Your Itinerary
Today you arrive in Tokyo, the dynamic capital of Japan. Please note that flights from Australia or New Zealand typically depart the day prior in order to arrive on Day 1. Upon arrival, please make your own way to your hotel and check in. Take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your long-haul flight.
Arrival & Check-in information
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Tokyo's airport (Haneda HND or Narita NRT) to your hotel is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively, both airports are well served by Limousine Bus, train and taxi services into central Tokyo. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm; early arrivals can leave luggage with reception.
Today is yours to explore Tokyo at your own pace. The Shinjuku district around your hotel is one of the city's busiest hubs, with the towering Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offering free observation deck views over the city and, on a clear day, all the way to Mount Fuji.
Further afield, the historic Asakusa district is home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, while the youthful Harajuku and high-end Ginza districts showcase Tokyo's fashion and dining scenes. The Imperial Palace East Gardens, the Meiji Shrine and the Shibuya Crossing are all within easy reach by Tokyo's efficient metro and rail network. Early July is the start of the summer matsuri (festival) season, with local neighbourhood festivals often appearing across the city.
Day 3 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your own way to the Osanbashi Yokohama International Cruise Terminal, around 30 to 45 minutes south of central Tokyo by train. Welcome aboard Diamond Princess, your home for the next 9 nights as she sails the Crown of Asia voyage. Take time to explore the ship, settle into your stateroom and enjoy lunch onboard. The ship sails from Yokohama at 3:00 PM, with views of the historic Yokohama waterfront as you head north into open Pacific waters.
Special Information
Check-in at Osanbashi Yokohama International Cruise Terminal starts at 12:00 PM. Departure from Yokohama at 3:00 PM. Cruise terminal transfers are not included.
Day 4 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
A full day at sea as the ship sails north along the Honshu coastline towards Hokkaido. Settle into the rhythms of life onboard with breakfast in one of the complimentary dining venues, a turn around the open deck, and time to explore the ship's bars, lounges and entertainment programme.
Day 5 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
Welcome to Hakodate, the southern gateway to Hokkaido and one of Japan's most historic port cities. The Hakodate Morning Market opens early near the port, with stalls of fresh seafood, sea urchin rice bowls and squid sashimi straight from the boats. The hilltop Mount Hakodate ropeway leads to one of Japan's three most celebrated night views, sweeping across the narrow isthmus city below. The European-influenced Motomachi district climbs the hillside above the port, with its mix of foreign consulate buildings, churches and the historic Old Public Hall. Beyond the city, the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and surrounding park reward a short tram ride.
Special Information
In port from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Day 6 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
The ship arrives in Niigata, a Sea of Japan coastal city set in one of Japan's most productive rice-growing regions. The city is the heart of Japanese sake country, with the Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery and the Ponshukan sake tasting hall at the train station offering an introduction to the local craft. The Northern Culture Museum, set in the former estate of a wealthy farming family, gives a glimpse of regional history, while the Furumachi geisha district preserves a quieter side of the city. The Bandai Bridge area is the modern heart of Niigata, with shopping and riverside walks.
Special Information
In port from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Guests must clear immigration in preparation for entry to South Korea.
Day 7 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
A relaxed day at sea as the ship sails south-west across the Sea of Japan towards South Korea. A good day to make use of the ship's facilities - the spa, the fitness centre, the pool deck or simply a quiet corner with a book.
Day 8 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
Today the ship arrives in Busan, South Korea's second-largest city and busiest port. Set between mountains and the sea, Busan offers a different rhythm to the Japanese ports of call. Highlights include the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, the lively Jagalchi Fish Market, the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple perched on the cliffs, and the wide sweep of Haeundae Beach. The hilltop Beomeosa Temple offers a quieter cultural experience, while shoppers will find Nampo-dong and the BIFF Square area lively and engaging.
Special Information
In port from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Guests must clear immigration on arrival in South Korea.
Day 9 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
Nagasaki is one of Japan's most intercultural cities, having spent centuries as the country's sole window to the outside world during the Edo period. The hillside city is shaped by its layered Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese heritage. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum offer a moving reflection on the events of 1945, while Dejima Island reconstructs the Dutch trading post that operated here for over 200 years. The Glover Garden preserves the homes of 19th-century foreign merchants, and the small Chinatown offers a different flavour of the city's mixed heritage.
Special Information
In port from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Guests must clear immigration on return to Japan.
Day 10 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
Kagoshima sits at the southern tip of Kyushu in the shadow of Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes. The volcano regularly puffs smoke and ash across the bay, and a short ferry crossing reaches the volcano's flank where lookouts and a footbath allow closer views. In the city itself, the Sengan-en Garden combines a former feudal residence with views across the bay to Sakurajima, while the Reimeikan Museum and the historic Tenmonkan shopping district reward a leisurely walk. Kagoshima is also the home of authentic shochu spirit, with distilleries open to visitors.
Special Information
In port from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is the southern-most point of the voyage.
Day 11 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
A final day at sea as the ship sails back north along the Pacific coast of Honshu towards Yokohama. A relaxed day to enjoy the ship at a leisurely pace - attend an onboard talk or activity, treat yourself to a final spa session, or settle into a comfortable spot on deck to watch the Pacific roll by.
Day 12 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
Arrive in Yokohama in the early morning. After a final breakfast onboard, disembark Diamond Princess at the cruise terminal. Make your own way back to your hotel in central Tokyo. The afternoon and evening are yours to ease back into city life - perhaps revisit a favourite Tokyo district or settle in for a quiet izakaya dinner near the hotel.
Special Information
Ship arrives Yokohama at 6:30 AM. Transfers from the cruise terminal to your hotel are not included.
Day 13 - 15 Day The Crown of Asia Japan & South Korea - 9 night Diamond Princess Cruise Tokyo Round-Trip
A final full day to enjoy Tokyo at your own pace. With the cruise behind you, this is a good chance to revisit any favourite districts, tick off any sights missed at the start of the trip, or simply enjoy a long lunch in Ginza or Shibuya. Tokyo's department store basements (depachika) are an institution in their own right, with elaborate displays of bento, sweets and prepared meals to take away.
For something different, an afternoon at the Tsukiji Outer Market for street food or a wander through the contemporary art and shopping precinct of Roppongi Hills round out a Tokyo visit nicely.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your way to the airport for your return home. Most flights from Tokyo to Australia or New Zealand depart in the evening, so today you may have a few hours free to explore one last neighbourhood, do some last-minute shopping or enjoy a final Japanese meal before heading to the airport.
Special Information
Airport transfers from your hotel to Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT) are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book this transfer for an easier departure experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Arrive home. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope your Crown of Asia voyage has been a memorable one.
Special Information
Due to the time difference between Japan and Australia or New Zealand, customers typically arrive home the day after departing Tokyo.
