JAPAN INTENSIVE CRUISE: TOKYO, KYOTO & HIROSHIMA

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.

Japan's fourth largest city by population, Nagoya, is a centre of modern commerce, with Toyota, Noritake china and a Legoland theme park calling this capital home. Tour the Toyota Exhibit Hall, experience Noritake Gardens and sit amongst the stars in the planetarium at the Science Museum. Nagoya Castle, deemed a National Treasure, is a must-see, as is exploring their entertainment district, Sakae.

Japan's third largest city, Osaka offers your cruise holiday a combination of historical and cultural attractions with modern developments. Before World War II, Osaka was an exotic maze of crisscrossing waterways and traditional wooden buildings, but unfortunately most of these were destroyed in the bombings.Today however, the city has leapt into the architectural future with such buildings as the Imperial Hotel, the inverted U-shape of the Umeda Sky Building and the enormous Ferris wheel on top of the HEP Five complex.In addition, cruises to Osaka will also offer you the chance to see the gentle side of Japan. Kyoto, the former capital, is a serene city of geometric gardens, geisha houses, cherry trees, temples and palaces.

Japan's third largest city, Osaka offers your cruise holiday a combination of historical and cultural attractions with modern developments. Before World War II, Osaka was an exotic maze of crisscrossing waterways and traditional wooden buildings, but unfortunately most of these were destroyed in the bombings.Today however, the city has leapt into the architectural future with such buildings as the Imperial Hotel, the inverted U-shape of the Umeda Sky Building and the enormous Ferris wheel on top of the HEP Five complex.In addition, cruises to Osaka will also offer you the chance to see the gentle side of Japan. Kyoto, the former capital, is a serene city of geometric gardens, geisha houses, cherry trees, temples and palaces.

Containing moving peace monuments to the end of World War II, Hiroshima is a modern city which has grown from the destruction, forward-looking, yet with deeply traditional roots. It is an immensely fascinating city. There is more to discover in Hiroshima than its evocative Atomic Bomb Dome - there's the landscaped Shukkeien Garden, the Mazda Museum and okonomiyaki, a batter and cabbage pancake topped with octopus, shrimp or pork.

Step into a city where history and modern Japan come together. Discover fascinating heritage, beautiful coastal scenery and authentic local culture as Kitakyushu embraces its past while looking towards an exciting future.

South Korea's second largest city after Seoul, Busan likes its attractions to be gargantuan! Head to the world's largest department store, Centum City, or spend the day relaxing on Haeundae Beach Korea's largest. If a more cultural experience beckons, admire the pagodas, gates, temple halls, and shrines of Beomeosa Temple.

Home of the famous Manga ghost author, Mizuki Shigeru, hauntingly beautiful Sakaiminato suggests many fascinating ways to spend time ashore. Begin by visiting Izumo Taisha’s grand shrine to marriage. Then enjoy an invigorating outdoor natural spa, bathing in the Kaike Onsen hot springs. Or maybe visit one of the many museums and the rare original Japanese Matsue Castle.

This splendid castle town, with over 400 years of history, beckons visitors to its unique time capsule of history and culture. As the seat of the Maeda Clan during the Edo Period, it rivaled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in cultural achievements, making it a city with a rich legacy.

Inhabited for 4,000 years, Niigata overflows with history and beauty. Its location on the Sea of Japan, at the mouth of the country's longest river, makes it ideal for agriculture.

The vibrant heart of the expansive Akita Prefecture in northern Tohoku stands out as a unique destination where modernity entwines with tradition. Sheltered along the enchanting Sea of Japan coast, Akita boasts a captivating blend of modern and old, with a cityscape that showcases an intriguing contrast of architectural styles.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan’s natural landscape around the Aomori Prefecture. Located in the north of Japan’s main island, the city mixes ultramodern architecture with sleepy fairytale castles, surrounded by scented cherry blossoms. Visit the World Heritage Site of the Shirakami Mountains with its majestic forest of beech trees; follow the Oirase River from mystic Lake Towada and explore two national parks at Tsugaru to the west and Shimokita across Mutsu Bay.

The second largest city in Japan is Yokohama, a rapidly developing and exciting city filled with Japanese charm and culture. In 1854 Yokohama became the first port opened to foreign trade in the country so there is an interesting maritime and international flavour to the city. It is one of the most accessible cities in Japan and is less than half an hour from Tokyo by train. You will find much to do and see during your Yokohama cruise, from discovering landmarks and exploring museums to sampling tasty Japanese cuisine and shopping till you drop in one of the city’s expansive malls.