Japan

Friday 09 April

A morning departure from Auckland on Air New Zealand for Tokyo. Arrive in the early evening and transfer to the hotel.

Saturday 10 April

This morning, travel by Bullet Train (2h 30m – 515km) to Osaka. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Osaka Castle before continuing on to Kyoto for a three-night stay. Welcome dinner tonight.

Sunday 11 April

Depart for a full day sightseeing tour of nearby Nara with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the 15m-high bronze Buddha, and a Japanese garden. Return to Kyoto. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Monday 12 April

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kyoto including the Golden Pavilion and a rickshaw experience in the Arashiyama area. Afternoon free to explore and shop.

Tuesday 13 April

Travel by Bullet Train (2h 45m – 360km) to Hiroshima. Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and museum, including the Atomic Bomb Dome — the only structure left standing near the bomb’s hypocentre. Listen to a talk by a Hiroshima survivor. Transfer to the hotel for a two-night stay.

Wednesday 14 April

Travel to Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Bay by train and ferry for a half-day sightseeing tour. See the forests, temples and nostalgic streets where it feels like stepping back in time. Return to the hotel late afternoon.

Thursday 15 April

Early departure by Bullet Train to Takayama (approx. 5h 30m) via Nagoya, arriving early afternoon. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Takayama, a mountainous city with narrow streets, merchant houses, and known as the ‘City of Festivals’. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Friday 16 April

Today’s travel takes you through a remote mountainous region to Shirakawago — a village with traditional farmhouses, some up to 250 years old. Continue to Matsumoto. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Saturday 17 April

Visit Matsumoto Castle before travelling to the Mt Fuji Visitor Centre with time to experience the national park and surroundings.

Sunday 18 April

Enjoy a morning cruise on Lake Ashi and a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, with views of Mt Fuji on a clear day, before travelling to Tokyo by Romance Car (train). Transfer to the hotel.

Monday 19 April

Today you embark on a full day of sightseeing, including the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. In the afternoon, enjoy a tea ceremony and the iconic Scramble Crossing before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Tokyo is a paradox of ancient tradition and post-modern culture, where consumerism, elegance and serenity go hand-in-hand.

Tuesday 20 April

Late morning transfer to Yokohama Port to board the ‘Diamond Princess’. Sail out of Tokyo late afternoon.

Wednesday 21 April

Thursday 22 April

Today explore Aomori, which derives much of its beauty from the apple orchards and cherry blossoms that encompass its landscape, and the snow-covered Hakkoda Mountains that look on from a distance. Late afternoon departure.

Friday 23 April

Muroran is a compact port city on the southern coast of Hokkaido, offering a mix of dramatic coastal scenery, maritime history and authentic local culture.

Saturday 24 April

Hakodate is one of Japan’s most important ports. Meander through the Morning Market to see a stunning array of fresh seafood or take the aerial tram up Mt Hakodate.

Sunday 25 April

Monday 26 April

Visit Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city. Prepare for a contrast of countries as mountains, beaches,fish markets and high-rise towers sit alongside ancient Buddhist temples—an amalgam of old and new.

Tuesday 27 April

This beautiful city is often described as the San Francisco of Japan. The city occupies verdant hills surrounding a deep-water bay. Nagasaki Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world. Late afternoon departure.

Wednesday 28 April

Thursday 29 April

Disembark for a half-day sightseeing tour and last-minute shopping before transferring to the airport for the evening Air New Zealand flight to Auckland.

Friday 30 April

Morning arrival into Auckland.