14-Day Circle Japan
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Ports of Call & Itinerary
14-night voyage departing Tokyo.
Printable Itinerary (PDF)Route Map
14-Day Circle Japan
12 ports plotted · click a marker for details
Day 1
Tokyo , Japan
Sunday, 26/09/2027
Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.
Day 2
Shimizu , Japan
Monday, 27/09/2027
The salt and pepper cone of Japan's most famous natural landmark won’t fail to take your breath away, as it soars into the sky in a vision of spectacular symmetry. Make sure your camera is fully prepared before you dock in Shimizu’s port, where unparalleled views of the extraordinary Mount Fuji’s dramatic peak await. Take your time to soak up one of Japan's most iconic views, before dipping your toes into the rest of what this destination of tranquil temples has to offer. While there’s a bustling fish market, and a charming amusement park waiting close to the port, most new arrivals immediately set off in pursuit of the best views of Mount Fuji, or to see the stunning panorama on offer from the heights of the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Take the cable car up to the top, to experience the tranquillity around the forested shrine, and to enjoy its stunning architecture of deep scarlets and gleaming golds. You can also enjoy heart-stopping views out over the Bay of Suruga, and the tea plantations below.
Day 3
Osaka , Japan
Tuesday, 28/09/2027
From Minami's neon-lighted Dotombori and historic Tenno-ji to the high-rise class and underground shopping labyrinths of Kita, Osaka is a city that pulses with its own unique rhythm. Though Osaka has no shortage of tourist sites, it is the city itself that is the greatest attraction. Home to some of Japan's best food, most unique fashions, and warmest locals, Osaka does not beg to be explored—it demands it. More than anywhere else in Japan, it rewards the impulsive turn down an interesting side street or the chat with a random stranger. People do not come here to see the city, they come to experience it.Excluded from the formal circles of power and aristocratic culture in 16th-century Edo (Tokyo), Osaka took advantage of its position as Japan's trading center, developing its own art forms such as Bunraku puppet theater and Rakugo comic storytelling. It was in Osaka that feudal Japan's famed Floating World—the dining, theater, and pleasure district—was at its strongest and most inventive. Wealthy merchants and common laborers alike squandered fortunes on culinary delights, turning Osaka into "Japan's Kitchen," a moniker the city still has today. Though the city suffered a blow when the Meiji government canceled all of the samurai class's outstanding debts to the merchants, it was quick to recover. At the turn of the 20th century, it had become Japan's largest and most prosperous city, a center of commerce and manufacturing.Today Osaka remains Japan's iconoclastic metropolis, refusing to fit Tokyo's norms and expectations. Unlike the hordes of Tokyo, Osakans are fiercely independent. As a contrast to the neon and concrete surroundings, the people of Osaka are known as Japan's friendliest and most outgoing. Ask someone on the street for directions in Tokyo and you are lucky to get so much as a glance. Ask someone in Osaka and you get a conversation.The main areas of the city, Kita (north) and Minami (south), are divided by two rivers: the Dojima-gawa and the Tosabori-gawa. Between Kita and Minami is Naka-no-shima, an island and the municipal center of Osaka. Kita (north of Chuo Dori) is Osaka's economic hub and contains Osaka's largest stations: JR Osaka and Hankyu Umeda. The area is crammed with shops, department stores, and restaurants. Nearby are a nightlife district, Kita-shinchi; Naka-no-shima and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics; Osaka-jo (Osaka Castle); and Osaka Koen (Osaka Park). Restaurants, bars, department stores, and boutiques attract Osaka's youth to Minami (south Chuo Dori); theatergoers head to the National Bunraku Theatre and electronics-lovers to Den Den Town. For a glimpse of old Osaka, visit Tenno-ji Temple and Shin Sekai. The main stations are Namba, Shin-sai-bashi, Namba Nankai, and Tenno-ji. There's easy access to the Municipal Museum of Fine Art and Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine).The bay area, to the west of the city center, is home to the Osaka Aquarium and Universal Studios Japan. The Shinkansen stops at Shin-Osaka, three stops (about five minutes) north of Osaka Station on the Mido-suji subway line. To the north of Shin-Osaka is Senri Expo Park.
Day 5
Hiroshima , Japan
Thursday, 30/09/2027
History buffs will want to write home Hiroshima. Despite being devastated in 1945, this Japanese city is known to all for its commitment peace – its ruin on the 6th August 1945 led to the end of the war and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) , is a constant reminder of the destruction that war brings. A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace Memorial Park brings quiet contemplation. The Flames of Peace – set in the park’s central feature pond – burn brightly and will continue to do so until all the nuclear bombs I the world have been destroyed. There are many other inspiring messages of hope around the city too; the Children’s’ Peace Monument just north of the park is a homage to little Sadako Sasaki, who was just two in 1945. When she developed leukemia in 1956, she believed that if she folded 1,000 paper cranes – a symbol of longevity and happiness in Japan – she would recover. Sadly she died before she finished her task but her classmates finished the rest. It is impossible to ignore the events of 1945 in Hiroshima, but this is far from a depressing place. The great efforts that have been made in rebuilding of the city over the years have given Hiroshima a vibrant, eclectic edge, with the downtown shopping area and street food stalls being well worth a visit. The proximity to Miyajima and its iconic, impressive, Torii gate should not be overlooked either. If you are lucky enough to visit during the unpredictable and short-lived Sakura (cherry blossom) season, then the extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom floating across the water to the red gate, means you can consider yourself one of the luckiest people on the planet.
