Japan Explorer

From £1,044 pp Enquire Now

Overview

Departs Duration Sail From Ship
24th February 2026 10 Nights Tokyo (Yokohama) Diamond Princess
CRUISE LINE Princess Cruises

Cruise

Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
24.02.26
Tokyo (Yokohama)
16:00

Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866.

Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It’s a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza – an international shopping mecca – stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience.

With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the “Eastern Capital,” to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the “Western Capital.”

25.02.26
At Sea
26.02.26
Beppu
09:00
17:00

Ominous steam rises from the Japanese island of Kyushu where Beppu lies in wait. But not to worry – this legendary tourist town is renowned for its healing geothermal waters and spas. Overlooking Beppu Bay to its east and protected from the west by dramatic mountain peaks, this exotic city is blanketed with misty turquoise waters and elegant Japanese foliage. Its main attraction is the “Hells of Beppu,” a collection of nine stunning onsen, or hot springs, some of which feature geysers and colorful waters in shades from white to copper to sapphire. The springs’ names, including Kamado-Jigoku (Boiling Hell) and Oniyama-Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell), are somewhat misleading as all of the hot springs are breathtakingly beautiful rather than frightening – though your nose may cower and crinkle at the sulfurous odor they emit!

27.02.26
Hiroshima, Japan
09:00
18:00

On August 6, 1945, human history was irrevocably altered when the American bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The bomb was code-named “Little Boy,” but its detonation left half the city in ruins and aflame. Today, Hiroshima is a monument not only to the destructive forces harnessed by men but also to the indomitable will of the human spirit to overcome tragedy. At the heart of the city lies Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The gutted walls of the city’s old Industry Promotion Hall and the skeletal frame that supported its copper dome, vaporized in the blast, are instantly recognizable symbols of Hiroshima.

Travelers to Hiroshima will discover a more serene note at nearby Miyajima Island. One of the top-three scenic spots of Japan, the island is home to ancient Itsukushima Shrine, a designated National Treasure.

28.02.26
Kanmon Straits Scenic Cruising
05:00
07:00
28.02.26
Shimonoseki, Japan
09:00
18:00

Shimonoseki is the westernmost city on Japan’s main island, Honshu. At the island’s tip, there are panoramic views from the Kaikyō Yume Tower observation deck. Kaikyokan Aquarium has penguins, dolphins and around 100 species of blowfish.

01.03.26
Busan, South Korea
07:00
16:00

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.

02.03.26
Nagasaki, Japan
07:00
16:00

For most travelers, Nagasaki is a symbol of the horror and the inhumanity of war. An estimated 75,000 people perished in 1945 when the city became the second target of a nuclear attack. Today, Nagasaki’s Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world.

But this beautiful city on Kyushu offers other sights. 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.”

03.03.26
Miyazaki
08:00
18:00

Boasting the second warmest temperatures in Japan, Miyazaki offers a playground of outdoor activities that take full advantage of its balmy breezes and aquamarine waters. A resort atmosphere permeates Miyazaki, fragranced by blooms from local botanical gardens. Emerald green golf courses, some of the best surfing in Japan, and a zoo with the largest number of flamingos in captivity in all of Japan add to the festive atmosphere. A Peace Tower, built with stones from throughout Asia anchors the city and Heiwadai Park and is one of the most noted landmarks. Visit Haniwa Gardens where over 400 replica haniwa (burial statues) make for wonderful photo opportunities, and see Miyazaki’s history and culture on display at The Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History, located on the same grounds as the picturesque Miyazaki Shrine. For a change of pace, stop into the Miyazaki Science Center where an animatronics “Dr. Cosmo” welcomes you to this hands-on museum. Looking for a little adventure? Try a side trip to Aoshima, a small island just off the coast of Miyazaki City, and enjoy the charming Aoshima Shrine and over 400 species of subtropical plants. The options are endless in Miyazaki to soak up local color…or just soak up the sun!

04.03.26
Kochi, Japan
07:00
15:00

Kochi sits on the broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay. This city in Shikoku takes its name from the great feudal castle that sits at its very heart. Completed in 1611, Kochi Castle was the seat of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a noted warrior who supported Tokugawa Ieyasu in his successful quest to become Shogun. Tosa Province and Kochi Castle were Yamauchi’s reward for faithful service. There is an historical irony here: 250 years later, a Kochi native son – a former low-ranked samurai and now ronin named Sakamoto Ryoma – played a pivotal role in bringing the Tokugawa Shogunate to an end and restoring the Emperor of Japan to political prominence. The prize once awarded for faithful service had become a hotbed of support for the Meiji Restoration.

Kochi is one of the wettest places in Japan – and a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. Southeast of the city, warm oceans currents washing against the Aki Mountains create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park.

05.03.26
Toba
07:00
16:00

Toba, located at the northeastern end of the Shima-hanto Peninsula in Mie, flourished as the castle town of the Kuki family who ruled this region from the 16th century. It was also a landing spot for visitors on the sea route to Ise-jingu Shrine and belongs to Ise-Shima National Park.

06.03.26
Tokyo (Yokohama)
06:30

Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866.

Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It’s a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza – an international shopping mecca – stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience.

With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the “Eastern Capital,” to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the “Western Capital.”

Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors © CARTO

Cabin

Interior Two Lower Beds

The Interior stateroom is approximately 168 to 182 square feet and richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Interior stateroom:

Twin beds that convert to a queen size bed.
Private bathroom with shower.
Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion.
100% Egyptian cotton linens.
Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk.
110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings.
Daily housekeeping service.
Evening bed turn-down.

Premium Oceanview Two Lower Beds

The Premium Oceanview stateroom is approximately 200 square feet and features a forward-facing cabin for memorable views. The Premium Oceanview stateroom is richly appointed with fine amenities.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Premium Oceanview stateroom:

Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed*
Private bathroom with shower
Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
100% Egyptian cotton linens
Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
Daily housekeeping service
Nightly turn-down service

Balcony Two Lower Beds

The spacious approximately 237-square-foot Balcony stateroom is appointed with fine amenities and outstanding views from an approximately 46-square-foot private balcony. Some staterooms also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Balcony stateroom:

Balcony with patio furniture
Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed*
Private bathroom with shower
Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
100% Egyptian cotton linens
Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
Daily housekeeping service
Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Grand Suite with Balcony

Premium accommodations and luxurious appointments are the signature of our expansive 319 to 730-square-foot Suites. Suite staterooms include a spacious cabin and large 114 to 181-square-foot balcony, along with special suite-only benefits. All Suites include a separate seating area with a sofabed, walk-in closet, full bathroom and deluxe amenities.

These features and deluxe amenities are standard in a Suite stateroom:

Separate seating area with a sofa bed
Upgraded balcony furniture with room for four: two comfortable loungers, a table and two chairs
Complimentary mini-bar set-up
Walk-in closet with personal safe
Comfortable luxury pillow-top mattress
Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed*
100% Egyptian cotton linens
Upgraded bathroom amenities and hair dryer
Two flat-panel satellite TVs
Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow
Refrigerator
Writing desk and phone
110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
Daily housekeeping service
Enhanced nightly turn-down service
A host of other benefits and amenities

Please complete the form below

Enquiries