12-Day Exploring Taiwan & Japan Charming Harbors Cruise

Day 1 - Hong Kong

Arrive: Mon 12 February 2029 / Depart: Mon 12 February 2029 at 21:00

Hong Kong is divided into four sections: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the numerous outlying islands. One hundred sixty-four square miles of dense real estate dominate Hong Kong Island, including enormous skyscrapers with futuristic architecture, opulent hotels, residential compounds on Victoria Peak, and some of the oldest Chinese communities in the region. All these elements create one of the most exotic and exciting ports of call in the world; one that is universally loved by tourists and its own enterprising citizens.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Kaohsiung

Arrive: Wed 14 February 2029 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 14 February 2029 at 18:00

Visit the Dutch colonial Old City of Zuoying, or enjoy the scenic seafront at Sizihwan and see the pesky Formosan rock macaques at the Shoushan Monkey Mountain nature park.

Day 4 - Taichung

Arrive: Thu 15 February 2029 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 15 February 2029 at 18:00

Day 5 - Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan

Day 6 - Ishigaki Island

Arrive: Sat 17 February 2029 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 17 February 2029 at 16:00

Closer to Taiwan than to Japan’s main islands, the Yaeyama group is a volcanic archipelago known (though not widely) for its coral reefs and clear waters. Ishigaki is the main hub, and attracts mostly Japanese visitors with inside information about the Caribbean-like appeal of the place. A part of the Okinawa Prefecture, the island is ringed by beaches that vary from sandy expanses to whole strands made up entirely of broken, bleached and tumbled coral. The land itself is mostly given over to palm forests and pineapple plantations. Capes such as Hirakubozaki on the west side, or Uganzaki at the northern tip, are marked by lighthouses and offer nice views. At Kabira Bay no swimming is allowed, due to culture of black pearls, but glass-bottom boats offer views of the colorful sea life. Other beaches welcome snorkelers, swimmers and windsurfers.

Day 7 - Naha (Okinawa Is.)

Arrive: Sun 18 February 2029 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 18 February 2029 at 18:00

Okinawa’s capital was heavily damaged during World War II. Its most famous landmark, the Chinese-style Shuri Castle, is a reconstruction, but well worth visiting, especially its impressive Shureimon gate, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Just nearby, a couple of relic sites remain: the stone houses and cobbled walkways of the Shrikinjocho Stone-Path Road, and the tranquil Shikina-en Garden. The Okinawa Prefecture Museum and Art Museum reveals a great deal of the local history. Okinawa has long been famous for a distinctive style of ceramic wares, which are still made in Naha’s Tsuboya neighborhood. Visit the Tsuboya Pottery Museum to earn about the craft, then stroll the shops along Yachimun Street to pick up some examples as souvenirs.

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Kochi, Japan

Arrive: Tue 20 February 2029 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 20 February 2029 at 17:00

Japan’s Shikoku island is a popular place of pilgrimage among Japanese Buddhists. Kochi has three of the 88 temples on the route. Chikurinji Temple, with its five-story pagoda, is one of them. Located on Mount Godaisan, it also features an adjacent botanical garden. The town is most famous for its castle, originally built in the early 17th century, but largely rebuilt following a fire in the mid-18th century. It is one of only 12 existing feudal-period castles in Japan. South of the town, Katsurahama beach is a popular destination, although swimming is not allowed due to strong currents. A picturesque shrine located on a high point overlooking the sea is the perfect postcard image of rural Japan. The beach is also a good spot to enjoy Katsuo no Tataki, the traditional local dish of lightly grilled and seasoned bonito tuna.

Day 10 - Osaka

Arrive: Wed 21 February 2029 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 21 February 2029 at 21:00

Day 11 - Shingu, Japan

Arrive: Thu 22 February 2029 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 22 February 2029 at 18:00

Day 12 - Shimizu, Japón

Arrive: Fri 23 February 2029 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 23 February 2029 at 18:00

Sprawling, semi-rural Shimizu Ward is dominated by forested coastal mountains, with hiking trails and ropeway rides to dramatic viewpoints above Suruga Bay. Miho Beach Park is popular for swimming and water sports in summer, and there are baseball and soccer fields nearby, plus an aquarium at the Marine Science Center. Busy fisheries supply sushi bars and seafood markets with local specialties like sakura shrimp.

Day 13 - Tokyo

Arrive: Sat 24 February 2029 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 24 February 2029