Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan (April 2)*

Dazzling cityscapes await your exploration; visit Asakusa for the bright lights, street fairs, and Senso-ji Temple; the Tsukiji Market, the largest open-air fish market in the world with on-the-spot sushi; and the Imperial Palace's East Garden for some calm. Spend the evening in the bright, active Ginza District, where the night comes alive.

Day 2: Shimizu, Japan (April 3)

In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is one of the most beautiful ports in Japan. Walk through the pine groves of Miho, home to a 650-year-old Japanese black pine, or enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji from the lush, forested hill of Nihondaira. Take in the seascapes on a bay cruise, or learn of undersea delights at Japan's first sushi museum. For a historic angle, get a glimpse at feudal life in Japan in 200 BC at the archaeological site of Toro. 

Days 3 and 4: Kyoto (Kobe), Japan (April 4-5)

Visit the breathtaking temples and shrines of Japan's old imperial capital, Kyoto, or explore ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples that predate Kyoto's. Stroll through Nara Park, famed for its deer and impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine. Then travel on to Osaka and its famed castle. In Kobe, visit historic Himeji Castle, a huge edifice built entirely of wood and tile. 

Day 5:  Hiroshima, Japan (April 6)

Visit the skeletal A-Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the statue dedicated to the children who died after the atomic bomb was dropped on this city in 1945. Stroll through beautifully landscaped Hiroshima Gardens, visit the rebuilt Hiroshima Castle or journey to the exquisite sacred island of Miyajima and see the extraordinary Itsukushima Shrine. 

Day 6:  Busan, South Korea (April 7)

From the trendy cafes and famous fish markets to sacred temples and traditional tea ceremonies, Busan, the second largest city in South Korea is bursting with flavors and culture. Take a walk in the relaxing Yongdusan Park while admiring the various species of trees and a view of the Busan Tower. At the Hongbeopsa farming temple, explore the renowned large Buddha statues at the Main Buddha Hall while walking along a water lily path, or experience a traditional Korean tea ceremony conducted by one of their monks. 

Day 7:  Nagasaki, Japan (April 8)

Discover remnants of old Nagasaki beside the modern city. Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. Or travel to Arita, home of magnificent Japanese ceramics, and tour famous Kakiemon Kiln, which continues a 400-year-old tradition. Experience feudal Japan and the natural wonders of Shimabara Peninsula with its volcanoes and hot springs. 

Day 8:  Hososhima, Japan (April 9)

Hososhima is located in Hyuga City, the center of the coastal region of eastern Kyushu. To get a sense of its tradition and culture, visit the historical museum at Old Takanabe-ya Inn, which was built in 1921 and kept in its original state. Near the museum are the lovely Myokoku-ji Gardens and the Mihoko Shrine, where the legend of Emperor Jinmu lives on. Hososhima is home to Cape Hyuga with its spectacular view of the ocean and land coming togethers, as well as the Omi Shrine.

Day 9:  Kochi, Japan (April 10)

Not the typical Japanese city, small and compact Kochi has gained a well-deserved reputation for its exuberant, easy-going spirit and vibrant food scene. The city is the birthplace of the legendary samurai Sakamoto Ryoma, who created an alliance that eventually brought down the Tokugawa shogunate and is now commemorated in a memorial museum. In the city center, don't miss the well-preserved hilltop Kochi Castle to explore the grounds where the city was established in 1601. You might continue your downtown explorations at one of the many pedestrian shopping arcades or at a restaurant to try Kochi's most famous dish - katsuo-no-tataki, a savory dish of grilled ponzu-marinated skipjack tuna or bonito fish.

Day 10:  Nagoya, Japan (April 11)

A center of modern commerce, yet steeped in ancient history; visit the castle in the center of town, its golden orca statues are a symbol of the city. Explore Toyota's Museum of Technology and tour the Noritake factory, where bargains on the fine china can be found. 

Day 11:  Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan (April 12)

Disembark in Yokohama. 

* More information will be forthcoming regarding an optional Go Next Tokyo pre-cruise program.