Osaka
Osaka 03/17/2026
Upon arrival, transfer to The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, where you gather for a welcome dinner and Noh performance.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Kobe - Osaka Day Tour
Highlights:
- Osaka Castle
- Umeda Sky Building
- Shitennoji Temple
- Dontonbori
Tour Duration: Approx. 6 hours (13:00 – 19:00)
Tour can operate: Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No – due to the nature of the sites and the transportation
Physical Activity Level: Moderate – involves walking and exploring multiple sites
Inclusions: (include any info regarding transportation to/from the Cruise ship in this section)
- Transfers and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary by private vehicle
- Services of driver and private English-speaking guide during sightseeing and transfers (different guide and driver in each city)
- Local restaurant lunches including 1 drink per person (soft drink, local beer, bottled water, tea or coffee)
- Complimentary local bottled water during sightseeing/transfers
- Entrance fees while sightseeing
Not Included:
- Any accommodations/ meals/ flights/ sightseeing/ transfers other than specified
- Excess baggage charges
- Gratuities to the local guides and drivers
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Any expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, minibar charges, telephone charges, etc.
- Any visa
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03/17/2026 |
03/17/2026 |
Osaka
Osaka 03/18/2026
Begin your adventure in Osaka, Japan's third-largest city. The day's excursions may include a visit to Kyoto's Golden Pavilion and an exploration of Zen Buddhism, a journey to Nara revealing Japan's oldest temple, or a scenic drive amid Uji's iconic cherry trees.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Kobe - Osaka Day Tour
Highlights:
- Osaka Castle
- Umeda Sky Building
- Shitennoji Temple
- Dontonbori
Tour Duration: Approx. 6 hours (13:00 – 19:00)
Tour can operate: Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No – due to the nature of the sites and the transportation
Physical Activity Level: Moderate – involves walking and exploring multiple sites
Inclusions: (include any info regarding transportation to/from the Cruise ship in this section)
- Transfers and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary by private vehicle
- Services of driver and private English-speaking guide during sightseeing and transfers (different guide and driver in each city)
- Local restaurant lunches including 1 drink per person (soft drink, local beer, bottled water, tea or coffee)
- Complimentary local bottled water during sightseeing/transfers
- Entrance fees while sightseeing
Not Included:
- Any accommodations/ meals/ flights/ sightseeing/ transfers other than specified
- Excess baggage charges
- Gratuities to the local guides and drivers
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Any expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, minibar charges, telephone charges, etc.
- Any visa
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03/18/2026 |
03/18/2026 |
Osaka
Osaka 03/19/2026
Enjoy the morning at leisure in your hotel, or perhaps join a panoramic tour of Osaka Castle. This afternoon, transfer to your luxurious expedition cruiser.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Kobe - Osaka Day Tour
Highlights:
- Osaka Castle
- Umeda Sky Building
- Shitennoji Temple
- Dontonbori
Tour Duration: Approx. 6 hours (13:00 – 19:00)
Tour can operate: Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No – due to the nature of the sites and the transportation
Physical Activity Level: Moderate – involves walking and exploring multiple sites
Inclusions: (include any info regarding transportation to/from the Cruise ship in this section)
- Transfers and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary by private vehicle
- Services of driver and private English-speaking guide during sightseeing and transfers (different guide and driver in each city)
- Local restaurant lunches including 1 drink per person (soft drink, local beer, bottled water, tea or coffee)
- Complimentary local bottled water during sightseeing/transfers
- Entrance fees while sightseeing
Not Included:
- Any accommodations/ meals/ flights/ sightseeing/ transfers other than specified
- Excess baggage charges
- Gratuities to the local guides and drivers
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Any expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, minibar charges, telephone charges, etc.
- Any visa
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03/19/2026 |
03/19/2026 |
Takamatsu
Takamatsu 03/20/2026
Wake up in the charming port of Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku Island. Your day might feature a boat ride to Shodoshima, the heart of Japan's olive-growing industry; a visit to the gardens of Shikoku Island's Ritsurin Park and an exploration of traditional bonsai horticulture in Takamatsu's Kinashi area; or a ferry ride to Naoshima Island to tour Benesse House and a museum dedicated to Tadao Ando's architecture.
