Immersive Japanese Rail Adventure & East Asia Voyage

Fly Overnight to Osaka. Your holiday begins as you fly from Australia to your destination.

Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka is a commercial hub of modern architecture and ancient shrines. You could visit fascinating highlights such as the 16th-century Osaka Castle or Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Osaka. Whether savouring okonomiyaki, exploring historic temples or shopping in Umeda’s towering malls, Osaka offers a captivating blend of old and new. It’s also your gateway to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital and cultural centre.

Today you’ll journey from Osaka to Hiroshima, stopping at iconic Osaka Castle before boarding the bullet train. Once checked into your hotel, you’ll discover the city’s haunting past during a half-day walking tour.

Today you’ll enjoy a half-day tour discovering the idyllic Miyajima Island. You’ll reach this sacred island by ferry as you marvel at the delightful views of the red-gated Itsukushima Shrine.

Taking the bullet train to Kyoto, you’ll then step on board your coach for a half-day guided tour, visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nijo Castle. Come evening, you’ll discover the magical Gion district, known for being the city’s Geisha area.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Kyoto during an escorted tour. You’ll visit captivating sights, including Ryoanji Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and journey on board the Sagano Romantic Train to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

During a day at leisure in Kyoto, discover ancient temples like Fushimi Inari Shrine and delight your taste buds with traditional kaiseki dining. You could also experience the city’s cultural heritage in the Gion district and partake in a serene tea ceremony.

Taking the Thunderbird train to Kanazawa, you’ll check in for a one-night hotel stay. Renowned for preserving its Edo-period heritage, the Higashi Chaya District is home to geisha teahouses and serene gardens.

Next, you’ll explore the wonders of Kanazawa and Takayama. Enjoy a photo stop at Shirakawago Village, explore Takayama Jinya, visit the Yataikaikan museum, and discover Kamisanmachi Suji.

Following a morning visit to Takayama market, you’ll take a train to Shizuoka. Upon arrival, unwind at your hotel before exploring the city’s scenic riverside, historic temples, and vibrant local tea culture.

Step on board the Southern Japan Alps Train, a characterful train, for a journey through the gorges along the Oi River. This river has been an important water source for centuries, underpinning local agriculture and customs.

Today, enjoy an escorted tour to the iconic Mount Fuji, rising majestically amid lush forests and drifting clouds. Visit the scenic Mount Fuji 5th Station, stroll through the vibrant Oishi Park, and explore the captivating Ichiku Kubota Art Museum.

Discover Tokyo’s must-see places and activities on this full-day tour. Discover the famous Meiji Shrine, wander the bustling streets of Asakusa, venture atop the iconic Tokyo Sky Tree, and savour the delicate flavours of matcha.

Embark the jewel of Princess Cruises fleet, Diamond Princess. On board, indulge in freshly crafted sashimi at Kai Sushi, marvel at street artists in the vibrant Atrium, or enjoy an opulent production show in the cutting-edge theatre.

Relax at sea

Relax at sea

The oldest Chinese reference to Taiwan dates back to the Han Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century A.D. that Chinese Hakka traders first settled on the island. These bold merchants were soon followed by European and Asian adventurers seeking to control and colonize the strategic island. The most famous migration of all occurred in 1948, when the government of the Republic of China fled the mainland.

Taipei is one of the world’s most important commercial centers. Despite its turbulent history, Taiwan today boasts an economy that is the envy of the world. Modern Taiwan is a world leader in the production of bicycles, computer chips, plastics, chemicals and computer notebooks. Taipei is a sophisticated modern metropolis that has not forgotten its rich traditional past.

The port of Keelung is your gateway to Taiwan. Visit the bustling city of Taipei and other interesting areas surrounding on this fascinating island in the East China Sea.

This well-kept seaside secret is your gateway to the beating heart of Taiwan, a vibrant island nation that stole the spotlight with the ousting from China of Nationalist, Chiang Kai-shek. Its serene beauty belies the continuing conflict with mainland China and welcomes you with open arms. Imagine a truly unspoiled place – Taroko Gorge National Park – a must for any nature and wildlife enthusiast where mineral hot springs offer rejuvenation and bliss. Traditional Chinese and Japanese temples with their unique architecture and magnificent landscape design, awaken the senses and transport you to a world of grace and timeless heritage.

The balmy, subtropical climate draws countless visitors to its sandy shores, but Ishigaki offers much more than your typical island getaway. It is the cultural, political and economic center of the Yaeyama Islands, originally founded in 1908 as Yaeyama Village and becoming Ishigaki Town in 1926. Ishigaki was elevated to city status on July 10, 1947. A hilltop Shinto shrine which dates back to 1614 is the perfect place to start your exploration of this lovely town. Noted for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to which snorkelers flock for a glimpse of the island’s famed manta rays, Ishigaki Island offers many opportunities to commune with nature. Ishigaki has palm forests, mangrove-lined rivers suited for kayaking, and jungle-covered mountains perfect for hiking adventures. Amidst such natural beauty, you’ll find an abundance of cultural sites with ties to the island’s rich history. The Yaeyama Museum displays historic artifacts as well as traditional cultural items, and a visit to the well-preserved Miyara Dunchi, built in 1819, is a rare example of a samurai-style residence. Be sure to leave time in your busy day to sample some of the sweet island pineapple and to shop for the island’s famed black pearls, a most special souvenir.

Note: Ishigaki is an anchorage port. Transportation from ship to shore is via the ship’s tender service.

The largest island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Okinawa has been a center of trade and a source for conflict through its history. The island has been an independent kingdom, the feudal possession of a Japanese daimyo and a prefecture of Japan following the Meiji Restoration of 1866. Okinawa was the scene of bitter fighting during the closing days of World War II. Over 100,000 civilians perished and the island was left in ruins. A US military possession, Okinawa returned to Japanese rule in 1972. Naha is the island’s largest city and the capital of Okinawa Prefecture.

Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. One of the world’s most popular martial arts, karate is a fusion of Chinese kung fu and traditional island martial arts.

Relax at sea

Relax at sea

Tokyo: Disembark Ship & Fly Home
Your holiday complete, today you’ll disembark your ship and head to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Land back in Australia