Japan Explorer from Tokyo

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Tokyo, Japan

  Fly for your chosen regional UK airport to Tokyo. On arrival be transferred to your hotel for a 3-night stay.

• Day 2-3: UK to Tokyo, Japan

  Tokyo port is situated in the heart of the Tokyo metropolis. This striking city is home to Japan's politics, economy, and culture. The waterfront where you'll dock is just a short distance from where you can jump on the bullet train, which serves as a great way of travelling around Japan. The Japanese take shopping seriously, and Tokyo has some of the best shopping districts to explore. For some peace and quiet, visit Hamarikyu Gardens; a large attractive landscape garden.

• Day 4: Tokyo, Japan (Tokyo International Cruise Terminal)

  (Embarkation day) After check out be transferred to the port for your 10-night cruise on board Sapphire Princess

• Day 5: Nagoya, Japan

  Nagoya, the capital of Japan's Aichi Prefecture, is a shipping hub in central Honshu and home to museums and gambling parlours. Originally completed in 1612; the restored Nagoya Castle features artefacts and exhibits from the Echo Period. Stop by Atsuta Jingu, a prominent shrine surrounded by trees containing a sacred sword. Discover 125 fascinating species at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Watch phenomenal whale and dolphin shows at Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium. Visit Osu for Japanese crafts, modern fashion buys, and hip pop-up restaurants and taco joints. Osu Kannon is a 14th-century Buddhist temple which houses a library of impressive classical works.

• Day 6: Osaka, Japan

  Osaka is one of the most popular cities in Tokyo, with its array of ancient Buddhist temples mixed into the modern high-rise of today, the city is a contradiction of old and new. At its heart lies the most famous attraction of the area, Osaka Castle, surrounded by deep moats and exquisite gardens.

• Day 7: Kochi, Japan

  Kochi is a Japanese prefecture located on Shikoki Island known for its mountains, rivers, and Pacific beaches. Pay a visit to one of Japan's best preserved feudal castles of the 1600s, Kochi-jo. Beside the castle, find Hirome Market brimming with local cuisine, unique souvenirs, and clothing boutiques. Every year, the famous Yosakoi Festival attracts hundreds with its dancers, colourful costumes, and spectacular fireworks display. The 4km limestone Ryuga Cave took 175 million years to form and is one of Japan' most historical sites. A leisurely stroll around Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden is the perfect escape. Chikurin-ji is a Shington temple founded in the early eighth century; ideal for a flavour of traditional Japanese architecture and culture.

• Day 8-9: Hiroshima, Japan

  Hiroshima is a modern city on Japan's Honshu Island. The city was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb on 6 August 1945 during World War II; an event that is commemorated at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Memorial Cathedral of World Peace, and also Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. You can also stop by the ruins of Genbaku Dome (A-Bomb Dome), one of the few buildings left standing after the bomb attack. Take in the amazing collection of artworks at Hiroshima Museum of Art and view the old trams and streetcars at Hiroshima City Transportation Museum. Get up close to over 170 species of animals from around the world at Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park. Pay a visit to the formal Japanese gardens at Shukkei-en, Hiroshima Castle, the Mitaki-dera and Fudoin Temples, and the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima (Shrine Island).

• Day 10: Busan, South Korea

  A large port city in South Korea, Busan is well-known for its beaches, mountains, and historic temples. Visit Gwangalli Beach for views of the modern Diamond Bridge and a selection of lively bars. The Buddhist shrine Beomeosa Temple can be found at the base of Geumjeong Mountain with many great hiking trails. If you're a seafood lover; Jagalchi Market will impress you with its array of fresh catches. Head to the soaring Busan Tower to experience its viewing deck for spectacular vistas across the city. The 14th-century seaside Buddhist temple Haedong Yonggungsa awaits. Perhaps relax on the golden sands of Haeundae Beach and take in breathtaking views of Busan as you work on your tan.

• Day 11: Nagasaki, Japan

  The Japanese city of Nagasaki sits on the northwest island of Kyushu. The city's buildings are spread across hillside terraces overlooking a natural harbour. Nagasaki is most famous for suffering an Allied nuclear attack in August 1945 during World War II, an event which is commemorated in the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. Take a boat trip over to Gunkanjima Island, once home to the area's thriving coal mining community that was abandoned in the 1970's. Escape to the tranquil surroundings of Glover Garden and view Glover Residence, the former home of Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover and the oldest Western-style wooden building in Japan. Visit the unique turtle-shaped Fukusai-ji Temple and also the Kofukuji Temple or spend a few hours at Huis Ten Bosch amusement park. No trip to Nagasaki would be complete without admiring Nagasaki’s unique skyline from Insayama Observation Deck, especially after dark.

• Day 12: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 13: Shimizu (For Mt. Fuji)

  Today the ship sails into the Japanese port of Shimizu. The UNESCO-listed Mount Fuji forms an impressive backdrop to the city and is equally-matched by the nearby Miho-no-Matsubara coastal pine tree grove. Gaze in awe at the Kunouzan Toshugu Shrine, Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, and Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha Shrine. Savour panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Izu-hanto Peninsula, Suraga Bay, and beyond from Nihondaira Park Outlook. Visit the ruins of Sunpu Castle, gardens, and Sukiya-style teahouse at Sunpu Castle Park. Discover about Japanese ukiyo-e art and wood-block prints at Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum. Stop by S-Pulse Dream Plaza to eat authentic local cuisine in Shimizu Sushi Alley and have fun times at Chibi Maruko-chan Land and on the ferris wheel atop the building.

• Day 14: Tokyo (International Cruise Terminal), Japan to UK

  Today your cruise comes to an end. Disembark ship and be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.