In supplier order. Some entries may cover multiple days; optional experiences are described by the supplier.
Sample itinerary. Choose a departure for its exact itinerary and hotel plan.
Day 1 — UK - In flight
Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Osaka via Hong Kong.
Day 2 — Kyoto
Touching down this morning, we’ll transfer to our centrally located hotel. This afternoon is free to settle in and relax.
Day 3 — Kyoto
This morning we’ll set out on a guided sightseeing tour of Kyoto, birthplace of the Japanese tea ceremony. First up we’ll head for some spiritual (and literal) reflection at Kinkakuji Temple. Its elegant three tiers, glittering gold leaf covering and mirror-like reflection in Kyoko-chi Pond, is one of the most iconic sights in Japan.
We’ll continue to Nijo Castle, one of the best-known castles in Japan and a powerful symbol of the might of the warlords who ruled the country for 200 years. After trying our luck on the castle’s famous anti-intruder ‘nightingale’ floors (which chirp with every footfall), our morning ends with an invitation to experience the unique ritual of a Japanese tea ceremony in the city where the custom was born.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 — Kyoto - Yudanaka
This morning we’ll fast forward to modern-day Japan with a ride on a Japanese bullet train. Travelling at speeds of up to 198mph, these are some of the fastest trains in the world. Our ride takes us from Kyoto city to Nagano station in Yudanaka, a hot spring resort in the Japanese Alps. After free time for lunch we’ll visit Zenkoji Temple which has seen over 1,400 years of history under its delicately scalloped roof, before heading to the village of Kanbayashi Onsen in the foothills of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Here we’ll be further immersed in Japanese tradition as we relax in open-air hot spring baths and tonight enjoy a delicious, delicate kaiseki meal, Japan’s own ‘haute cuisine’.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 — Yudanaka - Tokyo
After a Japanese-style breakfast we’ll take a short walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) live completely free range. The park was set up to protect and observe their unique behaviour - they’re the only monkeys in the world who like to bathe in hot springs! After watching the famous troupe swimming and sunning themselves, we’ll prepare for the next chapter of our journey as we swap the foothills of the Alps for Tokyo, Japan’s exhilarating capital.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 — Tokyo
Nothing quite prepares you for Tokyo. The city blends ultra-modernity with proud, deep-rooted history, and you get a real sense of both almost everywhere you look. This morning’s city tour takes in Imperial Palace, home to the Emperor of Japan and once the largest fortress in the world, and Meiji-Jinhu, a grand Shinto shrine surrounded by tall trees and green forest in the heart of Tokyo. After breathing in these sharp city contrasts, the rest of the day is free.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 — Tokyo - Embark ship
After a late check out from our hotel, transfer to Tokyo Port cruise terminal where we’ll embark MS Westerdam and set sail early this evening.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 — Omaezaki
Omaezaki is a laid-back seaside town. Rolling hills and wide wind-swept beaches make this a favourite destination for Tokyo residents at weekends. Perhaps climb the stairs of Omaezaki Lighthouse for far-reaching views. Or visit the market and treat yourself to fresh seafood and traditional Japanese treats.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 — Osaka
Osaka is a busy, modern Japanese skyscraper metropolis. Explore busy markets and enjoy great street food. Perhaps take a day cruise down the river to catch a glimpse of some of the city's highlights such as Osaka Castle, the Twin Towers, and visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrina.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 — Kochi
A hop across the water brings us to the island of Shikoku and its capital, Kochi. Set high on a hill behind the city, 400-year-old Kochi Castle is the only one in Japan with its original tower and main keep. The castle is almost as well known for its spring cherry blossoms as it is for the views across the city below. Afterwards, head for nearby Hirome Market and browse all manner of Japanese food stalls from seared beef to sushi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 — Scenic cruising Kanmon Strait
Take your seats on deck for today’s scenic cruising along this narrow, strategically important stretch of water which separates two of Japan’s four main islands: Honshu and Kyushu. The Kanmon Strait also connects the Sea of Japan and the lovely, island-studded Inland Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 — Fukuoka (Hakata)
Fukuoka has a lively, modern atmosphere, an array of impressive architecture and a number of cultural attractions and musems, such as Fukuoka Asian Art Museum. Perhaps visit observation deck at the striking, 234-metre Fukuoka Tower of the Kushida Shrine and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13 — Sokcho, South Korea
Once part of North Korea, Sockcho is a buzzing fishing hub. Explore a maze of eateries and street vendors.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14 — At sea
A whole day at sea gives you time to enjoy the ship and its first-class facilities. Perhaps attend a port lecture, indulge in a spa treatment or grab a sun lounger and enjoy the sea views and fresh air on deck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15 — Kanazawa
Located on the shores of the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is a bustling hub with ships arriving and departing for South Korea, Russia and China. The city escaped bombing in World War II, and its historic buildings provide a glimpse of old Japan. Shops sell Kaga-nui pottery, Kutani porcelain and other handicrafts. Major sights include Kenrokkuen - a 17th-century garden that is a high point of landscape design in Japan - and Kanazawa Castle and its park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 — Sakata
Standing in the shadow of Mount Chōkai facing the Sea of Japan, Sakarta grew wealthy in the 17th-18th centuries by growing high quality rice on the surrounding Shonai Plain. It was a boom time for the town, and buildings from this period still stand including grand merchants’ houses and warehouses where the precious goods were stored. More modern Japanese history is documented at the Ken Domon Museum of Photography, the first such museum in Japan, which shows his portraits and photos of everyday life in postwar Japan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17 — Aomori
Located on the northern tip of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Aomori is the jumping off point for trips across the narrow Tsugaru Strait to the island of Hokkaido. The area is known for its beautiful lakes and spectacular mountain scenery, with many lovely parks and coastal walks to explore. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit Hirosaki Park for the chance to see one of Japan’s most spectacular cherry blossom displays, when 2,600 trees and over 50 different types of cherry tree are in bloom.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18 — Otaru
Otaru was, for a while, Asia's herring capital. Whilst here, perhaps take the gondola to the peak of Mount Tengu for stunning views, and visit the Otaru Canal, a historic and photogenic 75-mile canal, lined with restored stone warehouses, fancy shops and fine restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 19 — Hakodate
Yesterday we saw it across the water. Today we’re on Hokkaido, the wildest and least developed of Japan’s four islands. Top attractions here include taking a cable car to the summit of eponymous Mount Hakodate for sweeping views across the scalloped bays and city below, and visiting Fort Goryokaku. This massive star-shaped citadel is now a popular country park, and its wide canals lined with cherry trees often has some of the best cherry blossom on Hokkaido.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 20 — At sea
We follow the coast of Honshu south as we cruise towards Tokyo, enjoying the ship’s fabulous facilities and sea views for one last day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 21 — Tokyo - UK
Disembark after breakfast and enjoy a visit to the Hamarikyu Garden which is renowned for its seasonal beauty, before we head to Tokyo airport for the overnight flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 22 — Arrive UK
Landing in the UK this morning, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
