Japan Intensive Combination Cruise: Hakodate, Osaka & Kochi

Day 1 - Tokyo

Arrive: Sun 03 September 2028

It’s hard to imagine Tokyo as a tiny fishing village named Edo. Tokyo is now the largest metropolitan area in the world, an exciting city with a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, restaurants, museums, temples, and gardens to visit.

Day 2 - Tokyo

Depart: Mon 04 September 2028 at 16:30

It’s hard to imagine Tokyo as a tiny fishing village named Edo. Tokyo is now the largest metropolitan area in the world, an exciting city with a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, restaurants, museums, temples, and gardens to visit.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Hakodate

Arrive: Wed 06 September 2028 at 09:30 / Depart: Wed 06 September 2028 at 18:00

Located on Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, Hokadate sits under the vast 334m-high Mount Hakodate. Hop on a tram that can take you from one end of the city to the other in just 45-minutes or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the area that takes you past historical buildings. Looking for a break and some soothing relaxation? The Yunokawa Onsen is a spa resort area offering up many hot spring hotel and inn options.

Day 5 - Sakata, Japan

Arrive: Thu 07 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 07 September 2028 at 17:00

Day 6 - Kanazawa

Arrive: Fri 08 September 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 08 September 2028 at 20:00

Tucked in between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, flanked by the Sai and Asano rivers, Kanazawa might be an unfamiliar destination, but it’s sure to become an unexpected favorite. Translated literally Kanazawa means "marsh of gold," and the city produces approximately 98% of the gold leaf in Japan. Find a small jar to take home or try it sprinkled on ice cream. Gold aside, Kanazawa is also a jewel in Japan’s historical crown. Founded in the late 1500s as a castle town, the city has been relatively untouched from the ravages of World War II and natural disasters. Once a powerful and strategic city for the Maeda clan, it is now a comparatively small city with a calm, comfortable feel.

Day 7 - Maizuru

Arrive: Sat 09 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 09 September 2028 at 20:00

Day 8 - Sakaiminato

Arrive: Sun 10 September 2028 at 07:30 / Depart: Sun 10 September 2028 at 15:30

Sakaiminato’s history is steeped in fishing tradition. Now the base of Western Japan’s fishing industry, Sakaiminato has been an open trading port with the U.S. and U.K. since 1899. Today the port town continues to be a haven for seafood lovers with fish markets and world-class restaurants scattered along its streets, making it the perfect place for visitors to taste the catch of the day.

Day 9 - Busan, South Korea

Arrive: Mon 11 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 11 September 2028 at 20:00

It is Pusan's premier trading port, adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, that makes it an international metropolis but its beautiful sea vistas that make it a charming place to unwind. Experience the serenity of Beomeo-sa Temple, climb the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park and rejuvenate at Hushimchung Spa.

Day 10 - Kitakyushu, Japan

Arrive: Tue 12 September 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 12 September 2028 at 18:00

Merged from five smaller cities in 1963, Kitakyushu is the gateway between the islands of Honshu and Kyushu—where the city sits on its northern tip. During WWII, the fate of the city could have been forever changed, if not for bad weather and smoke from the previous day’s bombing. It was the intended target of the Fat Man atomic bomb, but was passed over due to poor visibility in favor of Nagasaki.

Day 11 - Hiroshima

Arrive: Wed 13 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 13 September 2028 at 18:00

This "city of water and peace" is built in one of the most sheltered harbors on the Seto Inland Sea and is much more than the painful past it both honors and defies. Reflect and ring the bell of peace at Peace Memorial Park, then ferry to the holy island of Miyajima, famed for its Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii.

