Itinerary

Day 1 Oct 9, 2027 Tokyo Departs 19:00 Tokyo port guide Search cruises visiting Tokyo

Day 3 Oct 11, 2027 Osaka 07:00 – 20:00 13.0 hrs ashore The third largest city in Japan, Osaka was founded on the mouth of the Yamato and Yodo rivers, on the island of Honshu. On a MSC cruise you can discover this metropolis, once the trading capital of Japan. Famous for its modernity and its nightlife, Osaka has a surprisingly rich historical and artistic heritage. With an excursion you may reach the ancient Castle. It was built from 1583 onwards on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji temple, which had been commissioned by the samurai and daimyo, Hideyoshi, one of the great unifiers of Japan and destroyed thirteen years earlier by Oda Nobunaga. This imposing building, from the tower of which you can admire the splendid view of Osaka, is surrounded by a wonderful park of 6 hectares: an authentic poetic vision when the cherry blossoms bloom in Spring. Along the canal, near the Castle, you'll find the quarter of Dotonbori, an explosion of colourful signposts indicating night clubs, restaurants and izakayas, a sort of Japanese cafè. Along the main road, the Ebisubashi bridge links the Shinsaibashi-suji and Ebisubashi-suji quarters, renowned for their shops. If Dotonbori is the place to go for modernity, Shinsekai is the quarter that represents the old town of Osaka. Developed before the Second World War, it has been neglected over the years. In the centre of this urban area you may find the Tsutenkaku Tower. This landmark of Shinsekai bears some resemblance to the Parisian Eiffel Tower and was the focal point of the permanent fun fair set up around it. On an excursion get a great view of the whole city from a height of 173 metres above sea level. In fact, you can climb to the fortieth floor of the Umeda Sky Building, designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara. The skyscraper is made up of two identical towers, connected between them by several bridges and on the highest part, by the Floating Garden Observatory, the hanging gardens from which you may admire Osaka. For those who enjoy shopping, you can walk along the Tenjinbashi Arcade. This indoor arcade extends for about two kilometres, from the underground station of Tenjimbashi-suji Rokuchome to the Tenjinbashi bridge: the shops sell all sorts, from shoes to books, from clothing to medicine. Osaka port guide Search cruises visiting Osaka

Osaka photo — Day 3 Oct 11, 2027 Osaka 07:00 – 20:00 13.0 hrs ashore The third largest city in Japan, Osaka was founded on the mouth of the Yamato and Yodo rivers, on the island of Honshu. On a MSC cruise you can discover this metropolis, once the trading capital of Japan. Famous for its modernity and its nightlife, Osaka has a surprisingly rich historical and artistic heritage. With an excursion you may reach the ancient Castle. It was built from 1583 onwards on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji temple, which had been commissioned by the samurai and daimyo, Hideyoshi, one of the great unifiers of Japan and destroyed thirteen years earlier by Oda Nobunaga. This imposing building, from the tower of which you can admire the splendid view of Osaka, is surrounded by a wonderful park of 6 hectares: an authentic poetic vision when the cherry blossoms bloom in Spring. Along the canal, near the Castle, you'll find the quarter of Dotonbori, an explosion of colourful signposts indicating night clubs, restaurants and izakayas, a sort of Japanese cafè. Along the main road, the Ebisubashi bridge links the Shinsaibashi-suji and Ebisubashi-suji quarters, renowned for their shops. If Dotonbori is the place to go for modernity, Shinsekai is the quarter that represents the old town of Osaka. Developed before the Second World War, it has been neglected over the years. In the centre of this urban area you may find the Tsutenkaku Tower. This landmark of Shinsekai bears some resemblance to the Parisian Eiffel Tower and was the focal point of the permanent fun fair set up around it. On an excursion get a great view of the whole city from a height of 173 metres above sea level. In fact, you can climb to the fortieth floor of the Umeda Sky Building, designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara. The skyscraper is made up of two identical towers, connected between them by several bridges and on the highest part, by the Floating Garden Observatory, the hanging gardens from which you may admire Osaka. For those who enjoy shopping, you can walk along the Tenjinbashi Arcade. This indoor arcade extends for about two kilometres, from the underground station of Tenjimbashi-suji Rokuchome to the Tenjinbashi bridge: the shops sell all sorts, from shoes to books, from clothing to medicine. Osaka port guide Search cruises visiting Osaka

