Best Of Japan & South Korea Cruise

Day 1 - Beijing

Arrive: Tue 06 May 2025 / Depart: Tue 06 May 2025 at 18:00

Day 2 - Cruising

Day 3 - Seoul (Incheon)

Arrive: Thu 08 May 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 08 May 2025 at 19:00

When you arrive at the port of Incheon city, surrounded by historic hot springs and vast rice fields, a quick train ride will bring you to the bustling capital of Korea – Seoul, an adrenaline-pumping mix of technological advancement and cultural charm. Cruise to Seoul, Korea and take the cable car up to N Seoul Tower at the top of Namsan Mountain for expansive views of the city. Visit elaborate Gyeongbukgung Palace – on its enormous grounds, you can cross one of three stone bridges to an artificial island in the centre of the picturesque lake. Then, zen out at Jogyesa Korean Buddhist Temple with its huge golden Buddha statues, and stroll the grounds planted with trees that are over 500 years old.

Day 4 - Cruising

Day 5 - Jeju

Arrive: Sat 10 May 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 10 May 2025 at 17:00

Jeju is South Korea's most famous island getaway, and for good reason. Dubbed "The Hawaii of Korea," it's home to some of the Korean Peninsula's most beautiful natural sites. Mount Hallasan dominates the skyline with its dark green foliage — hike up this dormant volcano, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and get a look at the gorgeous crater lake that lies near the summit. Or head to Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, nicknamed the Pond of God: See the falls from the Seonimgyo arch bridge that passes over them, and walk among the park's rock formations and lush greenery. Cruise to Jeju Island, South Korea to go surfing on secluded, cliff-surrounded Sungmung Beach. Or cool off from the humid climate by exploring Manjanggul Cave, an underground lava tunnel.

Day 6 - Kumamoto

Arrive: Sun 11 May 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 11 May 2025 at 19:00

Kumamoto City offers insight into both Japan's samurai past and its modern-day love of kawaii cuteness. Check out the city's old downtown area dominated by Kumamoto Castle, a reconstruction of the fortress from which samurai lords ruled their domain. Cruise to Kumamoto and walk alongside the Shirakawa River past traditional Japanese gardens the homes of prominent 19th- and 20th-century writers — pop into the former residence of Lafcadio Hearn, one of the first Western writers to settle in Japan. Then, see ancient and modern art and relax in the calming stone garden at the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, or head to Musashizuka Park to see the tomb and statue of famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.

Day 7 - Kagoshima

Arrive: Mon 12 May 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 12 May 2025 at 17:00

Japan's 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 area's 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.

Day 8 - Kochi, Japan

Arrive: Tue 13 May 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 13 May 2025 at 19:00

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 city's streets are bustling hubs of activity — walk by vendors selling everything from grilled Bonito fish to authentic secondhand kimonos. Don't miss Kochi Castle, one of the only original castles from Japan's feudal age still standing today, with its traditional white towers perched on a hilltop above the city. Then, check out one of the city's 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.

Day 9 - Cruising

Day 10 - Tokyo

Arrive: Thu 15 May 2025 at 06:30 / Depart: Thu 15 May 2025

Yokohama is the central gateway to exploring Tokyo, a once-humble fishing village that is now one of the world's biggest, most densely populated cities. You'll find an eclectic mix of traditional shrines and soaring skyscrapers lining these neon-lit streets. Walk the Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay alongside the Yurikamome Rail Line, a futuristic, operatorless train system. Then, see old Tokyo at the Imperial Palace, an Edo Castle surrounded by moats and gardens perfect for strolling. Cruise to Tokyo and head to iconic Sensoji Buddhist Temple and pass below the massive red paper lantern of the Thunder Gate. Then, unwind in Yoyogi Park, a literal forest in the heart of the city, complete with Zen gardens and a gingko tree forest.