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Southern Islands & Japan Explorer Cruise

  • Departure DateThu 1st Sep 2022
  • Princess Cruises Diamond Princess
  • 18 Night Cruise From Tokyo
  • Call us on

Itinerary

  • Tokyo
  • Okinawa
  • Ishigaki Island
  • Hualien
  • Taipei
  • Tokyo
  • Kagoshima
  • Jeju
  • Kanmon Straits, Japan
  • Hiroshima
  • Kochi, Japan
  • Osaka
  • Shimizu
  • Tokyo

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Day 1 - Tokyo

Arrive: Thu 01 September 2022 / Depart: Thu 01 September 2022 at 17:00

Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866. Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza - an international shopping mecca - stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the "Eastern Capital," to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the "Western Capital."

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Okinawa

Arrive: Sun 04 September 2022 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 04 September 2022 at 17:30

The largest island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Okinawa has been a center of trade and a source for conflict through its history. The island has been an independent kingdom, the feudal possession of a Japanese daimyo and a prefecture of Japan following the Meiji Restoration of 1866. Okinawa was the scene of bitter fighting during the closing days of World War II. Over 100,000 civilians perished and the island was left in ruins. A US military possession, Okinawa returned to Japanese rule in 1972. Naha is the island's largest city and the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. One of the world's most popular martial arts, karate is a fusion of Chinese kung fu and traditional island martial arts.

Day 5 - Ishigaki Island

Arrive: Mon 05 September 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 05 September 2022 at 18:00

The balmy, subtropical climate draws countless visitors to its sandy shores, but Ishigaki offers much more than your typical island getaway. It is the cultural, political and economic center of the Yaeyama Islands, originally founded in 1908 as Yaeyama Village and becoming Ishigaki Town in 1926. Ishigaki was elevated to city status on July 10, 1947. A hilltop Shinto shrine which dates back to 1614 is the perfect place to start your exploration of this lovely town. Noted for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to which snorkelers flock for a glimpse of the island's famed manta rays, Ishigaki Island offers many opportunities to commune with nature. Ishigaki has palm forests, mangrove-lined rivers suited for kayaking, and jungle-covered mountains perfect for hiking adventures. Amidst such natural beauty, you'll find an abundance of cultural sites with ties to the island's rich history. The Yaeyama Museum displays historic artifacts as well as traditional cultural items, and a visit to the well-preserved Miyara Dunchi, built in 1819, is a rare example of a samurai-style residence. Be sure to leave time in your busy day to sample some of the sweet island pineapple and to shop for the island's famed black pearls, a most special souvenir. Note: Ishigaki is an anchorage port. Transportation from ship to shore is via the ship's tender service.

Day 6 - Hualien

Arrive: Tue 06 September 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 06 September 2022 at 18:00

This well-kept seaside secret is your gateway to the beating heart of Taiwan, a vibrant island nation that stole the spotlight with the ousting from China of Nationalist, Chiang Kai-shek. Its serene beauty belies the continuing conflict with mainland China and welcomes you with open arms. Imagine a truly unspoiled place - Taroko Gorge National Park - a must for any nature and wildlife enthusiast where mineral hot springs offer rejuvenation and bliss. Traditional Chinese and Japanese temples with their unique architecture and magnificent landscape design, awaken the senses and transport you to a world of grace and timeless heritage.

Day 7 - Taipei

Arrive: Wed 07 September 2022 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 07 September 2022 at 17:00

The oldest Chinese reference to Taiwan dates back to the Han Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. However, it wasn't until the 17th century A.D. that Chinese Hakka traders first settled on the island. These bold merchants were soon followed by European and Asian adventurers seeking to control and colonize the strategic island. The most famous migration of all occurred in 1948, when the government of the Republic of China fled the mainland. Taipei is one of the world's most important commercial centers. Despite its turbulent history, Taiwan today boasts an economy that is the envy of the world. Modern Taiwan is a world leader in the production of bicycles, computer chips, plastics, chemicals and computer notebooks. Taipei is a sophisticated modern metropolis that has not forgotten its rich traditional past. The port of Keelung is your gateway to Taiwan. Visit the bustling city of Taipei and other interesting areas surrounding on this fascinating island in the East China Sea.

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Tokyo

Arrive: Sat 10 September 2022 at 06:30 / Depart: Sat 10 September 2022 at 17:00

Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866. Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza - an international shopping mecca - stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the "Eastern Capital," to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the "Western Capital."

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Kagoshima

Arrive: Mon 12 September 2022 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 12 September 2022 at 16:00

From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai. The symbol of Kagoshima is Sakura Jima - the volcanic island that sits just offshore. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history.

