Unveil the beauty of Japan and South Korea by cruise

Itinerary

1. Days

   1-2

   Fly from London to Tokyo, Japan

   Tokyo, Japan

   Fly from London to Tokyo. Upon arrival, transfer to your four-star hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the sights of the city. Tokyo is the largest city on earth and packed with some of the world's best shops, museums and restaurants. While the bright neon lights and the bustle of contemporary Tokyo may be what comes to mind when you think of the city, there is another side.

2. Day

   3

   Embark Noordam in Yokohama, Japan

   Yokohama, Japan

   After breakfast, transfer to the port of Yokohama and board Noordam for your 14-night cruise. Yokohama is one of Japan's liveliest and most international destinations. With its microbreweries and international restaurants, Yokohama has a decidedly different feel from many other Japanese cities.

3. Day

   4

   Day at sea

   At Sea, Japan

   During your time at sea, you'll have plenty to keep you occupied including five entertainment venues, three complimentary restaurants, ten bars and lounges and six relaxation and fitness venues.

4. Day

   5

   Kobe, Japan

   Kobe, Japan

   Kobe is well known around the world for its expensive marbled, melt-in-the-mouth cuts of meat. Like everything else in town, Kobe beef is all in the details. Among the Japanese, Kobe is considered exotic: "If you can't go to Paris, go to Kobe." And it does make a nice break from Osaka's relentless pace. Order a steak, find a window booth and watch the details.

5. Day

   6

   Kochi, Japan

   Kochi, Japan

   Your next stop is Kochi, a gem on the Pacific Ocean. One of the city's main attractions is Kochi Castle, one of the few castles in Japan to have maintained its original wooden structure. This 17th-century castle sits high on a hilltop where it was once the seat of the Yamauchi lords. You'll explore this historic site and enjoy panoramic views of the city, before dining on authentic sushi at the nearby Hirome Market.

6. Day

   7

   Kagoshima, Japan

   Kagoshima, Japan

   Kagoshima's food scene provides opportunities to experience the area's rich culinary culture and features dishes using locally caught fish and regional specialties, like satsuma a'ge (deep-fried fish cake) and shōchū, a traditional beverage. Although the city was officially founded in 1889, it has an even longer history that is reflected in the 17th-century gardens of Sengan-en. Other popular attractions include the City Aquarium, the Museum of the Meiji Restoration and the City Museum of Art. From Kagoshima, take the ferry to Sakurajima and hike on the 100-year-old lava flow that is now a grassy peninsula.

7. Day

   8

   Fukuoka, Japan

   Fukuoka, Japan

   This contemporary city has a lively, modern atmosphere, an array of impressive architecture and a number of cultural attractions and museums such as the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum. Modern developments like Canal City lend the city space a futuristic air, as does the striking 234m (768-foot) Fukuoka Tower, which is covered in mirrored glass and has an observation deck. On the historical side, sites like the Kushida Shrine and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle offer traditional and cultural insights.

8. Day

   9

   Sokcho, South Korea

   Sokcho, South Korea

   Dock at Daepo Harbour and make your way through a maze of eateries and street vendors clustered around the cruise port. Visit Sokcho Central Market, a lively, traditional marketplace for an authentic taste of life in Sokcho. Dramatic scenery surrounds the city. Seoraksan National Park's serene forests, jagged granite peaks and crystal-clear streams are only 30 minutes by bus from the cruise terminal. Amble an easy trail or embark on a strenuous three-hour trek to the Geum-gang-gul cave temple. If you want a more relaxing experience, take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Seoraksan to admire endless views of cliffs and coastlines.

9. Day

   10

   Day at sea

   Sea of Japan (East Sea), Japan

   During your time at sea, you'll have plenty to keep you occupied including five entertainment venues, three complimentary restaurants, ten bars and lounges and six relaxation and fitness venues.

10. Day

    11

    Kanazawa, Japan

    Kanazawa, Japan

    Located on the shores of the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is a bustling hub and its historic buildings provide a glimpse of old Japan. Of the three teahouse (chaya, in Japanese) neighbourhoods, the most famous is the charming Higashi Chaya District. Contemporary Kanazawa has its attractions, too. Sophisticated restaurants serve delicious Kaga cuisine, which highlights the bounty of the sea. Shops sell Kaga-nui pottery, Kutani porcelain and other handicrafts. Major sights include Kenrokuen, a 17th-century garden that is a high point of landscape design in Japan, and Kanazawa Castle and its park. Nearby, there are hot springs to bathe in and the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps, Hakusan National Park and Noto Peninsula National Park.

11. Day

    12

    Sakata, Japan

    Sakata, Japan

    Sakata is known for its sublime natural scenery and historical sites. A fantastic seafood market is also a quick stroll from the port if you're still hungry. Encounter several styles of traditional Japanese architecture from the 1700s at the Homma Historical Residence. Another place to explore old Japan is the Sankyo Soko Storehouse, a rice warehouse with 12 attractive storehouses dating back to 1893. Watch daily dance performances at Sōmarō, a Maiko tea house and visit Japan's first museum of photography - the Ken Domon Museum.

12. Day

    13

    Hakodate, Japan

    Hakodate, Japan

    If Japan ever had a wild west, it was Hokkaido. Hokkaido is the only spot among Japan's primary islands where a non-Japanese culture manages to survive relatively intact. Get a taste of that unique culture in Hakodate, the capital city of this northern island.

13. Day

    14

    Aomori, Japan

    Aomori, Japan

    Most Japanese used to think of Aomori merely as the place you caught the ferry to when you were going to Hokkaido. The city was flattened in World War II, so there isn't much history left to see. Its setting on the edge of Mutsu Bay means you will often be surprised by lovely water views through the buildings.

14. Day

    15

    Miyako, Japan

    Miyako, Iwate, Japan

    Set against a ruggedly beautiful coastline, Miyako is home to Jodogahama Beach, a picturesque pebble beach with rock outcroppings. Go for a swim, then stop at Miyako Fish Market for a tasty lunch.

15. Day

    16

    Day at sea

    At Sea, Japan

    During your time at sea, you'll have plenty to keep you occupied including five entertainment venues, three complimentary restaurants, ten bars and lounges and six relaxation and fitness venues.

16. Day

    17

    Disembark and departure

    Tokyo, Japan

    Disembark Noordam in Yokohama and transfer to Tokyo airport for your return flight to London.