Japan Explorer Cherry Blossoms

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, offers an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity. Begin your adventure with a visit to the Asakusa district, home to the ancient Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most significant temple. Nearby, Nakamise Street is perfect for souvenir shopping and sampling traditional snacks.

For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world's tallest towers. Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections, is a must-see for its sheer scale and energy. To experience tranquility, visit the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a lush forest in Shibuya. Don't miss trying Tokyo's renowned sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market or exploring the vibrant Harajuku district for trendy fashion and unique cafes.

Nagoya, located in the heart of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, is a hub of automotive and technological innovation, home to industry giants like Toyota. The city's rich history is encapsulated in the iconic Nagoya Castle, rebuilt with modern techniques while preserving its historical facade. The castle grounds bloom with cherry blossoms in spring, drawing visitors for both their beauty and historical significance.

Culturally, Nagoya is distinguished by its unique cuisine, including hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice) and kishimen (flat wheat noodles), which reflect the region’s culinary creativity. For those interested in technology and industry, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology provides an insightful look into the manufacturing processes that shaped modern Nagoya and the global automotive industry.

Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital, is renowned for its classical temples, traditional wooden houses, and beautiful gardens. Begin your exploration at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Next, head to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

For a taste of traditional culture, visit the Gion district, where you might glimpse geishas in their exquisite kimonos. Don’t forget to indulge in Kyoto’s renowned cuisine, including matcha-flavored treats and kaiseki, a multi-course dining experience.

Kobe is a maritime gateway to one of Japan's most metropolitan cities. Mt. Rokko dominates the skyline - from the summit, you can glimpse one of the best views in all Japan. Of course, Kobe's also famous for breeding Wagyu cows that produce some of the highest-quality beef in the world!

Top Things to Do in Kobe:

• visit historic Himeji Castle, a huge edifice built entirely of wood and tiles
• enjoy a hot spring bath in Arima Onsen
• hang out with the locals at Nankingmachi Square, home to street-style Kobe beef à la carte
  

Tokushima is renowned for its vibrant Awa Odori Festival, one of the largest dance festivals in Japan held every August. This lively event fills the city with music, dance, and colorful costumes, capturing the spirited culture of the region. Throughout the year, visitors can experience this traditional dance at local theaters and cultural centers, offering a glimpse into Tokushima's rich heritage.

The city is also a gateway to the stunning Iya Valley, known for its dramatic mountain scenery and historic vine bridges, perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Additionally, the Yoshino River provides thrilling white-water rafting experiences, making Tokushima a diverse destination that marries cultural festivities with outdoor adventure.

Begin your visit with a trip to Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles, offering panoramic views of the city. Head to Katsurahama Beach, famous for its scenic views and the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, a revered samurai and national hero. For a taste of local cuisine, try Katsuo no Tataki, a seared bonito dish. Visit the Makino Botanical Garden to enjoy a diverse array of plants and tranquil walking paths.

Even if you’re not sailing to Naples (this time), you can still enjoy one of their greatest contributions to the culinary world. Alfredo’s / Gigi’s Pizzeria serves up certified authentic Neapolitan pizza made to order from scratch in a cheery restaurant named after our very own executive chef and inspired by the colors and landscapes of the Amalfi coast.

Nagasaki, situated on the northwest coast of Kyushu, Japan, holds a profound historical significance, famously known for being the site of the second atomic bomb drop during World War II. Today, the city is a symbol of peace and resilience, with the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum providing moving insights into the events and aftermath of 1945.

Beyond its historical sites, Nagasaki enchants with its unique blend of Japanese and Western cultural influences, seen in its architecture and local cuisine. Glover Garden showcases exquisite colonial-period homes, offering views over the picturesque harbour. The city's steep slopes and narrow streets add a charming layer to its scenic tram rides, making Nagasaki a captivating destination full of history and beauty.

Known for its beaches, mountains and temples, Busan is a large port city in South Korea. Enjoy the Haeundae Beach with its Sea Life Aquarium and Folk Square with traditional games such as tug-of-war or head to Gwangalli Beach for bars and views of modern Diamond Bridge.

Top Things to Do in Busan:

• Shop at Centum Shinsegae Department Store; the world’s largest!
• Enjoy the street art and food on a walking tour of the pastel-coloured Gamcheon Village.
• Explore Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and grounds, located at the top of a huge rock rising from the ocean
• Visit the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage area Gyeongju, south east of the city.

The Kanmon Straits, a narrow passage between Japan's Honshu and Kyushu islands are steeped in history and natural beauty. This strategic waterway, bridged overhead and tunneled beneath, connects the Sea of Japan with the Inland Sea. Some 700 ships pass through it on a daily basis and underground tunnels allow both cars and pedestrians to walk between the two ports. Japan’s largest fireworks display also takes place over the strait every August, drawing more than a million sky gazers to watch the spectacular.

The strait has long played an important role in Japanese maritime history; the Shimonoseki Campaign - a series of military engagements with the US and other navies that took place here in the 1860s - ended Japanese feudal rule over the region, thus opening Japan to the West and transforming it into an international trading hub.

The unforgettable city that was the first ever target of an atomic bomb, Hiroshima has emerged from its tragedy as a vibrant and thriving community. Now known as the 'City of Peace', it is a bustling metropolis dotted with leafy parks, ancient shrines and traditional castles standing next to modern skyscrapers. Ships will dock at the Port of Hiroshima.

Top Things to Do in Hiroshima:

• walk through the Peach Memorial Park
• visit the UNESCO site, Itsukushima Shrine
• explore the Mazda Museum
• admire the Hiroshima Castle and Gardens

Overlooking Beppu Bay to its east and dramatic mountain peaks to the west, Beppu is blanketed with misty turquoise waters and elegant Japanese foliage. Its main attraction is the 'Hells of Beppu,' a collection of 8 onsen, or hot springs, some of which feature geysers and colourful waters ranging from white to copper to sapphire. Ships will dock at the port of Beppu.

Top Things to Do in Beppu:

• soak in one of the many onsen
• take a cable car ride to Mount Tsurumi
• view the 8 'Hells of Beppu'
• visit the Mt. Takasaki Monkey Park

Add a new twist or two to your dance moves with a wide variety of fun classes like country line dancing, ballroom, salsa, and more. Get your heart pumping with a high energy Zumba class or take your sweetheart for a spin on one of our pulsating night clubs.

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, offers an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity. Begin your adventure with a visit to the Asakusa district, home to the ancient Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most significant temple. Nearby, Nakamise Street is perfect for souvenir shopping and sampling traditional snacks.

For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world's tallest towers. Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections, is a must-see for its sheer scale and energy. To experience tranquility, visit the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a lush forest in Shibuya. Don't miss trying Tokyo's renowned sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market or exploring the vibrant Harajuku district for trendy fashion and unique cafes.