Immerse yourself in the avant-garde pop culture and historical wonders that grace Japan. Discover the best this country has to offer over 14 days as you explore Tokyo, Akita, Nagasaki and beyond.
Your adventure begins in traditional Tokyo, where you’ll have free time to see the Tsukiji Outer Market, Meiji Shrine and more. From here, board the Diamond Princess ship for your 9-night circumnavigation of Japan. Exceptional delights await at sea, from the largest Japanese bath on a cruise ship (extra fee applies) to world-class entertainment. The ship offers unparalleled dining, including Italian cuisine at Perfecto Prego, barbecued goods at Trident Grill and an endless selection at the Horizon Court buffet. Set sail to Akita to wander the well-preserved Kakunodate Samurai District. Cruise to Toyama, where you might like to seek out the charming Toyama Municipal Folkcraft Village, perfect for seeing artisans creating traditional Japanese pottery and other crafts.
You can’t miss the historic Kehi-Jingu Shrine in Tsuruga before seeing the bronze Yokai statues of supernatural characters in Sakaiminato. Spend a day in Busan, South Korea, to explore the colourful alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village, adorned with vibrant street art and murals. Back in Japan, dock in historic Nagasaki, home to the Nagasaki Peace Park and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Afterwards, cruise back to Tokyo where you’ll disembark the ship and begin the journey home.
This incredible package includes return international full-service flights, a 9-night cruise, 3 nights of hotel accommodation, 26 meals and more.
Want more? Add extra days to your itinerary with Arrive Early and Stay Behind in options Tokyo, Japan. Upgrade your onboard experience with the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages for beverages, dining, Wi-Fi and more.
Upgrade to a Princess Plus Package for $65 AUD per person per day while cruising and receive additional benefits:
Upgrade to a Princess Premier Package for $100 AUD per person per day while cruising and receive the best value of all with everything Princess Plus offers and more:
Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details
Today, you'll fly to Tokyo, Japan. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel for the next 2 nights. Once you have settled into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore.
Optional Activity: Private Transfer
From Tokyo airport to hotel. Please see current pricing in Important Information.
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be available to depart the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks before departure.
Overnight: Citadines Central Shinjuku or similar, Tokyo, Japan
Meals included: In-Flight
Enjoy a day at leisure in Tokyo, one of the most astonishing city's on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture.
Tokyo provides travellers a unique and unforgettable experience. Don't miss The Ginza, an international shopping mecca that stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace. Tick Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree and the Yanaka District off your bucket list. When hunger strikes, why not head to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and street food?
Overnight: Citadines Central Shinjuku or similar, Tokyo, Japan
Meals included: None
Depart 15:00
Enjoy a morning at leisure before making your own way to the cruise terminal to board the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Optional Activity: Private Transfer
From hotel to Yokohama Port. Please see current pricing in Important Information.
Please note: Your cruise departs in Yokohama, approximately 40 kilometres from central Tokyo.
Overnight: Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess
Meals included: Dinner
Enjoy a day at sea aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Start with a tasty breakfast at Horizon Court where you can take in the beautiful ocean views. During the day, you can relax by the pool and soak up the sun while refreshing yourself with drinks from the nearby bar (charges may apply).
As night falls, watch a movie under the stars on the open deck where you can snuggle up with blankets and snack on popcorn. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Prego Pizzeria, savouring Italian dishes before ending your night with a dazzling performance at the Princess Theatre.
Overnight: Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive: 08:00
Depart: 18:00
There is a celebratory air in Akita where year round festivals and street parades are colourfully integrated into daily life. A key city in the Tohoku region since medieval times, Akita was once a castle town of the Satake clan. However, today it's a prosperous city that seamlessly honours its past while embracing its young energetic spirit.
Noted for its burgeoning art community, there are several fine museums to explore including The Hirano Masakichi Art Museum that houses a collection of work by Western and Japanese artists. Don't miss the Akita City Folklore Museum and the Kakunodate Samurai District, a living museum that showcases the samurai way of life (entry fees may apply). In the neighbouring Oga Peninsula, the terrifying Namahage is the region's most famous icon with it's own cultural centre and festival ritual performed in his name.
