Itinerary

Tokyo/ Yokohama,  Shimizu, Kumano, Wakayama, Kochi, Busan/South Korea, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Tokyo /Yokohama

Description

Pricing based on departure date: 15 August 2025

Japan is a study in contrasts: tranquil retreats of profound beauty lay just outside cities where skyscrapers soar over stunning temples and shrines. Neon-bright architecture and pink cherry blossoms vie for attention amid the colorful Harajuku district and traditional kimonos.

Yokohama is easily accessible from Tokyo, but there's enough to see and do here that it's worth more than a day trip. Visit Minato Marai 21, a popular, modern neighborhood with great shopping and tons of restaurant options. TripAdvisor travelers also recommend stopping at Big Wharf (Osanbashi Pier), a uniquely shaped pier with spectacular views.

Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Japan - A mesmerizing landscape, a revered cultural history, and Japan's most sacred volcano are just a few of the many delights beckoning you to come and explore this ancient city. While Shimizu may have the reputation as being bustling and modern, its cultural and spiritual side is on display in the form of ancient and enthralling shrines. Of course, it may be the sacred and snow-capped Mount Fuji that garners the most attention. Towering over the region at approximately 12,388 feet above sea level, the active volcano, designated a "place and source of artistic inspiration" by UNESCO is just one of the many unforgettable adventures Shimizu inspires.

Nestled in the heart of Japan's Wakayama Prefecture, Kumano beckons with its serene beauty and rich cultural heritage. This historic region is renowned for its sacred sites, including the revered Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, where travelers can embark on a journey of spiritual reflection amidst lush forests and ancient shrines. Indulge in the region's culinary delights, sampling fresh seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine. For a leisurely morning, consider exploring the tranquil Kumano River by boat or strolling through the picturesque streets of nearby villages. 

Kumano fireworks festival began about 300 years ago. Today watch 10,000 fireworks in a glorious natural setting. This deeply spiritual area, nestled on the southern end of the Kii Peninsula, is host to one of Japan’s top fireworks displays. More than 10,000 explosions light up the sky over the natural amphitheater of Shichiri Mihama Beach.

The bustling port of Shimotsu is the gateway to Wakayama Prefecture and its capital city. all of the delights of the sea are on offer, including snorkeling, swimming or scuba diving off one of its many white-sand beaches, marveling at the underwater world on display at the aquarium in the Museum of Natural History, and watching the intricate process of preparing a massive tuna in the Kuroshio Market. For those looking for a more active experience, there is everything from animal encounters at Adventure World to a walking tour along the sacred paths of the 1,200-year-old Koyasan monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kochi is humming with happy energy. A wholesome city blessed with green mountains and a network of blue rivers. The hub of the Kochi prefecture on the island of Shikoku, the city’s streets are bustling hubs of activity & walk by vendors selling everything from grilled Bonito fish to authentic secondhand kimonos.

The second largest city in South Korea, Busan is your gateway to a fascinating land whose culture is a unique amalgam of old and new. Modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples. The city's bustling business district offers a stark contrast to the serene grounds of Yongdusan Park. In short, Busan is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose startling economic success often obscures one of Asia's most sophisticated and venerable cultures.

Busan was the scene of bitter fighting during the Korean War. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery marks the final resting place for the troops from 16 nations who gave their lives during the conflict.

Nagasaki - Often described as the San Francisco of Japan, the city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. For three centuries, Nagasaki was Japan's sole window on the world. The city is also celebrated as the setting for Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly."

Kagoshima, Japan - From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai.

The symbol of Kagoshima is Sakura Jima - the volcanic island that sits just offshore. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history.

Your Ship: Diamond Princess

A luxury destination in itself

Diamond Princess is a treasure trove of exceptional delights waiting to be discovered. Dine on freshly prepared sashimi in Kai Sushi, watch street performers in the dazzling Piazza, or take in a lavish production show in our state-of-the-art theater. And for a unique treat visit the Izumi Japanese Bath, the largest of its kind at sea.