Japan and Korea cruise: Cultural Shores and Northern Landscapes

Hiroshima is a city of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, vividly portrays the aftermath of the atomic bombing. Designed by Kenzō Tange and inaugurated in 1955, the museum serves as a global symbol of peace, featuring a solemn cenotaph bearing the victims' names and the Flame of Peace, lit in 1964. The Genbaku Dome stands as the sole original structure left at the blast site.

Famous for its fugu (also known as puffer or blowfish), Shimonoseki at the southwestern tip of Honsho, is surrounded on three sides by the ocean. The Japanese delicacy is available at Karato Ichiba fish market. Other attractions include Kozan-ji Buddhist temple, a ‘National Treasure of Japan’ that dates from 1327 and the photogenic 1,780-m-long Tsunoshima Bridge, which connects Tsunoshima island (part of Shimonoseki city) with Honshu.

Karato Fish Market and Moji ko Retro Included

05 h 00 m

• Discover the vibrant Karato Fish Market, renowned for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere, including a visit to the famous blowfish stalls

• Explore the historic Mojiko Retro District, where Meiji-era architecture and foreign trade history come to life

• Enjoy stunning views from Hinoyama Observatory and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage at the Kanmon Strait Museum

Chofu Samurai Town Optional

01 h 50 m

Sailing through the Kanmon Strait is challenging with strong currents and an S-shaped bend. One of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, the strait cuts a dramatic 38 km (24 mi) channel, narrowing to 700 m (0.4 mi) at its tightest point. The graceful Kanmon Bridge, a 1,068-m (3,504-ft) suspension bridge, spans the waterway between Honshu and Kyushu. Shimonoseki overlooks the strait from Honshu, while Moji district stands watch from Kyushu.

Busan, South Korea's second city, blends beaches and mountains with boutiques, lively cafes and delicious seafood in food alleys. The 120m-tall Busan Tower offers a sense of the skyscraper cityscape. Six beaches, including Haeundae and Gwangalli, attract visitors year-round. Gamcheon Culture Village, previously a slum, is now a kaleidoscopic haven of art nestled on the coastal mountain foothills, affectionately dubbed the "Machu Picchu of Busan."

Temple & Markets Past and Present in Busan Included

04 h 00 m

• Discover the spiritual heart of Korea at the legendary Beomeosa Temple, a serene sanctuary of ancient treasures

• Dive into the vibrant culture of Busan at Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest and most iconic seafood hub

• Wander through the bustling alleys of Gukje Market and experience the charm of Old Busan, where tradition meets variety

Story Of Busan Included

03 h 50 m

• Step back in time and honor the heroes of the Korean War at the poignant UN Memorial Cemetery

• Uncover Busan’s rich heritage through ancient relics and cultural treasures at the Busan Museum

• Experience the vibrant soul of Old Busan as you explore the bustling alleys of Gukje Market

A haven for seafood lovers, manga fans and nature enthusiasts, Sakaiminto’s offerings are fairly eclectic for the seemingly slow-paced port town. Fish markets and world-class seafood restaurants line the streets, offering delights including local delicacy, Matsuba snow crab. You can also feast on Pacific bluefin tuna, Sakaiminto salmon, Natsuki rock oysters, swordtip squid and plenty more. The city was also once home to local hero, Shigeru Mizuki, a celebrated manga comic artist. Visit the Mizuki Shingeru museum for a fascinating insight into his life and the world of manga. Stretch your legs and enjoy a hike up the volcanic Mount Daisen, the highest mountain in the region (1730m). Or you may wish to take a gentler trek though the tranquil and restorative beech and cedar forests whilst connecting with nature and indulging in the Japanese pastime of ‘forest bathing’.

