingly endless parts. Taste the culinary delights of Nihombashi before experiencing tomorrow’s electronic gadgets and manga culture in the Akihabara district. Browse the pottery shops of Asakusa before spending a day in the shopping mecca of Nihombashi. Take time to see the treasures of the Tokyo National Museum or visit the glorious Imperial Palace and Senso-ji temple in the ancient district of Asakusa. And, of course, snap a selfie in Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo’s Times Square.

TOKYO TOWER & CITY PANORAMA with NARITA TRANSFER
If you’re flying into Tokyo today, you’ll have plenty of time to join this panoramic journey through the city before boarding our ship.

MEIJI SHRINE & SENSOJI TEMPLE with NARITA TRANSFER
Enjoy your first Japanese adventure after arriving at Narita Airport by seeing a few Tokyo highlights on your way to our ship.

TOKYO SHOWCASE with NARITA TRANSFER
Your informative, narrated tour of Tokyo begins with a scenic, 40-minute drive through Tokyo, the world’s largest city, before arriving at our ship from Narita Airport.

Day 2 - Mt Fuji (Shimizu), Japan
Shimizu is a scenic city set on Suruga Bay, watched over by Mt. Fuji. It has long been a thriving harbor town and prospered during the Edo period. Today, its economy stands upon a vast fishing industry and on the export of green tea, whose leaves are cultivated in nearby hills. Beyond the city limits, wide plains reach coastal hills to the original burial place of the nation’s first shogun. This Shinto shrine, Kunozan Tosho-gu, is Japan’s oldest. With its flamboyant design, it is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the leader who unified Japan after years of civil war.

THREE WONDERS OF SHIZUOKA
Experience three Shizuoka treasures: the sweeping views of Nihondaira Park, the seaside forests of Miho no Matsubara, and the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.

SHIRAITO WATERFALLS & SHRINE
This excursion takes you to some of the most beautiful and inspirational places in Japan, beginning with the Fujisan Sengen Shrine.

SHIZUOKA CHOPSTICKS & TEA EXPERIENCE
Create your own handmade chopsticks with help from a local artisan before exploring the Ryugeji Temple and enjoying a cup of tea overlooking the gardens.

Day 3 - Kobe, Japan
Kobe is home to Himeji Castle (Himeji-Jo), renowned as Japan’s most beautiful historic citadel. Also known as White Heron Castle, the UNESCO-listed hilltop structure was built in 1580 and features a five-story central tower with surrounding moats. After, indulge with a wonderful dinner experience of Kobe beef where everything is exquisitely prepared and served. Kobe’s Nada district is also Japan’s top sake-producing region, where you can learn the history of sake and visit some of the breweries that have been producing this unique liquor for over 250 years.

HIMEJI CASTLE
Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich heritage with a visit to the awe-inspiring Himeji Castle, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

KOBE BEEF DINNER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a Kobe beef dinner in the city of Kobe, where beef production is held to exacting standards.

SAKE TASTING TOUR
Get to know the wide variety of sake by visiting some of the top breweries in Kobe’s Nada district, Japan’s top sake-producing region.

Day 4 - Osaka, Japan
Today you’ll have the choice of touring Osaka’s ancient shrines and Imperial history or venture to fascinating Kyoto. Osaka is located at the mouth of the Yodo River and is second only to Tokyo in size and cultural landmarks, the best known being Osaka Castle. For centuries, Osaka prospered because of its mercantile economy. The city is home to some of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Its Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine is the flagship of 2,000 others spread throughout Japan. Each honors the guardian deity of sailors and the deity of prosperity, but the one here is considered the most majestic.

BEST OF OSAKA with KUROMON MARKET
Journey back in time to 16th century Japan as you discover the best Osaka has to offer. Tour Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most celebrated landmarks, before a visit to Kuromon Ichiba Market.

OSAKA CITY TOUR
Uncover the tapestry of history and culture found at two of Osaka’s most important landmarks, the city’s iconic castle and the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

OSAKA STREET FOOD EXPERIENCE
Known as ‘Japan’s Kitchen,’ Osaka is famous for its street food and regional dishes. Sample many local specialties during this authentic food tour.

Day 5 - Kyoto, Japan
Today you’ll have the chance to visit the breathtaking temples and shrines of Kyoto, Japan’s old imperial capital and the cradle of Japanese culture. Spectacular sights include such UNESCO World Heritage Sites as the Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera and Byodo-in temples. Later, take a tour of the traditional Gion Geisha District where you can witness the ancient geisha tea ceremony for yourself. Finish your day exploring the famed Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period, or the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

TRADITIONS & TEMPLES OF KYOTO
Embark on a journey to visit two revered temples, the Golden Temple of Kinkaku-ji and the tranquil Zen rock garden of Ryoan-ji Temple.

TEMPLES & TEA
Savor matcha while experiencing a traditional geisha tea ceremony during your visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

ARASHIYAMA, GOLDEN PAVILLION & FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE
Travel to Kyoto to see Japan's iconic landmarks... the bamboo forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the resplendent Golden Pavilion, and the 10,000 red Torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha.

Day 6 - Hiroshima, Japan
Despite being devastated in 1945, Hiroshima is known to all for its commitment to peace. Its destruction in 1945 led to the end of WWII and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is a constant reminder of the destruction that war brings. Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesn’t forget its past, and a visit to the Genbaku Dome is a must. You’ll enjoy the city’s modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, the town’s historic garden.

