Japan’s Spring Flowers

Welcome to Tokyo – your 2-night stay gives you time to explore one of the world’s most exciting cities before you board. Wander through the serene Meiji Shrine gardens, lose yourself in the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, and sample everything from Michelin-starred sushi to steaming bowls of ramen in the backstreet izakayas of Shibuya. With two full nights in the city, there’s time to visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, browse the luxury boutiques of Ginza, or take the train to the viewing platforms overlooking the famous Shibuya scramble crossing.

Your second day in Tokyo is perfect for deeper exploration or a day trip to nearby Kamakura or Nikko. The Great Buddha at Kamakura is just an hour by train, or head to the ornate shrines of Nikko in the mountains north of Tokyo. Prefer to stay local? The Tsukiji Outer Market is a food lover’s paradise, and the teamLab exhibitions offer immersive digital art experiences unlike anything else in the world.

Board Sapphire Princess at Yokohama, Tokyo’s historic port city and your gateway to 11 nights exploring Japan and South Korea. Before boarding, take a stroll along Yokohama’s scenic waterfront at Minato Mirai, home to the landmark Ferris wheel, red-brick warehouses turned shopping galleries, and one of Japan’s most vibrant Chinatowns. Once onboard, settle into your stateroom and watch the Tokyo skyline fade as your cruise begins.

A gem on the Shima Peninsula, Toba is famous for its pearl diving heritage, fresh seafood, and views across Ise-Shima National Park. Visit Mikimoto Pearl Island to see the tradition of ama pearl divers that has endured for centuries, then sample some of the freshest lobster and oysters in Japan at the local restaurants. The nearby Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto sites, is an easy excursion and a deeply serene experience.

A laid-back city on Shikoku island, Kochi is known for its iconic hilltop castle, lively Sunday street markets, and the freshest bonito sashimi in Japan. Kochi Castle is one of only twelve original castles remaining in the country and offers sweeping views from its hilltop tower. Time your walk right and you may catch the famous Sunday Market — a 300-year-old tradition stretching over a kilometre with fresh produce, street food, and local crafts. Don’t leave without trying katsuo no tataki, seared bonito prepared over an open straw flame — it’s Kochi’s signature dish and tastes nothing like anywhere else.

A full day to enjoy Sapphire Princess — relax by the pool, book a treatment at the Lotus Spa, or find a quiet corner with a view. Start with morning yoga on deck, settle into a lounger with ocean views, then explore the ship’s specialty dining options in the evening. The Wheelhouse Bar is a great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail, and the Princess Theatre runs full-scale production shows nightly.

South Korea’s vibrant coastal city is famous for its fresh seafood markets, colourful hillside villages, and buzzing street food scene. Jagalchi Fish Market is one of the largest in Asia — pick your seafood and have it prepared on the spot. The pastel-painted houses of Gamcheon Culture Village cascade down the hillside and make for incredible photos, while Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched dramatically on the oceanfront cliffs, is unlike any temple you’ll see in Japan. Busan is a brilliant contrast to the Japanese ports and a real highlight of this itinerary.

A beautiful harbour city with a powerful history, outstanding local cuisine, and one of the most scenic settings in Japan. Nagasaki’s Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum are deeply moving and an essential part of any visit. Beyond the memorials, the hillside Glover Garden showcases the city’s unique history of European trade, the Chinatown is one of Japan’s oldest, and the local champon noodles are a must-try comfort food. Take the ropeway up Mount Inasa for panoramic views over the harbour — the night view is rated one of the top three in Japan

Often called Japan’s Naples, Kagoshima is a warm, subtropical city dominated by the smoking Sakurajima volcano sitting right across the bay. Take the short ferry ride across to walk the lava trails up close, then return to explore the beautiful Sengan-en garden, which uses Sakurajima as its dramatic backdrop. The local kurobuta pork is considered some of the finest in Japan — try it as tonkatsu at one of the restaurants near Tenmonkan shopping street.

Home to Japan’s oldest hot springs and a beautifully preserved hilltop castle, Matsuyama is a charming, walkable city on Shikoku island. Dogo Onsen is the star attraction — a 3,000-year-old bathhouse that inspired the one in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. The ornate wooden building is an experience in itself, and bathing here is a quintessentially Japanese ritual. Up the hill, Matsuyama Castle is reached by chairlift or ropeway and rewards with stunning views over the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

Sun-soaked and subtropical, Miyazaki offers palm-lined coastlines, sacred shrines tucked into dense forest, and a relaxed resort atmosphere. Visit Aoshima Island to see the striking ‘Devil’s Washboard’ rock formations and the small shrine surrounded by tropical palms. Miyazaki Shrine, set within ancient forest, is one of the most atmospheric sacred sites in southern Japan. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, the coastal walks here are beautiful and far less crowded than the bigger ports.

World-famous for its beef, vibrant Chinatown, and a sophisticated harbour setting nestled between mountains and sea, Kobe is a city that rewards every visit. Have the real thing here — premium Kobe beef seared on a teppan grill right in front of you at one of the city’s specialist restaurants. The Kitano-cho district features beautifully preserved Western-style mansions from Kobe’s international trading days, while a cable car ride up Mount Rokko offers sweeping views across Osaka Bay. Kobe also has one of Japan’s most vibrant sake brewing districts in Nada — well worth a tasting stop.

Your final sea day is the perfect time to reflect on the journey, revisit your favourite onboard restaurant, or simply enjoy the ocean views from your balcony. Make the most of the ship’s facilities — book that spa treatment you’ve been putting off, catch a final show at the Princess Theatre, or relax with a cocktail at the Wake View Bar. The ship’s photographers will have your voyage photos ready for collection, a perfect memento of an incredible journey through Japan.

Arrive back in Yokohama to complete your 13-night Japan Cruise & Stay journey. If your flight isn’t until later in the day, consider spending a few final hours in the port area — the Cup Noodles Museum is a surprisingly fun visit, and the waterfront promenade is a lovely way to end your time in Japan. Interested in extending your holiday? This package is flexible, ask us about our amazing range of tours, rail journeys and hotel packages.