Day 5 Oct 13, 2027 Busan, South Korea 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore "A tapestry of kaleidoscopic colours, intense seafood flavours, and urban beach bliss, Busan rolls across a glorious natural setting on the Korean Peninsula's south-east. One of the largest and busiest ports in the world, 3.5 million people call South Korea's second city home, and the amiable locals help to lend the city its quirky, offbeat outlook. A spacious, playful and cosmopolitan place, Busan is a lively, liveable city, cradled by lush mountains and endless ocean scenery. Haedong Yonggung Temple nestles on a dramatic cliffside, just above the crumbling rocks and crashing waves of the East Sea. Dating back to 1376, the temple's multi-storey pagoda is adorned with lions - each representing a different emotion. Elsewhere, lanterns glitter in the night sky around Mount Geumjeongsan, freshly released from the beautiful Beomeosa Temple, which was established in AD 678. The hillside shantytown of Gamcheon Culture Village has completed an improbable transformation, blossoming from a sea of makeshift homes for Korean war refugees, into a colourful explosion of creativity and curiosity. Local artists have been let loose to create interactive installations, and the entire area is now an expansive canvas for expression. Lose yourself among vibrant alleyways of flamingo-pink, lemon-yellow and baby-blue painted facades in this unique area. Sample bibimbap, fiery-hot beef and rice, from street food vendors, before relaxing on one of South Korea's best beaches - Haeundae's banana bend of sand. Metallic skyscrapers offer an unusual backdrop to this pristine expanse of golden powder and are mirrored by elaborate sandcastles and sculptures during the annual sand festival - when spontaneous water fights and firework displays also take place. Gwangalli beach is another urban option, laying out spectacular views of the reaching Gwangan Bridge - the country's second largest bridge. At night, 16,000 bulbs bathe this engineering marvel in colour." Busan, South Korea port guide Search cruises visiting Busan, South Korea

Busan, South Korea photo — Day 5 Oct 13, 2027 Busan, South Korea 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore "A tapestry of kaleidoscopic colours, intense seafood flavours, and urban beach bliss, Busan rolls across a glorious natural setting on the Korean Peninsula's south-east. One of the largest and busiest ports in the world, 3.5 million people call South Korea's second city home, and the amiable locals help to lend the city its quirky, offbeat outlook. A spacious, playful and cosmopolitan place, Busan is a lively, liveable city, cradled by lush mountains and endless ocean scenery. Haedong Yonggung Temple nestles on a dramatic cliffside, just above the crumbling rocks and crashing waves of the East Sea. Dating back to 1376, the temple's multi-storey pagoda is adorned with lions - each representing a different emotion. Elsewhere, lanterns glitter in the night sky around Mount Geumjeongsan, freshly released from the beautiful Beomeosa Temple, which was established in AD 678. The hillside shantytown of Gamcheon Culture Village has completed an improbable transformation, blossoming from a sea of makeshift homes for Korean war refugees, into a colourful explosion of creativity and curiosity. Local artists have been let loose to create interactive installations, and the entire area is now an expansive canvas for expression. Lose yourself among vibrant alleyways of flamingo-pink, lemon-yellow and baby-blue painted facades in this unique area. Sample bibimbap, fiery-hot beef and rice, from street food vendors, before relaxing on one of South Korea's best beaches - Haeundae's banana bend of sand. Metallic skyscrapers offer an unusual backdrop to this pristine expanse of golden powder and are mirrored by elaborate sandcastles and sculptures during the annual sand festival - when spontaneous water fights and firework displays also take place. Gwangalli beach is another urban option, laying out spectacular views of the reaching Gwangan Bridge - the country's second largest bridge. At night, 16,000 bulbs bathe this engineering marvel in colour." Busan, South Korea port guide Search cruises visiting Busan, South Korea