Day 12 - Tokushima, Japan

Arrive: Thu 14 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 14 September 2028 at 18:00

Day 13 - Osaka

Arrive: Fri 15 September 2028 at 06:30

Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It's known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark. It's surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

Day 14 - Osaka

Depart: Sat 16 September 2028 at 18:00

Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It's known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark. It's surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

Day 15 - Takamatsu

Arrive: Sun 17 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 17 September 2028 at 18:00

On the Seto Inland Sea, looking out over the Sanuki mountain range, sits the island of Shikoku and the old castle town of Takamatsu, Japan. Now a vibrant city, Takamatsu has been an economic hub of the region since the Edo period. To get a sense of its history, visit Tamamo-koen Park. The 16th century Takamatsu Castle had been destroyed, but there’s still plenty to explore: ruins, water moats, and classic Japanese-style yagura or turrets.

Day 16 - Kochi, Japan

Arrive: Mon 18 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 18 September 2028 at 17:00

Kochi Prefecture, on Japan’s Shikoku Island, is a largely rural area known for its mountains, rivers and Pacific beaches. Capital Kochi City has one of Japan’s best preserved feudal castles, Kochi-jo, established in the 1600s. The city's centuries-old Sunday market has hundreds of vendors selling food and other wares. Summer's Yosakoi Matsuri is a festival in which colorfully attired dance teams fill the streets.

Day 17 - Hiroshima

Arrive: Tue 19 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 19 September 2028 at 22:00

This "city of water and peace" is built in one of the most sheltered harbors on the Seto Inland Sea and is much more than the painful past it both honors and defies. Reflect and ring the bell of peace at Peace Memorial Park, then ferry to the holy island of Miyajima, famed for its Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii.

Day 18 - Beppu

Arrive: Wed 20 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 20 September 2028 at 20:00

Day 19 - Miyazaki

Arrive: Thu 21 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 21 September 2028 at 20:00

Miyazaki is the capital city of Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan. The city was founded on April 1, 1924. As of 1 June 2019, the city had an estimated population of 398,215 and a population density of 619 persons per km².

Day 20 - Kagoshima

Arrive: Fri 22 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 22 September 2028 at 18:00

Discover the natural beauty of seaside Kagoshima, a city surrounded by beautiful mountain backdrops and dozens of local hot springs. While nearly all visitors make their way to see the volcanic heights of Mt. Sakurajima, attractions such as the historic village of Chiran and the Kagoshima Botanical Garden prove equally compelling places to stop and take a deep breath.

Day 21 - Nagasaki

Arrive: Sat 23 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 23 September 2028 at 20:00

Historically rich Nagasaki features beautiful seaside scenery and fabulous nighttime views from its mountain slopes. Secluded hot springs, fascinating museums, and ornate temples live side by side in this exciting city. Ten natural parks grace the area, and unique festivals can be experienced throughout the year. Walk through streets influenced by both Chinese and European cultures in fascinating Nagasaki.

Day 22 - Fukuoka

Arrive: Sun 24 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 24 September 2028 at 20:00

Fukuoka, capital of Fukuoka Prefecture, sits on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island. It’s known for ancient temples, beaches and modern shopping malls, including Canal City. Maizuru Park contains ruins of 17th-century Fukuoka Castle. The central Hakata district contains T?ch?-ji Temple, home to a 10m wooden Buddha and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, with displays on daily life in the Meiji and Taish? eras.

Day 23 - Yeosu, South Korea

Arrive: Mon 25 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 25 September 2028 at 20:00

Warm oceanic climate. Island dotted coast. Brilliant night lights. Nestled between verdant mountains, Yeosu has small town charm with big city potential. This hidden gem on the southern coast of South Korea is on the verge of becoming a world-class vacation destination.

Day 24 - At Sea

Day 25 - Seoul (Incheon)

Arrive: Wed 27 September 2028 at 06:30 / Depart: Wed 27 September 2028

In the world's 10th largest city, the past and present merge, as soaring skyscrapers stand guard over ancient palaces, gardens and shrines. Marvel at the four royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, browse the shops, galleries and teahouses of Insa-dong, see the Great South Gate and enjoy the view from Seoul Tower.