Fly Stay Cruise Tour - 22 Day Japan & South Korea Cruise with Highlights of Japan

Our journey begins with an international flight from home to Tokyo. On arrival we make our own way to our hotel for an overnight stay before boarding our ship tomorrow. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal may offer the option to book transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply), accessible through the Traveller Hub once the booking is confirmed. Final travel documentation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to departure.

This afternoon we make our own way to the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal to board Holland America Line's Westerdam, which sails this evening. We settle into our stateroom and begin exploring the ship. Special Information Check-in opens at approximately 1:00pm.

We arrive in Shimizu, a port on Suruga Bay with views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. From here we can visit the Miho no Matsubara pine grove or the tea-growing country the region is known for.

We arrive in Osaka this morning and stay overnight in port. Osaka is known for its food, its castle and its role as the gateway to Kyoto and Nara, and the overnight gives us time to explore into the evening. Special Information Overnight in Osaka.

We have a second day in Osaka before sailing tonight. There is time for further exploration, or a day trip to nearby Kyoto or Nara.

A day at sea aboard Westerdam as we cruise to the south west.

We call at Kagoshima on the southern island of Kyushu, set across the bay from the active Sakurajima volcano.

We arrive in Nagasaki, a port city with a long history of foreign trade and the site of the Peace Park.

We cross to Busan in South Korea, the country's largest port city, known for its markets, temples and beaches.

We call at Yeosu on South Korea's southern coast, a coastal city of islands and bridges.

We return to Japan at Fukuoka on Kyushu, known for its street food stalls and the Hakata district.

Today we cruise the Kanmon Strait, the narrow channel separating the islands of Honshu and Kyushu, best seen from the deck. Special Information Scenic cruising; there is no port call today.

We arrive in Hiroshima, home to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the gateway to the island of Miyajima with its offshore torii gate.

We call at Kochi on the island of Shikoku, known for its castle and its Sunday market.

Our final day at sea aboard Westerdam as we return towards Tokyo.

This morning we arrive back in Tokyo and disembark Westerdam, and the land tour begins. We make our own way to our hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure to rest or start exploring the city.

After breakfast, we begin our day exploring the incredible capital city of Tokyo. We'll visit the historic Senso-ji Temple and wander through the bustling Nakamise Shopping Street. Later, we'll head up to the Metropolitan Government Building for spectacular panoramic views of the city. The evening is at your leisure to relax or explore more of Tokyo's nightlife. Inspiring Highlights Senso-ji & Nakamise Shopping Street Metropolitan Government Building

Enjoy breakfast this morning before meeting your group and Tour Leader in the hotel lobby, where you'll be introduced to your fellow travelers and receive a tour briefing. Afterward, begin your day with a visit to Gotemba Peace Park, located on the mountainside of the Hakone caldera's outer rim. From here, take in panoramic views of the city below and the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. Next, stop for lunch at Oshino Hakkai, a charming village in the Fuji Five Lakes region known for its eight crystal-clear ponds fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. Admire the traditional thatched-roof farmhouses set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji. Following a full day exploring the Mount Fuji area, continue on to Hamamatsu, where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Gotemba Peace Park Mt Fuji viewing (weather permitting) Oshino Hakkai Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours

After enjoying breakfast, we will resume our journey, departing from the city of Hamamatsu and heading westward toward one of Japan's most historically rich and culturally significant destinations—Kyoto, often referred to as the cultural heart of the nation. Along the way, we will make a memorable stop in the vibrant city of Nagoya to explore one of its most iconic landmarks: the magnificent Nagoya Castle. This impressive structure, originally constructed in the early Edo period, is renowned for its distinctive golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-headed carp) and its beautifully reconstructed interiors and gardens. Following our visit to Nagoya Castle, we will continue our scenic drive through central Japan, eventually arriving in Kyoto. We'll end our day in Kyoto with a stroll through the iconic Gion district, enjoy the sights and scenes of this iconic area. The remainder of the evening is yours to spend at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Nagoya Castle Gion Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, we continue our exploration of Kyoto, beginning with a visit to the famous Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding through the forested hillside. Next, we head to the iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a stunning Zen temple with its top two floors covered in gold leaf, reflected beautifully in the surrounding pond. We'll also take a peaceful walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene and memorable atmosphere, before travelling onwards to Osaka. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace—perhaps explore the lively streets, sample local cuisine, or relax at your hotel. Inspiring Highlights Fushimi Inari Golden Pavilion Bamboo Forest Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, we'll take a short, scenic drive to Nara, one of Japan's oldest and most culturally significant cities. Our first stop is Nara Park, an expansive public space famous for the hundreds of freely roaming Sika deer, who are considered sacred messengers of the gods in local folklore. While in the park, we'll visit Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan's most celebrated Buddhist temples, known for housing the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in Japan. In the afternoon, we'll return to the vibrant city of Osaka to explore the lively and colorful Dotonbori district. This bustling entertainment and dining hub is famous for its flashing neon signs, like the iconic Glico Running Man, and its endless variety of incredible street food delights. This evening marks your final night on tour, and the time is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours Inspiring Highlights Nara Park Todaiji Dotonbori

After breakfast our tour comes to an end. We make our own way to the airport for our return flight home. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Airport transfers are not included.