Day 6 Oct 14, 2027 Sakaiminato 09:00 – 18:00 9.0 hrs ashore Wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood. Here, the Sea of Japan yields up both crab and hon-maguro, the prized Bluefin tuna esteemed by gourmets around the world. Sakaiminato is also your gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. This area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan's Bronze Age. The town of Matsue boasts the celebrated "Black Castle," a six-story, black-walled castle that home to a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. And to the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen, considered one of the four most scenic mountains in all Japan. Sakaiminato port guide Search cruises visiting Sakaiminato

Sakaiminato photo — Day 6 Oct 14, 2027 Sakaiminato 09:00 – 18:00 9.0 hrs ashore Wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood. Here, the Sea of Japan yields up both crab and hon-maguro, the prized Bluefin tuna esteemed by gourmets around the world. Sakaiminato is also your gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. This area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan's Bronze Age. The town of Matsue boasts the celebrated "Black Castle," a six-story, black-walled castle that home to a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. And to the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen, considered one of the four most scenic mountains in all Japan. Sakaiminato port guide Search cruises visiting Sakaiminato

Day 7 Oct 15, 2027 Tsuruga, Japan 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore The serene calm of this largest city in the Wakasa region of Japan is one steeped in culture and poetic tales. The brilliant, wandering, Edo poet Matsua Basho was inspired to write a haiku about the glimmer of the moonlight over Tsuraga Bay, and the plethora of artisan crafts from lacquerware to washi (Japanese paper) keep the traditions of cultural beauty alive today. The area is home to one of the most picturesque pine groves in the country at Kehi-no-Matsubara, where white-sand beaches fringe the fragrant green boughs of the magnificent pines. The area of Mikata-goko is home to five sparkling, small lakes with colors ranging from turquoise blue to jade green, and the region is home to a number of important, brightly painted shrines. The Kehi-jingu Shrine was reared in 702 and a massive, vermillion, wooden torii gate was re-constructed in 1645. Museums abound, and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is popular with families wanting to explore the origins of the prehistoric world, while the moving Port of Humanity Museum honors the humanitarian work of Chiune Sugihara, credited with saving as many as 6,000 souls from the Nazis. Whether your interests lie in natural scenery, authentic experiences or historic sites, a day spent on these captivating shores will have you writing poetry of your own.

Day 8 Oct 16, 2027 Toyama 09:00 – 18:00 9.0 hrs ashore Located in the heart of coastal Japan, Toyama welcomes visitors with dramatic scenery, colorful crafts and engaging local sites. This modern capital city is also the gateway to the world-famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in the Northern Japan Alps. Home to Shomyo Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan and situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan, Toyama prides itself on the freshness of its seafood and its successful agricultural industries. Be sure to try the city's signature Masu-sushi, made with locally produced rice and seafood from the bay. Popular attractions include the Zuiryuji Temple, Soto sect of Zen Buddhism noted for its landscaping and elegant architecture and Masu Sushi Museum where you can see the art of sushi making. Looking for something out of the ordinary? Step inside The Hotaruika (firefly squid) Museum and experience a dedication to this "illuminating" creature of the sea. And visiting Uozu Buried Forest and Mirage Museum is also a good idea. Here, you will learn the history of ancient cedar trees found buried under the Sea of Japan for more than 2000 years and about the mysterious mirage that is seen in the area. Toyama port guide Search cruises visiting Toyama

Day 9 Oct 17, 2027 Sakata, Japan 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Sakatais a medium-sized city in Yamagata Prefecture. Sakata is located in the fertile Shonai Plain that is known for its high-quality rice. The city grew as an important stop along the coastal shipping route that connected Hokkaido with Osaka via ports along the Sea of Japan and Seto Inland Sea during the Edo Period. A local merchant family, the Honma clan, came to dominate trade in the city and accrued a vast fortune that made them wealthier than some of the country's feudal lords. Due to their power and influence, the clan developed close ties with the local lords and had a number of lavish buildings built. Some of these buildings still stand today along with museums and other attractions.

