In Depth Japan

Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kyoto, where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.

Spend the day discovering the treasures of the timeless city of Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. You'll begin at the enchanting Kinkaku-ji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion', before contemplating the famous Zen Garden at Ryoanj-ji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon'. Later, explore the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tagetsukyo Bridge.

Soak up more of Kyoto's rich history with a wander through the beautiful Kiyomizu temple complex, from where you'll get beautiful views over the city. Lunch will be a traditional sukiyaki (hotpot) before an exploration of brewing techniques and the cultural significance of sake plus a tasting at the Matsui Shuzou Museum. Then, climb the forested slopes of Fushimi Inari Shrine, passing through the many vermilion red torii gates.

Board one of Japan's renowned shinkansen (bullet trains) to Nagano, a city set in the Japanese Alps. This afternoon, soak up the tranquillity of Zenkoji, a 7th-century temple before returning to your traditional ryokan accommodation for a soak in an onsen (hot spring bath) and a kaiseki dinner.

This morning, visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the famous hot spring bathing Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. After a walk through a forest, you'll come across the monkey's pool where you can watch them relax and play. Travel to the shores of Lake Kawaguchi and Oishi Park for magnificent views of the iconic Mount Fuji. Continue to Tokyo, Japan's dazzling capital city.

Spend the day discovering Tokyo. First, you'll visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple, and walk down Nakamise Shopping Street browsing the souvenirs and delicious local snacks. Then ascend to the heady heights of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city. Lunch today is extra special, as you'll be making your own! Enjoy a sushi making class before dining on your creations. This afternoon, see the Imperial Palace and Meiji Jingu Shrine, and walk along Takeshita Street to taste some local treats. There will also be a photo stop at the famous Shibuya Crossing.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Tokyo'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 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.

Port at Ishinomaki for Sendai, Japan's 'City of Trees'. Nestled between the sea and the mountains the city is full of history, culture and spectacular food, while the landscapes around it boast volcanoes, rolling hills and hot springs.

Today you can visit the historic city of Hakodate, famous for its star-shaped fort. Soar up to the observation deck by gondola or wander the streets to browse the market or taste a kaisen-don, a seafood rice bowl.

In the very north of Japan's largest island, Honshu, Aomori is rich in maritime heritage, and is surrounded by a rugged coastline, apple orchards, the scenic Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge.

Akita and its surroundings are known for its rich samurai history, so today you could explore the beautifully-preserved samurai district in the town of Kakunodate. There are also hot springs and breweries producing some of Japan's finest sake to discover.

From port today you can savour the beauty of Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, admire the artworks at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art or wander through Kanazawa's beautiful samurai and geisha districts.

Hello, South Korea! Port at the bustling city of Busan. Boasting mountains, beaches, and hot springs, this is a city full of small-town charm.

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.

Arrive at Kagoshima, a city at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. Watched over by the active Sakurajima volcano. Rich in history, with delicious food and surrounded by glorious nature, there is plenty to discover here.

Arrive at Hiroshima. The first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged for the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Consider visiting the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past.

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.

Arrive in Osaka, the closest port to Kyoto. Spend another day exploring among ancient architecture, soaking up a rich, age-old culture or sampling some of the city’s culinary delights or soak up the buzz of Osaka.

Built around its magnificent castle, Nagoya has long been a centre of industry, so as well as fascinating museums around manufacturing and technology, there are gardens, shrines and delicious food to discover.

Port at Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji or exploring the series of fascinating cultural sights around its base.

Bid farewell to the Norwegian Jade. Met by a guide, you will be transferred to your hotel in Tokyo where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or the following day.