Princess Cruises®
15-Day Highlights of Japan - Tour 3A
| Day 1 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
| Day 2 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
| Day 3 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
| Day 4 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
| Day 5 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
| Day 6 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
| Day 7 |
Enjoy this day at sea as you travel to your next port of call. This is an opportunity to swim, catch some sun on deck or take advantage of the many activities that are onboard your ship. Eat heartily, take a nap and get ready for the next port of call ! This is what makes cruising so great. |
| Day 8 |
Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate combines historical charm with natural splendor. One of the city's most famous attractions is the view from Mount Hakodate, which offers a panorama of the city and the surrounding sea, especially stunning at night. Hakodate's rich history is evident in the Motomachi district, where you can find Western-style buildings and churches that reflect its past as one of Japan's first international ports. Hakodate is also a destination for food lovers. The Hakodate Morning Market is a bustling spot where you can sample fresh seafood, including the city's famous "dancing squid" dish. The unique delicacy features a freshly prepared squid that appears to move when soy sauce is applied! Arrive Time: 7:00 am – Depart Time: 4:00 pm
|
| Day 9 |
Arrive Time: 9:00 am – Depart Time: 6:00 pm
|
| Day 10 |
Enjoy this day at sea as you travel to your next port of call. This is an opportunity to swim, catch some sun on deck or take advantage of the many activities that are onboard your ship. Eat heartily, take a nap and get ready for the next port of call ! This is what makes cruising so great. |
| Day 11 |
South Korea in located in the part of northeastern Asia that occupies the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It has a total area of about 98,480 sq. km (about 38,023-sq. mi.), including many offshore islands, the largest of which is Cheju. The capital and largest city of South Korea is Seoul. The government to encourage the preservation of the traditional arts through several museums: the National Museum (1908), located in Seoul, with its collection of Korean cultural and folklore relics; and branches of the national museums, located in six other major cities. Arrive Time: 7:00 am – Depart Time: 4:00 pm
|
| Day 12 |
This beautiful port city and capital of the Nagasaki Prefecture is located on the island of Kyushu. A Japanese trading hub for centuries, Nagasaki, along with Hiroshima, was destroyed by an atomic bomb in World War II. Today, visitors are strongly encouraged to see the Nagasaki Peace Park, which commemorates the tragedy. Other key sights include Hashima Island, an abandoned island off of the city's coast, the mansion-dotted open air park Glover Garden, and Mount Inasa, offering majestic night views. For a truly unique experience, visit Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park that is a replication of a Dutch village. Arrive Time: 7:00 am – Depart Time: 4:00 pm
|
| Day 13 |
Kagoshima, Japan offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. Nestled on the southwestern tip of Kyushu, this city is famously dominated by the imposing Sakurajima volcano, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Visitors can take a ferry to get up close to the volcano or view it from the Kagoshima City Viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views. In addition to its volcanic charm, Kagoshima is renowned for its historic Sengan-en Garden, an exquisite traditional Japanese garden and former feudal lord’s residence. The garden features beautifully landscaped grounds, traditional tea houses, and scenic views of Sakurajima. For a deep dive into Kagoshima’s rich history and culture, a visit to the Sengan-en Garden official site will provide detailed information. Culinary enthusiasts will find delight in Kagoshima's local specialties, including kurobuta pork and satsuma-age (deep-fried fish cakes). The city’s vibrant markets and restaurants showcase these delicacies, making it a food lover’s paradise. Discover more about Kagoshima’s food culture on the Kagoshima Gourmet Guide. Fun Fact: Kagoshima is also known for its hot springs or onsen, with many resorts offering relaxing hot spring baths with views of the active volcano. Soaking in these natural springs is a perfect way to unwind after exploring the city’s many attractions. Arrive Time: 7:00 am – Depart Time: 4:00 pm
|
| Day 14 |
Japan consists of four large islands: Hokkaido, the northernmost; Honshu, the largest, called the mainland; Shikoku; and Kyushu, the southernmost; as well as the Ryukyu Islands, and more than 1000 lesser adjacent islands. The total area of Japan is 377,688 sq. km (145,826 sq. mi.). Tokyo is Japan's capital and largest city. Ancient China and modern Western influences are found in Japanese literature, art, and music, architecture, drama, language, and music.
Tokyo has a number of important libraries: the National Diet Library, an international book exchange and information center of Japan; The Cabinet Library in Tokyo containing about 530,000 volumes; The Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library containing more than 838,000 volumes; and Kobe City Library containing more than 240,000 volumes. Important university libraries are located throughout the country. The museums of Japan, with the exception of several modern galleries in the large cities, are usually found in temples and shrines, including the famous Myohoin Temple in Kyoto. Tokyo contains several important museums and art galleries, the largest being the Tokyo National Museum. Other museums in Tokyo are in the Calligraphy Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the Meiji Shrine Treasure Museum, and the Japanese Folk Art Museum. Important museum collections are found in almost every major city. Arrive Time: 9:00 am – Depart Time: 5:00 pm
|
| Day 15 |
Shimizu, a picturesque port in Shizuoka City, offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Shimizu is known for its rich maritime history, and a culinary highlight is its fresh seafood, particularly tuna. The port boasts the highest tuna catch in Japan, making it a prime destination for sushi fans. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity of Shimizu to Miho no Matsubara, a scenic pine grove that offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the coastline. This area is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic by the sea. The Nihondaira Plateau features panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. Shimizu's blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic Japanese experience. Arrive Time: 1:00 pm – Depart Time: 7:00 pm
|
| Day 16 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/13/26 - 05/28/26 |
Starting At $5,658 |
Get A Quote | |
|
08/31/26 - 09/15/26 |
Starting At $5,388 |
Get A Quote |
