Japan Cruise
Port Information Quick Links
The 2 Days at Sea are distributed at various times through out this voyage and are not listed above.
Day 1 – Tokyo, Japan – Wed Jun 14th – Depart 4:00pm
Overview
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.
Imperial Palace Park Plaza
The residence of Japan’s Imperial Family boasts a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo.
Meiji Shrine
Dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, the father of modern Japan, the Meiji Shrine stands in a dense forest glade at the very heart of Tokyo. Its setting symbolizes the separation of the spiritual from the worldly.
Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon)
Sensoji was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy in the early 7th century. Today, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple.
Tokyo Tower
Taller than the Eiffel Tower by approximately 30 feet, Tokyo Tower is in the record books as the Japan’s second highest self-supporting iron structure at 1,092 feet.
Great Buddha of Kamakura (Diabutsu)
This monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha is located at the Kôtoku-in Temple in Kamakura. According to temple records, it probably dates back to 1252 in the Kamakura period.
Hakone Ropeway-Owakudani-Lake Ashi
Japan’s famed Hakone National Park, a ropeway journey that promises such spectacular views as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ashi and the volcanic fumes of Owakudani.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 12,389 feet, and one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains.” Its exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan.
Day 2 – Toba, Japan – Thu Jun 15th – Arrive 7:00am Depart 4:00pm
Overview
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.
Ise shrine
Yokoyama Observatory
Mikimoto Pearl Island
Shima Spain Village
Okage Yokocho
Ise Shima Skyline
Toba Sea Folk Museum
Toba Aquarium
Day 3 – Kochi, Japan – Fri Jun 16th – Arrive 8:00am Depart 4:00pm
Overview
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.
Kochi Castle Museum of History
Kochi’s new tourist spot is opened in 2017. This museum has approximately 67,000 items including a national treasure and the important cultural property.
Kochi Castle
Originally constructed in 1603 and rebuilt in 1753 after a fire, it is one of 12 Japanese castles to survive the post-feudal age and a classic example of Edo period architecture.
Katsurahama Beach
One of Kochi’s most popular spots, this scenic beach, known as a good place to “moon view,” is home to a number of attractions, including a famous statue of Kochi’s favorite son, Sakamoto Ryoma.
Kochi Municipal Ryoma’s Memorial Museum
Located in Kamimachi where Sakamoto Ryoma, a 19th century political reformer, was born, this museum houses exhibits and dioramas celebrating the town and the history of the Sakamoto family.
Mikurodo Cave
It is believed that the 8th century Buddhist monk Kobo-Daishi attained spiritual enlightenment in this cave. So moved by the views of the sky, “Ku,” and the sea, “Kai,” he renamed himself Ku-Kai.
Murotomisaki Cape Observatory
At this site, one of eight “fine views” in Japan, coastal plants blanket the area, anchored by a lighthouse, the largest in Japan. From this picturesque vantage point, enjoy nature trails and photo opportunities.
Kazurabashi Bridge & Oboke Gorge
Take a thrilling walk across a suspension bridge of woven vines that spans across the valley 45 feet above the river below. Then, explore the Oboke gorges by boat excursion.
Ryugado Cave
One of the most celebrated limestone caves in Japan, this designated Natural Treasure was once home to early man and is punctuated by 20 waterfalls and the ruins of a primitive pit house.
Day 4 – Kagoshima, Japan – Sat Jun 17th – Arrive 8:00am Depart 6:00pm
Overview
From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai.The symbol of Kagoshima is Sakura Jima – the volcanic island that sits just offshore. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history.
Chiran Samurai Houses
During Japan’s Feudal Era, Chiran was a stronghold of the Shimazu samurai. Stroll down a street lined with well-preserved samurai houses and their gardens.
Ibusuki
The Satsuma Peninsula’s foremost resort is famed for its unique sand bath. Geothermal springs heat the sand to approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sakura Jima
Mt. Sakura Jima rises over 3,000 feet above the waters of Kagoshima Bay. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history and is still mildly active today.
Lake Ikeda
The largest lake on Kyushu is actually a caldera, a collapsed volcano. The lake serves as a stunning frame for Mt. Kaimon, a volcano that recalls Mt. Fuji in shape.
Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots
Chiran Air Base was home to Japan’s Kamikaze squadrons. Tour the Tokko Heiwa Kaikan with its comprehensive collection of aircraft, models, mementoes and photographs of the Special Attack Corps.
Senganen (Iso Garden)
The superb 17th-century garden offers views of Sakura Jima. Many historic relics remain in the garden and villa. The garden overlooks magnificent Mt. Sakurajima and Kinko Bay. The Shoko Shuseikan Museum is also located in the Iso Garden.
Kirishima Onsen
One of the most unique onsen in Japan features a large, extravagantly landscaped pool in a covered hall. Smaller pools surround the main onsen, while a fountain sends a spray of water skyward.