ICONS OF HIROSHIMA
Experience the moving monuments that stand as reminders of the atomic horrors of WWII, and then, enjoy time to reflect amid the serene Shukkeien Garden.

MIYAJIMA & HIROSHIMA
Experience two landmarks of Hiroshima, the ‘floating’ temple of Miyajima and Peace Memorial Park, a moving reminder of the atrocities of war.

KINYAI-KYO BRIDGE & SHINKANSEN BULLET TRAIN
Ride Japan’s famous high-speed bullet train to Shin-Iwakuni, where you’ll stroll across the stunning Kintai Bridge and savor a delicious Japanese-style lunch.

Day 7 - Busan, South Korea
Today we’ll visit Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea. You’ll have the day to stroll around the lively streets and explore the city’s outstanding cultural heritage of art galleries, museums, and Buddhist sites. Best known is the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, first built in 1376 along the waterfront. The Gamcheon Culture Village showcases an entire community of homes with colorful roofs that seem to touch the sky. Finally, consider visiting the majestic Mahasa Temple, first built during the Silla Dynasty, making it one of the first temples in Busan.

COASTAL TREASURES OF BUSAN
Visit Haedong Yoggungsa Temple, APEC Nurimaru House, Jagalchi Fish Market, and Gukje International Market during this memorable experience.

BEOMEOSA TEMPLE TEA CEREMONY
Visit Beomeosa Temple for a spiritual experience, then participate in a Korean Tea Ceremony to learn about traditional culture.

KOREAN COOKING CLASS
Discover the secrets of Korean cooking during a hands-on culinary workshop where you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes. Afterwards, shop the bustling Gukje Market.

Day 8 - Takamatsu, Japan
Takamatsu is home to Ritsurin Koen Park, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Full of seasonal beauty year round, this natural sanctuary is particularly spectacular in the spring for cherry blossom viewing, right when we are expected to arrive! Set against the backdrop of Mt. Shiun, the garden features six ponds surrounded by thirteen landscaped hills. The park is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience a traditional Japanese garden, sail around on a traditional boat and listen to the pilot’s commentary, or enjoy matcha in the traditional tea room.

BUDDHIST TEMPLES OF KAGAWA
Visit two Buddhist treasures in Kagawa, one dedicated to those who venture out to sea, and the other considered one of Japan’s most sacred places.

ZENTSUJI TEMPLE & MARUGAME CASTLE
Enjoy a panoramic drive through Takamatsu on your way to discovering the sacred Zentsuiji Temple and one of the few feudal castles remaining in Japan.

RITSURIN GARDEN & YASHIMAJI TEMPLE
Stroll among the flowers and trees of Ritsurin Garden, a botanical bonsai tree paradise dating back to the 1600s, before discovering the beauty and history of Yashimaji Temple.

Day 9 - Kochi, Japan
Today we’ll visit the hidden gem of Kochi, home to historical sites such as Kochi Castle, old sake breweries and traditional Japanese markets. Dating back to the early 18th century, Kochi Castle is one of the few castles in Japan to have maintained its original wooden structure. For a true taste of Kochi, have something to eat and drink at the Hirome Market. There are dozens of stalls to choose from, all serving a variety of cuisine, including delicious local Kochi dishes.

KOCHI CITY & RYUGADO CAVE
Visit one of Kochi’s top beaches and explore the city’s historic castle before venturing into the subterranean realm of the spectacular Ryugado Cave.

BEST OF KOCHI & JAPANESE LUNCH
See Kochi’s iconic landmarks, including Chikurin-ji Temple, Makino Botanical Garden, Kochi Castle, Katsurahama Beach, and visit a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional Japanese-style lunch.

TAKAGI SAKE BREWERY & HIROME-ICHIBA MARKET
Enjoy an authentic taste of life in Kochi as you partake in two time-honored local traditions... enjoying great food and sipping superb sake!

Day 10 - Fun Day at Sea!
Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea as we cruise the coast of Japan back to Tokyo. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows in the Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Day 11 - Tokyo, Japan
We end our cruise where we started... the energetic city of Tokyo. Tokyo is a city full of neon splendor and tranquil Shinto shrines, towering skyscrapers and meditative Zen gardens. Founded as the fishing village of Edo, Tokyo’s history was shaped by emperors and shoguns. As the Edo period progressed, it grew into one of the world’s largest cities, as it remains today. Tokyoites embrace the traditional and the cosmopolitan, both worshipping at the Asakusa Kannon Temple and frequenting the high-end retail stores of the Ginza district, all while the distant symmetrical cone of Mt. Fuji watches over the city.

MEIJI SHRINE & SENSOJI TEMPLE with NARITA TRANSFER
Enjoy one last Japanese adventure before catching your outbound flight from Narita Airport.

TOKYO SHOWCASE with NARITA TRANSFER
Your informative, narrated tour of Tokyo begins with a scenic, 40-minute drive through Tokyo, the world’s largest city.

TOKYO TOWER & CITY PANORAMA with NARITA TRANSFER
If your flight out of Tokyo is in the afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to join this panoramic journey through the city.

* A full list of optional excursions and pricing for our cruise will be available for booking approximately 90 days before we sail.