14-NT JAPAN’S CRAFTS & CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Kobe is the starting point for excursions to the cultural fountainheads of Classical Japan. Ride the bullet train to the classical pavilions and castles of Kyoto. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist 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.

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.

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.

Perched at the southwestern tip of Honshu, Shimonoseki blends coastal beauty with rich heritage. Famous for its fresh pufferfish cuisine, the city also offers historic shrines, scenic sea views, and a gateway to Japan’s feudal past.

A visit to Kanmon Straits is an opportunity to experience one of the Japan's most incredible waterways. This expansive channel connects two of Japan's four main islands, Honshu and Kyushu. The best views of the surrounding scenery are from above. Hop on a helicopter ride or visit Mt. Hinoyama in Shimonoseki on the north side of the strait.

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.

This unparalleled hot spring haven makes for an extraordinary spa day. Celebrated for its remarkable abundance of thermal waters, an array of baths each offering a unique experience – from ordinary hot water baths to rejuvenating mud baths, natural exfoliation in sand baths, and detoxifying steam baths.

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.

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.