Japan, South Korea and Far East Discovery

Pricing is based on departure date: 24 October 2027

Cruise to Asia’s neon cities and coastal villages on an in-depth exploration of Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Stay overnight at Shanghai and Bangkok.

Itinerary Map

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.

Shimizu
The skyline at Shimizu port is dominated by one of Japans most distinctive sites: snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Head to Miho-no-Matsubara, a pristine beach flanked by a picturesque pine grove, where you can take in some of the clearest views of Japans tallest mountain. Cruise to Mt. Fuji and take the one-hour drive from the port to Fuji itself for some hiking ? the mountain is relatively approachable climb appropriate even for beginners, and you dont have to hike all the way to the summit. Dont miss the ancient shrines that surround this volcanic landmark: Visit Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha shrine, built to appease Fujis volcanic deity. Or see Kunouzan Toshogu shrine, a masterpiece of Japanese lacquer and woodwork.

Osaka
Born in 300 AD as Naniwa, ancient Osaka has survived an earthquake and two fires to grow into one of Japan's largest, most prosperous cities. The graceful intersection of elongated canals and several parks makes for a beautiful city and a gorgeous waterfront.

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.

Kanmon Straits
The Kanmon Straits or the Straits of Shimonoseki is the stretch of water separating Honshu and Kyushu, two of Japan's four main islands.

Hakata
The dense downtown ward of Hakata sprawls from the harbor toward bamboo-forested hills. It's known for modern malls and traditional craft stores on Kawabata Shopping Arcade. Busy noodle shops serve Hakata-style pork ramen, and after-work crowds fill casual bars near Hakata Station.

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.

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.

Shanghai
Still shaking off 40 years of oblivion and its Communist clothes, the biggest city in the biggest country on Earth is undergoing a massive rebirth. Though still battered, its thrust of energy is leading the way for the city to re-establishing itself as the Paris of China.

Hong Kong
The "Wall Street of Asia" is one of the world's truly great cities. Reunited with China in 1997, it is a fast-paced, scintillating city brimming with Chinese medicine shops, British pubs, dazzling high rises, wooden boats, ancient villages, fish eateries and rugby lawns.

Ha Long Bay
Legend has it that Halong Bay, a World Heritage site, was created when a dragon descended into the sea, its body forming the archipelago of 3,000 islands and rock formations.If you sail over its clear waters past awesome limestone cliffs and fascinating caves, you might just believe that the legend is true. Enjoy the spectacular scenery amidst fishing villages and beautiful white beaches.

Da Nang
Vietnam's fourth-largest city, Da Nang was where the first U.S. combat troops landed on March 8, 1965. Once war-torn, now it's a friendly, pleasant city. It was the backdrop for the movie "Good Morning Vietnam" and the television series "China Beach".

Phu My
Vietnam's first privately-owned deep water port, occupied by the Japanese during World War II, now serves primarily as a portal to Ho Chi Minh City?the "Pearl of the Orient". Nearby, the Cu Chi tunnels offer grim reminders of the Vietnam War.

Sihanoukville
Though newer and more urban than other towns, Cambodia's second city is a relatively undiscovered gem with undeveloped beaches offering only sand, surf and a few seaside eateries. Cows wander the main road and foreign faces still draw curious smiles.

Bangkok (Laem Chabang)
Thailand's largest, most modern and busiest deep-sea shipping port is the nation's pride and its main transportation and export gateway. The famed beach resort of Pattaya is nine miles to the south, while Bangkok is 68 miles north of the port.

Singapore
This small, roughly diamond-shaped island at the end of peninsular Malaysia may be coated in modernity, but underneath lies conservative Confucian values. Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian influences make Singapore a highly tolerant city with a wealth of fascinatingly sundry cultures.

Your Ship: Westerdam

Superbly refreshed, Westerdam cruise ship features excellent bar, entertainment and dining venues, plus completely reimagined suites. Westerdam is a fascinating destination in her own right and has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards. On board, enjoy live entertainment with Music Walk™, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Feel immersed on your cruise with regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with Port to Table. Enrich your travel experience at the new Exploration Central atop the ship.

Tokyo, Shimizu, Osaka, Kochi Japan, Hiroshima, Kanmon Straits, Hakata, Nagasaki, Busan (Pusan), At Sea, Shanghai, Shanghai, At Sea, Hong Kong, At Sea, Ha Long Bay, Ha Long Bay, At Sea, Da Nang, At Sea, Phu My, At Sea, Sihanoukville, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Nathon, At Sea, Singapore

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.