Matsue Castle and Matsue History Museum

Optional

04 h 00 m

• Visit one of only twelve original Japanese castles still in existence, and one of only five classed as a National Treasure: the Matsue Castle

• Embrace the rare opportunity to explore a magnificent piece of samurai history

• Observe an Edo exterior and modern interior along with a variety of demonstrations, traditional arts and crafts at the Matsue History Museum

Izumo Grand Shrine

Optional

07 h 30 m

• Marvel at one of Japan's most important shrines, Izumo Taisha and admire the bronze torii gate

• Listen at the lecture at the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

• Taste a traditional lunch at the local Japanese restaurant

Adachi Museum of Art and Yushi-en Japanese Garden

Included

04 h 20 m

• Visit Adachi Museum of Art, housing an impressive collection dating from 1912 to the present

• Walk Yushi-en Gardens, featuring an array of landscape elements, from gardens to waterfalls, streams and rock gardens, and the main attraction: the collection of Japanese peony flowers

• Discover the most extensive collection of Taikan Yokoyama works in the world

The port city of Maizuru in south-central Japan served as a major naval base and post-WWII repatriation port, where over 660,000 Japanese returned home - this history is remembered at the poignant Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum. Its scenic harbour, framed by forested hills, is overlooked by Goro Sky Tower atop Mt. Gorogatake. Brick Park evokes the city’s industrial past with Meiji-era warehouses housing the unique World Brick Museum.

Sado, Japan's sixth largest island, has a quaint port at Ogi known for tarai-bune, traditional wooden boats. The island is also famous for its world-renowned taiko drummers, continuing a rich cultural tradition. Once a place of exile for artists and academics, Sado now draws visitors to its rugged coasts, hidden beaches and lush terrain for outdoor activities.

Shukunegi Village & Sake

Included

03 h 30 m

• Discover the cultural treasures of Sado Island, from the historic shipbuilding village of Shukunegi to the legacy of Edo-era trade and craftsmanship

• Visit a full-scale replica of a 19th-century Sengokubune cargo ship at the Ogi Folkloric Museum and explore thousands of traditional tools and artifacts

• Enjoy a tasting at Hokusetsu Sake Brewery, where centuries-old brewing techniques meet modern innovation, served at world-renowned NOBU restaurants

Ogi Exploration on E Bike

Optional

02 h 45 m

• Enjoy a scenic and effortless E-bike ride along Sado’s stunning coastline, with electric assistance making hills and longer distances a breeze

• Explore the historic charm of Shukunegi’s traditional merchant houses, admire ocean views from Chojagabashi Bridge, and snap photos at the emerald waters of Mushiya Cove

Taiko Drum Workshop with Kodo Performers

Optional

01 h 30 m

• Experience the power of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming with a hands-on workshop led by world-renowned Kodo performers on Sado Island

• Learn the history and deep cultural roots of Kodo in an exclusive session at Tatakokan, the group’s dedicated training facility

• Feel the earth-shaking rhythms during a live demonstration and discover the true voice of the Taiko drum

Toki Birdwatching

Optional

04 h 00 m

• Discover the inspiring comeback story of the endangered Japanese Crested Ibis, once thought to be extinct

• Join a certified guide in Sado’s Hamochi area to observe these rare birds in their natural habitat

• Visit Toki Forest Park to learn about the successful conservation efforts that are helping this iconic species thrive once again

Sakata, a port city on the Mogami river, thrived on rice and safflower trade. The traditional 1893 Sankyo Rice Storehouses, shaded by zelkova trees, are now a cultural hub with shops. The city's quiet streets feature preserved, wealthy Edo-era homes, including the Honma Museum of Art with fine art and gardens. South of the river, The Ken Domon Museum honours the famed photographer’s powerful work, including images of Hiroshima survivors.

Aomori, Honshu’s northernmost prefecture, is home to some of Japan’s most significant Jomon-era archaeological sites, including the UNESCO-listed Sannai Maruyama, a vast and well-preserved settlement with reconstructed dwellings. Highlights also include Seiryu-ji Temple, with its five-story cypress pagoda and Japan’s largest seated bronze Buddha, and the Nebuta Warasse Museum, which celebrates Nebuta Festival’s illuminated floats.

An important port on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Otaru retains original architecture. Restored warehouses along its canal, lined with Victorian street lamps, house restaurants and boutiques selling sake, music boxes and renowned Otaru glass. Rooted in the herring industry, the town's trading history is evident from Hokkaido's first railway line terminal to the Herring Mansion on the outskirts, once owned by wealthy herring fishermen.