Japan's autumn colours on Seven Seas Explorer

Depart from the UK today on your overnight flight bound for Tokyo.

On arrival in Tokyo, you will be transferred to Seven Seas Explorer.  Settle in to your luxurious suite and get to know  Your cruise departs in the evening, after which you can enjoy the first of many sumptuous, all-included fine-dining experiences.

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If you arrive into the lively port of Shimizu on a clear day, you’ll be able to spot magnificent Mount Fuji from here. Many of today’s shore excursion options will revolve around the chance to visit this iconic landmark.

Alternatively, visit the S-Pulse Dream Plaza to tour the Shimizu Sushi Museum, featuring informative displays and models showing the history of Japan’s most famous culinary export. Stroll the Kashi-no-Ichi Market, where fresh seafood is sold, and be sure to stop for a delicious cup of tea.

Other options include a visit to the grounds of a castle where the legendary Shogun warrior Ieyasu once lived, explorations of a local fish market and Shinto shrine, a Japanese tea-making experience, and more.

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Depending on your cruise date, you will either call into Tokushima City (4th October 2027 cruise) or enjoy a leisurely day cruising the Philippine Sea (29 October 2027 cruise). 

The pleasant city of Tokushima is the capital of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island, Japan’s smallest main island. It surrounds Mt. Bizan, a scenic summit that you can you can ascend via ropeway (cable car). The city is renowned for a pair of beloved Japanese traditions: Awa Odori, an annual dance festival held in mid-August, and a unique brand of indigo dye called ‘Awa-ai’ that is used to create iconic aizome products. The city is also home to four of the 88 temples that comprise the Shikoku Henro (Pilgrimage). Look for foods featuring sudachi, a locally grown citrus fruit. 

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Whilst the breath-taking temples and shrines of Kyoto, Japan’s old imperial capital, are a highlight of any visit to Japan, there are a wide range of excursions available to choose from today.  You could choose to visit ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its equally magnificent shrines and temples or visit Osaka's imposing castle. Or enjoy a traditional Geisha performance with a Kaiseki-style dinner.  Or stay local and explore Kobe's modern charms, where there will be opportunities to taste its legendary Kobe beef and uniquely flavoured sake. From Kobe, you can bring home exotic mementos such as silks, ceramic teapots, paper parasols, superb artworks and pottery among other beautiful objects.

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You’ve experienced some of Japan’s most impressive metropolitan cities, but today’s visit to Kochi brings you to a land of abundant natural landscapes. From an expansive coastline to the clear Shimanto River and the deep green forests surrounding it, Kochi is perfect for exploring temples surrounded by nature or tucked-away limestone caves and beaches hugged by green pines.

To the north of Kochi, rugged mountains add drama to the landscape. The southern coastline traces the outline of Tosa Bay. To the east, you’ll find Cape Muroto, and to the west, Cape Ashizuri’s sandy beaches undulate gently. Spend the day soaking in the great outdoors, visiting the area’s museums, or attending a Japanese paper-making workshop in a craft village.

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Cosmopolitan Hiroshima is surrounded by dense forests and hot springs, a contrast symbolising the city’s sombre history of rebirth and resilience. You’ll find moving memorials to the world’s first atomic bomb attack, which took place on 6th August 1945, including the Children’s Peace Monument as well as the Peace Memorial Park and its Atomic Bomb Dome, a haunting symbol of the bomb’s destruction and a World Heritage Site since 1996.

Simply walking the wide boulevards of this vibrant city and sampling their delicious street food—particularly the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki—is the perfect way to spend your time. For something outside the centre, ferry to the Island of Itsukushima, a Cultural Heritage-listed Shinto holy place famous for its ‘floating’ torii gate. 

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Spend part of the day cruising the Kanmon Strait as you make your way to South Korea. Take in the scenery, allowing yourself time to relax and recharge onboard.

The ship will dock in Busan, located on the south-eastern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, and thanks to its deep harbour, it’s one of the largest commercial ports in the world. It is famous for its exceptional beaches, scenic cliffs, and ancient temples set high in the mountains. You’ll have plenty of choice today, whether you want to take in the main sights on a highlights tour, attend a cultural performance, or visit South Korean temples and markets.

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Back in Japan, arrive at Nagasaki, Japan’s early gateway to trade with the west. Perhaps this is why you’ll see evidence of outside influences here; from European-style homes to the fusion cuisine (particularly the Castella sponge cake, introduced by Portuguese missionaries, and the Chinese food reinterpreted for Japanese tastes), Nagasaki offers a glimpse at Japanese culture with a twist.

This vibrant city was also the site of the dropping of the second atomic bomb, so a visit to Nagasaki’s Peace Park is a necessary and moving experience. The city’s natural beauty is best viewed from atop Mount Inasayama, or you can drive through the countryside to browse the galleries of Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. 

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Explore Hakata, the lively heart of Fukuoka, where modern energy meets rich culinary tradition (4th October 2027 voyage). Stroll the ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park for sweeping city views and a taste of samurai history. Be sure to sample world-famous Hakata ramen, famous for its rich, creamy pork bone broth, firm thin noodles and no-frills toppings. Near Kushida Shrine, shop for woven textiles, dolls and more at the Hakata Traditional Craft Centre.

Kagoshima is Japan’s southernmost major city, and is nicknamed the “Naples of the Eastern World,” based on its caldera bay location, hot climate, and volcano (29th October 2027 voyage). The majestic view of Mt Sakurajima, one of the world's most active volcanoes, dominates the city's landscape, towering over the beautiful Kinko Bay. The city abounds in historic sightseeing spots such as the memorial site of St. Francisco Xavier, who landed in Kagoshima and first introduced Christianity to Japan.

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Beppu is best known as one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan, producing more hot spring water than any other in the country. Steam rises from vents in the earth, providing opportunities for onsen bathing at every turn. This charming, hilly city features the traditional and modern, retaining its quaintness even as a favourite spot for tourists. Winter visitors are treated to the seasonal treat of the town being filled with warm escaping steam.

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Enjoy another day at sea as you make your way back toward Tokyo. Your last day onboard can be as full or as relaxing as you wish, with plenty of programming to keep you busy or hours to relax in your room or in the ship’s many lounge and bar areas. Treat yourself to one last delightful dinner onboard.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

The ship docks in Tokyo this morning. Enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarkation. You will be privately transferred to the airport for your onward flight back to the UK.