Day 6
Scenic Cruising
Friday, 01/10/2027
Day 7
Busan , South Korea
Saturday, 02/10/2027
White-sand city beaches and hot-spring resorts may not be everyone's first image of Korea, but these are what Koreans flock to Busan for all year. And there are plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation, retail therapy, and even a touch of glamour every October with the Busan International Film Festival. Busan's beaches are the big summertime draw but there is plenty to be seen year round. Quintessential experiences include taking some rest and relaxation at a local spa and exploring the Beomeosa temple complex.
Day 8
Sakaiminato , Japan
Sunday, 03/10/2027
Sakaiminato is a small city almost totally surrounded by water: the Sea of Japan to the east, the Sakai Channel to the north and Lake Nakaumi to the west. Across the lake the towns of Matsue and Yasugi offer interesting experiences. Matsue is known as the “Town of Water” next to scenic Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi. It has one of the very few wooden castles that still remain in Japan. Touring the castle and boat rides on the Horikawa River and the castle’s moat are popular. Yasugi has the Adachi Museum of Art, a private museum that houses one of the finest collections of contemporary Japanese paintings, but also has a 165,000 square metres garden –with plants and rocks collected by the museum’s founder. Six different gardens show different scenarios depending on the season. These gardens have been selected as “Japan’s best garden” for several years.
Day 9
Scenic Cruising
Monday, 04/10/2027
Day 9
Maizuru , Japan
Monday, 04/10/2027
Maizuru port is considered as the gateway to the Japanese most popular historic city, Kyoto. Why don’t you relax on the coach to save your energy for your exciting day in Kyoto? Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan in the 8th century, and it was the centre for politics, economy and culture for more than 1,000 years. After capital functions were transferred to Tokyo in the middle of 19th century, luckily Kyoto did not lose its lustre. As soon as you step into the city, you will see how hard the local people tried to keep the atmosphere of the heyday. Nowadays, Kyoto is not the centre of attention within Japan anymore; nonetheless it is indeed the centre of tourism industry. There are seventeen historic sites such as Nijo castle and Kinkakuji temple which were designated a World Heritage Site. There are also numerous sites which can be seen from your coach, so please keep your eyes wide open while you are in Kyoto!
Day 10
Kanazawa , Japan
Tuesday, 05/10/2027
The capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa once rivalled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) as a town rich in cultural achievements. Kanazawa escaped destruction during World War II and accordingly has been able to preserve many of the old districts in good shape. The city is famous because of Kenrokuen. Located next to Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen is classified as “One of the Three Gardens of Japan”. The garden has an artificial pond, and hills and houses are dotted within the 11.4 hectares. It has Japan’s oldest fountain using natural water pressure and a tea-house dating back to 1774. Close by is the Higashi Chaya Gai Geisha District, designated a National Cultural Asset and the biggest of the Geisha districts of Kanazawa. Some of the houses not only retain the original structure, but still are used as Geisha houses. Some of the streets have traditional shops creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Kanazawa is also known for its lacquer ware, Kutani-style pottery, gold-leaf workmanship and delicately painted silk kimonos.
Day 12
Hakodate , Japan
Thursday, 07/10/2027
Facing out on two bays, Hakodate is a 19th-century port town, with clapboard buildings on sloping streets, a dockside tourist zone, streetcars, and fresh fish on every menu. In the downtown historic quarter, a mountain rises 1,100 feet above the city on the southern point of the narrow peninsula. Russians, Americans, Chinese, and Europeans have all left their mark; this was one of the first three Japanese ports the Meiji government opened up to international trade in 1859. The main sights around the foot of Mt. Hakodate can be done in a day, but the city is best appreciated with an overnight stay for the illumination in the historic area, the night views from either the mountain or the fort tower, and the fish market at dawn. City transport is easy to navigate and English information is readily available. Evening departure trains from Tokyo arrive here at dawn—perfect for fish-market breakfasts.
Day 13
Miyako, Iwate , Japan
Friday, 08/10/2027
Day 14
Hitachinaka , Japan
Saturday, 09/10/2027
Day 15
Tokyo , Japan
Sunday, 10/10/2027
Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.
Room Type & Prices
All prices per person based on double occupancy. Solo traveller prices — single occupancy. Contact our cruise experts for the latest availability and best fares.
