Japan is a land of stark contrasts; tranquil sanctuaries of unrivalled beauty dot the outlines of cities filled with neon lights and towering skyscrapers that overlook remarkably stunning temples. This 16-night fly, stay & cruise package is the ultimate way to explore the “Land of the rising Sun”.
Your adventure begins with 3 nights in Japan’s bustling and energetic capital city of Tokyo. Enjoy a stroll around the spectacular Meiji Shrine and be dazzled by the colourful Harajuku district and traditional kimonos. See the city’s incredible sprawl from Tokyo Tower, indulge in true Japanese delicacies or visit the largest fish market on earth at Tsukiji. Your Tokyo adventure also includes a Mt Fuji & Hakone National Park full day tour including a cruise across Lake Ashi.
Next, it is time to board the stunning Diamond Princess for thirteen captivating nights, taking in centuries old culture, layered Edo temples and super-fresh sashimi. As well as a stop at the beautiful South Korean city of Busan, you’ll also visit history-tinged Nagasaki, now a flourishing UNESCO World Heritage site, the turquoise waters of Okinawa, Ishigaki and the Taiwanese capital of Taipei. Apart from the stunning destinations you will visit, you can also be treated to the many onboard perks including spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, a putting course and an endless array of dining choices from fine dining to room service.
Upgrades are available upon request at an additional cost. Ask one of our Travel Experts when enquiring for more information.
Depart Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane for Tokyo. On arrival you'll be met by private transfer and taken to your hotel in Shinjuku.
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.
Bonus Mt Fuji & Hakone National Park Full day tour included - Journey to Japan's highest peak for a day soaking in the natural beauty of Mt Fuji and Hakone NP. Travel in comfort from Tokyo by coach to reach elevated viewpoints, cruise across Lake Ashi and ride a cable car to the summit of Mt Komagatake to see an ancient shrine
Morning at leisure - this afternoon board the stunning Diamond Princess for 13 amazing days at sea exploring Japan and the Southern Islands
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.
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.
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." Visit the Meiji Shrine, Great Buddah of Kamakura, Tokyo Tower or the Imperial Palace
The largest island in the Ryukyu Archipelago and the birthplace of karate, Okinawa has been a center of trade and a source for conflict through its history. The island has been an independent kingdom, the feudal possession of a Japanese daimyo and a prefecture of Japan following the Meiji Restoration of 1866. Okinawa was the scene of bitter fighting during the closing days of World War II. Over 100,000 civilians perished and the island was left in ruins.
The balmy, subtropical climate draws countless visitors to its sandy shores, but Ishigaki offers much more than your typical island getaway. It is the cultural, political and economic center of the Yaeyama Islands, originally founded in 1908 as Yaeyama Village and becoming Ishigaki Town in 1926.
Be sure to check out Kabira Bay, Tamatorizaki Observatory and the Tojin Tomb
Taipei is Taiwan's capital city and one of the world's most important commercial centers. Despite its turbulent history, Taiwan today boasts an economy that is the envy of the world. Modern Taiwan is a world leader in the production of bicycles, computer chips, plastics, chemicals and computer notebooks. Taipei is a sophisticated modern metropolis that has not forgotten its rich traditional past.
Don't miss the Confucius Temple, Taipei 101 and the Yang Ming Shan National Park/Yehliu/Hot Springs
Upon disembarkation this morning transfer to the airport for your returning flight back to Australia this afternoon