Seoul to Tokyo Coastal Discovery

Arrive in Seoul for your pre-cruise night in South Korea’s capital. If time allows, head to the Bukchon Hanok Village for a walk through centuries-old traditional houses, or explore the buzzing Myeongdong district for Korean street food and beauty shops. The ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace is spectacular in the late afternoon light. Tomorrow, a private transfer takes you to the port at Incheon.

Your private transfer brings you to Incheon port, where Norwegian Jade awaits. As the ship clears the harbour and heads out across the Yellow Sea, settle in and explore the ship – from Cagney’s Steakhouse to the Sake Bar, this is your home for the next eleven nights.

A full day at sea as the ship crosses to the western coast of Japan. Find your rhythm onboard – order room service, stretch out by the pool, or explore the Thermal Suite at the Mandara Spa. By evening, you’ll be in Japanese waters.

Your first taste of Japan, in every sense. Sakaiminato is famous for its snow crab – considered one of the finest delicacies in Japanese cuisine – and the waterfront market is the place to try it. On shore, stroll Kitaro Road, lined with bronze statues of yokai (spirit monsters from Japanese folklore), a tribute to beloved local manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. It’s a quirky, characterful introduction to the Sea of Japan coast.

Niigata is the sake capital of Japan – home to over 90 breweries, all fed by the same pristine snowmelt that produces the country’s finest rice. Join a sake tasting, browse the excellent Ponshūkan sake centre at the station (where you can sample five cups for a coin), or head to the waterfront Pia Bandai market for the freshest sashimi and seafood you’ll find outside of Tsukiji. The autumn rice harvest season makes this a particularly rewarding stop.

Akita is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets – a prefectural capital on the northern Sea of Japan coast known for its deep cultural traditions and striking autumn colour. Visit Senshu Park, built on the grounds of a former samurai castle, or explore Kakunodate – the “little Kyoto of the north” – where samurai residences line a street canopied by weeping cherry trees (equally stunning in autumn gold). Akita is also famous for kiritanpo, a hearty rice and chicken hotpot perfect for a crisp October day.

Aomori sits at the northern tip of Honshu, framed by mountains that blaze copper and crimson in late October. Don’t miss the Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site – a 5,500-year-old Jomon settlement and UNESCO candidate – or the excellent Nebuta Museum, home to the enormous illuminated floats from Aomori’s famous summer festival. For something more hands-on, head to Furukawa Fish Market and build your own seafood donburi from a dazzling array of fresh catches. Aomori is also apple country – Japan’s best – and the cider and juice are outstanding.

Hakodate is regularly voted one of the most beautiful cities in Japan, and from the top of Mt Hakodate you’ll understand why. Take the ropeway to the summit for a panoramic view across the city’s unique fan-shaped peninsula – if you time it for dusk, the city lights below are ranked among the world’s top three night views. By day, walk the star-shaped ramparts of Fort Goryokaku, explore the atmospheric Motomachi district with its Western-influenced architecture, and fuel up at the morning market with a steaming bowl of kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl) made to order.

The ship rounds the northern tip of Honshu and heads south along Japan’s Pacific coast. After five consecutive port days, this is a welcome pause – catch up on rest, revisit a favourite restaurant, or watch from deck as the coastline of northern Japan slides past on the horizon.

Nagoya blends industrial heritage with refined Japanese culture. The rebuilt Nagoya Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive, dominates the city with its golden shachihoko (dolphin-tiger) roof ornaments. For something unexpected, visit the Atsuta Shrine – one of Shinto’s most sacred sites, home to one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan. The Noritake Garden offers a peaceful walk through the grounds of the famous porcelain maker, and the city’s food scene punches well above its weight – try miso katsu, hitsumabushi (grilled eel), or Nagoya’s famous tebasaki chicken wings.

The ship docks in Osaka – your gateway to one of Japan’s great double acts. Spend the day in Kyoto, just 30 minutes away by express train: walk beneath the famous vermillion torii gates of Fushimi Inari, visit the serene rock garden at Ryōan-ji, or wander the geisha district of Gion as the maple leaves turn. Alternatively, stay in Osaka and explore the neon-lit Dotonbori district, famous for its street food – takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) are essential. Either way, the autumn colours in early November make this a once-in-a-season experience.

Shimizu’s claim to fame is the view – on a clear day, Mt Fuji rises in perfect symmetry above Suruga Bay, and this is one of the best vantage points in all of Japan. Take the Nihondaira Ropeway to the hilltop for the classic photograph, or visit the serene Miho no Matsubara pine grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site associated with the ancient legend of the angel’s feathered robe. The local sushi, made with fish pulled straight from the bay, rivals anything in Tokyo.

Norwegian Jade docks in Tokyo. Your included hotel night in the capital gives you an evening to explore – head to Shibuya for the famous scramble crossing lit up at night, stroll the gardens of Meiji Shrine, or simply find a quiet izakaya (Japanese pub) and toast the end of a remarkable voyage.

Your holiday comes to an end today – or does it? Tokyo rewards an extra day or two, and we can easily add hotel nights, a bullet train trip to Hakone or Nikko, or a multi-day rail pass to continue exploring Japan independently. Ask your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor about extending your stay.