Surrounding the city, fertile farmland and rice fields produce some of the best sake in the country. Nature lovers won't know which way to turn with the picturesque Sea of Japan to the west and majestic mountain ranges to the north, south and east. A trip to the revolving observation center Mt. Kanpuzan Observatory solves the dilemma (charges may apply).
Overnight: Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive: 09:00
Depart: 18:00
Located in the heart of coastal Japan, Toyama welcomes visitors with dramatic scenery, colourful crafts and engaging local sites. It's the gateway to the world-famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in the Northern Japanese Alps. Other popular attractions include the Zuiryuji Temple, Kurobe Gorge Trolly Train and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Gokayama Villages (charges may apply).
Looking for something out of the ordinary? With time at leisure, you could head to Nousaku and make your own sake cup out of tin using original craft casting method. Afterwards, take your cup to the Wakatsuru Sake and Whiskey distillery and enjoy a tasting (charges may apply).
Toyama has so much to offer to fulfil your touring expectations.
Overnight: Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive: 09:00
Depart: 18:00
The largest city in the Wakasa region of Japan is one steeped in culture and poetic tales. The brilliant Edo poet, Matsua Basho, was inspired to write a haiku about the glimmer of the moonlight over Tsuruga Bay. A plethora of artisan crafts from lacquerware to washi (Japanese paper) keep the traditions of cultural beauty alive today.
The area is home to Kehi-no-Matsubara, one of the most picturesque pine groves in the country where white-sand beaches fringe the fragrant green boughs of the magnificent pines. The area of Mikata-goko is home to 5 sparkling lakes with colours ranging from turquoise blue to jade green.
The region also boasts a number of important, brightly painted shrines. Kehi-jingu Shrine was built in 702 with a large wooden torii gate being re-constructed in 1645. You can't miss the moving Port of Humanity Museum which honours the humanitarian work of Chiune Sugihara, credited with saving as many as 6,000 souls from the Nazis (entry fees may apply). Whether your interests lie in natural scenery, authentic experiences or historic sites, a day spent on these captivating shores will have you writing poetry of your own.
Overnight: Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive: 07:00
Depart: 17:00
Wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood. Here, the Sea of Japan yields both crab and hon-maguro, the prized Bluefin tuna esteemed by gourmets around the world.
West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto (charges may apply). You'll find that the area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan's Bronze Age. The town of Matsue also boasts the celebrated "Black Castle" which is a six-story, black-walled castle that housed a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years (entry fees apply). To the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen, considered one of the most scenic mountains in all of Japan.
A common sight ashore is also the Yokai, approximately 100 bronze statues of supernatural characters as imagined by famed manga comic author Shigeru Mizuki, who was born in Sakaiminato. The Yokai have become synonymous with the town and delight visitors at every turn.
Overnight: Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive: 07:00
Depart: 18:00
As 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. You'll find that modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples. 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 so, if you're interested in history, head to The United Nations Memorial Cemetery. This marks the final resting place for troops from 11 nations who gave their lives during the conflict.
Overnight: Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive: 07:00
Depart: 16:00
For most travellers, Nagasaki is a symbol of the horror and the inhumanity of war. An estimated 70,000 people perished in 1945 when the city became the second target of a nuclear attack. Today, Nagasaki's Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world.
This beautiful city on Kyushu offers other sights as the city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. The city is also celebrated as the setting for Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly".
Overnight: Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive: 06:30
This morning you will arrive back in Yokohama, the gateway to greater Tokyo. Enjoy your final breakfast onboard as your ship arrives into port. After disembarkation, make your own way to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight: Citadines Harbour Front Yokohama or similar, Yokohama, Japan
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, at the appropriate time, please make your own way to the airport in Tokyo for your flight home.
Optional Activity: Private Transfer
From hotel to Tokyo airport. Please see current pricing in Important Information.
Please note: Yokohama is located approximately 20 kilometres from Haneda Airport and 100 kilometres from Narita Airport.
Meals included: In-Flight
Meals included: None
Be the first to hear about new travel deals!