Day 10 Oct 18, 2027 Aomori 09:00 – 22:00 13.0 hrs ashore From fiery festivals to spectacular mountain scenery, soaring temples to castles surrounded by cherry blossom blooms, Aomori is one of Japan’s most enchanting destinations. Framed by dark peaks clad with dense forestry, the city enjoys a picturesque location on Japan’s main island Honshu. While there are gorgeous pink tinted parks, tiered castles and towering Buddha statues to explore, the Aomori Prefecture’s capital is perhaps best known for the summer festival of fire that lights it up each year. Lavish illuminated floats fill the streets during Nebuta Matsuri festival, as dancing locals wave flickering lanterns through the night sky - and drummers pound out pulsating rhythms. Nebuta Matsuri has a euphoric and energetic atmosphere which makes it stand out as an unmissable experience compared with some of Japan’s more restrained festivals. At other times of the year, places like the stunning Hirosaki Castle bloom with rose-pink cherry blossom, as spring’s sunshine clears away winter’s plentiful snowfall. The castle’s moat, glowing with the pale hue of fallen blossom, is a truly mesmerising sight to behold. Don’t worry if you’re too late though, you might be able to catch the pink-flush of the apple blossom - which comes slightly later. Extraordinary prehistoric Jomon period history is waiting to be unearthed at the living archaeological site, Sannai-Maruyama Ruins. Or, the untouched wilderness of UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi is within reach. This sprawling mass of beech trees covers a third of the Shirakami mountain range, and the dense forestry once blanketed the majority of northern Japan’s land. Visit to scratch the surface of this untamed landscape’s beauty and see sprawling waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, in a beautiful off-bounds landscape, where black bears roam freely. Aomori port guide Search cruises visiting Aomori

Aomori photo — Day 10 Oct 18, 2027 Aomori 09:00 – 22:00 13.0 hrs ashore From fiery festivals to spectacular mountain scenery, soaring temples to castles surrounded by cherry blossom blooms, Aomori is one of Japan’s most enchanting destinations. Framed by dark peaks clad with dense forestry, the city enjoys a picturesque location on Japan’s main island Honshu. While there are gorgeous pink tinted parks, tiered castles and towering Buddha statues to explore, the Aomori Prefecture’s capital is perhaps best known for the summer festival of fire that lights it up each year. Lavish illuminated floats fill the streets during Nebuta Matsuri festival, as dancing locals wave flickering lanterns through the night sky - and drummers pound out pulsating rhythms. Nebuta Matsuri has a euphoric and energetic atmosphere which makes it stand out as an unmissable experience compared with some of Japan’s more restrained festivals. At other times of the year, places like the stunning Hirosaki Castle bloom with rose-pink cherry blossom, as spring’s sunshine clears away winter’s plentiful snowfall. The castle’s moat, glowing with the pale hue of fallen blossom, is a truly mesmerising sight to behold. Don’t worry if you’re too late though, you might be able to catch the pink-flush of the apple blossom - which comes slightly later. Extraordinary prehistoric Jomon period history is waiting to be unearthed at the living archaeological site, Sannai-Maruyama Ruins. Or, the untouched wilderness of UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi is within reach. This sprawling mass of beech trees covers a third of the Shirakami mountain range, and the dense forestry once blanketed the majority of northern Japan’s land. Visit to scratch the surface of this untamed landscape’s beauty and see sprawling waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, in a beautiful off-bounds landscape, where black bears roam freely. Aomori port guide Search cruises visiting Aomori