Day 13 - Jeju

Arrive: Tue 13 September 2022 at 11:00 / Depart: Tue 13 September 2022 at 19:00

Jeju-do lying off the south coast of Korea is the warmest and wettest place in the entire country. The island is at its most beautiful in spring when the azalea blooms in a riot of delicate colours and the wooded areas display the most fascinating shades of green. In Jeju the seasons determine the changing hues of color through the island. In the autumn the color that dominates is brown and orange due to the falling leaves, in summer the aqua blue waters of the sea and golden beaches take over as in spring the brilliant yellow flowers cover the landscape. Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese. It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds. The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking on Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, viewing majestic waterfalls, riding horses, or just lying around on the sandy beaches. One of the most outstanding features of the island is a regular maze of tunnels, caves and pillars formed by the cooling of lava flows from ancient volcanoes. Jeju-do is basically an island composed of extinct volcanoes formed by volcanic matter such as basalt and trachyte and layered with sedimentary rock. It still has a volcano- an extinct one, called Mt Hallasan, which, at 1950 m also doubles up as the island's main mountain. The main city on the island is Jeju City, the main base for trekking, sightseeing and exploring the rest of the island.

Day 14 - Kanmon Straits, Japan

Arrive: Wed 14 September 2022 at 13:00 / Depart: Wed 14 September 2022 at 15:00

The Kanmon Straits or the Straits of Shimonoseki is the stretch of water separating Honshu and Kyushu, two of Japan's four main islands. On the Honshu side of the strait is Shimonoseki and on the Kyushu side is Kitakyushu, whose former city and present ward, Moji, gave the strait its "mon".

Day 15 - Hiroshima

Arrive: Thu 15 September 2022 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 15 September 2022 at 17:00

On August 6, 1945, human history was irrevocably altered when the American bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The bomb was code-named "Little Boy," but its detonation left half the city in ruins and aflame. Today, Hiroshima is a monument not only to the destructive forces harnessed by men but also to the indomitable will of the human spirit to overcome tragedy. At the heart of the city lies Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The gutted walls of the city's old Industry Promotion Hall and the skeletal frame that supported its copper dome, vaporized in the blast, are instantly recognizable symbols of Hiroshima. Travelers to Hiroshima will discover a more serene note at nearby Miyajima Island. One of the top-three scenic spots of Japan, the island is home to ancient Itsukushima Shrine, a designated National Treasure.

Day 16 - Kochi, Japan

Arrive: Fri 16 September 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 16 September 2022 at 18:00

Kochi sits on the broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay. This city in Shikoku takes its name from the great feudal castle that sits at its very heart. Completed in 1611, Kochi Castle was the seat of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a noted warrior who supported Tokugawa Ieyasu in his successful quest to become Shogun. Tosa Province and Kochi Castle were Yamauchi's reward for faithful service. There is an historical irony here: 250 years later, a Kochi native son - a former low-ranked samurai and now ronin named Sakamoto Ryoma - played a pivotal role in bringing the Tokugawa Shogunate to an end and restoring the Emperor of Japan to political prominence. The prize once awarded for faithful service had become a hotbed of support for the Meiji Restoration. Kochi is one of the wettest places in Japan - and a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. Southeast of the city, warm oceans currents washing against the Aki Mountains create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park.

Day 17 - Osaka

Arrive: Sat 17 September 2022 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 17 September 2022 at 19:00

For centuries, Osaka was Japan's cultural and commercial gateway to Asia - the point of entry both for trade goods and, most importantly, cultural influences that shaped Japanese society. From tea to Zen, from art to science and philosophy, Osaka was Japan's contact with the great East Asian cultures that flourished in China and Korea. The city reached its zenith in the late 16th century, when the great feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi made Osaka his capital. Toyotomi was master of Japan, and an immense administrative and commercial center rapidly developed around Osaka Castle. After Toyotomi's death, the nation's seat of power shifted from Osaka to a sleepy little fishing village called Edo - modern Tokyo. While overshadowed by Tokyo, Osaka remains Japan's second largest city and a vital commercial center. Modern Osaka is home to monuments from Japan's past including Toyotomi's immense castle and the Sumiyoshi Shrine. The city is also your gateway to Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital and the nation's cultural and spiritual center.

Day 18 - Shimizu

Arrive: Sun 18 September 2022 at 12:00 / Depart: Sun 18 September 2022 at 21:00

A mesmerizing landscape, a revered cultural history, and Japan's most sacred volcano are just a few of the many delights beckoning you to come and explore this ancient city. While Shimizu may have the reputation as being bustling and modern, its cultural and spiritual side is on display in the form of ancient and enthralling shrines. Of course, it may be the sacred and snow-capped Mount Fuji that garners the most attention. Towering over the region at approximately 12,388 feet above sea level, the active volcano, designated a "place and source of artistic inspiration" by UNESCO is just one of the many unforgettable adventures Shimizu inspires.

Day 19 - Tokyo

Arrive: Mon 19 September 2022 at 06:30 / Depart: Mon 19 September 2022

Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866. Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza - an international shopping mecca - stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the "Eastern Capital," to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the "Western Capital."

Diamond Princess From Princess Cruises

Diamond Princess is a treasure trove of exceptional delights waiting to be discovered. Dine on freshly prepared sashimi in Kai Sushi, watch street performers in the dazzling Atrium, or take in a lavish production show in our state-of-the-art theater. And for a unique treat visit the Izumi Japanese Bath, the largest of its kind at sea.

