Whether or not you’re visiting historic shrines, sampling contemporary sushi or exploring pure wonders, Windstar’s new Grand Japan itinerary, aboard Star Seeker within the fall of 2026, is designed to interact all your senses. The ten-day cruise runs between Tokyo and Osaka/Kobe.
“One in all Windstar’s hottest areas worldwide,” says Jess Peterson, itinerary planner for the corporate who works hand in hand with its vacation spot group, “this voyage takes you to the entire locations in your must-visit listing.” These embrace Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Shimizu for Mt. Fuji and Kobe or Osaka for Kyoto. “Japan is such a wealthy vacation spot, it’s additionally in regards to the smaller, extra out-of-the-way ports, too,” he says, noting that friends are sometimes shocked and delighted by lesser-known locations similar to Kagoshima and Takamatsu and Korea’s Busan.
The itinerary is designed for vacationers as a two-week journey the place the 10-day crusing additionally provides a pre- or post-voyage keep in Kyoto for a extra immersive expertise there.
The place can we go? Listed here are highlights of Grand Japan.
Tokyo
From the Shiodome District’s futuristic skyscrapers to fifteenth century temples, Tokyo is actually the mecca of Japanese tradition. Japan’s capital has extra Michelin-starred eating places than some other metropolis on the planet, and a handful of parks and gardens are tucked among the many bustling streets and excessive rises. Hamarikyu Backyard was initially constructed as a feudal lord’s residence throughout the Edo Interval, and it’s identified for having the one remaining tidal pond within the metropolis. One other Tokyo landmark is the Imperial Palace, which is situated on the unique website of Edo Citadel. After the shogunate was overthrown in 1868, thus ending the Edo interval, Japan’s capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, and Edo Citadel turned the Imperial household’s residence.
Osaka
Consider Osaka because the jumping-off port for Kyoto. Which isn’t to say there aren’t discoveries, right here, too, on this metropolis that serves as a house port. Osaka is most well-known for its avenue meals scene, and the town has a much more laid-back environment than Tokyo. Osaka Citadel, which was constructed within the late sixteenth century, is a major focal point. After centuries of being demolished and rebuilt, the present construction was erected in 1931, the identical yr Osaka Citadel Park was opened to the general public. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one other must-see spot, and it’s one of many oldest buildings within the nation. Constructed within the third century earlier than the introduction of Buddhism, Sumiyoshi enshrines the kami, or Shinto gods, who defend vacationers, fishermen and sailors.
Shimizu
With breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, Shimizu is taken into account probably the most stunning ports in Japan. Nihondaira Park provides panoramic vistas of the area’s pure wonders, and the views from the aerial ropeway to the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine are equally jaw-dropping. Miho no Matsubara, a picturesque pine grove alongside the jap coast of the Miho Peninsula, additionally options dramatic views of Mount Fuji, so there aren’t any scarcity of picture ops on this cease. One other spotlight is Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, which was initially constructed within the early 1600s. Although the shrine has been broken by a number of earthquakes, the grounds are gorgeous, and with over 500 cherry timber on the property, it’s particularly magical within the spring. Seeking to eat native? Shimizu boasts one of many largest tuna catches within the nation, and also you’ll have the choice to seize lunch on the metropolis’s fish market, having fun with the freshest sashimi. Another choice is a conventional tea ceremony at a chashitsu, or historic tearoom, in Yui Honjin Park.
Shingu
Shingu interprets to “new shrine” in Japanese, and it refers to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of many three grand shrines of Kumano. For over 1,000 years, pilgrims have traveled to the Kumano area to hope on the three shrines, which additionally embrace Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hongu Taisha. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails, which cross by the southern Kansai area, are simply considered one of two pilgrimage websites on the planet acknowledged by UNESCO. Think about making the short trek to Nachi Falls, which, at 436 ft, is the tallest waterfall in Japan. It’s close to the namesake Nachi shrine, and the falls are thought of the unique spiritual website within the space. Doro Gorge (Dorokyo) is yet one more considered one of Shingu’s pure wonders so as to add to the listing. You possibly can hop on a jet boat for a 90-minute cruise by the gorge, which is situated on the Kitayama-gawa River. The gorge is known for its steep cliffs, clear emerald waters and rock formations.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima is finest identified for Sakurajima, an energetic volcano sitting in the midst of Kagoshima Bay. As soon as an remoted island within the bay, Sakurajima turned linked to the Osumi Peninsula after an eruption in 1914. You possibly can board a ferry to Sakurajima and discover the lava fields, and take within the views of the three,665-foot stratovolcano on the Arimura Lava Observatory. On the ferry experience again to Kagoshima, cease by a neighborhood sizzling spring and benefit from the views — and a soothing ashiyu, or foot bathtub. You might also resolve to go to Senganen, a surprising backyard with attractive views of the bay and volcano. Senganen, which was as soon as the summer season villa of the Shimazu clan, contains a bamboo grove and a cascading waterfall. One other highly effective place in Kagoshima is the Chiran Peace Museum, which honors the tales of kamikaze pilots throughout World Warfare II.
