Japan's Crafts & Cherry Blossoms

Yokohama Port serves as a gateway for travelers heading to Tokyo, located approximately 30 kms (about 19 miles) north of the port. The journey to Tokyo can take around 30 to 45 minutes by train. The Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal is the main docking site for cruise ships. The most efficient way to travel is by train, with the Minatomirai Line directly connecting Yokohama to Shibuya, a major hub in Tokyo. This allows visitors to easily access famous sights such as the Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and the vibrant district of Shinjuku. Given the limited time typical of cruise stopovers, planning ahead to prioritize which attractions to visit is advisable.

Each Seabourn ship offers a choice of dining venues to suit your mood of the moment. All dining venues are complimentary, and nearly all are open-seating, inviting you to dine where, when, and with whom you wish. Complimentary fine wines are poured with lunch and dinner, and there is never an extra charge for any dining choice. You can even enjoy a meal in your suite or on your veranda.

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

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.

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.

Sakaiminato, nestled on the western tip of Japan's Tottori Prefecture, serves as a gateway to the enchanting world of Japanese folklore and seafood delicacies. The city is renowned for its association with Mizuki Shigeru, the celebrated manga artist behind "GeGeGe no Kitaro," which is vividly brought to life along the Mizuki Shigeru Road, adorned with over 100 bronze statues of the series' characters.

For culinary adventurers, the Sakaiminato Fish Market offers a fresh glimpse into Japan's vibrant seafood culture, with opportunities to savor local specialties like crab and squid. Nearby, the Adachi Museum of Art, famous for its stunning Japanese gardens and impressive collection of contemporary Japanese paintings, offers a serene retreat for art lovers

The port of Tsuruga has long been a vital gateway for trade and cultural exchange. One of the city’s most poignant historical sites is the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, which now serves as a museum highlighting Tsuruga’s role in welcoming Jewish refugees during World War II. The city is also home to Kehi Jingu Shrine, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, known for its majestic torii gate. Tsuruga’s waterfront is perfect for leisurely strolls, with beautiful views of the bay.

Toyama, nestled between the Northern Japan Alps and the Sea of Japan, is renowned for its spectacular natural landscapes and culinary excellence. The city is a gateway to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, famous for its Snow Wall or "Yuki no Otani" that offers a breathtaking experience especially in spring. Toyama’s coast is also known for its rich seafood, with the Toyama Bay offering some of the freshest sushi in Japan, particularly the revered firefly squid.

In the heart of the city, Toyama Castle Park provides a serene escape with its historic castle, beautifully manicured gardens, and museum detailing the region's feudal past. The park transforms during cherry blossom season, becoming a picturesque spot for enjoying the fleeting beauty of sakura.

Sakata, nestled in the Yamagata Prefecture of Japan, seamlessly blends historical elegance with natural beauty. This coastal city is historically significant for its role as a prosperous port during the Edo period, a heritage that is still palpable in the preserved merchant houses and old storehouses, now converted into museums and galleries. One notable site is the Sankyo Warehouse, which offers a glimpse into Sakata's past trading prowess.

Surrounding the city, the beauty of the Mogami River and nearby Mount Chokai enhances Sakata's scenic landscape. The local cuisine, particularly seafood, reflects the city’s coastal location and is a must-try for visitors. Additionally, the annual Sakata Fireworks Festival lights up the summer sky, combining traditional and contemporary Japanese culture in a spectacular display.

Hakodate is one of the most popular city destinations in Japan. Here you can experience diverse dynastic architecture, the last Shogun battlefield and enjoy shimmering night views from Mount Hakodate. Located along Hokkaido's southwestern tip, you can immerse yourself in history within the star-shaped walls of Fort Goryokaku and explore the site of famous battles that transformed Japan.

Enjoy a mouth-watering seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) from the Hakodate Morning Market and then relax with a soak in the Yunokawa hot springs on Hakodate's outskirts.

Kushiro, located on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, is renowned for its vast wetlands and as a prime location for observing unique wildlife, including the rare red-crowned crane. The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan's largest wetland, offers visitors the chance to explore these biodiverse landscapes through well-maintained walking trails and guided tours, providing insights into the area's natural heritage.

The city itself, often shrouded in mist, lends a mystical atmosphere to the region. Kushiro's port is vibrant, supporting the local economy with its thriving fishing industry. Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy the fresh seafood available, particularly at Washo Market, where they can sample local specialties like Kushiro ramen and grilled fish, reflecting the rich maritime culture of the area.

Make yourself at home with delightful daily diversions that add to our fleet’s private yacht-like atmosphere. Embrace this moment and indulge – spending the day pampering yourself in the spa or soaking in a Pure Pampering ℠ bath drawn by your attentive suite host. Meditate upon the vast views that surround you from a yoga mat, the ship’s bow, or your private veranda.

Nikko, nestled in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty converge spectacularly. Renowned primarily for its ornate shrines and temples, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple, Nikko offers a profound glimpse into Japan's rich architectural and spiritual heritage. Toshogu, the most lavishly decorated shrine, is famous for its intricate wood carvings, including the renowned "Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil" monkeys.

Beyond its cultural treasures, Nikko is also celebrated for its natural scenery. The area is home to the scenic Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, especially stunning in autumn when the foliage turns fiery red and gold.

Hitachinaka, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, is renowned for its scenic coastal beauty and the sprawling Hitachi Seaside Park. This park is famous for its seasonal flowers, especially the baby blue eyes (Nemophila) that create a stunning blue carpet in spring and the vibrant red kochia bushes in autumn. It offers a spectacular natural display that draws visitors from around the world.

Apart from its natural allure, Hitachinaka also boasts of Nakaminato Fish Market, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and observe local culinary practices. The city's proximity to the coast encourages activities like cycling along the seaside paths and relaxing on the beaches. Hitachinaka blends its industrial background with considerable green spaces and oceanic influences, providing a refreshing escape with diverse attractions for all ages.

Yokohama Port serves as a gateway for travelers heading to Tokyo, located approximately 30 kms (about 19 miles) north of the port. The journey to Tokyo can take around 30 to 45 minutes by train. The Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal is the main docking site for cruise ships. The most efficient way to travel is by train, with the Minatomirai Line directly connecting Yokohama to Shibuya, a major hub in Tokyo. This allows visitors to easily access famous sights such as the Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and the vibrant district of Shinjuku. Given the limited time typical of cruise stopovers, planning ahead to prioritize which attractions to visit is advisable.