Day 11 Oct 19, 2027 Hakodate Arrives 08:00 Gaze down over Hakodate, from the heights of its namesake peak - Mount Hakodate - to see the city stretching out spectacularly, with back-to-back twin bays splitting the ocean. Hakodate port was one of the first to open Japan up to the world, and to international trade in 1859 - a fact reflected in the architecture, with its influences from the West and beyond. The port area is a redbrick wash of warehouses turned shopping malls, all observed by the onion domes of the city's Russian Orthodox church. View less Elsewhere, the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress glows with natural colours and a beautiful haze of cherry blossom during the season. Goryokaku Tower, which rises up beside it, offers a sweeping bird's eye view of the green fortress and mountain backdrop. Buses trundle up the 335-metre incline to the top of Mount Hakodate, but the best way to reach the views is to jump on the ropeway, which swings high above downtown's buildings, over a carpet of pine trees. Head up to the mountain's heights as sunset approaches. With darkness sweeping in, and the lights flickering to life, the panorama is one of Japan's most spectacular. Soak it all in, and look out to the horizon, dotted with the shimmering lights of ships hauling in harvests of the city's renowned squid. The plankton-rich waters attract a delicious variety of feasting sea life to Hakodate's coast, which is then plated up in the city's numerous, skilled restaurants. For an eye-opening, whirring morning, see the freshest produce being doled out at Hakodate Morning Market – amid a cacophony of noise and activity. Hakodate port guide Search cruises visiting Hakodate

Hakodate photo — Day 11 Oct 19, 2027 Hakodate Arrives 08:00 Gaze down over Hakodate, from the heights of its namesake peak - Mount Hakodate - to see the city stretching out spectacularly, with back-to-back twin bays splitting the ocean. Hakodate port was one of the first to open Japan up to the world, and to international trade in 1859 - a fact reflected in the architecture, with its influences from the West and beyond. The port area is a redbrick wash of warehouses turned shopping malls, all observed by the onion domes of the city's Russian Orthodox church. View less Elsewhere, the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress glows with natural colours and a beautiful haze of cherry blossom during the season. Goryokaku Tower, which rises up beside it, offers a sweeping bird's eye view of the green fortress and mountain backdrop. Buses trundle up the 335-metre incline to the top of Mount Hakodate, but the best way to reach the views is to jump on the ropeway, which swings high above downtown's buildings, over a carpet of pine trees. Head up to the mountain's heights as sunset approaches. With darkness sweeping in, and the lights flickering to life, the panorama is one of Japan's most spectacular. Soak it all in, and look out to the horizon, dotted with the shimmering lights of ships hauling in harvests of the city's renowned squid. The plankton-rich waters attract a delicious variety of feasting sea life to Hakodate's coast, which is then plated up in the city's numerous, skilled restaurants. For an eye-opening, whirring morning, see the freshest produce being doled out at Hakodate Morning Market – amid a cacophony of noise and activity. Hakodate port guide Search cruises visiting Hakodate

Day 13 Oct 21, 2027 Miyako,Iwate, Japan 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore A pretty prefecture located on the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan's main island, Miyako, Iwate, is situated along the Pacific coast surrounded by stunning scenery of Sanriku Fukko National Park and a sandy coastline defined by dramatic rock formations carved by the pounding surf. This iconic landscape invokes images of the 'Pure Land,' a Buddhist concept of paradise, and is best appreciated from the deck of a cruise boat on the waters of Jodogahama. The city's natural wonders are woven within its cultural highlights, and a visit to Kamaishi Daikannon Statue, a towering statue of the Buddhist 'Goddess of Mercy,' showcases sparkling Kamaishi Bay, while the historic Rokando Cave, is home to "the waterfall of the heavenly cave," an underground cascade. No visit to Miyako's shores would be complete without paying reverence to the tragedy that occurred on March 11, 2011, when a powerful earthquake triggered a devastating 17-meterhigh tsunami. The Taro Kanko Hotel Tsunami Remains is a testament to the power of the community's resiliency and serves as commemorative site, an important destination for those lucky enough to visit the island as it blooms with renewal.