Karatsu
Karatsu Citadel is the primary attraction on this coastal metropolis, and it may be seen from throughout Karatsu Bay. The five-story construction was first inbuilt 1608, but it surely was torn down throughout the Meiji Restoration within the late nineteenth century. In 1966 a reproduction was constructed within the type of the unique citadel. One other worthwhile cease is Mount Kagami, which options panoramic views of the bay, the town and the neighboring pine tree forest. The town can also be identified for the Karatsu Kunchi Competition, a three-day float parade that takes place each November. Fourteen Hikiyama floats are hauled by the streets to have fun the harvest, and individuals typically costume in Edo-period apparel. The floats, which have a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation, might be considered on the Hikiyama Exhibition Corridor.
Busan, South Korea
Busan is the second largest metropolis in South Korea, well-known for its picturesque seashores and ornate temples. Absorb views of Mount Geumjeongsan earlier than visiting the 1,300-year-old Beomeosa Temple, or tour the Tongdosa Temple, which is believed to deal with a number of relics of Buddha. One other spotlight is the full-day tour of Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage Website also known as the “museum with out partitions.” On the lookout for sweeping vistas on the water? Step onto the Oryukdo Skywalk, a cantilevered remark deck with a glass flooring above the ocean. The Oryukdo Skywalk juts out from a 115-foot cliff, and on clear days, you may be fortunate sufficient to see Tsushima Island. Or, discover the equally spectacular Songdo Skywalk, a winding pedestrian bridge connecting Songdo Seashore to Geobukseon Island. You’ll even have the chance to go to the Busan Worldwide Movie Competition Sq. and the close by Jagalchi Fish Market.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki is house to the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Nagasaki Peace Park, memorializing the destruction by the second of two atomic bombs dropped on Japan throughout World Warfare II. Stays of the Urakami Cathedral, which was as soon as the biggest church in Asia, will also be seen from the Peace Park. The Inasayama Commentary Deck provides phenomenal views of the town, and one other focal point is Dejima Island, which was inbuilt 1636. For over two centuries, this synthetic island served as the first outpost for international commerce and cultural alternate, and it was the one Japanese territory open to Westerners. For these trying to enterprise past Nagasaki, think about taking a day journey to Arita, a scenic two-hour drive north of Nagasaki, acknowledged because the birthplace of Japanese ceramics. One different spotlight of your name here’s a dawn “scenic” cruising previous the abandoned island of Hashima. As soon as an offshore mining facility (it’s about eight nautical miles from the middle of Nagasaki), James Bond’s Skyfall was filmed on this eerie place.
Hiroshima
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also called the Atom Bomb Dome, was the one construction left standing within the metropolis after the U.S. dropped the primary of two atomic bombs in 1945. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1996, the park has many extra memorials and monuments, together with a museum that covers the historical past of Hiroshima and the appearance of the nuclear bomb. One other spotlight is Itsukushima Shrine, which is a probably the most photographed landmarks in Japan. The shrine and torii gate are constructed over the water on Miyajima Island, and at excessive tide they seem to drift on the Seto Inland Sea. The shrine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Website, was inbuilt 593 B.C., throughout the reign of Empress Suiko.
Takamatsu
Takamatsu is situated on Shikoku Island, and the port metropolis provides entry to a number of smaller islands within the Seto Inland Sea. One of many prime sights is Ritsurin Backyard, which was awarded three stars within the Michelin Inexperienced Information Japan. The 185-acre backyard is taken into account probably the most stunning parks within the nation, and it options six ponds, a waterfall, a bamboo forest and a tea home. Takamatsu can also be identified for its soy sauce manufacturing and Udon noodles. Foodies looking for a hands-on culinary expertise will need to enroll in the noodle-making class at Nakano Udon College. After studying in regards to the historical past of the dish and strolling on the wheat dough, you’ll get pleasure from a steaming bowl of the thick, tasty noodles.
Kyoto
On this itinerary, Kyoto, which most fantastically celebrates Japan’s previous, is on the market as a two evening, three day pre- or post-cruise immersive expertise from the ports of Kobe and Osaka.. Residence to some 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Websites, it has greater than 2,000 temples and shrines. Kyoto was the nation’s capital metropolis for many years, and preserved are key historic websites similar to its Imperial Palace, Nijo Citadel, the bustling cobblestone alleys of Gion, and the Zen backyard of Ryoan-ji Temple.
