• Description
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Exclusions
  • Dates & Prices

Sail from Japan to Taiwan and back during cherry blossom season, on a two-week voyage that takes in some of Asia-Pacific’s most striking destinations. Setting off from Tokyo, sail to Shimizu, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful ports because of its outlook on Mount Fuji. Continue west to Kobe, renowned as a culinary hotspot and a good base for visits to Kyoto. A day at sea that takes you to the coral-fringed Okinawa archipelago, before you reach Taiwan, stopping at Keelung, a gateway to Taipei. Sailing back to Japan, call in at Kogoshima and Kochi before returning to Tokyo.

Details in brief: 

  • 13 nights 
  • 5th - 18th April 2026 
  • Crystal Symphony 
  • From £5700.00 per person*

*Price correct at time of publication 13/06/2025

(Embark) Day 1: Tokyo, Japan 

Day 2: Shimizu, Japan 

Days 3 - 4: Kobe, Japan 

Day 5: At Sea 

Day 6: Naha Okinawa, Japan 

Day 7: Ishigaki Ryukyu Islands, Japan 

Day 8: Keelung, Taiwan China 

Day 9: At Sea 

Day 10: Kagoshima, Japan

Day 11: Kochi, Japan

Day 12: At Sea 

Day 13: Tokyo, Japan 

(Disembark) Day 14:  Tokyo, Japan 

Itineraries

Day 1 (Embark)

Tokyo, Japan

Japan's capital, Tokyo, and its bustling port of Yokohama form a vast urban complex that boasts a unique combination of energy and orderliness. Fusing the vitality of a modern metropolis with the stately elegance of yesteryear, Tokyo is truly unique. From the timeless beauty of the Meiji Shrine to the glittering Ginza district and impressive Tokyo Tower, this international giant is a complex blend of East and West. Houses of wood and paper stand beside towering steel skyscrapers, while kimono-clad women stroll beside teenagers who have created a fashion all their own. The timeless Imperial Palace bears testament to Japan's enduring traditions. Despite encroaching urban development, it continues to exist in a verdant parkland of isolation. Images of the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, which is home to more than 11 million people, will create memories of a lifetime.

 

 

Day 2

Shimizu, Japan

The setting is superbly pretty: Shimizu sits on Suruga Bay in the shadow of Mount Fuji, whose peak is spectacularly snow-capped for some five months of the year. The small city about 120 miles south of Tokyo has much quiet charm and is a good place for relaxing walks and gentle exploration. Visit Kashi-No-Ichi fish market by the port and sample some of the choices of tuna sushi at one of the cafés here – deep Suruga Bay is a prime area for this highly prized fish. Head to the observation terrace at Nihondaira Hill to take in magnificent views of Mount Fuji. Catch a water bus to Miho island just beyond the port and enjoy its views and its renowned pine groves, complete with an enormous 650-year-old black pine. Appealing attractions near Shimizu include the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum, showing some of Utagawa Hiroshige's finest woodblock landscape prints, and the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine, founded about 1000 years ago for protection from volcanic eruptions.

Days 3 - 4

Kobe, Japan

Kobe beckons travelers with its magnetic blend of history, nature, and urban sophistication. This port city entices explorers with its unique charm, offering a seamless fusion of traditional and contemporary elements. Wander through the atmospheric Kitano district, where beautifully preserved Western-style homes known as `Ijinkan,` that once belonged to foreign settlers during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Strolling through its cobbled streets, for a a unique blend of architectural styles, from English Tudor to French Renaissance. After you have taken a literal trip down memory lane, immerse yourself in the bustling vitality of Harborland's waterfront entertainment. This captivating blend of shopping, dining, entertainment offers stunning views of the sea, particularly from the iconic Kobe Port Tower which serves as a beacon of the district's charm. Visitors can explore an array of shopping complexes, from luxury boutiques to trendy outlets, and savor diverse culinary delights in its array of restaurants and cafes. Culinary enthusiasts are in for a treat, with the renowned Kobe beef elevating the gastronomic scene. From its captivating cultural tapestry to the stunning landscapes, this city paints an authentic picture of Japan that captivates the senses and leaves an indelible mark on every traveler.