Ship Cabins

Interior Two Lower Beds

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower. Stateroom Features Approx. 158 to 162 sq ft. Comfortable queen or two twin beds Refrigerator. Flat-panel television Private bathroom with shower 100% cotton, high-thread count linens Complimentary 24-hour room service Spacious closet Desk with chair Hair dryer & bathroom amenities Digital security safe

Oceanview Two Lower Beds

Approximately 194 sq. ft., this well appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views. Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room. A spacious picture window for memorable views. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Flat-panel television. Private bathroom with shower. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Spacious closet. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & bathroom amenities. Digital security safe.

Balcony Two Lower Beds

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast. Approx. 237 sq. ft. Balcony with 2 chairs and table Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors Comfortable queen or two twin beds Refrigerator. Flat-panel television Private bathroom with shower 100% cotton, high-thread count linens Complimentary 24-hour room service Spacious closet Desk with chair Hair dryer & bathroom amenities Digital security safe

Premium Balcony

Approximately 237 to 277 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides dramatic wake views from a rear-facing private balcony. This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast. Balcony with 2 chairs and table. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Flat-panel television. Private bathroom with shower. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Spacious closet. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & bathroom amenities. Digital security safe.

Club Class Mini-Suite

Approximately 354 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower. Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony* which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option. Balcony with 2-4 chairs, table and ottoman Bathroom tub and massage shower head Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors Separate sitting area with sofa bed & coffee table Complimentary welcome glass of bubbly on embarkation day Luxury mattress topper and pillows Two flat-panel televisions Comfortable queen or two twin beds Refrigerator 100% cotton, high-thread count linens Complimentary 24-hour room service† Spacious closet Desk with chair Hair dryer & bathroom amenities Digital security safe

Family Suite with Balcony

Approximately 613 sq. ft. including balcony, the Two Bedroom Family Suite features 2 bedrooms to accommodate up to 6 passengers. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. These suites are for larger families or groups traveling together and include special suite-only benefits and two bathrooms , connected by a large living room, which leads to an expansive private balcony. Each suite sleeps up to eight people. Mini-Suite stateroom connected to an inside cabin via a shared lounge. Balcony with 2-4 chairs, table and ottoman. 2 bathrooms, one with bath tub the other with a walk-in shower. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Separate sitting area with sofa bed & coffee table. Complimentary welcome glass of champagne on embarkation day. Luxury mattress topper and pillows. Two flat-panel televisions. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Flat-panel televisions. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & fine bathroom amenities. Digital security safe. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Spacious closet.

Mini Suite with Balcony

Approximately 354 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower. Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony* which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option. Balcony with 2-4 chairs, table and ottoman Bathroom tub and massage shower head Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors Separate sitting area with sofa bed & coffee table Complimentary welcome glass of bubbly on embarkation day Luxury mattress topper and pillows Two flat-panel televisions Comfortable queen or two twin beds Refrigerator 100% cotton, high-thread count linens Complimentary 24-hour room service† Spacious closet Desk with chair Hair dryer & bathroom amenities Digital security safe

Owner's Suite with Balcony

Approximately 692 sq. ft. including balcony, the Owner's Suite features an expansive cabin and oversized aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony* includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more. Luxury balcony furniture including 2 loungers, 4 chairs, table and ottoman. 2 floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Separate sitting area with sofa bed, chair and 2 tables. One complimentary mini-bar setup and free daily bottled water. Spacious closet. Complimentary laundry and professional cleaning services. Complimentary Specialty Dining Dinner on embarkation evening. Priority specialty dining and shore excursion reservation. Priority disembarkation at tender ports. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Two flat-panel televisions. Private bathroom with tub and separate shower. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & fine bathroom amenities. Digital security safe.

Premium Suite with Balcony

Approximately 705 sq. ft. including balcony, the Premium Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony* includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more. Luxury balcony furniture including 2 loungers, 4 chairs, table and ottoman. 2 floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Separate sitting area with sofa bed, chair and 2 tables. One complimentary mini-bar setup and free daily bottled water. Spacious closet. Complimentary laundry and professional cleaning services. Complimentary Specialty Dining Dinner on embarkation evening. Priority specialty dining and shore excursion reservation. Priority disembarkation at tender ports. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Two flat-panel televisions. Private bathroom with tub and separate shower. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & fine bathroom amenities. Digital security safe.

Vista Suite with Balcony

Approximately 525 to 548 sq. ft. including balcony, the Vista Suite features a spacious cabin and aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Luxury balcony furniture including 2 loungers, 4 chairs, table and ottoman. 2 floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Separate sitting area with sofa bed, chair and 2 tables. One complimentary mini-bar setup and free daily bottled water. Spacious closet. Complimentary laundry and professional cleaning services. Complimentary Specialty Dining Dinner on embarkation evening. Priority specialty dining and shore excursion reservation. Priority disembarkation at tender ports. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Two flat-panel televisions. Private bathroom with tub and separate shower. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & fine bathroom amenities. Digital security safe.
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