Harvest Horizons: Japan’s Coastal Charms Cruise

Day 1 - Tokyo

Arrive: Sat 10 October 2026 / Depart: Sat 10 October 2026 at 17:00

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Miyako,Iwate, Japan

Arrive: Mon 12 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 12 October 2026 at 18:00

Day 4 - Hakodate

Arrive: Tue 13 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 13 October 2026 at 21:00

This important port on Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island was the first to be opened to European and American trade. The result of this is a trove of Western-style buildings in the suburb of Motomachi that gives the impression of a movie set. The bell of the distinctive Haristo Greek Orthodox church is designated one of Japan’s official treasured “100 soundscapes.” Hokkaido is famous for its hot springs, much beloved by the Japanese. Yunokawa Hot Spring enjoys a commanding view of the sea, and its botanical garden is home to the Japanese macaques called “snow monkeys” because of their habit of soaking in the hot springs during the northern winter. Goryokaku is a 150-year old star fortress that holds the Magistrate’s Office, an excellent example of traditional Japanese architecture. Get a panoramic view from the observation platform atop the Goryokaku Tower.

Day 5 - Aomori

Arrive: Wed 14 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 14 October 2026 at 21:00

Located on the northernmost harbor of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Aomori is the traditional departure point for Hokkaido Island. It is famous for its summer Nebuta Matsuri festival, and has a museum that recaptures the color and pageantry for those who visit in other seasons. Explore the earliest prehistoric cultures of Japan at the Sannai Maruyama archaeological site, or visit the Aomori Museum of Art for a look at more contemporary works. Nearby Hirosaki boasts a 17th Century castle. Visit either the Auga or the Furukawa public fish market, where you can create your own version of a donburi rice bowl with pristinely fresh local seafood.

Day 6 - Akita, Japan

Arrive: Thu 15 October 2026 at 10:00 / Depart: Thu 15 October 2026 at 18:00

Day 7 - Niigata, Japan

Arrive: Fri 16 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 16 October 2026 at 18:00

Day 8 - Kanazawa

Arrive: Sat 17 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 17 October 2026 at 21:00

One of Japan’s best-preserved cities, Kanazawa escaped war damage and natural disasters to reward visitors with a wealth of architecture as an important clan castle town from the mid-17th century until the middle of the 19th. The mighty Kanazawa Castle did not survive intact, but its famous Ishikawa Gate, the Sunjikken Longhouse and lavish Kenrokuen Garden hint at the grandeur. Of special note are the surviving Higashi Geisha District and Samurai District streets. The Temple area holds the Myoryuji Temple with its hidden passages and secret doors giving it the nickname the Ninja Temple. The Oyamajinja Shrine is a later addition, its three-story gate with impressive stained glass windows reveal a Dutch influence. Museums worth exploring include the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, with examples of the arts and crafts using the pure gold decoration for which the region is famous. Another museum celebrates the Buddhist philosopher D. T. Suzuki, credited with introducing Zen philosophy to the West, and a striking 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Nearby Mt. Utatsu is renowned for its Three Shrines. VIEW CRUISES

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Sokcho, South Korea

Arrive: Mon 19 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 19 October 2026 at 18:00

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Kochi, Japan

Arrive: Wed 21 October 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 21 October 2026 at 17:00

Japan’s Shikoku island is a popular place of pilgrimage among Japanese Buddhists. Kochi has three of the 88 temples on the route. Chikurinji Temple, with its five-story pagoda, is one of them. Located on Mount Godaisan, it also features an adjacent botanical garden. The town is most famous for its castle, originally built in the early 17th century, but largely rebuilt following a fire in the mid-18th century. It is one of only 12 existing feudal-period castles in Japan. South of the town, Katsurahama beach is a popular destination, although swimming is not allowed due to strong currents. A picturesque shrine located on a high point overlooking the sea is the perfect postcard image of rural Japan. The beach is also a good spot to enjoy Katsuo no Tataki, the traditional local dish of lightly grilled and seasoned bonito tuna.

Day 13 - Osaka

Arrive: Thu 22 October 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 22 October 2026