Japan

Saturday 28 March

A morning departure from Auckland on Air New Zealand for Tokyo. Arrive early evening and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. 

Sunday 29 March

This morning, we travel by Bullet Train (2h 30m - 515km) to Osaka. After lunch at a local restaurant we visit the Osaka Castle before continuing onto Kyoto for a three night stay. Welcome Dinner tonight.

Monday 30 March

Depart for a full day sightseeing tour of nearby Nara with eight UNESCO sites, including the Tôdai-ji Temple with its 15m high bronze Buddha and Japanese garden. Return to Kyoto. Dinner at local restaurant.

Tuesday 31 March

By coach a morning sightseeing tour of Kyoto including the Golden Pavilion and a rickshaw experience in the Arashiyama Area. Afternoon free to explore and shop. 

Wednesday 01 April

Travel by Bullet Train (2h 45m – 360km)  to Hiroshima. Visit the Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, plus the A-Bomb Dome Museum – the only structure left standing near the bomb’s hypocentre. Listen to a talk by a Hiroshima survivor. Transfer to hotel for a two-night stay.

Thursday 02 April

Morning travel to Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Bay by train and ferry for half-day sightseeing tour to see the forests, temples and a nostalgic street where you feel you have stepped back in time. Return to hotel late afternoon. 

Friday 03 April

Early departure by bullet train to Takayama (5h30m - 641km) via Nagoya, arriving early afternoon. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Takayama, a mountainous city with narrow streets, merchant houses and known as the ‘City of Festivals.’ Dinner at local restaurant.

Saturday 04 April

Today’s travel takes you through a remote mountainous region to Shirakawago – a village with traditional farmhouses, some up to 250 years old. Lunch at a local restaurant.  

Sunday 05 April

Travel to the Mt Fuji Visitor Centre with time to experience the national park and surroundings. Also visit Matsumoto Castle.

Monday 06 April

Enjoy a morning cruise on the crater Lake - Ashi, the Hakone Cablecar Ropeway with views to Mt Fuji on a fine day before travelling to Tokyo by Romance Car (train). Transfer to hotel.

Tokyo is a paradox of ancient tradition and post-modern culture where consumerism and elegance and serenity go hand-in-hand.

Tuesday 07 April

A sightseeing tour of Tokyo including the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

Wednesday 08 April

Late morning transfer to Yokohama Port to board the ‘Diamond Princess.’  Sail out of Tokyo late afternoon. 

Thursday 09 April

Friday 10 April

This beautiful city is often described as the San Francisco of Japan. The city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. Nagasaki’s Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world. Late afternoon departure.

Saturday 11 April

Busan, South Korea’s second largest city. Prepare for a contrast of countries as mountains, beaches, fish markets, high-rise apartments sit alongside ancient Buddhist temples - an amalgam of old and new - will make for an interesting afternoon.

Sunday 12 April

Step ashore and enjoy a day in Sakaiminato found wedged between sea, sky and mountains. This small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood.

Monday 13 April

Today possibly features some of the best cherry blossom viewing in the region. Located in the middle of the city, the Fukuoka ruins date back more than half a century to the Edo period. Sail away late afternoon.

Tuesday 14 April

Why not take an optional shore excursion today and marvel at the gold leaf that is a major art form synonymous with the city. Just outside the castle park blooms the enchanting Kenroku-en Garden, one of the ‘Three Great Gardens’ of Japan and the home of the country’s oldest fountain. 

Wednesday 15 April

After breakfast, step ashore in Sakata which is known for its high-quality rice. The city grew as an important stop along the coastal shipping route that connected Hokkaido with Osaka. Sail away late afternoon.

Thursday 16 April

Hakodate is one of Japan’s largest cities and most important ports. Meander through the Morning Market to see a stunning array of fresh seafood or take the aerial tram up Mt Hakodate.

Friday 17 April

Awake this morning to the stunning scenery of Sanriku Fukko National Park. Take a visit to Kamaishi Daikannon Statue, a towering statue of the Buddhist ‘Goddess of Mercy,’ which showcases sparkling Kamaishi Bay, or visit the historic Rokando Cave, home to ‘the waterfall of the heavenly cave’.

Saturday 18 April

Gaze upon Hitachinaka’s nature’s wonders from the lookout point of the bronze Ushiku Buddha, one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. For flower enthusiasts you can’t miss a visit to Kairakuen Gardens, one of the ‘Three Great Gardens’ in Japan, and Hitachi Seaside Park, which blooms with wildflowers, including the bright Kochia ball blooms and the delicate, baby-blue Nemophila.

Sunday 19 April

Disembark for half day sightseeing and last minute shopping before transferring to the airport for your Air New Zealand evening flight to Auckland. 

Monday 20 April

Morning arrival Auckland.