Golden Week: Northern Honshu & East Sea Explorer

Begin your Golden Week voyage in the vibrant port city of Yokohama. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and take in views of the modern skyline and busy harbor as your ship awaits at the pier. This is a great time to settle into your suite, explore the decks, and get oriented onboard before sailaway. Consider arriving at the port early to enjoy the atmosphere, snap photos from the open decks, and be ready for the mandatory safety drill.

Relax into life onboard as you spend a full day at sea cruising the Pacific waters. Take advantage of the ship’s amenities: enjoy leisurely breakfasts, attend enrichment talks or cultural presentations, and unwind by the pool with ocean views on all sides. Sea days are perfect for spa treatments, quiet reading, or simply watching the waves from your veranda. In the evening, look forward to sunset over the water followed by dinner and live entertainment.

Arrive in Nemuro, a quiet fishing port and gateway to Hokkaido’s rugged eastern coastline. Enjoy views of working harbors, offshore islands, and abundant seabirds that frequent the area. Guests can choose to explore the town, sample ultra-fresh seafood, or join optional excursions into the surrounding nature. Dress in layers, as coastal Hokkaido can be cool and breezy even in spring.

Tomakomai welcomes you with a blend of industrial harbor views and easy access to Hokkaido’s forests, lakes, and hot springs. From the pier, excursions may take you into the countryside or to nearby lakeside resorts, while independent guests can explore local shops and seafood markets. Expect brisk sea air and wide-open harbor vistas as freighters and ferries come and go. Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket are recommended for exploring ashore.

Today’s call in Akita brings you to the scenic Sea of Japan coastline on northern Honshu. From the port, you can venture inland to discover hot spring regions, traditional villages, or cultural sites, or simply enjoy the peaceful harbor setting. The surrounding coastline is known for dramatic rock formations and sweeping sea views. Be sure to have your camera ready as you sail in and out of port for some of the trip’s most photogenic coastal scenery.

Dock in Toyama’s Fushiki-Toyama port, backed by panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps. On a clear day, snow-capped peaks rise dramatically behind the city and waterfront. Guests can explore Toyama’s modern cityscape, riverside promenades, and nearby historic towns, or join excursions into the mountains. Expect a mix of maritime activity in the harbor and striking mountain scenery that makes this one of the most memorable visual highlights of the voyage.

Enjoy another restorative day at sea as the ship makes its way from Japan toward the Korean peninsula. Take this time to revisit your favorite onboard spaces, from quiet lounges and open decks to the spa and fitness center. You might join a cultural lecture, cooking demo, or language class offered onboard, or simply relax with a book and watch the sea change throughout the day. Evening brings another opportunity for a leisurely dinner and nightcap with ocean views.

Arrive in Sokcho, a charming coastal city and gateway to Seoraksan National Park. From the port, you can explore colorful fishing harbors, seaside promenades, and local markets, or opt for an excursion into the dramatic granite peaks and forests of Seoraksan. Expect a mix of maritime and mountain scenery, with opportunities for scenic drives, gentle hikes, and panoramic viewpoints. Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket are recommended for time ashore.

Spend a peaceful day at sea as you sail back toward Japan, reflecting on the ports and experiences of your Golden Week journey. This is the perfect time to enjoy any onboard venues you may have missed, from specialty bars and lounges to quiet corners on deck. Take advantage of final spa treatments, onboard shopping, or enrichment activities. As evening falls, savor one last sunset over open water before your return to Yokohama.

Disembark in Yokohama at the conclusion of your Golden Week cruise. After breakfast, you will say farewell to the ship and crew before proceeding through immigration and customs. Depending on your onward plans, you may transfer to Tokyo, head to the airport, or enjoy additional time exploring Yokohama’s waterfront, shopping districts, or nearby attractions. Be sure to keep passports and important documents handy for a smooth and timely disembarkation.