Japan: Osaka, Kochi, Nagoya & Busan Cruise

Day 1 - Tokyo

Arrive: Thu 29 October 2026 / Depart: Thu 29 October 2026 at 16:00

Day 2 - Sendai, Japan

Arrive: Fri 30 October 2026 at 10:30 / Depart: Fri 30 October 2026 at 18:30

Day 3 - Hakodate

Arrive: Sat 31 October 2026 at 11:00 / Depart: Sat 31 October 2026 at 18:30

The best view of Hakodate is seen from high atop its namesake mountain. Ride the gondola to the observation deck and gaze down at the spectacular vista below. Immerse yourself in history within the star-shaped walls of Fort Goryokaku and explore the site of famous battles that transformed Japan. Work up an appetite strolling along the city's sloping streets and enjoy a mouth-watering seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) from the Hakodate Morning Market.

Day 4 - Aomori

Arrive: Sun 01 November 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 01 November 2026 at 17:00

In Aomori, immerse yourself in history as you visit fascinating archaeological sites, ancient villages and cultural museums. Come hungry for culinary delights and create your own donburi from the fresh, local seafood sold at Furukawa Fish Market. Or discover one of the city's many apple groves and taste green and red apples and homemade jams and juice.

Day 5 - Akita, Japan

Arrive: Mon 02 November 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 02 November 2026 at 15:00

Day 6 - Sakata, Japan

Arrive: Tue 03 November 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 03 November 2026 at 15:00

Sakata had its heyday in the Edo period (1603 to 1886), when it was a wealthy port town populated by nobles and merchants. Step inside the Historical Abumiya Residence opposite the city hall, and you feel transported back in time to the home of a wealthy shipping agent. Admire the tranquil garden and make your way through the rooms divided by shoji screens. Fast forward just a bit to the Meiji Period (1868 to 1912) when you enter the Sann? Club, a lively, decadent private club lavishly decorated. For nice views of the ocean, head to Hiyoriyama Park, pick a spot on the hillside and relax.

Day 7 - Kanazawa

Arrive: Wed 04 November 2026 at 14:00 / Depart: Wed 04 November 2026 at 20:00

Head to Kanazawa and the Ishikawa Prefecture and you step back in time to the Edo Period (1603 to 1886), the height of samurai culture. Thankfully, Kanazawa was the second-largest city (after Kyoto) to make it through World War II intact. As a result, parts of the old castle town, including the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived in pretty good condition. Keep your camera ready to capture the rows of teahouses in the historic Geisha district. Kanazawa also boasts attractive temples, a wide variety of museums and a lively market dating back to 1721. About an hour away is Kaga Onsen, healing hot springs that are well worth a day trip.

Day 8 - Busan, South Korea

Arrive: Thu 05 November 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 05 November 2026 at 18:00

Busan - South Korea's second largest city - is a harmonious blend of age-old culture and contemporary metropolitan flair. The downtown skyline and Bampo Bridge are two of Busan's visual wonders. The old-world Buddhist temples and vintage structures preserve the essence of Korean history and culture. Equally captivating is the abundance of Busan's natural landscape, from miles of unspoiled beaches to expansive mountainous terrain. Busan is also home to one of the largest trading ports in the world, and its growing popularity in tourism and commerce makes this South Korean city a must-see destination.

Day 9 - Sasebo, Japan

Arrive: Fri 06 November 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 06 November 2026 at 15:00

What used to be an old fishing village, Sasebo has been a major naval port since the late 19th century - first with Imperial Japanese Navy and today as a base for the U.S. Navy. Don't miss a boat tour of the emerald-green 208 Kujuku Islands nearby, a beautiful sight set against the deep-blue waters of the bay. On shore, explore Sasebo's Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden, featuring 80 animal and 1,200 plant species, all with spectacular views of the Kujuku Islands. And if you want to go Dutch, head to Huis Ten Bosch, a recreated 17th-century Dutch village complete with colourful tulip fields. For something more authentically Japanese, head to the Yorozu-cho district to visit a market teeming with fresh produce and seafood as well as handmade clothing and pottery.

Day 10 - Hiroshima

Arrive: Sat 07 November 2026 at 09:30 / Depart: Sat 07 November 2026 at 18:00

History is never far from mind in Hiroshima, thus the city has created one of the most important and breathtaking memorials in the world, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Statues, halls, and monuments at this World Heritage Site honor those who fell in World War II. As one of Japan's largest islands, Hiroshima also offers rich natural beauty and a myriad of outdoor activities like biking, hiking and beaching. The local cuisine is plentiful, especially the signature "Okonomiyaki," a crepe filled with meat, seafood, cabbage, and vegetables. Oysters (usually grilled) serve as an additional fresh and delicious culinary draw.

Day 11 - Kochi, Japan

Arrive: Sun 08 November 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 08 November 2026 at 17:00

Engage with locals and indulge in local flavours in this welcoming city, known for its famed dish Katsuo no tataki (a type of tuna Tataki). The city centre was initially settled in 1601 as a town surrounding Kochi Castle, which is now one of the region's principal attractions. Delve into times gone by as you stroll along the famed, red Harimaya-bashi - the basis for an old local folklore song. Discover the lovely Katsurahama beach area, where the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial overlooks the sea and honors this legendary Japanese peace negotiator.

Day 12 - Osaka

Arrive: Mon 09 November 2026 at 06:30 / Depart: Mon 09 November 2026 at 18:30

Day 13 - Nagoya

Arrive: Tue 10 November 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 10 November 2026 at 18:00

Japan's fourth largest city by population, Nagoya, is a centre of modern commerce, with Toyota, Noritake china and a Legoland theme park calling this capital home. Tour the Toyota Exhibit Hall, experience Noritake Gardens and sit amongst the stars in the planetarium at the Science Museum. Nagoya Castle, deemed a National Treasure, is a must-see, as is exploring their entertainment district, Sakae. This busy hub is where you'll find Nagoya TV Tower, the city's symbol, and Oasis 21, a multi-level public park with a futuristic water theme.

Day 14 - Shimiju, japan

Arrive: Wed 11 November 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 11 November 2026 at 17:00

In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is one of the most beautiful ports in Japan. Walk through the pine groves of Miho, home to a 650-year-old Japanese black pine, or enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji from the lush, forested hill of Nihondaira. Take in the seascapes on a bay cruise, or learn of undersea delights at Japan's first sushi museum, and get a glimpse at feudal life in Japan in 200 BC at the archaeological site of Toro. Shop for traditional Japanese wooden handcrafts and fabrics unique to the region, and sample some yokan, a sweet jellied confection.

Day 15 - Tokyo

Arrive: Thu 12 November 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 12 November 2026