Circle Japan

Pricing based on departure date: 02 July 2027

Japan is a study in contrasts: tranquil retreats of profound beauty lay just outside cities where skyscrapers soar over stunning temples and shrines. Neon-bright architecture and pink cherry blossoms vie for attention amid the colourful Harajuku district and traditional kimonos.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Hakodate, Japan
It took Commodore Perry and American gunboat diplomacy to open Japan to the outside world after two centuries of self-imposed isolation. In 1859, the port of Hakodate became the first Japanese city fully opened to Westerners under the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Foreigners soon flocked to Hakodate, and today visitors wandering the cobblestone streets of the city's Motomachi District can view their Western-style frame houses. Hakodate, once a fishing port famed for its high quality fish and shellfish, quickly became Hokkaido's largest city and one of Japan's most important ports. The Great Hakodate Fire of 1934 dealt the city a near fatal blow - a blow from which Hakodate was slow to recover. Today the city is Hokkaido's third largest - surpassed by Sapporo and Asahikawa - but retains its foremost position as the finest Japanese producer of sushi's raw product: the high quality seafood caught in Hokkaido's cold waters. 

Niigata, Japan
Traditionally famous for rice making and sake production, Niigata is the place for gourmet aficionados. It is also well known for the seafood caught from the Sea of Japan. With this variety of the commodity produced locally, Niigata developed from the wealth gained through shipping and trade by Kitamae-bune, which were cargo ships operated along the Sea of Japan between Hokkaido and Osaka from mid-18th century to the end of the 19th century.
To the south of Niigata is the Tsubame-Sanjo area famous today for metalworking. This derives from the production of Japanese nails used for Japanese traditional architecture. To discover Japanese craftsmanship, you will have the chance to visit the Suwada Open Factory. Also nearby is the religious center of Niigata in Yahiko. The Yahiko Shrine has gathered the devotion of the locals for more than a millennium.

Busan (Pusan)
Despite its status as Korea's second largest city, Pusan (or Busan) does not neglect the country's obsession with nature. The city's undulating hills result in an unusual mix of forested slopes, rugged beaches, lurching cliffs and hot springs. Pusan's seafood is legendary.

Nagasaki
The A-bomb Hypocentre (the exact point where the atomic bomb hit in 1945) brings most people to this pleasant, easy-going city. As a crossroads of cultures, it is imprinted with Chinese temples, Catholic churches and European-style houses, and imported cuisines and festivals flourish

Your Ship: Diamond Princess

A luxury destination in itself, anticipate the excitement of discovery on this jewel of the sea

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.

Activities - Each day, a world of exciting activities awaits, from cooking demonstrations to dance classes, trivia contests and a range of enrichment programs, including our Encounters with Discovery at SEA™ speaker series from experts who offer insights into the places you’ll visit.

• Discovery at SEA™ Programs
• Festivals of the World
• The Piazza
• Shops of Princess
• Art Gallery & Auctions
• Photo & Video Gallery
• Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs
• Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, tennis)
• Princess Links (putting course)

Entertainment - There’s always something happening on board — from heading to the Princess Theater for a lavish original musical production to enjoying a blockbuster movie poolside under the stars or simply relaxing in a lounge sipping a cocktail where a live band is playing your song.

• Movies Under the Stars®
• Original Musical Products
• Music & Dancing
• Vegas-style Casino
• Featured Guest Entertainers
• Princess Theater
• Vista Show Lounge
• Explorers Lounge
• The One5 (nightclub)
• Crooners Bar

Tokyo/Yokohama, At Sea, Hakodate, Niigata, Busan (Pusan), Nagasaki, Kagoshima, At Sea, Tokyo/Yokohama

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.