Wendy Wu Japan by Land & Sea

Days 1–2: Depart for Tokyo
Fly overnight to Japan’s vibrant capital, Tokyo – one of the world’s most dynamic and fascinating cities. Upon arrival, meet your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel. Depending on when you land, enjoy some free time to begin exploring or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Included Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Discover Tokyo
Today, uncover both the futuristic and traditional sides of Tokyo. Start at Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most colourful spiritual site. Then, ascend the Tokyo Skytree for breath-taking panoramic views. Join a sushi-making masterclass and enjoy your creations for lunch. Later, stop at the iconic Shibuya Crossing before visiting the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Travel to Nagano
Board the famous bullet train bound for Nagano. Upon arrival, enjoy a local lunch before visiting Zenkoji Temple, a serene 7th-century Buddhist site. In the evening, check in to a traditional ryokan. Unwind in the relaxing onsen (hot spring baths) and savour a multi-course kaiseki dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Snow Monkeys & Kyoto
Travel into the forested mountains to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs. Afterward, transfer to the cultural heart of Japan — Kyoto.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6–7: Kyoto Highlights
Once the imperial capital for over a millennium, Kyoto brims with historic treasures. Over two days, explore landmarks such as Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji’s Zen rock garden, and Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless red torii gates. Stroll through the Gion district, famous for its geisha heritage. Savour a kaiseki dinner and a traditional sukiyaki lunch during your stay.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Embark the Azamara Pursuit (Kobe)
After breakfast, transfer to Kobe’s cruise terminal and board the Azamara Pursuit. Settle into your cabin and begin exploring the ship’s amenities. Optional shore excursions will be available throughout the cruise and can be pre-booked.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Kobe (Cruise Stop)
Spend the day docked in Kobe. Enjoy the ship’s facilities or head ashore to explore the city at your own pace.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Hiroshima (Cruise Stop)
Arrive in Hiroshima, a city with a poignant past and a peaceful present. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to reflect on the events of 1945 and witness the city’s resilience.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Kitakyushu (Cruise Stop)
Dock at Kitakyushu, gateway to Kyushu’s natural beauty and cultural sites. Enjoy local delicacies and explore the area’s unique charm.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Nagasaki (Cruise Stop)
Return to Japan’s shores in Nagasaki. Known for its historic events, the city also boasts European influences, scenic coastlines, and rich heritage.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Busan, South Korea (Cruise Stop)
Cross to South Korea and discover Busan, a city that blends coastal charm with vibrant markets, mountain backdrops, and cultural flair.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Sakaiminato (Cruise Stop)
Back in Japan, arrive at Sakaiminato, a quaint fishing town and the birthplace of anime artist Shigeru Mizuki. The town is also a gateway to natural beauty and unique manga-themed sights.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Kanazawa (Cruise Stop)
Explore Kanazawa, a city that preserves Edo-period elegance. Visit the stunning Kenrokuen Garden and stroll through historic districts showcasing old-world Japan.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Niigata (Cruise Stop)
Located on the Sea of Japan, Niigata is famous for its rice production and sake brewing traditions. Discover this city’s cultural and culinary heritage.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Akita (Cruise Stop)
Surrounded by mountains and hot springs, Akita is also home to Kakunodate, a well-preserved samurai town offering a glimpse into feudal Japan.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Aomori (Cruise Stop)
Dock at Aomori, a picturesque coastal city known for its peaceful ambiance, winter sports access, and apple orchards.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Hakodate (Cruise Stop)
Explore Hakodate, noted for its star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and cable car rides to Mount Hakodate. Try the local seafood specialty, kaisen-don.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, taking full advantage of the ship’s entertainment, cuisine, and leisure options.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: Return to Tokyo (Cruise Ends)
Disembark the ship and return to Tokyo. The rest of the day is yours to relax or continue exploring the capital.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22: Day Trip to Nikko
Travel to the heritage city of Nikko. Capture photos at Shinkyo Bridge and enjoy a local ‘yuba’ (tofu skin) lunch. Explore Toshogu Shrine and the tranquil Taiyuinbyo, both nestled in scenic Nikko National Park and recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23: Depart for the UK
Transfer to the airport and fly back to the UK, arriving the same or following day.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Sushi Making
Learn how sushi is prepared and this history behind the dish before sitting down to enjoy a meal.

Enjoy a Kaiseki
Experience this meticulously prepared multicourse meal while in Kyoto.

Discover Nikko
Spend a day in Nikko, discovering its Edo-period temples and shrines

• International flights
• 4* accommodation
• 13-night cruise onboard Azamara Pursuit
• All Meals: 21 breakfast, 20 lunches and 21 dinners
• Domestic transportation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees

Cruise & Tour
These tours combine the best of the world’s ocean cruises with award-winning touring itineraries to create unforgettable holidays. The fully inclusive touring ethos, where everything is taken care of, is the perfect match for a carefree voyage to the exotic corners of the world.

This cruise & tour has a maximum group size of 28 people per group

This cruise & tour has a physical rating of 1. A reasonable level of fitness is required, and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks