Japan by Land and Sea - an escorted tour and cruise by Wendy Wu
This trip combines a 13 night cruise with Azamara Cruises with a few nights on land in the key places - Tokyo, the Japanese Alps, Kyoto, and a stop in Mount Fuji, and is the longest trip on this list at 23 days. The cruise circles Japan with a stop in South Korea, and these tend to be smaller ships than average with a maximum number of guests at around 800.
Days 1-2: Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight to Japan's capital, and one of the world's largest cities, Tokyo. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Dinner
Day 3: Explore Tokyo
Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you'll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Sensoji, the city's oldest temple before ascending the Tokyo Sky Tree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Make a photo stop at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Snow Monkeys
Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park, walking through the forest to reach the hot spring pool where a community of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bath in the warm waters. Visit the 7th-century Zenkoji before transferring to Nagano, where you can try out the Japanese tradition of onsen – hot spring baths – and enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan accommodation.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Mount Fuji
Travel by road to Mount Fuji area. Pause at Oishi Park for incredible views (weather dependent) before a mini cruise on the picturesque Lake Ashi. Fly up to the heights of Mount Komagatake by cable car for more beautiful views. Board a bullet train and be whisked off to Kyoto!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-7: Kyoto
Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. Your explorations will include Kyoto's landmark sights - beautiful Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, the Zen garden of Ryoanji, the pathways of vermilion red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Gion district, an area famous for its geisha. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner and sukiyaki lunch on these days too.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Board the Azamara Pursuit
After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Kobe's cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Cruise - Kobe
Spend today ported in Kobe; relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Cruise – Explore Kochi
Port at Kochi. A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful great outdoors and bags of rustic charm, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Cruise - Explore Hiroshima
Arrive at Hiroshima. Best known as the first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged from the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Visit the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Cruise - Explore Kitakyushu
On the north coast of the island of Kyushu, Kitakyushu is the gateway to plentiful natural beauty, historic sights, and some wonderful local food.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Cruise - Explore Sasebo
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Cruise - Explore Busan
Depart Japan and arrive in South Korea, porting at the bustling city of Busan. Boasting mountains, beaches, and hot springs, this is a city full of small-town charm.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Cruise - Explore Sakaiminato
Back in Japan, port at Sakaiminato. This small fishing town is the birthplace of anime legend Shigeru Mizuki, so is a pilgrimage site for manga lovers, as well as being surrounded by spectacular nature.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Cruise - Explore Kanazawa
Arrive in the historic town of Kanazawa, where you can get a flavour of old-world Japan exploring classical architecture and traditional Japanese gardens, including Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Cruise - Explore Niigata
On the shores of the Sea of Japan, Niigata is a city of ancient traditions, best known for its rice and sake.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Cruise - Explore Akita
Surrounded by mountains, forests and plentiful hot springs, Akita also offers a glimpse at the samurai way of life in historic Kakunodate.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19: Cruise - Explore Aomori
A delightfully sleepy seaside resort that boasts access to world class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Aomori is a charming city to explore.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20: Cruise - At sea
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan's coast.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21: Arrive in Tokyo
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan's coast.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 22: Explore Nikko
Travel out of Tokyo to ancient Nikko, a compact and culture-filled city. Stop for photos at the scenic Shinkyo Bridge and enjoy a 'yuba' lunch. Then, visit Japan's most lavish shrine, Toshugu, set in the glorious surroundings of Nikko National Park, and the peaceful, forest-swathed Taiyuinbyo, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Return to Tokyo.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 23: Fly Tokyo to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Breakfast
Guide Prices
The trip departs on 13 April 2025, and prices are as follows:
Balcony - £11,190 per person
Outside stateroom - £10,590 per person
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation in 4 star hotels
- All meals
- Sightseeing as described
- 13 nights on Azamara Pursuit
- Maximum group size: 28
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I extend the tour to be part of a bigger trip?
A. Yes on some tours we are easily able to add extra nights at the beginning or end of your trip, even in a completely different country. With others it's a bit more difficult and less economical. Please contact us for the options available.
Q. Do you provide expert advice on which tour of Japan to book?
A. Yes, it will be Tom who will manage your booking, and as he has first hand experience of Japan, you are welcome to ask for any help or advice about these trips. After booking, Tom will still be your contact and you'll be able to contact him by phone or email.
Q. Do I need a visa?
A. You can get a visa on arrival in Japan which lasts for 90 days. One thing we do after booking is to double check your passports are going to be valid.
Q. When is full payment required?
A. We take an initial deposit to secure your holiday, and the final balance must be paid around 3 months before departure. However if you would like to make instalments in the meantime, that's absolutely fine.
Q. What if I have a special request?
A. Please advise us ideally before booking of any dietary requests or mobility issues.
More information
| Call | 01462 677111 |
| holidays@onyourtravels.co.uk |
