Your Itinerary
Our journey begins today as we depart on our included flight to Tokyo. On arrival we make our way to the Shinjuku Washington Hotel to check in for the first of two nights, with the rest of the day at leisure.
Special Information: International airfares are included; flight times, routing and Tokyo airport will be confirmed once ticketed. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal may offer the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
After breakfast, our day is at leisure to explore Tokyo. We might visit the Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, the Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace gardens, or take in the districts of Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ginza.
Day 3 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
This morning we make our way to the cruise terminal to embark Azamara Pursuit. After settling into our stateroom, we sail from Tokyo this evening, beginning our 14-night voyage around Japan.
Special Information: The ship sails at 7:00 PM; all guests must be on board at least two hours prior. Port transfers are not included.
Day 4 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
We dock at Shimizu, one of the best vantage points for Mount Fuji, which rises behind the port on a clear day. From here we can visit the Fuji Five Lakes, the tea plantations of Shizuoka, or the pine-lined bay of Miho no Matsubara.
Special Information: In port from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Day 5 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
Japan's fourth-largest city and an industrial and cultural centre. Highlights include Nagoya Castle with its golden shachihoko, the Tokugawa Art Museum and the Atsuta Shrine, and it is a gateway to the historic towns of the Kiso Valley.
Special Information: In port from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Day 6 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
We arrive in Osaka, Japan's spirited second city and its street-food capital, and remain overnight in port. Osaka is the gateway to the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, both within easy reach. In the city itself, highlights include Osaka Castle, the Dotonbori entertainment district and Shinsekai.
Special Information: Overnight in port - the ship remains docked in Osaka tonight. In port from 9:00 AM.
Day 7 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
A full day in Osaka. With the ship staying into the evening, we have time for Kyoto's temples, shrines and gardens, the deer park and Great Buddha of Nara, or Osaka's own castle and food halls, before sailing this evening.
Special Information: The ship departs Osaka at 6:00 PM.
Day 8 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
A city rebuilt as a global symbol of peace. We can visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the A-Bomb Dome, or take the short ferry to the island of Miyajima to see the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Special Information: In port from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Day 9 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
At the northern tip of Kyushu, Kitakyushu is known for the retro shopping streets of Mojiko, Kokura Castle, and its position on the Kanmon Strait separating Kyushu from the main island of Honshu.
Special Information: In port from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Day 10 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
Our one call in South Korea. Busan is the country's second city and largest port, known for the colourful hillside houses of Gamcheon Culture Village, the Jagalchi fish market, the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and its beaches.
Special Information: In port from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. A Korea K-ETA may be required for Australian passport holders - confirm and apply via the official Korean government portal before travel.
Day 11 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
A fishing port on the San'in coast, known as the hometown of manga artist Shigeru Mizuki and its yokai-themed Mizuki Shigeru Road. It is a gateway to the celebrated gardens of the Adachi Museum of Art and to the Izumo Grand Shrine.
Special Information: Afternoon arrival - in port from 1:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Day 12 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
A castle town that escaped wartime bombing and retains its Edo-era character. Highlights include Kenrokuen, one of Japan's three great landscape gardens, the Higashi Chaya geisha district, Kanazawa Castle and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Special Information: In port from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Day 13 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
A port city on the Sea of Japan, at the heart of one of the country's premier rice and sake regions. We can sample local sake, visit the Northern Culture Museum, or enjoy the city's markets and waterfront.
Special Information: In port from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Day 14 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
Capital of a northern prefecture known for its rice, sake and hot springs. Highlights include the samurai district of Kakunodate, the Oga Peninsula with its Namahage folklore, and Senshu Park on the site of Kubota Castle.
Special Information: In port from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Day 15 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
At the northern tip of Honshu, Aomori is known for the giant illuminated floats of the Nebuta Festival, displayed year-round at the Nebuta Museum, and as a gateway to Hirosaki Castle and the Hakkoda Mountains.
Special Information: In port from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Day 16 - Azamara Pursuit 14 Night Voyage - Japan Intensive (Tokyo Round-trip)
A day at sea as our ship cruises south along the Pacific coast toward Tokyo. Time to enjoy Azamara Pursuit's dining, lounges, pool deck and spa as our voyage draws to a close.
Day 17 - Tokyo, Japan - Disembark
Our voyage returns to Tokyo this morning. We disembark and make our way to the Shinjuku Washington Hotel for our final night. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Tokyo, from the temples of Asakusa and the Meiji Shrine to the districts of Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ginza.
Special Information: Ship disembarkation is from the morning. Port transfers are not included.
Day 18 - Itinerary Day - Last day / Flight Day
After breakfast we check out and make our way to the airport for our included flight home. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable journey around Japan.
Special Information: Airport transfers are not included. Depending on flight times, arrival home may be the same day or the following day.
