Mt. Fuji, Osaka & Nagasaki

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 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.

Experience a slice of the real Japan in cosmopolitan Kochi, a vibrant modern city with friendly people and a laidback vibe.With easy access to sea and mountains, there are sweeping beaches, hidden temples and a hilltop castle to explore besides the trendy malls and bustling palm-lined arcades of Kochi downtown. For spectacular views across the city, it's worth the climb to the castle; a gleaming example of 17th century history with its perfectly intact interior documenting a dramatic feudal past. The nearby Hirome food market sells everything from fresh fish to tasty katsuo and ramen noodles, but for a calmer pilgrimage, visit Chikurin-ji Temple.

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.

Fukuoka is the capital of the province of the same name. It sits on the north shore pf Kyushu, the most southerly of Japan's islands, home to beaches, modern malls and ancient temples.

Located on the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima provides spectacular scenery - from rugged mountains and rivers to bubbling hot springs, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Mount Sakurajima dominates the skyline above Kagoshima City and is said to change its colours seven times during the course of a day. A 15 minute ferry ride will take you to Sakurajima Island where you can view the volcano’s vast lava fields that were caused by three major past eruptions. The most violent eruption occurred in 1914 when a lava flow of over three billion tonnes destroyed numerous villages.

On Nagasaki cruises you can look forward to rich cosmopolitan atmosphere and the beautiful seaside scenery.Standing over the Nakashima River is Japans first Chinese-style stone bridge, the Spectacle Bridge, which reflects as ovals on the surface of the water. It is said that bridges here were only built on roads that led to temples, ornate structures that still adorn many of the streets.Etched in the memory of Nagasaki is the 1945 atomic bomb that destroyed much of the city. Today it still lingers in poignant reminders, such as Peace Park and the A-Bomb Museum, all part of our Nagasaki cruise shore excursions.

Yeosu, South Korea, is a picturesque coastal city renowned for its beautiful islands, scenic waterfront, and fresh seafood. Ride the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car for panoramic ocean views, stroll the vibrant waterfront, visit the historic Hyangiram Hermitage, or explore the charming Odongdo Island, famous for its coastal walking trails and seasonal camellia blooms.

Travel to Seoul and discover its 5,000-year-old heritage amidst the ultra-modern high-rises. Visit the magnificent 14th century Gyeongbok Palace and stone pagoda, the National Museum and the bustling antique district.