Andrew Zimmern Culinary Celebration = Nebuta Summer Festival: 9-Nights

• Guests arrive throughout the afternoon and early evening

• Stay at the elegant Prince Park Tower Tokyo, overlooking Tokyo Tower

• Enjoy food and beverages across the hotel’s seven restaurants and bars

• 5:30 PM — Welcome Toast with Andrew Zimmern

• Morning guided visit with Andrew Zimmern to Toyosu Market

• Traditional tastings in historic Tsukiji

• Afternoon at leisure

• Morning private bus tour through Tokyo’s diverse dining neighborhoods

• Street food stops curated by Andrew

• Evening: Andrew Zimmern Hosted dinner at Mikuni Yokohama, featuring cuisine inspired by legendary chef Kiyomi Mikuni.

Location

Yokohama Osanbashi Intl Passenger Terminal

1-1-4 Kaigandori, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, 231-0002, Japan

• 4:00 PM embarkation aboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji

• Casual dinner at Terrace Restaurant Hishiyo or Fuji

• 8:00 PM — Toast with Andrew Zimmern at Bar 36, inspired by the “36 Views of Mount Fuji”

• Meet & greet and book signing with Andrew Zimmern

• Curated tastings and cultural experiences including:

• Japanese whisky and sake, | Sushi workshop

• Gin cart and wine pairings | Japanese tea tasting

• Kimono dressing ceremony

Evening:

Hosted dinner with Andrew Zimmern at the ship’s signature restaurant Hokusai, celebrating Japanese artistry and cuisine, a second dining experience in a restaurant inspired by Kiyomi Mikuni

Arrive in Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, known for its dramatic geothermal landscapes and traditional onsen culture. The city is dotted with steamy vents, bubbling pools, and unique “hells” that showcase the power of the earth beneath Kyushu. It’s an ideal gateway for exploring Beppu’s iconic thermal attractions and scenic viewpoints.

Call in Busan, South Korea’s dynamic second city and busiest port, where modern high-rises meet traditional markets and coastal temples. This bustling destination offers a compelling mix of culture, seaside scenery, and local food, making it a memorable stop on your regional cruise.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as the MITSUI OCEAN FUJI sails from Busan toward Akita. Immerse yourself in onboard cultural programs, entertainment, and wellness offerings that celebrate Japanese traditions and artistry. A full schedule of activities and venues will be posted onboard, allowing you to design a day that suits your pace—whether tranquil, playful, or a bit of both.

Arrive in Akita, a city along the Sea of Japan known for its rural charm, hot springs, rice cultivation, and well-preserved traditions. Akita’s historic districts and lively summer festivals, including the famed Kanto Festival, offer a window into the region’s deep cultural roots.

Experience the exhilarating Akita Kanto Festival during this unguided evening outing. Marvel as performers balance towering bamboo poles adorned with glowing paper lanterns on their palms, shoulders, and foreheads, illuminating the night sky. Wander through lively streets filled with music, chanting, and food stalls, enjoying the freedom to explore the festival atmosphere at your own pace for an authentic summer celebration.

Immerse yourself in the Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of Japan’s most famous summer celebrations. In the evening, the streets fill with enormous illuminated floats depicting legendary warriors and mythical beings, accompanied by taiko drums, flutes, and energetic haneto dancers. This unguided experience allows you to wander freely among the glowing displays, sample festival foods, and absorb the lively atmosphere at your own pace.

Arrive in Miyako, a tranquil coastal destination known for its clear waters, white beaches, and relaxed island atmosphere. With dramatic shorelines and nearby coral reefs, this port offers a scenic blend of nature, sea views, and opportunities for gentle exploration.

Return to Yokohama in the early morning, where it’s time to bid farewell to new friends among guests and crew. Some travelers will continue their adventures on land, while others begin their journey home, carrying memories of summer festivals, coastal landscapes, and time aboard MITSUI OCEAN FUJI.