South Korea Discovery and Circle Japan

MNSPricing is based on departure date: 12 March 2028

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yokohama
Yokohama is easily accessible from Tokyo, but there's enough to see and do here that it's worth more than a day trip. Visit Minato Marai 21, a popular, modern neighborhood with great shopping and tons of restaurant options. TripAdvisor travelers also recommend stopping at Big Wharf (Osanbashi Pier), a uniquely shaped pier with spectacular views.

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.

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.

Sakaiminato
A busy port in Tottori Prefecture on the Sea of Japan, Sakaiminato is a gateway to some of Japans best nature and slow-paced, traditional culture. Head to Daisen Oki National Park, where you can hike up volcanic Mount Daisen, stopping for a rest inside Daisen-ji Buddhist temple, which lies halfway to the summit. In Sakaiminato city, walk along Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with statues inspired by Japanese comic legend Shigeru Mizukis characters ? pop into the museum of the same name to see the artists original comics. Cruise to Sakaiminato and drive out to Matsue Castle finished in 1611, its one of the oldest still-standing castles in Japan and continue on to the ancient Shinto shrine at Izumo Taisha.

Maizuru
The gentle seaside city of Maizuru will win you over with its quaint collection of mountainside temples, pristine beaches and historical museums. Cruise to Kyoto and check out Maizuru Red Brick Park, a series of warehouses that today serve as a museum, and be transported to a Cold War-era spy thriller. See the nearby Amanohashidate sandbar, a 3-kilometer-long isthmus that connects the bay in a picturesque stretch of white sand and pine trees.

Kanazawa
Nicknamed "Little Kyoto," Kanazawas rich history and culture ranges from geisha districts to a 16th-century castle. Locals here enjoy the good life away from big-city buzz, whether they're picking up fresh seafood at Omicho Market or strolling Kenroku-en Garden's manicured paths.

Hakodate
Hakodate overflows with historic architecture and steamy hot springs . Located along Hokkaidos southwestern tip, its the perfect spot to begin exploring this islands unique history and culture during your vacation. Cruise to Hakodate and start your day at the morning Hakodate-Asaichi, or Morning Market, and tuck into a hearty kaisendon, a bowl of ultra-fresh sashimi fish over steamed rice. Then, relax with a soak in the Yunokawa hot springs on Hakodates outskirts, or check out Goryokaku Fort ? the nearby tower lets you take in a birds-eye view of the star-shaped design surrounded by a moat. And dont leave without taking in the million-dollar views of the city from atop Mt. Hakodate.

Your Ship: Noordam

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam features museum-quality art from 19th-century oils to contemporary photographs of music greats Dizzy Gillespie and B.B. King.

Guests onboard can enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming.

Explore the world’s wonders through BBC Earth Experiences. Take yoga or Pilates in our Fitness Center. Savor the sounds of Music Walk™ and the delights of our specialty restaurants.

Tokyo, At Sea, Kochi Japan, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, At Sea, Seoul (Incheon), Seoul (Incheon), Cheju Island, Busan (Pusan), Hakata, Kanmon Straits, Osaka, At Sea, Yokohama, Shimizu, Osaka, At Sea, Hiroshima, Kanmon Straits, Busan (Pusan), Sakaiminato, Maizuru, Kanazawa, At Sea, Hakodate, Miyako, Japan, Hitachinaka, Tokyo

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.