The Wonders of Japan

Transfer yo your hotel in central Tokyo for three-nights' hotel stay. One of the largest cities in the world home to over 33 million residents covering 844 square miles and is located centrally on the south coast of Honshu Island. Just three-miles south of Central Tokyo lies Haneda international airport while 35 mile to east lies Narita international airport. Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. The epicentre of Tokyo features the Imperial Palace and gardens - the residence of Japan's Imperial Family and the Emperor. Ginza is the popular shopping and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes- where you can find the infamous $10 cups of coffee. Tokyo Tower at 333 metres is the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower and one of the most recognisable landmarks in Tokyo - it is rather like a red version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Odaiba area can be best compared to Canary Wharf in London - but bigger. This is a another popular shopping and entertainment district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. It is home to some of Tokyo's boldest architectural creations, such as the Fuji TV Building, Telecom Centre and Tokyo Big Sight. Here you will also find the hot spring theme park where you can enjoy various types of indoor and outdoor baths which are fed by hot spring water pumped from a depth of 1400 metres.

Transfer from your hotel to the Osanbashi Terminal in Yokohama to embark the ship. Please note that the itinerary shown below is an example of those available. They vary from date to date- please call for the details of the exact cruise itinerary relative to your chosen departure date.

Toba is situated on the south coast of Honshu island at the mouth of the bay of Nagoya. Nearby are the ruins of the 16th-century Toba Castle. In Toba Bay, Mikimoto Pearl Island is known for its ama (female pearl divers). The Pearl Museum traces the history of local pearl cultivation. Tōshijima Island is renowned for its seafood. On Kami-shima Island, trails lead to Shinto shrines and a lighthouse.

A major port in south-eastern Honshu island and gateway for ancient Kyoto - the ancient capital of Japan until 1868. Visit Nijo Castle constructed in 1603, enjoy quiet contemplation at the imposing Todaiji Temple - Japan's largest wooden Buddhist temple and look out for tame deer in beautiful Nara Park. Nothing is as symbolic of Kyoto as Kinkaku-ji's golden reflection shimmering across the rippled surface of the pond before it. The current gold leaf-coated reconstructed temple was unveiled in 1955, five years after the 14th-century original was torched by one of the temple's monks. It is set on the water amid a garden complex in Muromachi period garden design - the most classical of Japanese gardens.

Kochi is located on the south cost of Japan's Shikoku Island which is nestled in between Honshu and Kyushu islands. It is famous for scenery and delicious skipjack tuna. Kochi also boasts a rich history with one of Japan's most famous samurai, Ryoma Sakamoto, being born in here. Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Kochi was known as the Tosa Province. In addition to top sightseeing destinations and historic sights, Kochi is well known for the informal, folksy appeal of local markets and activities, and rustic food halls.

When the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide. The destructive power of the bomb obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometre radius. Destroyed monuments of Hiroshima's historical heritage, like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden, were reconstructed. Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park is one of the most prominent features of the city. At over 120,000 square meters. its trees, lawns and paths are in stark contrast to the modern surrounding downtown area. Before the bomb, this area was the political and commercial heart of the city. For this reason, it was chosen as the pilot's target. It was decided that the area would not be redeveloped but instead devoted to peace memorial facilities. Visit the A-Bomb Dome (known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial) when the bomb exploded - it was one of the few buildings to remain standing. It has been preserved in in its bombed state making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site providing a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past.

Scenic cruising of the narrow Kanmon Straits between Honshu and Kyushu islands.

Busan is the second largest city in Korea and a major port city where there is a myriad of sea routes offering gateways to Japan and to the rest of the world. Busan also boasts scenic visions of nature such as the Nakdong River, a coastline littered with fine beaches, scenic islets and tall mountains.

Nagasaki became the target of the second atomic bomb ever detonated on a populated area (9 Aug 1945); about 75,000 people were killed or wounded, and more than one third of the city was devastated. Among Nagasaki's landmarks is Glover Mansion, scene of Puccini's opera A visit to the Atomic bomb museum and peace Park in Nagasaki are well worth it.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

A coastal port on Honshu Island with views of Mount Fuji.

Disembark the ship after breakfast at the Osanbashi Terminal in Yokohama and transfer to your Tokyo airport for your flight home.