Aomori, Hiroshima & Osaka

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.

Sakata is a charming port city on Japan’s Sea of Japan coast, known for its scenic waterfront, traditional streets and rich culinary culture. Explore historic merchant houses, stroll through picturesque gardens and discover the region’s beautiful coastal scenery.

Toyama offers a beautiful blend of mountain scenery, coastal charm and authentic Japanese culture. Explore the city’s traditional streets, sample fresh seafood and discover the spectacular landscapes of the surrounding Japanese Alps.

Nestled on Japan’s scenic Sea of Japan coast, Maizuru is known for its rich naval history, scenic landscapes, and delicious seafood. Explore peaceful bays, visit local temples, or take a journey inland to discover the timeless elegance of Kyoto’s ancient shrines and gardens.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Shikoku Island, Tokushima is a captivating port that greets discerning travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Indulge in the mesmerizing beauty of the Naruto Whirlpools, a natural spectacle best admired from the comfort of a private sightseeing boat. F

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.

Yokohama is an exciting city filled with Japanese charm and culture, and is less than 30 minutes’ train ride from Tokyo, so there’s an opportunity to sample two of Japan’s greatest urban centres. Located directly south of the capital Tokyo and set beside the waters of Tokyo Bay, Japan’s second city is enveloped in the modern and forward-thinking ideology of the country, proving to be a fantastic base for those who wish to immerse themselves in the diverse identity of Japan. There is no better way of capturing the culture of a new city than sampling the cuisine. A number of small and cosy seafood eateries, with kaki furai, or deep-fried oysters, being a particular favourite. Shabu-shabu restaurants are all-you-can-eat establishments allowing you to sample a vast array of Japanese food – perfect if you are unfamiliar with the local cuisine and would like to try lots of dishes. A number of fantastic sushi bars serve the very best of Japan’s most iconic culinary treat.

Yokohama is an exciting city filled with Japanese charm and culture, and is less than 30 minutes’ train ride from Tokyo, so there’s an opportunity to sample two of Japan’s greatest urban centres. Located directly south of the capital Tokyo and set beside the waters of Tokyo Bay, Japan’s second city is enveloped in the modern and forward-thinking ideology of the country, proving to be a fantastic base for those who wish to immerse themselves in the diverse identity of Japan. There is no better way of capturing the culture of a new city than sampling the cuisine. A number of small and cosy seafood eateries, with kaki furai, or deep-fried oysters, being a particular favourite. Shabu-shabu restaurants are all-you-can-eat establishments allowing you to sample a vast array of Japanese food – perfect if you are unfamiliar with the local cuisine and would like to try lots of dishes. A number of fantastic sushi bars serve the very best of Japan’s most iconic culinary treat.