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From the temple-lined streets of ancient Kyoto to the timeless sophistication of a Princess Cruises voyage, this exceptional journey unites Japan’s storied heartland with the romance of the waves.
There is no finer way to discover Japan than by rail. Sleek bullet trains sweep you between the great cities, while characterful mountain lines like the Sagano Romantic Train carry you deep into forested valleys and along glittering rivers. Over 10 nights of escorted touring, the country unfolds at its own gentle pace: the hush of Arashiyama’s bamboo groves, a moment of reflection at Hiroshima, the snow-capped symmetry of Mount Fuji.
When the rails give way to the water, Sapphire Princess® becomes your elegant home from home. She traces a graceful loop from Tokyo, calling at lesser-known northern ports, crossing to lively Busan in South Korea, and pausing at poignant Nagasaki.
Your holiday begins as you fly from Australia to your destination.
Day 2: Osaka: Hotel Stay
Touch down in Osaka and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. Japan’s spirited kitchen city greets you with neon-lit streets, canal-side bustle, and an easy, welcoming energy that sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Day 3: Osaka: Tour & Hotel Stay
Spend the morning at leisure before an afternoon tour of Osaka Castle, the green-roofed fortress at the heart of the city. Its gilded turrets and sweeping grounds tell the story of feudal Japan’s most ambitious warlords.
Day 4: Hiroshima: Tour & Hotel Stay
Board the bullet train and glide west to Hiroshima, checking in for two nights. A half-day tour introduces a city defined by resilience, where moving memorials and tranquil gardens stand as a quiet testament to peace.
Day 5: Hiroshima: Tour & Hotel Stay
Cross the water to sacred Miyajima Island, home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine and its great vermilion torii gate, appearing to float on the tide. Wander the wooded paths where tame deer roam freely.
Day 6: Kyoto: Tour & Hotel Stay
Transfer to the bullet train for Kyoto, your home for two nights. A half-day coach tour reveals Japan’s cultural soul, a city of imperial palaces, lantern-lit lanes, and more than a thousand temples and shrines.
Day 7: Kyoto: Tour & Hotel Stay
Today, walk the towering bamboo groves of Arashiyama, admire the raked Zen garden of Ryoanji and the gold-leaf splendour of Kinkakuji, and ride the Sagano Romantic Train through the scenic Hozugawa gorge.
Day 8: Shizuoka: Hotel Stay
Take the bullet train east to Shizuoka, settling in for two nights. Set against tea-covered hills with Mount Fuji often on the horizon, this coastal prefecture offers a calmer, more rural side of Japan.
Day 9: Shizuoka: Tour & Hotel Stay
Journey on board the nostalgic Oigawa Railway before connecting to the Southern Alps Abt Line, a charming mountain railway that climbs through dramatic gorges and emerald valleys deep in the heart of Japan’s high country.
Day 10: Tokyo: Tour & Hotel Stay
Travel to Mount Fuji, Japan’s most sacred and revered peak, for an escorted tour of its lakes and lower slopes. Continue to Tokyo, your base for two nights in the dazzling capital.
Day 11: Tokyo: Hotel Stay
Enjoy a free day to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Lose yourself in the energy of Shibuya, seek out serene shrines and pristine gardens, or browse the boutiques and backstreets of this endlessly surprising metropolis.
Day 12: Tokyo: Embark Ship
With an array of entertainment, great dining options, and fantastic activity programmes, it’s no wonder Sapphire Princess® is considered such a gem. The elegant lounges, beautifully designed public spaces, and spacious pool areas provide the perfect atmosphere.
Day 13: Relax At Sea
Day 14: Akita
Discover Akita, a northern port framed by mountains and rice fields. Known for its samurai heritage and sake breweries, it offers a glimpse of a quieter, tradition-rich corner of Japan.
Day 15: Sakata
Once a thriving merchant port, Sakata charms with historic rice warehouses, elegant former geisha houses, and beautifully preserved gardens, all set beside the Mogami River as it meets the Sea of Japan.
Day 16: Relax At Sea
Day 17: Kanazawa
Step ashore in Kanazawa, celebrated for Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three great gardens. Gold-leaf workshops, a preserved samurai district, and atmospheric geisha quarters reward those who linger.
Day 18: Sakaiminato
Arrive in Sakaiminato, a lively fishing port on the San’in coast. Famed for its fresh seafood and quirky folklore-themed streets, it makes a colourful gateway to the surrounding region.
Day 19: Busan
Cross to South Korea and the energetic port of Busan. Hillside temples, bustling fish markets, and golden beaches sit side by side in the country’s spirited second city.
Day 20: Nagasaki
Return to Japan at Nagasaki, a city of poignant history and rich cultural crossover. Its hillside churches and tranquil peace memorial reflect a fascinating story of resilience and renewal.
Day 21: Kagoshima
Discover Kagoshima, watched over by the smouldering Sakurajima volcano across the bay. Often likened to Naples, this warm southern city pairs dramatic scenery with relaxed hospitality and natural hot springs.
Day 22: Relax At Sea
Days 23 - 24: Tokyo: Disembark Ship & Fly Home
Your holiday complete, today you’ll disembark your ship and head to the airport for your flight home.
Asvertised pricing is based on per person twin share, correct as of 18 August 2026.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
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Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