Day 20 Oct 28, 2027 Kanazawa Arrives 07:00 Dive into feudal Japan! Fascinating Kanazawa is a real gem thanks to its elegant houses, the historic districts dedicated to pleasure, its proud white castle and the Kenrokuen garden. On an MSC cruise you will get to know this city, a much appreciated destination also for it handicrafts: the Kaga-Yuzen silk kimonos, Wajima's lacquer-ware and Kutani and Ohi ceramics are all exquisite. At the foot of the castle lies the district of Nagamachi, which you can visit on an excursion: the area preserves a historic atmosphere with its Samurai residences characterised by their "mud walls", private wooden entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. Kenrokuen, the green area surrounding the castle, is a real discovery: ranked as one of the "three most beautiful landscaped gardens" in Japan alongside Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Its colours change depending on the season. Teambuoco Shima and Kaikaro theatres are the two chaya districts open to the public: these areas once hosted exclusive restaurants whose guests were entertained by Geishas. Shirakawa-Go was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri, some of which are more than 250 years old. That is wooden houses with steep thatched roofs, whose shape recalls the palms of the Buddhist monks joined together in prayer. In actual fact the roofs are designed to withstand the heavy snowfall during the winter. Kanazawa port guide Search cruises visiting Kanazawa

Kanazawa photo — Day 20 Oct 28, 2027 Kanazawa Arrives 07:00 Dive into feudal Japan! Fascinating Kanazawa is a real gem thanks to its elegant houses, the historic districts dedicated to pleasure, its proud white castle and the Kenrokuen garden. On an MSC cruise you will get to know this city, a much appreciated destination also for it handicrafts: the Kaga-Yuzen silk kimonos, Wajima's lacquer-ware and Kutani and Ohi ceramics are all exquisite. At the foot of the castle lies the district of Nagamachi, which you can visit on an excursion: the area preserves a historic atmosphere with its Samurai residences characterised by their "mud walls", private wooden entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. Kenrokuen, the green area surrounding the castle, is a real discovery: ranked as one of the "three most beautiful landscaped gardens" in Japan alongside Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Its colours change depending on the season. Teambuoco Shima and Kaikaro theatres are the two chaya districts open to the public: these areas once hosted exclusive restaurants whose guests were entertained by Geishas. Shirakawa-Go was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri, some of which are more than 250 years old. That is wooden houses with steep thatched roofs, whose shape recalls the palms of the Buddhist monks joined together in prayer. In actual fact the roofs are designed to withstand the heavy snowfall during the winter. Kanazawa port guide Search cruises visiting Kanazawa

Day 22 Oct 30, 2027 Niigata, Japan 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore A sophisticated sake capital, Niigata is an intoxicating, creative place of Japanese traditions and flavours. Learn of the many crafts and creativities that are practised here, from kite-making to alcohol fermentation and ceramic work, and immerse yourself in the beautiful coastline and waterfall-laced mountains of Niigata prefecture. The city evolves with each season, taking on a new appearance - whether it's the thick layers of snow during winter, or the cherry blossoms of spring. View less Look out for the gorgeous curved black roof tiers of Shibata Castle, rising from a picturesque bed of pale-pink flowers. Sitting overlooking the Sea of Japan, out towards the intrigues of Sado Island, where the rare Toki bird - with its scythe-like beak - lives protected. This busy port city is famous for the high-quality and pure taste of its rice. As a result, sake produced here is among Japan's finest, and distilleries will teach you the artistry behind its creation, and to appreciate the subtle flavours. Pia Bandai market is a bustling place to take a stroll and sip a morning coffee. Japan’s first public park, Hakusan Park was built in 1873 and is perfect for whiling away an afternoon, among drifting lotus flowers and swaying trees. Appreciate a magical tea ceremony in the Edo-era Shimizu-en Gardens, or savour the tranquillity of the peaceful Hakusan Shrine - dedicated to the god of marriage.

