Japan 11-Night Cruise

Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Sendai is nicknamed the “City of Trees,” which is easy to see why as you explore this vibrant city. Historic sites and museums dot the cityscape, allowing a glimpse into the region’s storied past. From delicious street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, Sendai offers numerous ways to savour local cuisine as you browse boutique shops. Or journey outside the city to dormant volcanoes, rolling hills and relaxing hot springs to soak in the surrounding natural beauty.

The best view of Hakodate is seen from high atop its namesake mountain. Ride the gondola to the observation deck and gaze down at the spectacular vista below. Immerse yourself in history within the star-shaped walls of Fort Goryokaku and explore the site of famous battles that transformed Japan. Work up an appetite strolling along the city’s sloping streets and enjoy a mouth-watering seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) from the Hakodate Morning Market.

In Aomori, immerse yourself in history as you visit fascinating archaeological sites, ancient villages and cultural museums. Come hungry for culinary delights and create your own donburi from the fresh, local seafood sold at Furukawa Fish Market. Or discover one of the city’s many apple groves and taste green and red apples and homemade jams and juice.

Head to Kanazawa and the Ishikawa Prefecture and you step back in time to the Edo Period (1603 to 1886), the height of samurai culture. Thankfully, Kanazawa was the second-largest city (after Kyoto) to make it through World War II intact. As a result, parts of the old castle town, including the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived in pretty good condition. Keep your camera ready to capture the rows of teahouses in the historic Geisha district. Kanazawa also boasts attractive temples, a wide variety of museums and a lively market dating back to 1721. About an hour away is Kaga Onsen, healing hot springs that are well worth a day trip.

Sakaiminato is the primary fishing port for all of Western Japan, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a major attraction here. Much of the country’s snow crab, which is considered a foremost delicacy around the world, hails from Sakai Port. In addition to creatures of the sea, the city is filled with “spirit monsters” known as ‘Yokai’, bronze statues based on Japanese folklore. This artistic spirit is exemplified on Kitaro Road, where hundreds of statues from famed local artist Shigeru Mizuki line the street.

Your cruise comes to an end as you reach Seoul. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Ireland.

Travel to Seoul and discover its 5,000-year-old heritage amidst the ultra-modern high-rises. Visit the magnificent 14th century Gyeongbok Palace and stone pagoda, the National Museum and the bustling antique district. Or spend a day in the serene atmosphere of a Zen Buddhist temple and a historic Korean village. Tour the DMZ and rediscover the drama of recent history. Or simply wander the fish market and promenade at Incheon.