Beyond the Vermilion Gates

Meet your Tour Leader at Malta International Airport for your flight to Tokyo, Japan, with transit.

Arrival in Tokyo. Upon arrival, follow the tour leader for the transfer to your hotel and settle in for your first night in Japan, where centuries-old traditions exist alongside one of the world’s most futuristic cities.

Discover the vibrant contrasts of Tokyo on an optional city tour featuring some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Begin at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, before continuing to the National Diet Building, Japan’s centre of political life. Drive past the Imperial Palace and stop at the historic Nijubashi Bridge for a photo opportunity. Continue to Tokyo Skytree and Soramachi, where you can admire the impressive skyline and enjoy some free time to explore the shops and surroundings before returning back to the hotel.

Hotel check-out, transfer to the Tokyo cruise port and embarkation.

Today brings the opportunity to discover one of Japan’s most iconic regions. You may admire Mount Fuji from scenic coastal viewpoints, visit historic shrines or experience Shizuoka’s celebrated tea culture. Views of Mount Fuji are weather permitting, but even beyond the mountain, this peaceful region captures Japan at its most serene.

From Osaka, venture into Kyoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital and a city that perfectly captures the Japan of the imagination. Discover magnificent landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, walk beneath the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari or explore Kyoto’s traditional neighbourhoods, temples and peaceful gardens. This is the Japan of silk kimonos, temple bells and quiet gardenselegant, spiritual and timeless.

With another full day in port, discover a completely different side of Japan. Where Kyoto whispers, Osaka buzzes. Explore the impressive Osaka Castle or immerse yourself in the neon lights, food stalls and lively atmosphere of Dotonbori. Alternatively, you may visit nearby Nara and discover more of Japan’s remarkable cultural heritage.

Step ashore on the island of Shikoku and discover Kochi, surrounded by green mountains and clear rivers. Visit Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few surviving original feudal castles, or discover the peaceful Chikurinji Temple, complete with its elegant five-storey pagoda. For a taste of everyday Kochi, wander through the lively local markets and perhaps sample the city’s famous seared bonito.

Today offers one of the most moving and beautiful contrasts of the journey. Discover Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a place of remembrance that has become an enduring symbol of peace and resilience. Alternatively, travel to Miyajima Island, where the magnificent Itsukushima Shrine appears to float above the water and its famous vermilion torii gate rises from the Seto Inland Sea, one of Japan’s most unforgettable images.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we continue south through the Japanese archipelago. Take time to enjoy the ship, slow the pace and reflect on the temples, cities and landscapes already discovered before another fascinating side of Japan awaits.

Arrive in Kagoshima, dramatically set across the bay from the mighty Sakurajima volcano. Excursions may take you closer to Sakurajima and its volcanic landscapes, to the elegant Sengan-en Gardens once belonging to the powerful Shimadzu samurai clan, or to viewpoints overlooking the city and smoking volcanic peak. For something uniquely Japanese, excursions may also venture towards Ibusuki, famous for its naturally heated volcanic sand baths.

Few Japanese cities tell a story quite like Nagasaki. Explorethe poignant Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, then discover another chapter of the city’s history at Glover Garden, where Western-style residences overlook the harbour. Nagasaki was one of Japan’s great gateways to the outside world, and its Dutch, Portuguese and Japanese influences still give the city a character unlike anywhere else in the country.

Our final Japanese port brings us to Fukuoka, a city with deep historic ties to continental Asia. Discover the atmospheric Shofukuji Temple, regarded as Japan’s first Zen Buddhist temple, explore the remains of Fukuoka Castle and Maizuru Park, or take in the city and coastline from Fukuoka Tower. And no visit to Fukuoka would be complete without a taste of its famous Hakata food culture - particularly the rich tonkotsu ramen for which the city is renowned.

Cross into South Korea and arrive in vibrant Busan, where mountains, temples, colourful neighbourhoods and the sea come together. Visit the spectacular Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, dramatically perched along the rocky coastline, explore the colourful hillside lanes of Gamcheon Culture Village, or experience Busan’s lively markets and panoramic waterfront. It is a striking change of rhythm after Japan. Energetic, colourful and unmistakably Korean.

Enjoy your final day at sea as we sail north towards South Korea’s capital. Relax on board and take in the final moments of a remarkable journey through Japan - from Mount Fuji and imperial Kyoto to Hiroshima, volcanic Kyushu and the shores of Korea.

Arrive in Incheon, the gateway to Seoul, and disembark. Transfer to Seoul Airport for your return flight to Malta with transit, bringing to an end an extraordinary journey through Japan and South Korea.