Ishin Furusato-kan Museum
The museum chronicles “Meiji Ishin,” the dramatic revolution that led to the end of the Samurai feudal regime and started the modern and industrialized era under imperial rule by Samurai themselves. A lot of historical articles are displayed to understand this history deeply.
Day 5 – Yatsushiro, Japan – Sun Jun 18th – Arrive 7:00am Depart 4:00pm
Overview
Yatsushiro city was developed around a beautiful Shinto shrine, built during the Heian era (794–1185). Situated along the delta of the Kuma River, facing Yatsushiro Bay, this castle town and its ruins still showcase the spirit of the city. A visit to the ruins of Yatsushiro Castle (now part of a Shinto shrine) is a good place to begin your day. Another fun and scenic landmark is the flight of 777 stairs cut into the nearby mountains. Visitors are rewarded with panoramic views from the top – there are benches to rest on along the way! Yatsushiro is famous for its 16th century pottery designed with a distinctive blue-gray crackled glaze with white inlay. Craft enthusiast and collectors can visit three Kodayaki kilns in the area. Shopping enthusiasts will also enjoy the honmachi, a covered arcade that runs the length of several city blocks, and adventurous foodies can partake in some of the city’s most exotic local fare, including Basashi, raw horse meat served with soy and garlic, a delicacy of the area. For those with a more traditional palate, the light green Rush ice cream is a treat, as is the banpeiyu fruit, the largest citrus fruit in Japan which is in season from December to January.
Kumamoto Castle
Yatsushiro Shrine
Mt. Aso
Suizenji Garden
Kuma Shochu Spirit Museum
Hitoyoshi
Matsushima & Amakusa Islands
Ebino-kogen Plateau
Day 6 – Busan, South Korea – Mon Jun 19th – Arrive 8:00am Depart 5:00pm
Overview
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.
Beomeosa Temple
Beomeosa Temple dates back to 678 A.D., and is one of ten HwaEom temples in Korea. HwaEom acceptance is to pursue life full of happiness and generosity. Beomeosa boasts a graceful 9th-century, three-stone pagoda, and a colorful main temple hall, which was built in 1614.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
One of the most beautiful temples in Busan, it is unusually located along the coast. Tied to the legend of a great sea goddess, the grounds boast a dramatic rocky backdrop.
Ja-Gal-Ch’i Fish Market
This bustling market was established by women peddlers during the Korean War, and has become known as ‘Aunt’s Market.’ Traders sell amazing displays of seafood, shellfish and exotic seaweeds.
UN Memorial Cemetery
The cemetery was established by the United Nations in 1951, and covers 35 quiet acres. Visitors can walk through rows of neat stone markers, and view the stone Monument of Dongnae, built in 1670.
Gyeong-Ju: Bulguksa Temple & Tumuli Park
Korea’s ancient capital holds the royal tombs of the Silla Dynasty in serene Tumuli Park, and is revered for Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Buddhist shrine built in the 7th century.
Tongdosa Temple
Often called “the temple without a Buddha,” the peaceful Tongdosa Temple stands just north of Busan. Built in the 7th century, this significant site holds many historical Buddhist relics from China.
Bokcheon Museum and Tombs
Bokcheon Museum has fascinating collection of the Three Kingdom period that spanned from the 1st century B.C. to the 6th century A.D. as well as tombs outside.
Day 7 – Kanmon Straits, Japan – Tue Jun 20th – Arrive 8:00am Depart 10:00am
Overview
The Kanmon Straits, also known as the Straits of Shimonoseki, is a narrow body of water in Japan. The strait separates Honshu, the main island, from Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s major islands.
Day 7 – Kanmon Straits, Japan – Tue Jun 20th – Arrive 8:00am Depart 10:00am
Overview
The Kanmon Straits, also known as the Straits of Shimonoseki, is a narrow body of water in Japan. The strait separates Honshu, the main island, from Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s major islands.
Day 8 – Hiroshima, Japan – Wed Jun 21st – Arrive 7:00am Depart 9:00pm
Overview
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.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Located on the site of the first atomic bomb explosion of WWII is a park dedicated to world peace. The museum is a memorial for the victims and remains of a dome serves as a reminder of the devastation.
Itsukushima Shrine
A popular postcard image, this stunning red entrance gate or “Torii” over the water welcomes visitors to its beautiful shrine on a pier located on an island known as Miyajima.
Hiroshima Castle
Destroyed in the atomic bombing of WWII, this 16th-century castle was rebuilt in 1958. The original castle has been designated a National Treasure. Explore the museum on pre-war Hiroshima.
Shukkeien Garden
Created in 1620 for a feudal daimyo, this garden of miniature landscapes features forests, valleys and mountains. Stroll the pathways by trickling streams and serene ponds to its tea houses.