Inside
143–225 sqft · Up to 2 guests
Large Inside
222–231 sqft · Up to 2 guests
Fully Obstructed View
175–182 sqft · Up to 2 guests
Partial View Sea
175–282 sqft · Up to 2 guests
Ocean View Stateroom
174–180 sqft · Up to 2 guests
Verandah
212–359 sqft · Up to 2 guests
Signature Suite
393–400 sqft · Up to 3 guests
Neptune Suite
465–502 sqft · Up to 2 guests
Inside
| Cabin | Grade | Per Person | Avail. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inside · 143–225 sqft | N Interior Stateroom (N) | Enquire → | ||
| MM Interior Stateroom (MM) | Enquire → | |||
| M Interior Stateroom (M) | Enquire → | |||
| L Interior Stateroom (L) | Enquire → | |||
| Large Inside · 222–231 sqft | K Large Interior Stateroom (K) | Enquire → | ||
| J Large Interior Stateroom (J) | Enquire → | |||
| I Large Interior Stateroom (I) | Enquire → |
Inside · 143–225 sqft
N Interior Stateroom (N)
Inside · 143–225 sqft
MM Interior Stateroom (MM)
Inside · 143–225 sqft
M Interior Stateroom (M)
Inside · 143–225 sqft
L Interior Stateroom (L)
Large Inside · 222–231 sqft
K Large Interior Stateroom (K)
Large Inside · 222–231 sqft
J Large Interior Stateroom (J)
Large Inside · 222–231 sqft
I Large Interior Stateroom (I)
Oceanview
| Cabin | Grade | Per Person | Avail. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Obstructed View · 175–182 sqft | HH Ocean View Stateroom (Obstructed) (HH) | Enquire → | ||
| H Ocean View Stateroom (Obstructed) (H) | Enquire → | |||
| Partial View Sea · 175–282 sqft | G Ocean View Stateroom (May be Partial View) | Enquire → | ||
| Ocean View Stateroom · 174–180 sqft | F Ocean View Stateroom (F) | Enquire → | ||
| E Ocean View Stateroom (E) | Enquire → | |||
| DD Ocean View Stateroom (DD) | Enquire → | |||
| D Ocean View Stateroom (D) | Enquire → | |||
| C Ocean View Stateroom (C) | Enquire → |
Fully Obstructed View · 175–182 sqft
HH Ocean View Stateroom (Obstructed) (HH)
Fully Obstructed View · 175–182 sqft
H Ocean View Stateroom (Obstructed) (H)
Partial View Sea · 175–282 sqft
G Ocean View Stateroom (May be Partial View)
Ocean View Stateroom · 174–180 sqft
F Ocean View Stateroom (F)
Ocean View Stateroom · 174–180 sqft
E Ocean View Stateroom (E)
Ocean View Stateroom · 174–180 sqft
DD Ocean View Stateroom (DD)
Ocean View Stateroom · 174–180 sqft
D Ocean View Stateroom (D)
Ocean View Stateroom · 174–180 sqft
C Ocean View Stateroom (C)
Balcony
| Cabin | Grade | Per Person | Avail. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verandah · 212–359 sqft | VH Verandah Stateroom (VH) | Enquire → | ||
| VF Verandah Stateroom (VF) | Enquire → | |||
| VE Verandah Stateroom (VE) | Enquire → | |||
| VD Verandah Stateroom (VD) | Enquire → | |||
| VC Verandah Stateroom (VC) | Enquire → | |||
| VB Verandah Stateroom (VB) | Enquire → | |||
| VA Verandah Stateroom (VA) | Enquire → |
Verandah · 212–359 sqft
VH Verandah Stateroom (VH)
Verandah · 212–359 sqft
VF Verandah Stateroom (VF)
Verandah · 212–359 sqft
VE Verandah Stateroom (VE)
Verandah · 212–359 sqft
VD Verandah Stateroom (VD)
Verandah · 212–359 sqft
VC Verandah Stateroom (VC)
Verandah · 212–359 sqft
VB Verandah Stateroom (VB)
Verandah · 212–359 sqft
VA Verandah Stateroom (VA)
Suite
| Cabin | Grade | Per Person | Avail. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Suite · 393–400 sqft | SZ Signature Suite (SZ) | Enquire → | ||
| SY Signature Suite (SY) | Enquire → | |||
| SS Signature Suite (SS) | Enquire → | |||
| Neptune Suite · 465–502 sqft | SC Neptune Suite (SC) | Enquire → | ||
| SB Neptune Suite (SB) | Enquire → | |||
| SA Neptune Suite (SA) | Enquire → |
Signature Suite · 393–400 sqft
SZ Signature Suite (SZ)
Signature Suite · 393–400 sqft
SY Signature Suite (SY)
Signature Suite · 393–400 sqft
SS Signature Suite (SS)
Neptune Suite · 465–502 sqft
SC Neptune Suite (SC)
Neptune Suite · 465–502 sqft
SB Neptune Suite (SB)
Neptune Suite · 465–502 sqft
SA Neptune Suite (SA)
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Your Ship
Noordam
Named for Northern compass point in Dutch, chase stunning horizons aboard Noordam, a Vista Class ship that dazzles with its eye-catching décor and museum-quality artwork.
