Your Itinerary
Days 1-2: Arrive in Osaka
Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kyoto, where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.
Spend the day discovering the treasures of the timeless city of Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. You'll begin at the enchanting Kinkaku-ji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion', before contemplating the famous Zen Garden at Ryoanj-ji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon'. Later, explore the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tagetsukyo Bridge.
Soak up more of Kyoto's rich history with a wander through the beautiful Kiyomizu temple complex, from where you'll get beautiful views over the city. Lunch will be a traditional sukiyaki (hotpot) before an exploration of brewing techniques and the cultural significance of sake plus a tasting at the Matsui Shuzou Museum. Then, climb the forested slopes of Fushimi Inari Shrine, passing through the many vermilion red torii gates.
Day 5: Bullet train to Kanazawa
All aboard one of Japan’s renowned shinkansen (bullet trains) to Kanazawa. Stroll through the traditional Higashi Chaya district to see the historic architecture then learn the art of making gold leaf. Finally, learn about samurai life at the Nomura Samurai Residence.
Day 6: Travel to Takayama
This morning, savour the beauty of Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and admire the artworks at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Then travel into the countryside to discover the delights of rural Takayama. End the day enjoying the exhibits of the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall and the Kusakabe Folk Museum and strolling down Kamisannomachi Street.
Walk through Takayama market to admire the piles of fresh, local produce followed by a visit to Takayama Jinya, an Edo period, earthen walled rice granary and a stroll through the streets of the old town, which are lined with traditional dwellings. Explore the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum that showcases traditional houses of the region. Travel to Yudanaka and check into your traditional ryokan accommodation where you can try an onsen and dine on a kaiseki dinner.
Day 8: Meet the snow monkeys
Transfer to Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the famous, hot spring bathing Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. After a walk through a forest, you'll come across the monkey's pool where you can watch them relax and play. Travel on to Tokyo, Japan's dazzling capital city.
Spend the day discovering Tokyo. First, you'll visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple, and walk down Nakamise Shopping Street browsing the souvenirs and delicious local snacks. Then ascend to the heady heights of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city. Lunch today is extra special, as you'll be making your own! Enjoy a sushi making class before dining on your creations. This afternoon, see the Imperial Palace and Meiji Jingu Shrine, and walk along Takeshita Street to taste some local treats. There will also be a photo stop at the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Today travel to the ancient city of Nikko to experience its history and local delicacies. Once a centre for Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship, the city is home to some of Japan’s most revered temples and shrines, set against a backdrop of lush forests and waterfalls.
Day 11: Board the Norwegian Jade
After breakfast you will be transferred to Tokyo'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 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.
Day 12: Cruise – Mount Fuji
Port at Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji or exploring the series of fascinating cultural sights around its base.
Day 13: Cruise – Nagoya
Built around its magnificent castle, Nagoya has long been a centre of industry, so as well as fascinating museums around manufacturing and technology, there are gardens, shrines and delicious food to discover.
Day 14: Cruise – Osaka/ Kyoto
Arrive in Osaka, the closest port to Kyoto. Spend another day exploring among ancient architecture, soaking up a rich, age-old culture or sampling some of the city's culinary delights or soak up the buzz of Osaka.
A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful great outdoors and a magnificent 400-year-old castle, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.
Day 16: Cruise – Hiroshima
Arrive at Hiroshima. The first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged for the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Consider visiting the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past.
Day 17: Cruise – Kagoshima
Arrive at Kagoshima, a city at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. Watched over by the active Sakurajima volcano and rich in history and delicious food, and surrounded by glorious nature, there is plenty to discover here.
Day 18: Cruise – Nagasaki
Nagasaki is best known for the events of the 9th of August 1945 but there is so much more to it. Backed by rolling hills and forested islands, with unspoilt beaches, European-style architecture, and ancient roots, it is a delight to explore.
Day 19: Cruise – Jeju Island
Welcome to South Korea! Port at Jeju Island, South Korea's favourite holiday and honeymoon spot. A volcanic island of rugged peaks, lush forest and white sand beaches, it is an excellent place to not only enjoy a bit of all out relaxation, but to explore a wealth of unique ancient traditions.
Bid farewell to the Norwegian Jade. Met by a guide, you will be transferred to your hotel in Seoul where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Spend the day seeing the sights of Seoul, starting at the Gwanghwamun Square where you can start to discover the city's long history before passing through the magnificent gate of the Gyeongbok Palace complex to watch the Changing of the Guards ceremony. You’ll then change into traditional Korean clothes to explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighbourhood of restored traditional houses, for a fascinating step back in time. Take part in a kimchi making demonstration, then take a guided stroll along the picturesque Cheonggyecheon Stream. The day ends in Myeongdong, an area renowned for its fashion boutiques and street food stalls, where you'll be able to get a feel for contemporary Seoul.
Days 22-23: Fly Seoul to Australia
Fly to Australia arriving home the same or the following day.