Day 5

At Sea

 

 

Day 6

Naha Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa is the southernmost of Japan's main islands and lies 500 miles beyond the archipelago. Unlike other parts of Japan, Okinawa has its own, separate history stemming from the Ryukyu Kingdom of the 15th century. The nostalgia of royalty remains to this day, as sacred temples and an imperial castle blend with imposing skyscrapers and modern freeways. Though poor in natural resources, the people of Okinawa became skillful mariners, turning the island into a thriving center of trade. Today, its unique culture combines influences from Europe, China, Japan and Southeast Asia. During World War II, Okinawa was the only location in Japan where the Allies landed. From 1945 to 1972, the island was under the control of the United States military and numerous US military bases are still active today. Beyond the modern capital of Naha lie peaceful panoramas of hills dotted with blooming bougainvillea. Due to its tropical climate, sugar cane fields, luminous seas and white beaches, Okinawa is sometimes known as Japan's Hawaii.

Day 7

Ishigaki Ryukyu Islands, Japan

Discover a slice of paradise that merges East Asian culture with tropical bliss, an intoxicating blend of beach and reef relaxation and Shinto-shrine enlightenment. Ishigaki is ideal for snorkeling, hiking, beachcombing and kayaking. Kabira Bay is an idyllic spot, part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, and popular for diving. Inland, dense palm forests, jungle-clad mountains and rivers lined with mangrove are a photographer's and nature lover's delight.

Day 8

Keelung, Taiwan China

This seaside town is the perfect gateway to the modern and vibrant city of Taipei. There, you can visit numerous attractions such as the colorful night markets and the majestic Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. To finish the day, ascend the Taipei 101 building to see the stunning skyline of this capital city.

Day 9

At Sea

Day 10

Kagoshima, Japan

Kagoshima lies cradled within the protective arms of a large inlet on the island's extreme southern tip. It is Japan's southernmost city and combines slow-paced charm with thriving commercial activity. World-renowned Mount Sukurajima stands less than three miles away. This rare example of a busy metropolitan area coexisting with a volcano has led to comparisons between Kagoshima and the Italian city of Naples. Stroll picture-perfect Japanese gardens, explore an abundance of historical sites or shop for traditional pottery.

Day 11

Kochi, Japan

Views of the sea, high-rises, parks and temples, Kochi has it all. The town is particulary famous for its famous dish, katsuo tataki, a culinary delight of flavorfully seasoned, seared tuna, which draws food fans from all over the world. Once you have had your fill of the delicious local dish, any cravings you have for a taste of Japanese culture are sure to be satisfied during your visit. Meander through the Makino Botanical Garden, explore the Museum of Art, stroll along the nearby beach, barter at the Obiyamachi shopping arcade, visit the aquarium, or simply gaze at the city's most celebrated sight, Kochi Castle. Which remains largely intact atop Otakasaka Hill, and at the top of most traveler's must-see lists.

Day 12

At Sea

Day 13

Tokyo, Japan

Japan's capital, Tokyo, and its bustling port of Yokohama form a vast urban complex that boasts a unique combination of energy and orderliness. Fusing the vitality of a modern metropolis with the stately elegance of yesteryear, Tokyo is truly unique. From the timeless beauty of the Meiji Shrine to the glittering Ginza district and impressive Tokyo Tower, this international giant is a complex blend of East and West. Houses of wood and paper stand beside towering steel skyscrapers, while kimono-clad women stroll beside teenagers who have created a fashion all their own. The timeless Imperial Palace bears testament to Japan's enduring traditions. Despite encroaching urban development, it continues to exist in a verdant parkland of isolation. Images of the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, which is home to more than 11 million people, will create memories of a lifetime.

Day 14

Tokyo, Japan

Disembark and start your return journey home 

  • Cruise only 

 

  • Flights 
  • Transfers 

From £5,700per person (ocean view) 

Price correct at time of publication 13/06/2025