Day 23 Oct 31, 2027 Akita, Japan 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Say the word Akita and you would be forgiven for thinking immediately of the lovable dog of the same name. But in fact, visitors to Akita will be treated not to a friendly furry face, rather to a beautiful city located on the northern tip of the island, around 500 km north of Tokyo. Lucky visitors will arrive in time for the superb sakura (cherry blossom), and surely there can be no sight more lovely than the elegant dip of the cherry trees alongside ancient Samurai residences. Akita is also home to a 2km tunnel of blossoming trees that run along the banks of the Hinokinai River, which is said to “bring a grown man to his knees and weep at its beauty”. If to you, Japan is synonymous with peace and serenity, then a trip to one of the onsens is a superb bucket list experience. Buses and taxis are easily available in the centre of town that will take you to Mizusawa, Oyu and Oyasukyo hot springs, some of the loveliest onsens in the country. Some of the superb sights in Akita are: Senshu Park, on the former site of Kubota Castle, the elegant red-brick folk Museum (housing works by block printer Katsuhira Tokushi (1907-1971) and metalwork by Sekiya Shiro (1907-1994) and the Old Kaneko Family Home. The Akita Museum of Art opened in 2012 and is home to the largest canvas painting in the world, Events of Atika, by Foujita (1886-1968). The painting measures a staggering 3.65 x 20.5 m (12 x 67 ft). The Museum also has many works by European masters such as Goya, Rubens, Rembrandt and Picasso. Akita, Japan port guide Search cruises visiting Akita, Japan

Akita, Japan photo — Day 23 Oct 31, 2027 Akita, Japan 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Say the word Akita and you would be forgiven for thinking immediately of the lovable dog of the same name. But in fact, visitors to Akita will be treated not to a friendly furry face, rather to a beautiful city located on the northern tip of the island, around 500 km north of Tokyo. Lucky visitors will arrive in time for the superb sakura (cherry blossom), and surely there can be no sight more lovely than the elegant dip of the cherry trees alongside ancient Samurai residences. Akita is also home to a 2km tunnel of blossoming trees that run along the banks of the Hinokinai River, which is said to “bring a grown man to his knees and weep at its beauty”. If to you, Japan is synonymous with peace and serenity, then a trip to one of the onsens is a superb bucket list experience. Buses and taxis are easily available in the centre of town that will take you to Mizusawa, Oyu and Oyasukyo hot springs, some of the loveliest onsens in the country. Some of the superb sights in Akita are: Senshu Park, on the former site of Kubota Castle, the elegant red-brick folk Museum (housing works by block printer Katsuhira Tokushi (1907-1971) and metalwork by Sekiya Shiro (1907-1994) and the Old Kaneko Family Home. The Akita Museum of Art opened in 2012 and is home to the largest canvas painting in the world, Events of Atika, by Foujita (1886-1968). The painting measures a staggering 3.65 x 20.5 m (12 x 67 ft). The Museum also has many works by European masters such as Goya, Rubens, Rembrandt and Picasso. Akita, Japan port guide Search cruises visiting Akita, Japan

Day 26 Nov 3, 2027 Miyako,Iwate, Japan 10:00 – 19:00 9.0 hrs ashore A pretty prefecture located on the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan's main island, Miyako, Iwate, is situated along the Pacific coast surrounded by stunning scenery of Sanriku Fukko National Park and a sandy coastline defined by dramatic rock formations carved by the pounding surf. This iconic landscape invokes images of the 'Pure Land,' a Buddhist concept of paradise, and is best appreciated from the deck of a cruise boat on the waters of Jodogahama. The city's natural wonders are woven within its cultural highlights, and a visit to Kamaishi Daikannon Statue, a towering statue of the Buddhist 'Goddess of Mercy,' showcases sparkling Kamaishi Bay, while the historic Rokando Cave, is home to "the waterfall of the heavenly cave," an underground cascade. No visit to Miyako's shores would be complete without paying reverence to the tragedy that occurred on March 11, 2011, when a powerful earthquake triggered a devastating 17-meterhigh tsunami. The Taro Kanko Hotel Tsunami Remains is a testament to the power of the community's resiliency and serves as commemorative site, an important destination for those lucky enough to visit the island as it blooms with renewal.

