Japan by Land & Sea – C – March 2027
Explore the highlights of Japan on a culture-packed tour! Our Cruise & Tour journeys bring together all the joy of a cruise onboard the majestic Azamara Pursuit with all the exciting exploration of a Wendy Wu Tours land itinerary. On this one, you’ll begin by discovering the wonders of Kyoto and Tokyo, before boarding your Azamara cruise to circumnavigate Japan’s largest island, Honshu, and delving even deeper into its history and culture.
- 04 Mar 2027 – 26 Mar 2027
from $24,980 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Days 1-2 – Fly to Tokyo:
Fly overnight to Japan’s capital, and one of the world’s largest cities, Tokyo. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. - Day 3 – Explore Tokyo:
Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you’ll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Sensoji, the city’s oldest temple before ascending the Tokyo Sky Tree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Make a photo stop at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine. - Day 4 – Mt Fuji:
Travel by road to Mount Fuji area, take a mini cruise on the picturesque Lake Ashi. Fly up to the heights of Mount Komagatake by cable car for beautiful views. This evening transfer to your ryokan in Nagano, where you can try out the Japanese tradition of onsen – hot spring baths – and enjoy a kaiseki dinner. - Day 5 – Snow Monkeys:
Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park, walking through the forest to reach the hot spring pool where a community of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bath in the warm waters. Enjoy a local lunch then visit the lovely 7th-century Zenkoji Temple. Board a bullet train and be whisked off to Kyoto! - Days 6-7 – Kyoto:
Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. Your explorations will include Kyoto’s landmark sights – beautiful Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, the Zen garden of Ryoanji, the pathways of vermilion red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Enjoy a sake tasting and sukiyaki lunch on these days too. - Day 8 – Board the Azamara Pursuit:
After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Kobe’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 be 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 9 – Cruise – Kobe:
Spend today ported in Kobe; relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer. - Day 10 – Cruise – Kochi:
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 11 – Cruise – Hiroshima:
Arrive at Hiroshima. Best known as the first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged from the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Visit the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past. - Day 12 – Cruise – Kitakyushu:
On the north coast of the island of Kyushu, Kitakyushu is the gateway to plentiful natural beauty, historic sights, and some wonderful local food. - Day 13 – Cruise – Nagasaki:
Head back to Japan, porting at Nagasaki. Like Hiroshima, 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 14 – Cruise – Busan:
Depart Japan and arrive in South Korea, porting at the bustling city of Busan. Boasting mountains, beaches, and hot springs, this is a city full of small-town charm. - Day 15 – Cruise – Sakaiminato:
Back in Japan, port at Sakaiminato. This small fishing town is the birthplace of anime legend Shigeru Mizuki, so is a pilgrimage site for manga lovers, as well as being surrounded by spectacular nature. - Day 16 – Cruise – Kanazawa:
Arrive in the historic town of Kanazawa, where you can get a flavour of old-world Japan exploring classical architecture and traditional Japanese gardens, including Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. - Day 17 – Cruise – Niigata:
On the shores of the Sea of Japan, Niigata is a city of ancient traditions, best known for its rice and sake. - Day 18 – Cruise – Akita:
Surrounded by mountains, forests and plentiful hot springs, Akita also offers a glimpse at the samurai way of life in historic Kakunodate. - Day 19 – Cruise – Aomori:
A delightfully sleepy seaside resort that boasts access to world class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Aomori is a charming city to explore. - Day 20 – Cruise – At sea:
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan’s coast. - Day 21 – Cruise – Tokyo:
Spend the day ported in Tokyo. You can spend your final day aboard the cruise ship exploring Tokyo or fill the day with all of your favourite activities onboard. - Day 22 – Disembark in Tokyo:
Disembark the Azamara Pursuit, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Tokyo. - Days 23-24 – Fly Tokyo to Australia:
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Highlights
- Sail around Japan’s largest island, Honshu, on an Azamara cruise.
- Explore the cultural treasures of Kyoto and Tokyo.
- Witness the adorable snow monkeys bathing in their hot spring pool.
Explore the highlights of Japan on a culture-packed tour! Our Cruise & Tour journeys bring together all the joy of a cruise onboard the majestic Azamara Pursuit with all the exciting exploration of a Wendy Wu Tours land itinerary. On this one, you’ll begin by discovering the wonders of Kyoto and Tokyo, before boarding your Azamara cruise to circumnavigate Japan’s largest island, Honshu, and delving even deeper into its history and culture.
Inclusions
- Sail from Kobe to Tokyo.
- Ascend Tokyo’s towering Skytree.
- Explore Kyoto’s culture treasures.
- Watch the adorable snow monkeys bathe in their hot spring pool.
FAQs
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 24 days and 21 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 04 Mar 2027 and 26 Mar 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: Wendy Wu ToursFine Print
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