Best Of Japan Cruise

Day 1 - Shanghai

Arrive: Fri 11 September 2026 / Depart: Fri 11 September 2026 at 16:30

When you cruise from Shanghai, check the essential items off the to-do list: See the classical architecture of the Bund neighborhood and walk among the smell of tea and incense in the fortified Old City. Then, if you have extra time, see the nearby Qibao Ancient Town — check out the pagoda-like bell tower, see Qibao Template (it dates back to the 900s) and snap pics of the photogenic bridges and buildings along the Puhui River.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Sakaiminato

Arrive: Sun 13 September 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 13 September 2026 at 19:00

Sakaiminato is renowned for its excellent seafood, giving local sushi chefs plenty of fresh catches to create culinary masterpieces. It’s also the home of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of the famous manga comic series GeGeGe no Kitaro.

Day 4 - Maizuru

Arrive: Mon 14 September 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 14 September 2026 at 17:00

Day 5 - Niigata, Japan

Arrive: Tue 15 September 2026 / Depart: Tue 15 September 2026 at 17:00

Niigata is the place to go to experience Japan's natural bounty. With four seasons of dramatic beauty – with a full month of cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, golden hues in autumn and snow-capped mountains in winter – this port city on the Sea of Japan is a nature lover's dream. Cruise to Niigata and head to Bandai Pier, where you can sample the most famed white fish in Japan from the local vendors. Explore the Niigata's opulent history at the tatami-clad Northern Culture Museum. Indulge your inner geek at the interactive Niigata Manga and Animation Museum. Or take the cable car to the summit of Yuzawa – you can ski here in winter and take in panoramic views year-round.

Day 6 - Hakodate

Arrive: Wed 16 September 2026 at 07:30 / Depart: Wed 16 September 2026 at 19:00

Hakodate overflows with historic architecture and steamy hot springs . Located along Hokkaido's southwestern tip, it's the perfect spot to begin exploring this island's 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 Hakodate's outskirts, or check out Goryokaku Fort — the nearby tower lets you take in a bird's-eye view of the star-shaped design surrounded by a moat. And don't leave without taking in the million-dollar views of the city from atop Mt. Hakodate.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Shanghai

Arrive: Sat 19 September 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 19 September 2026

When you cruise from Shanghai, check the essential items off the to-do list: See the classical architecture of the Bund neighborhood and walk among the smell of tea and incense in the fortified Old City. Then, if you have extra time, see the nearby Qibao Ancient Town — check out the pagoda-like bell tower, see Qibao Template (it dates back to the 900s) and snap pics of the photogenic bridges and buildings along the Puhui River.