Tokyo Stay, Spring Blooms, Hiroshima & South Korea, 25 March 2027 (15 nights)

Shinjuku Gyoen was built on the foundations of Lord Naito's private residence. A mixture of a few different gardens, including French, English and Japanese, the park's varied and well-kept gardens are ideal for strolling around, photographing or even enjoying an afternoon picnic.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a portal to the past with its exhibitions describing both visually and through historical text, the history of Edo (now known as Toyko). Here visitors can learn about and experience numerous aspects of Edo, such as people's daily lives, Edo Period architecture, cultural heritage, political climate and much more. 

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, houses a statue of the goddess of mercy, Kannon. Sensoji is a must-see location in Japan, surrounded by imposing gates, a five-storey pagoda and the vibrant market of Nakamise Dori.

Known as the Floating Castle of Toba and the Two-color Castle during the Tokugawa shogunate, Toba Castle (which is now in ruins) sits in central Toba with its entrance facing the sea. Built in 1594 by Kuki Yoshitaka and used throughout the Edo period, the castle was significantly damaged during one of the Ansei great earthquakes in 1854 and ordered demolished by the Meiji government in 1871.

Just a short drive from Toba city centre, Yokoyama Observatory sits atop Mount Yokoyama in Shima and boasts some of the best views of Ago Bay and the entire Ise-Shima National Park available. With three refurbished viewing platforms and café facilities, you’re not going to forget the stunning panoramic views of this vibrant region.

Inland from Toba, the Ise Shrine is one of the most important Shinto sites in Japan, with the complex focused around the Naiku (dedicated to Amaterasu) and Geku (dedicated to Toyouke-Omikami) shrines. Established in 4 BC, according to legend, tourists are only actually allowed to visit the ornamental walkways in the woodlands surrounding the Ise Shrine – it’s that holy – and it marks the end of a pilgrimage known as Sangu. Within the Ise Shrine complex, there are 125 shrines.

Sitting at the top of Otakayama Hill in the centre of the city, Kochi Castle was built in the early 17th century and is a protected National Historic Site. Featuring an array of sculptures and beautiful grounds, it’s a must see when in the city.

Dedicated to the ‘father of Japanese botany’ Dr. Tomitaro Makino, these picturesque gardens showcase over 3000 plant species and spans an impressive 6 hectares. Throughout the gardens, you’ll find tropical plants encased in different structures, such as a greenhouse.

Another popular attraction in the city is the Chikurin Ji Temple. A serene temple surrounded by breathtaking plant life, it was constructed in the 20th century. A prominent five-stories pagoda, it features shrines and a 14th century garden.

Situated next to the Sakurajima ferry terminal, the aquarium opened in 1997. Spanning 7 floors, the aquarium is home to an array of marine life (including rays, giant whale sharks and tropical fish) and the impressive Kuroshio fish tank.

This huge zoo is full of an array of animals, from giraffes and koalas to elephants, alongside amusement rides, a children’s playground and a gift shop. A popular attraction with locals and tourists, it’s a vibrant place to visit whilst in Kagoshima.

A traditional garden that’s on the northern coast, it’s full of streams, shrines, bamboo groves and ponds. Constructed in 1658, the Sengan-en Gardens is a tranquil and historic attraction in the city.

Take a relaxing stroll to Haeundae Beach and enjoy wonderful views of the city. A popular attraction that’s open year round, it’s host to a variety of festivals throughout the year, as well as esports events.

A prominent Buddhist temple in Busan, it was originally constructed in 1376. However, the original temple was destroyed in the Japanese invasions, leading to it having to be rebuilt in 1930. A unique temple that’s popular due to its picturesque setting, it’s a peaceful area to visit whilst in Busan.

Built in 1973, the Diamond Tower stands at an impressive 120 metres tall and offers breathtaking views out over the city. With a panoramic viewpoint and a café at the top, alongside shops and galleries at its base, it’s often described as the top sight to see in Busan.

A Shinto shrine established circa 200 in Kitakyushu, Mekari Shrine is visible from the Kanmon Straits; built by Empress Jingu after her visit during the legendary Korean invasion in the 3rd century, the shrine was built as thanks to the Kami. The structure we see today was built in 1767 by the Ogasawara clan, and the Mekari Shinji ritual is observed here every year for good luck.

This slender stretch of greenspace in Mimosusogawa Park, which is visible from the Kanmon Straits, features several statues representing the warring Heike and Genji clans – prominent clans who fought each other during a major sea battle in 1185 during the Genpei War. While legends vary on the number of ships and fighters involved, the Heike clan (which was known as the Taira clan) was decimated as a result and the Genji clan (known as the Minamoto clan) gained control of Japan as a result.

Opened in 1973, you’ll pass under Kanmon Bridge as you sail the Kanmon Straits. Among the world’s longest suspension bridges, stretching over 3,500 feet across the waterway, Kanmon Bridge connects Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu.

Situated in the heart of the city, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was created in 1955 to showcase the events of World War II. Featuring an array of exhibits, including belongings that were left by the victims of the bombing, its aim is to acknowledge the realisation of ‘permanent world peace’.

Tranquil and picturesque, the Shukkeien Garden dates back to the early 17th century. As you follow the path through the garden, you’ll see a variety of miniaturised sceneries, tea houses and a selection of local plant life.

Also known as Carp Castle, Hiroshima Castle was built in the late 16th century and was one of the largest castles in the country. However, it was destroyed by the atomic bomb, leading to it having to be rebuilt. An iconic landmark in the city, it’s surrounded by beautiful scenery and has a vast collection of historical exhibits.

Shinjuku Gyoen was built on the foundations of Lord Naito's private residence. A mixture of a few different gardens, including French, English and Japanese, the park's varied and well-kept gardens are ideal for strolling around, photographing or even enjoying an afternoon picnic.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a portal to the past with its exhibitions describing both visually and through historical text, the history of Edo (now known as Toyko). Here visitors can learn about and experience numerous aspects of Edo, such as people's daily lives, Edo Period architecture, cultural heritage, political climate and much more. 

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, houses a statue of the goddess of mercy, Kannon. Sensoji is a must-see location in Japan, surrounded by imposing gates, a five-storey pagoda and the vibrant market of Nakamise Dori.