Authentic Japan from Busan to Osaka, 19 May 2026 (12 nights)

A large port city in South Korea, Busan is a bustling city with a mixture of modern and historic landmarks. Surrounded by mountains and beaches, whether you’re looking to relax and unwind with a tranquil walk, visit an aquarium or see the city from a new perspective by venturing to the top of one of the viewpoints, the choice is yours. Top highlights in the city include Haeundae Beach, the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and the Diamond Tower.

Karatsu is a welcoming, laid-back coastal town in Saga Prefecture, Japan, famed for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and renowned Karatsu-yaki ceramics. Located approximately an hour from Fukuoka, it offers a blend of feudal-era history, famed fresh seafood, notably in the Yobuko district, which is known for translucent, fresh squid dishes, and a quiet, serene, and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular visit.

From peaceful parks to historic sites, Nagasaki’s unique blend of culture and heritage offers an unforgettable experience.

A beautiful seaside city, Kagoshima boasts an active volcano that overlooks Kinko Bay. Due to its warm temperature, palm tree-lined streets and the volcano, the city has been compared with Naples in Italy. In Kagoshima there are an array of landmarks and attractions, including the Kagoshima City Aquarium, Hirakawa Zoo and beautiful Sengan-en Gardens.

Miyazaki, located on Kyushu island, is a laid-back, subtropical paradise regarded as a top domestic resort destination and the "birthplace of Japan" according to local legends. It is often described as having a nostalgic beach vibe, and it is quieter and more easygoing than Japan's big cities. It has mild weather, scenic coasts, popular surfing, spectacular ancient shrines, and popular dishes like Miyazaki beef, chicken nanban, and is famous for high-end, delicious mangoes. Pacific currents keep it temperate, with minimal snow on the coast and plenty of sunshine, making it a year-round resort.

Visit the historical sites of Hiroshima, including the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where the city’s story of peace and recovery comes to life.

Visit Japan’s most iconic and best-preserved castle, Himeji, surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering sweeping views of the city.

Shingu is a historic coastal city located where the sacred Kumano River meets the Pacific Ocean at the edge of Japan’s Kii Peninsula. Recognised as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, it acts as a primary entrance to the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage networks. The town brings early Japanese myths to life, boasting the striking vermilion buildings of the Kumano Hayatama Taisha grand shrine and the steep, clifftop Kamikura jinja Shrine. With its vibrant local fire festivals, scenic castle ruins, and rich variety of fresh seafood, Shingu provides a fantastic window into the spiritual heritage and natural beauty of the region.

A historic port city in central Japan, Toba is an interesting cruise destination in Mie Prefecture within the Ise-Shima National Park – meaning incredible landscapes are everywhere you look. Once the castle town of the region’s rulers under the Tokugawa shogunate, the Kuki family, and an area of Japan that has been continually inhabited since before the Jomon Period began (14,000 BC to 300 BC), this city is history-rich and a fantastic port of call on any Japan-bound adventure. While here, you’ll have the chance to explore the Mikimoto Pearl Island, regarded as the birthplace of the cultured pearl aquaculture, museums exploring the maritime history of the region, and impressive shrines – all while enjoying authentic Japanese culture and cuisine.

From neon-lit streets to sizzling street food, Osaka is a vibrant city where history and modern energy collide.