Atomic Bomb Dome
The skeleton of a dome from built in 1915 still stands memorializing the A-bomb drop at its epicenter. Amongst otherwise complete destruction, part of a wall and its dome’s steel frame remained, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bullet Train
Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train offers high-speed railway service, reaching speeds up to 186 mph and used by millions of people, linking most of the major cities on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu.
Kintai Bridge & Kikko Park
Kintai is one of Japan’s three great bridges; the wooden structure measures over 700 feet in length. Cross the bridge to reach Kikko Park which was the former home of Daimyo Kikkawa and today is home to the reconstructed Iwakuni Castle.
Yamato Museum
The facinating history of the Yamato, one of the largest battleships ever built, is illustrated in this museum where you can also see an authentic Zero fighter and a Kairyu submarine whose suicide mission was to plow into enemy ships.
Day 10 – Osaka (for Kyoto), Japan – Fri Jun 23rd – Arrive 7:00am Depart 11:00pm
Overview
For centuries, Osaka was Japan’s cultural and commercial gateway to Asia – the point of entry both for trade goods and, most importantly, cultural influences that shaped Japanese society. From tea to Zen, from art to science and philosophy, Osaka was Japan’s contact with the great East Asian cultures that flourished in China and Korea. The city reached its zenith in the late 16th century, when the great feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi made Osaka his capital. Toyotomi was master of Japan, and an immense administrative and commercial center rapidly developed around Osaka Castle. After Toyotomi’s death, the nation’s seat of power shifted from Osaka to a sleepy little fishing village called Edo – modern Tokyo. While overshadowed by Tokyo, Osaka remains Japan’s second largest city and a vital commercial center.Modern Osaka is home to monuments from Japan’s past including Toyotomi’s immense castle and the Sumiyoshi Shrine. The city is also your gateway to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital and the nation’s cultural and spiritual center.
Kiyomizu Temple
Founded in 778, the temple is one of the most celebrated in Japan and renowned for its great veranda, supported by hundreds of pillars, which sticks out over the hillside, looking over Kyoto.
Kinkakuji: Golden Pavilion
Set in a magnificent strolling garden, the pavilion extends over a reflecting pond and the top two floors are completely covered in gleaming gold leaf.
Nijo Castle
Built by Tokugawa’s first shogun, the majestic 410-year-old castle is the site of two lavish palaces.
Todai-Ji Temple
Dating back to 745, records show that more than 2,600,000 people helped build the world’s largest wooden building and the world’s largest bronze Buddha that rests inside the Great Hall.
Osaka Castle
One of Japan’s most famous castles, the grounds cover 400 acres and contain 5 structures. The Castle’s garden is famous for its 600 cherry trees and the site of an annual cheer blossom festival.
Fushimi-Inari Shrine
One of Kyoto’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, it holds all of Japan’s 40,000 shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, sake and prosperity.
Ryoanji Temple
Originally built as an aristocrat’s villa and converted into a Zen temple in 1450, the temple is noted for its beautiful Zen rock garden, exquisite grounds, and teahouses.
Shorenin
Also known as the Awata Palace, Kyoto’s 800-year-old Buddhist temple offers a contemplative escape from the everyday. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around its gardens or admire the many charming sights tucked inside.
Day 12 – Tokyo, Japan – Sun Jun 25th – Arrive 6:00am
Overview
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.
Imperial Palace Park Plaza
The residence of Japan’s Imperial Family boasts a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo.
Meiji Shrine
Dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, the father of modern Japan, the Meiji Shrine stands in a dense forest glade at the very heart of Tokyo. Its setting symbolizes the separation of the spiritual from the worldly.
Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon)
Sensoji was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy in the early 7th century. Today, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple.
Tokyo Tower
Taller than the Eiffel Tower by approximately 30 feet, Tokyo Tower is in the record books as the Japan’s second highest self-supporting iron structure at 1,092 feet.
Great Buddha of Kamakura (Diabutsu)
This monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha is located at the Kôtoku-in Temple in Kamakura. According to temple records, it probably dates back to 1252 in the Kamakura period.
Hakone Ropeway-Owakudani-Lake Ashi
Japan’s famed Hakone National Park, a ropeway journey that promises such spectacular views as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ashi and the volcanic fumes of Owakudani.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 12,389 feet, and one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains.” Its exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan.
11 Day – Japan Explorer Cruise + 3 Day Pre-Cruise Tokyo Time
Cruise Dates: June 14 – June 25, 2028
Princess Cruises – Sapphire Princes
Plorts of Call: Tokyo, Japan | Toba, Japan | Kochi, Japan | Kagoshima, Japan | Yatsushiro, Japan | Busan, South Korea | Kanmon Straits, Japan | Hiroshima, Japan | Osaka (Kyoto), Japan | Tokyo, Japan, plus 2 Sea Days and 1 Scenic Crossing
Prices start at $4640 * for a balcony cabin – Includes beverage package, free WiFi, gratuities, port fees, taxes and insurance
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