Japan intensive: Kobe, Fukuoka & Seoul

Pricing is based on departure date: 2 October 2026

Itinerary Map

Embark on a captivating journey through Japan and South Korea, exploring vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and unique cultural experiences. Start your adventure in Tokyo, Japan, and explore this dynamic metropolis twice before visiting Nagoya, Japan, and Kobe, Japan, with two calls to this charming port city. Discover Kochi, Japan, and the historic Hiroshima, Japan, steeped in history and culture..

Experience the beauty of Beppu, Japan—a maiden call featuring stunning hot springs—and visit Kagoshima, Japan, and Nagasaki, Japan. Explore Fukuoka, Japan, another special maiden call showcasing Japanese charm. Cross over to Busan, South Korea, and discover the vibrant atmosphere of Yeosu, South Korea on its first-ever maiden call. Spend time At Sea before arriving at Seoul (Inchon), South Korea, and immerse yourself in its rich heritage and modern allure.

Itinerary Highlights

Tokyo

Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Toyosu Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don't forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle

Nagoya

The capital of Aichi Prefecture and the fourth-largest city in Japan, Nagoya is the historical heartland of ancient samurai as well as Japans modern industry. Explore the elegant samurai fortress Nagoya Castle, with cherry blossoms surrounding the castles understated turrets.

Kobe

Perched on a hill sloping down to the sea, Kobe is a maritime gateway to one of Japans most metropolitan cities. Mt. Rokko dominates the skyline ? from the summit, you can glimpse one of the best views in all Japan. Of course, Kobes also famous for breeding Wagyu cows that produce some of the highest-quality beef in the world. The stuff is so delicious that almost every restaurant in the area stocks it. Cruise to Japan and make your visit a full foodie mission and stop off at Osaka to indulge in the local tradition of kuidaore ? "eat until you drop."

Kochi Japan

Humming with happy energy, Kochi is a wholesome city blessed with green mountains and a network of blue rivers. The hub of the Kochi prefecture on the island of Shikoku, the citys streets are bustling hubs of activity ? walk by vendors selling everything from grilled Bonito fish to authentic secondhand kimonos. Dont miss Kochi Castle, one of the only original castles from Japans feudal age still standing today, with its traditional white towers perched on a hilltop above the city. Then, check out one of the citys 88 temples: The most famous is Chikurinji Temple on Mount Godaisan, complete with a five-story pagoda. Jump onboard a Kochi cruise and snack on imo-kenpi (candied sweet potatoes) in Hirome Ichiba indoor market

Hiroshima

A bustling metropolis dotted with leafy parks and ancient shrines, Hiroshima is a city with deep historical significance that has its eyes on the future. Here, youll find rebuilt traditional castles standing next to modern skyscrapers. Get a better understanding of the citys place in 20th-century history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Walk mindfully through the Peace Park area ? see the Cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims and the towering Peace Flame monument overlooking a reflecting pool. Then, check out nearby Miyajima Island: See Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, a floating shrine gate based on a 6th-century original. Cruise to Hiroshima, Japan and hike Mount Misen ? the summit offers quiet temples and dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.

Beppu

From a distance, you can tell theres something special about Beppu. Pillars of steam rise from this sun-drenched city, attesting to its countless hot springs ? Beppu generates more spring water than any other city in Japan. Cruise to Beppu to visit one of the many onsen (hot-spring spas) ? there are over 2,000 here. You can also find mud baths at Beppu Onsen Hoyo Land Konya Jigoku and sand baths at Beppu-Kaihama Beach. Or head out of town for a wilder version of hot springs and see the Eight Hells of Beppu: Theyre too hot to bathe in but breathtaking to see. Once youre feeling unwound, channel your inner kid at Takasakiyama Monkey Park, where monkeys run wild at the base of Mount Takasaki.

Kagoshima

Japans southernmost major city, Kagoshima delivers a memorable mix of unique cuisine, historical attractions and outdoor activities in its temperate weather. Take the short ferry ride from the port to Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park and immerse yourself in its natural grandeur ? take a rejuvenating soak in the 100-meter-long natural hot spring, and take in views of the areas most iconic landmark: Sakurajima volcano, nicknamed the Vesuvius of Japan. Then, take in sweeping bayside vistas at Sengan-en, the elegant estate of the Shimadzu samurai clan, and stroll through its cherry blossom-filled gardens. Cruise to Kagoshima and head to Yurigahama Beach, with its bright waters and mysterious sandbar that appears each month in a slightly different spot, depending on the tides.

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.

Fukuoka

Fukuoka, on the northern shore of Japans Kyushu Island, is known for ancient temples and beautiful beaches. Explore the 17th-century ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park. Then head to the central Hakata district, home to Tocho-ji Temple, where a 10-meter wooden Buddha sits. Cruise to Fukuoka and dive deeper into history at the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, with displays on daily life in the Meiji and Taisho eras. Slurp ramen noodles in rich tonkotsu broth at one of the citys yatai (outdoor food stalls), then walk it off with a stroll along the winding canals. Pop into Shofukuji Zen temple for some quiet reflection. Or embrace the bustle instead and head to Canal City Hakata, one of Japans largest shopping complexes.

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.

Yeosu

After sleepy Yeosu was chosen to host the 2012 World Expo, it was catapulted into the tourism spotlight. Now that the South Korean city's volcanic beaches, idyllic islands and colorful historic sites have been discovered, it's likely that it will grow into a popular international vacation spot. Take a bus to the Hyangiram temple, walk along the breakwater to Odongdo Island, or work your way through the fascinating Fish Market.

Your ship: Azamara Pursuit

Azamara Pursuit is a mid-sized beauty with a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers.

You’ll never feel crowded in the comfortable social spaces of our bars, restaurants, and lounges. Nor will you feel like a sardine jammed in around the pool, where our attentive staff is always ready to offer a complimentary bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel.

Staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings, and European linens. And one of the greatest features of this ship is the large number of staterooms with verandas.

Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, Kobe, Kochi Japan, Hiroshima, Beppu, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Busan (Pusan), Yeosu, At Sea, Seoul

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.