Highlights of Japan Cruise

Day 1

We depart Tucson for our overnight journey to Japan.

Day 2 - Kyoto

Arrive in Osaka and head to magical Kyoto, where you’ll enjoy an evening at leisure. Overnight at the Kyoto Hotel Okura.

Day 3 - Kyoto

Today you’ll sightsee to some of Kyoto’s greatest attractions including stunning 410-year-old Nijo Castle, site of two lavish palaces and several beautiful gardens, and the unforgettable Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Savor lunch at a local restaurant followed by the Sanju Sangendo shrine and Arashiyama strolling. Dine in a traditional Japanese restaurant with a Maiko show, sure to be a highlight. Overnight at the Kyoto Hotel Okura.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Tokyo

Head to Nara to visit the impressive Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha) and breathtaking Kasuga Taisha Shrine before boarding the famous bullet train to Tokyo for an evening at leisure. Overnight Grand Nikko Daiba Hotel Tokyo.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Tokyo

This is Tokyo, one of the most thrilling cities on earth. An introductory sightseeing tour takes you to the Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping street, followed by a drive through the iconic Ginza District. The afternoon and evening are yours to take in even more of Tokyo’s countless attractions at your own pace. Overnight Grand Nikko Daiba Hotel Tokyo.

Meals included: (B)

Day 6 - Tokyo

Embark on a captivating journey to Hakone, a destination renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural attractions. Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Hakone Open Air Museum. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before you embark on a picturesque cruise across Lake Ashi, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Your journey to Togendai promises awe-inspiring landscapes. Ascend to new heights aboard the Hakone Ropeway, offering panoramic vistas of the region. Your destination: Owakudani Station, where adventure awaits. Explore the Owakudani Valley at your own pace. Descend from Owakudani Station via the Hakone Ropeway, reveling in the changing landscapes as you make your way to Souunzan Station. As your day in Hakone draws to a close, board your transfer for a leisurely drive back to Tokyo. Overnight at the Grand Nikko Daiba Hotel Tokyo.

Meals included: (B, L)

Day 7 - Tokyo (Yokohama) Embarkation

After breakfast, visit Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck at 1,148 feet, for a remarkable city skyline view before joining Diamond Princess.

Meals included: (B)

Day 8 - Toba, Japan

Toba is a coastal city located in the Mie Prefecture of Japan, known for its beautiful natural scenery, including Toba Bay and its numerous islands. It’s famous for pearl cultivation, particularly through the work of Mikimoto Kokichi, who developed methods for culturing pearls. Toba is also a gateway to the Ise-Shima National Park and is popular for its aquarium and as a tourist destination for those visiting the nearby Ise Grand Shrine.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Osaka (for Kyoto), Japan

Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It’s known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark.

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu known for its well-preserved classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. It’s also famous for its formal traditions such as kaiseki dining and geisha female entertainers.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Kochi, Japan

Kochi is a coastal city on the island of Shikoku in Japan, known for its mild climate, lush landscapes, and the clear Shimanto River, often referred to as “Japan’s last clear stream”. The city is famous for Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, and its Yosakoi dance festival. Kochi’s markets, particularly the Sunday Market, are notable for their size and variety of local goods and produce.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 11 - Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima is a city in the western part of the Honshu island of Japan, widely known for being the target of the first atomic bomb used in warfare on August 6, 1945, during World War II. Today, it’s a vibrant, modern city that has been rebuilt, featuring the Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates the tragic event, and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, a ruin that remains as a stark reminder of the destruction. Hiroshima is also famous for its beautiful Hiroshima Castle, Shukkei-en Garden, and its culinary specialty, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 12 - Kanmon Straits, Japan

The Kanmon Straits is a narrow body of water that separates Honshu and Kyushu, two of Japan’s four main islands. It serves as a key maritime route connecting the Sea of Japan with the Inland Sea. The straits are known for their strong tidal currents, making navigation challenging. The Kanmon Straits are also famous for the Kanmon Bridges that connect the city of Shimonoseki on Honshu with Kitakyushu on Kyushu, and for the undersea tunnel allowing pedestrians to walk between the two islands. The area is historically significant, with many historical sites related to the Genpei War and other historical events.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 13 - Busan, South Korea

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula. It’s known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. Busan is a major port city, famous for its bustling Haeundae Beach, the scenic Taejongdae Park with its cliffs facing the sea, and the Jagalchi Fish Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market. The city also hosts the Busan International Film Festival, one of Asia’s most significant film festivals, attracting artists and enthusiasts from around the world.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 14 - Nagasaki, Japan

Nagasaki is a coastal city on the western side of Kyushu Island in Japan, historically significant for its role as one of the only ports open to foreign trade during Japan’s period of isolation. It’s infamously known for being the target of the second atomic bomb dropped during World War II, on August 9, 1945. Today, Nagasaki is remembered for the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, which serve as poignant reminders of the city’s tragic past. The city also boasts a unique blend of Japanese and European influences, visible in its architecture and historical sites like Glover Garden, reflecting its history of foreign trade.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 15 - At Sea

A day at sea offers you the chance to enjoy the vessel. There are loads of entertainment options to choose from or take this time to relax from your explorations along the coasts of Japan and South Korea.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 16 - Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Japan

Shimizu is a district within the city of Shizuoka, located on the coast of Suruga Bay in central Japan. It’s best known for offering some of the most breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic and highest peak. The area is also renowned for its clear waters and the Port of Shimizu, one of Japan’s most scenic ports. Shimizu provides access to various outdoor activities, including hiking, water sports, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The district is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly tuna, and is a popular spot for tourists looking to experience the beauty of Mount Fuji from a picturesque coastal setting.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 17 - Depart Tokyo

Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and prepare for your flight home.

Meals included: (B)

Itinerary subject to change. Passport required.