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Home » destinations » Asia » Japan » Wendy Wu Wonders of Japan by Land & Sea
Discover Japan’s iconic sights, hidden gems, and a brief stop in South Korea on this ideal introduction to the region. Rich in cultural experiences and featuring a Princess cruise, this journey promises a truly memorable adventure.
Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation
Days 1-2: Arrive in Kyoto
Take an overnight flight to Osaka. On arrival, transfer to Kyoto where the rest of the day is at leisure
Dinner
Day 3: Explore Kyoto
Today, explore some of the city’s treasures. Begin with a walk through the Kiyomizu temple complex, from where you can enjoy brilliant views out over the city. Head to a restaurant for a traditional sukiyaki lunch (hotpot) before learning about sake production, including a tasting experience. Finally, climb up the slopes of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, passing through its famous red torii gates.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: More Kyoto
Discover more of Kyoto today. The first stop is at Kinkaku-ji, a temple also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’. From here, head to the Zen Garden at Ryoanj-ji before having lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tagetsukyo Bridge. Finish the day with a unique glimpse into geisha culture as you enjoy a maiko performance of traditional arts with dinner.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Travel to Kanazawa
This morning, board a bullet train that takes you through the scenic countryside to Kanazawa. In arrival, head to the Higashi Chaya district, one of the country’s best preserved geisha quarters. Take part in a Gold Leaf experience before visiting a samurai residence to learn about life as a samurai.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Travel to Takayama
Start the day in the tranquil Kenroku-en garden and the Ohi Museum. Leaving Kanazawa behind, head to Takayama, a town in the foothills of the Japanese Alps. This afternoon, visit both the Kusakabe Folk Museum and the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall before taking a stroll through Kami-sannomachi, the old town.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: On to Yudanaka
Spend some time this morning exploring the market, one of Japan’s oldest. Then, visit the Takayama Jinya and the Hida Folk Village where you can admire the traditional rural architecture. Then, travel by road to Yudanaka, where you’ll stay in a ryokan (a traditional inn) ad enjoy a kaiseki dinner.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: Snow Monkeys
Today you may get the chance to see the snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs as you wander through Jigokudani Monkey Park. Then, visit Zenko-ji, an age-old Buddhist temple before transferring to Tokyo
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Discover Tokyo
Today, you’ll experience both modern and historical Tokyo. Start at Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, before heading along Nakamise Shopping Street. From here, make your way up the Tokyo Skytree to admire the 360° views of the city. Enjoy a sushi making class and have your creations for lunch before visiting the Imperial Palace, the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Takeshita Street. Finish the day of exploration with a photo stop at Shibuya Crossing.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10: Embark the Sapphire Princess
Transfer to Tokyo’s cruise port to board the Sapphire Princess. Enjoy the rest of the day to settle into your cabin.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11: Cruise – Nagoya*
The ship arrives in the port of Nagoya where you can discover the magnificent castle as well as a selection of fascinating museums and gardens
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 12: Cruise – Osaka*
Today’s port of call is Osaka, Japan’s 2nd largest city. Explore Osaka itself or perhaps head back to nearby Kyoto to discover more of its cultural and culinary delights.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 13: Cruise – Kochi*
Enjoy a day to relax in Kochi, perhaps heading to its UNESCO Geopark beach or wandering through the outdoor spaces.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 14: Cruise – Hiroshima*
Arrive in Hiroshima, where you might to visit the Peace Park to learn about the city’s history and reflect on the past.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 15: Cruise – At Sea
Enjoy a day onboard the Sapphire Princess as it sails through the Kanmon Straits, which separates the islands of Honshu and Kyushu.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 16: Cruise – Busan, South Korea*
Today you’ll arrive in the city of Busan for a quick taste of South Korea.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 17: Cruise – Nagasaki*
Arriving back in Japan, today’s port of call is Nagasaki, which offers unspoilt beaches, European-style architecture and ancient history.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 18: Cruise – Kagoshima*
The ship sails to the southern tip of Kyushu, stopping in the city of Kagoshima which sits opposite the Sakurajima volcano. Explore its rich history and delicious food.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 19: Cruise – At Sea
Enjoy another day to make the most of the ship’s facilities as you sail along the south coast of Honshu
Day 20: Cruise – Mount Fuji*
Port at Shimizu where you can explore a city of medieval castle ruins and gardens. Here, you’re also ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji and exploring the fascinating sites around its base.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 21: Arrive back in Tokyo
Disembark your cruise ship today, meeting a guided for your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure before re-grouping for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 22: Fly Tokyo to UK
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving back the same or following day.
Breakfast
*Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation
Sushi Making
Supervised by a chef, learn the basics of creating sushi, before sitting down to enjoy the results
Dinner with a Maiko
Get a rare glimpse into geisha culture as you sit down to a traditional Kyoto-style meal in the company of a maiko (apprentice geisha).
Ride Japan’s Bullet Trains
Experience a trip on one of Japan’s world-renowned bullet trains, travelling up to 320 kilometres an hour
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 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.
Please call us free on 0800 707 6229 for pricing and availability
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