Asia: Osaka, Mt. Fuji & Okinawa Cruise

Day 1 - Keelung, Taiwan

Arrive: Sun 22 September 2024 / Depart: Sun 22 September 2024 at 18:00

Keelung City is a port city near Taipei, in northern Taiwan. Surrounded by mountains, it’s known for its sheltered harbor. Near the waterfront, street-food stalls at Miaokou Night Market offer traditional snacks and seafood. Several forts around the area include hilltop Ershawan Fort, with cannons and a Chinese-style gate. Both Gongzi Liao Fort and Dawulun Fort offer views over the harbor and ocean.

Day 2 - Hualien, Taiwan

Arrive: Mon 23 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 23 September 2024 at 18:00

Day 3 - Ishigaki Island

Arrive: Tue 24 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 24 September 2024 at 17:00

Discover this remote and picturesque island's lush mountains, beautiful beaches and magnificent coral reef from island viewpoints. See the native palm forest and the lavishly decorated Chinese tomb. Journey to isolated Irimote to trek through the island's dense jungles and mangroves or enjoy fantastic snorkelling amid beautiful coral reefs. Back in Ishigaki, search for local textiles, pottery, crafts and black pearls, and enjoy local meat-centred specialties in the town's restaurants.

Day 4 - Naha (Okinawa Is.)

Arrive: Wed 25 September 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 25 September 2024 at 17:00

Enjoy the scenic countryside, WWII memorials, magnificent limestone caves and a reconstructed Ryukyu village where the island's heritage and crafts are on display. Take home exquisite Bingata fabric, handmade paper, colourful tsuboya-yaki pottery and other craft items. You'll also find foods to suit any palate, but traditional Okinawan cuisine blends influences from Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Kochi, Japan

Arrive: Fri 27 September 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 27 September 2024 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 7 - Himeji

Arrive: Sat 28 September 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 28 September 2024 at 20:00

Himeji is a city in the Kansai region of Japan. It’s known for the sprawling, centuries-old, white Himeji Castle, one of the few original castles from Japan’s feudal period. The top floor of the 6-story main keep offers views over the extensive castle grounds. The Nishi-no-Maru section of the complex contains royal residential quarters. Next to the castle, K?ko-en is a traditional Edo-style garden.

Day 8 - Osaka

Arrive: Sun 29 September 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 29 September 2024 at 18:00

Situated between mountains and the sea, Kobe is Japan's sixth-largest city and a port bustling with culture and fine cuisine. Named after its origin, famous Kobe beef is one of the delicacies to enjoy at the many gourmet restaurants. Don't miss the chance to visit Ikuta Shrine - one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines - or tour a museum to learn about local culture. For sweeping views of the vibrant city, explore one of the nearby mountainsides through a diverse selection of activities.

Day 9 - Shimizu

Arrive: Mon 30 September 2024 at 11:00 / Depart: Mon 30 September 2024 at 18:00

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 10 - Tokyo

Arrive: Tue 01 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 01 October 2024

Once a sleepy fishing village, Yokohama is now one of Japan's largest ports and your gateway to Tokyo. Ancient traditions and historic sites blend into modern culture, crafting a city unlike anywhere else. In Tokyo, you can walk among both neon-glowing skyscrapers and regal temples. Browse stores showcasing the latest advances in technology or retreat to one of the tranquil gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace. Savour traditional cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant and witness the centuries-old sport of sumo wrestling. This cosmopolitan hub offers a vast selection of attractions and activities and a wealth of culturally and historic sites. Whether this is your first or fifth visit to the city, Tokyo will captivate your imagination.