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03/20/2026 |
03/20/2026 |
Hiroshima
Hiroshima 03/21/2026
Today, explore Hiroshima, renowned for its Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park. You might arise to split your day between Hiroshima and Miyajima, site of the iconic Torii Gate. Alternatively, spend an immersive day in Hiroshima and meet a storyteller of the World War II atomic bomb attack, or head to Miyajima to hike scenic Mount Misen.
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03/21/2026 |
03/21/2026 |
Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island 03/21/2026
Today, explore Hiroshima, renowned for its Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park. You might arise to split your day between Hiroshima and Miyajima, site of the iconic Torii Gate. Alternatively, spend an immersive day in Hiroshima and meet a storyteller of the World War II atomic bomb attack, or head to Miyajima to hike scenic Mount Misen.
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03/21/2026 |
03/21/2026 |
Uwajima
Uwajima 03/22/2026
Spend the day in Uwajima, home to Japan's pearl industry. The day's excursions may include a visit to a local pearl farm and the samurai-era gardens of Tensha-en, an exploration of Nanraku-en Garden, or a stroll down a cherry tree-lined lane to the old town.
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03/22/2026 |
03/22/2026 |
Karatsu
Karatsu 03/23/2026
This afternoon, arrive in the port of Karatsu, once an early trading post between Japan and mainland Asia. Once ashore, visit Karatsu Castle, or perhaps head to the city of Imari to tour its celebrated porcelain works.
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03/23/2026 |
03/23/2026 |
Pusan (Busan)
Pusan (Busan) 03/24/2026
Disembark in Busan and transfer to Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. Here, you might explore Gyeongju's excavated temples, tombs and pagodas, or visit the Hyundai factory. Alternatively, stay in Busan to take in the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the scenic overlook from Nurimaru APEC House and the colorful houses of Gamcheon Culture Village. Return to the ship for a traditional music performance at the pier.
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03/24/2026 |
03/24/2026 |
Gyeongju
Gyeongju 03/24/2026
Disembark in Busan and transfer to Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. Here, you might explore Gyeongju's excavated temples, tombs and pagodas, or visit the Hyundai factory. Alternatively, stay in Busan to take in the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the scenic overlook from Nurimaru APEC House and the colorful houses of Gamcheon Culture Village. Return to the ship for a traditional music performance at the pier.
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03/24/2026 |
03/24/2026 |
Matsue
Matsue 03/25/2026
Explore Matsue, a city renowned for its idyllic countryside. The day's excursions may include visits to Yuushien Garden and Matsue Castle, or a tour of the Adachi Museum of Art. Later, you might also savor a traditional lunch at a ryokan (inn) and visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art of Japanese papermaking.
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03/25/2026 |
03/25/2026 |
Kanazawa
Kanazawa 03/26/2026
Visit the thriving art center of Kanazawa, known for its pottery and gold-leaf workmanship. Here, you might stroll Kenrokuen Garden, wander Omicho Market and tour the Higashi Chaya-gai district's well-preserved historic geisha houses. Alternatively, you might hike Kakusenkei Gorge and soak in a soothing onsen (hot spring), visit Kanazawa's Oumi market and cook with a local chef, or explore the Shogawa River valley. This evening, enjoy an exclusive geisha performance.
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03/26/2026 |
03/26/2026 |
Sado Island
Sado Island 03/27/2026
Arrive amid Sado Island's rice paddies, bamboo groves and surf-pounded seacoasts. Today may include an exclusive private performance by the Kodo taiko drummers or tours of Hakusanmaru Exhibition Hall and Ogi Folk Museum.
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03/27/2026 |
03/27/2026 |
At Sea
At Sea 03/28/2026
Enjoy a relaxing day while cruising toward Hokkaido, Japan's largest and northernmost island.
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03/28/2026 |
03/28/2026 |
Otaru
Otaru 03/29/2026
Arrive in Otaru, a port city known for its canals, sake distilleries, architecture and views of Mount Tengu. Here, you might tour the city and visit a sake distillery. Alternately, you might spend the day discovering nearby Sapporo's parks, landmarks and market.
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03/29/2026 |
03/29/2026 |
Sapporo (Muroran)
Sapporo (Muroran) 03/30/2026
Disembark your vessel in Otaru and transfer to the airport in Sapporo for your homebound flight.
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03/30/2026 |
03/30/2026 |
800.866.1623
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
