Day 1 | Tokyo, Japan
Your journey begins in Tokyo, where you’ll board your luxury Emerald yacht and set sail across Japan’s captivating waters. With its dazzling skyline, vibrant neighbourhoods, and seamless blend of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation, Tokyo offers a lively introduction to the extraordinary experiences that await on your unforgettable voyage.
Please book your flight to arrive into Tokyo prior to 2:00pm.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 | Shimizu, Japan
Set against the majesty of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful ports. With a history dating back to the Nara Period and framed by stunning natural scenery, Shimizu offers a wealth of inspiring sights. Discover rich Japanese culture and nearby shrines, stroll through the town to immerse yourself in local life, and enjoy renowned views of Mount Fuji on clear days, when the iconic peak rises dramatically above the horizon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 | Kumano, Japan
Arrive in Kumano, a region steeped in spiritual history and natural beauty. Sacred sites such as the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, ancient shrines and tranquil forests have inspired travellers for centuries. With its serene rivers, coastal vistas and rich cultural heritage, Kumano offers a peaceful and unforgettable stop on your journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 | Kobe, Japan
Welcome to Kobe on Japan’s main island of Honshu, a major international port city framed by ocean views and mountain peaks. With a long history as one of Japan’s key gateways for global trade and cultural exchange, Kobe blends rich maritime heritage with a vibrant, modern identity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 | Kobe, Japan
Rebuilt and revitalised following the 1995 earthquake, Kobe today showcases a distinctive mix of history, culture and international flair, offering an ideal setting for exploration and indulgence.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Uno-Ko, Japan
This morning, arrive at the port of Uno, the gateway to the garden city of Okayama, the second-largest city in the Chugoku region. Okayama is home to the stunning Korakuen Garden, commissioned by a feudal lord in 1687 as a place to receive guests. Spend your day strolling through immaculately manicured gardens, admiring historic architecture, or contemplating thought-provoking art.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 | Hiroshima, Japan
Hiroshima is a profoundly significant city, shaped by its history and defined by its enduring message of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, including the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, stand as powerful reminders of the past and invite reflection on the importance of peace.
Alongside this, Hiroshima Castle and the serene Shukkeien Garden reveal layers of heritage and refined landscape design. Tree-lined avenues, riverside paths and lively neighbourhoods complete a city that balances remembrance with a vibrant, forward-looking atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 | Kitakyushu, Japan
Arrive in Kitakyushu, Kyushu’s northern gateway where urban energy meets historic charm. Admire Kokura Castle and its serene gardens, the retro streets of Mojiko Port, and the dazzling night views from Mount Sarakura, capturing the city’s rich history and natural beauty. Nestled between mountains and sea, this vibrant destination blends tradition and modernity for an unforgettable day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 | Fukuoka, Japan
Discover Fukuoka, Kyushu’s dynamic capital and renowned culinary hub, where ancient shrines meet modern vibrancy. Explore the serene Ohori Park with its tranquil lake, wander through bustling Tenjin, and sample local delicacies at the famous Yatai street food stalls, showcasing Fukuoka’s unique blend of tradition, culture and flavour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 | Hagi, Japan
Experience Hagi, a riverside city on the picturesque Abu-gawa Delta, framed by mountains and natural beauty. The city’s historic Shizuki Park features the remnants of a 17th-century castle, while the old town invites leisurely walks past traditional samurai residences and preserved merchant homes.
Cultural attractions include engaging museums and workshops showcasing Hagi-yaki pottery, offering a fascinating insight into the city’s artistic heritage.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 | Busan, South Korea
Welcome to the vibrant coastal city of Busan, South Korea’s second-largest metropolis and a dynamic gateway to the country’s rich culture and striking coastline. Blending modern cityscapes with historic temples, bustling markets and beautiful beaches, Busan offers a captivating destination to explore.
In the afternoon, return to your luxury Emerald yacht and continue your voyage through the waters of Northeast Asia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 | Tsushima Island, Japan
Tsushima Island, set between Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula, feels pleasantly removed from city life, with forested mountains, quiet coves and a deeply rooted island culture. As you trace its rugged shoreline, you’ll notice small fishing ports, historic shrines and walking paths that hint at the island’s long-standing role as a gateway between Japan and the wider region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 | Nagasaki, Japan
Sail into Nagasaki, a harbour city ringed by hills and known for its long history of international exchange. Today, it is a place of reflection and renewal, with museums and memorials dedicated to the events of 1945 alongside historic districts, waterfront promenades and temples that tell a broader story of trade, faith and resilience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 | Kagoshima, Japan
Kagoshima unfolds around a sweeping bay, watched over by the impressive silhouette of Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. The city is celebrated for its samurai heritage, landscaped gardens and relaxed southern atmosphere, where mild weather, sea views and nearby hot springs shape everyday life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 | Aburatsu, Japan
Aburatsu is a relaxed port town known for its scenic coastline, welcoming atmosphere and local markets. Explore historic streets, admire picturesque waterfront views and sample regional cuisine and crafts. Whether strolling along the harbour or visiting cultural landmarks, Aburatsu offers an authentic glimpse into traditional coastal Japanese life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 | Uwajima, Japan
Located on Shikoku’s south-west coast, Uwajima is renowned for its pearl cultivation and fishing traditions. Beyond the waterfront, rural valleys and forested mountains reveal a contrasting landscape of quiet villages, farmsteads and river gorges, where wildlife and crystal-clear streams create a slower, more pastoral side of Japan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 | Beppu, Japan
Arrive in Beppu, where plumes of steam rise from the earth and traditional onsen houses line the hillsides, creating one of Japan’s most atmospheric hot spring destinations. Experience mineral-rich baths, bubbling mud pools and sand baths by the sea, all set against a backdrop of mountain scenery and peaceful neighbourhood streets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18 | Matsuyama, Japan
Sail into Matsuyama on Shikoku, a charming regional city where feudal history meets everyday local life. From hilltop Matsuyama Castle, enjoy sweeping views across the city and the Seto Inland Sea, while the historic Dogo Onsen offers a glimpse into centuries of bathing traditions and literary inspiration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 | Takamatsu, Japan
Nestled on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, Takamatsu serves as a serene gateway to the region’s many picturesque islands. Take in coastal views and admire the impressive Seto Ohashi Bridge, a remarkable feat of engineering spanning the inland sea.
Explore the ruins of Takamatsu Castle, wander through the tranquil Ritsurin Garden, and sample the local specialty, Sanuki udon noodles, celebrated throughout Japan for their delightful texture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20 | Himeji, Japan
Himeji is home to one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, Himeji Castle, a stunning example of feudal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Admire the castle’s grandeur, stroll through its surrounding gardens, or explore the charming streets of the historic city at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21 | Osaka, Japan
Your luxury Emerald yacht voyage comes to an end in Osaka, a bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods combine to create one of Japan’s most exciting cities.
From here, transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward travels, taking with you unforgettable memories of your extraordinary voyage through Japan and South Korea.
Please book your flight to depart Osaka after 12:00pm.
Please note: This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee that the cruise will operate exactly as stated above.
Meals: Breakfast
