Asia: Kochi, Kobe, Jeju, & Nagoya Cruise

Day 1 - Tokyo

Arrive: Sat 13 September 2025 / Depart: Sat 13 September 2025 at 16:30

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.

Day 2 - Shimizu

Arrive: Sun 14 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 14 September 2025 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 3 - Nagoya

Arrive: Mon 15 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 15 September 2025 at 16:00

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 4 - Tokushima, Japan

Arrive: Tue 16 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 16 September 2025 at 21:00

Day 5 - Himeji

Arrive: Wed 17 September 2025 at 06:00 / Depart: Wed 17 September 2025 at 22:00

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 6 - Kochi, Japan

Arrive: Thu 18 September 2025 at 12:30 / Depart: Thu 18 September 2025 at 19:00

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 - Hiroshima

Arrive: Fri 19 September 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 19 September 2025 at 17:00

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 8 - Kagoshima

Arrive: Sat 20 September 2025 at 11:00 / Depart: Sat 20 September 2025 at 19:00

Visit the exquisite Iso-Teien Garden and its villa, built in 1660, and enjoy gorgeous views before a short ferry ride to smoking Sakurajima for a close-up view of the volcano and its lava fields. Or journey into the countryside to Chiran and its well-preserved streets lined with samurai homes. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Lake Ikeda and the stunning vistas of the Satsuma Peninsula. Local Satsuma dolls, unique cards printed with ink made from volcanic ash, and unusual wooden toys make interesting souvenirs. And be sure to try some miso soup, sashimi or ramen, the area's famous noodles.

Day 9 - Nagasaki

Arrive: Sun 21 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 21 September 2025 at 17:00

Nagasaki is often equated with the dropping of the atomic bomb, and there are many moving museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to its World War II history that shouldn't be missed. Yet modern Nagasaki offers a vibrant and charming atmosphere that's waiting to be explored. Among its cobblestone and rolling hills, the city boasts a rich culinary scene that will excite your inner foodie. To capture Nagasaki's scenic beauty, consider a cable car ride or harbour tour. Centuries-old shrines, temples and churches dot the landscape and are a must see.

Day 10 - Sasebo, Japan

Arrive: Mon 22 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 22 September 2025 at 16:00

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 11 - Jeju

Arrive: Tue 23 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 23 September 2025 at 14:00

Day 12 - Seoul (Incheon)

Arrive: Wed 24 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 24 September 2025

Travel to Seoul and discover its 5,000-year-old heritage amidst the ultra-modern high-rises. Visit the magnificent 14th century Gyeongbok Palace and stone pagoda, the National Museum and the bustling antique district. Or spend a day in the serene atmosphere of a Zen Buddhist temple and a historic Korean village. Tour the DMZ and rediscover the drama of recent history. Or simply wander the fish market and promenade at Inchon.