Day 27 Nov 4, 2027 Sendai, Japan 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Situated in the centre of the Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City is the largest city in the Tohoku region, and the political and economic centre of the Northwest region. In spite of its large size, Sendai is renowned throughout Japan as a modern city in harmony with nature. The city possesses beautiful scenery, including the Hirose-gawa River running through Central Sendai and the lush zelkova trees lining its streets. Greenery is especially abundant in the centre of the city, which has tree-lined streets and parks. As a result, Sendai is called the ‘City of Trees’. Sendai, Japan port guide Search cruises visiting Sendai, Japan

Sendai, Japan photo — Day 27 Nov 4, 2027 Sendai, Japan 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Situated in the centre of the Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City is the largest city in the Tohoku region, and the political and economic centre of the Northwest region. In spite of its large size, Sendai is renowned throughout Japan as a modern city in harmony with nature. The city possesses beautiful scenery, including the Hirose-gawa River running through Central Sendai and the lush zelkova trees lining its streets. Greenery is especially abundant in the centre of the city, which has tree-lined streets and parks. As a result, Sendai is called the ‘City of Trees’. Sendai, Japan port guide Search cruises visiting Sendai, Japan

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Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 104-day span: $19,223 · range $19,223–$21,023

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Available

from $43,423

$1,550 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owners Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $64,633

$2,308 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Signature Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $83,323

$2,975 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Wintergarden Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $117,723

$4,204 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jul 7, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Seabourn and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Lowest fares with no residency, age, or service requirement — verify eligibility at booking. How our pricing works

Price history

All

We've tracked this sailing's fares every day for the past 106 days. Here's what each cabin type has cost.

Price history by cabin type
Cabin	Current	Lowest	Highest
Balcony	$19,223	$19,223 · Jun 11	$21,023 · May 14
Suite	$43,423	$43,423 · Jun 11	$48,624 · Mar 26

Lowest and highest fares we've recorded for each cabin type · verified 2 days ago.

○ = last seen (sold out or delisted). · Verified 2 days ago.

Lowest fares with no residency, age, or service requirement — verify eligibility at booking. How our pricing works

Cabin grades

Lines step when the price changed; a gap means sold out or no public fare that day. Plot up to 6 at once.

Show all 14 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Veranda Suite Guarantee	OB	Balcony
Veranda Suite Guarantee	RB	Balcony
Single Veranda Suite Guarantee	SV	Balcony
Veranda Suite	V1	Balcony
Veranda Suite	V2	Balcony
Veranda Suite	V3	Balcony
Veranda Suite	V4	Balcony
Grand Wintergarden Suite	GR	Suite
Owners Suite	O1	Suite
Owners Suite	O2	Suite
Penthouse Suite	PH	Suite
Penthouse Spa Suite	PS	Suite
Signature Suite	SS	Suite
Wintergarden Suite	WG	Suite

Ship

Your ship Seabourn Encore 6★ **40,350** GT **600** guests Built **2016** Seabourn Encore is as strikingly beautiful and as excitingly innovative as any Seabourn has ever debuted. She crowns a fleet of luxury cruise ships that is already the newest, most modern and most acclaimed in the ultra-luxury segment. Modeled on the award-winning trio of ships introduced with Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Encore represents another welcome stage in the evolution of small ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched for all of our small ship cruises. Seabourn Encore ship guide Search cruises on Seabourn Encore

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

Other available sailing dates
View	From pp	Departs
	from $17,524 $625 / night	Oct 13, 2028Voyage 7863A

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