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Experience the essence of Japan with Windstar’s new Grand Japan itinerary, set aboard the Star Seeker in the fall of 2026. This 10-day cruise spans from Tokyo to Osaka/Kobe, offering an enriching journey filled with ancient shrines, fresh sushi, and stunning natural landscapes.
“This region is one of Windstar’s most sought-after destinations globally,” remarks Jess Peterson, an itinerary planner for the company, who collaborates closely with its destination team. “This voyage covers all the essential spots you won’t want to miss,” including Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Shimizu near Mt. Fuji, and Kobe or Osaka for Kyoto. He adds, “Japan offers a wealth of experiences, including charming, lesser-known ports like Kagoshima, Takamatsu, and Busan in Korea, that often surprise and delight our guests.”
The itinerary is structured as a two-week journey, where the 10-day cruise also allows for a pre- or post-voyage stay in Kyoto for a deeper exploration of the area.
What can travelers expect? Here are the highlights of Grand Japan.
Tokyo
Tokyo embodies the heart of Japanese culture, juxtaposing futuristic skyscrapers in the Shiodome District with 15th-century temples. It boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, along with numerous parks and gardens nestled among the busy streets. One notable spot is Hamarikyu Garden, a former feudal lord’s residence during the Edo Period, which is home to the city’s only remaining tidal pond. The Imperial Palace, located on the original site of Edo Castle, is another prominent landmark. Following the overthrow of the shogunate in 1868, Japan shifted its capital from Kyoto to Tokyo, marking Edo Castle as the residence of the Imperial family.
Osaka
Osaka serves as a gateway to Kyoto and offers its own unique discoveries. Renowned for its vibrant street food culture, the city possesses a more relaxed atmosphere than Tokyo. A major attraction is Osaka Castle, originally constructed in the late 16th century, which has seen several reconstructions, with the current version dating back to 1931 when Osaka Castle Park was opened to the public. Another essential site is Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest buildings, established in the 3rd century prior to Buddhism’s arrival, dedicated to Shinto gods who protect travelers and sailors.
Shimizu
With stunning scenery of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, Shimizu is often regarded as one of Japan’s most picturesque ports. Nihondaira Park offers sweeping views of the region’s natural beauty, while an aerial ropeway ride to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine provides breathtaking sights. Miho no Matsubara, a lovely pine grove along the Miho Peninsula coast, also presents striking views of Mount Fuji, making it an ideal spot for photographs. Another highlight is Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, originally built in the early 1600s. Although affected by earthquakes, the shrine grounds are lovely, especially in spring when over 500 cherry trees blossom. For those looking to savor local cuisine, Shimizu is known for its significant tuna catch, and visitors can enjoy a meal at the city’s fish market or partake in a traditional tea ceremony at a historic tearoom in Yui Honjin Park.
Shingu
Shingu, meaning “new shrine,” is designated for the Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three significant Kumano shrines. For over a millennium, pilgrims have visited this Kumano region, which includes Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hongu Taisha. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails, recognized by UNESCO as one of only two pilgrimage sites worldwide, traverse the southern Kansai region. Visitors can also take a short trip to Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall at 436 feet, located near its shrine. Another natural wonder, Doro Gorge (Dorokyo), can be explored via a jet boat cruise along the Kitayama-gawa River, renowned for its steep cliffs and emerald waters.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima is renowned for its active volcano, Sakurajima, located in Kagoshima Bay. Once a secluded island, Sakurajima became connected to the Osumi Peninsula following a significant eruption in 1914. Visitors can take a ferry to Sakurajima to explore its lava fields and enjoy views of the 3,665-foot stratovolcano from the Arimura Lava Observatory. On the ferry ride back, guests can relax at a local hot spring or indulge in an ashiyu, a soothing foot bath. Senganen, a historic garden that once served as the Shimazu clan’s summer retreat, features stunning views of the bay and the volcano, complete with a bamboo grove and waterfall. The Chiran Peace Museum is another poignant site, commemorating the stories of kamikaze pilots from World War II.
Karatsu
The primary attraction of Karatsu is Karatsu Castle, visible from across Karatsu Bay. Initially constructed in 1608, the original castle was demolished during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, but a replica was built in 1966. Additionally, Mount Kagami offers panoramic views of the bay, city, and surrounding pine forest. Visitors can also experience the Karatsu Kunchi Festival, a three-day parade taking place every November featuring 14 Hikiyama floats that celebrate the harvest, with participants often dressed in traditional Edo-period clothing. These UNESCO-designated floats can be viewed at the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall.
Busan, South Korea
Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, is known for its stunning beaches and elaborate temples. Visitors can take in the sights of Mount Geumjeongsan and visit the 1,300-year-old Beomeosa Temple, or explore Tongdosa Temple, which is said to contain several relics of Buddha. A notable destination is Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “museum without walls.” For breathtaking ocean views, the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass-floored observation deck suspended over the sea, extends from a 115-foot cliff, while clear days might reveal Tsushima Island. Stroll the picturesque Songdo Skywalk, a pedestrian bridge connecting Songdo Beach to Geobukseon Island, or explore the lively Busan International Film Festival Square and the nearby Jagalchi Fish Market.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki is notable for its Atomic Bomb Museum and the Nagasaki Peace Park, which honor the devastation caused by the second atomic bomb during World War II. Visitors can also view the remains of Urakami Cathedral, once Asia’s largest church, from the Peace Park. The Inasayama Observation Deck provides magnificent views of the city, while Dejima Island, constructed in 1636, was once a crucial hub for foreign trade and cultural exchange in Japan. Those wishing to venture further can take a day trip to Arita, known as the birthplace of Japanese ceramics, located a scenic two-hour drive north. An unforgettable experience includes a sunrise cruise past the abandoned island of Hashima, famously featured in James Bond’s Skyfall.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also known as the Atom Bomb Dome, the only structure that remained standing after the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. This site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and features numerous memorials, monuments, and a museum revealing Hiroshima’s history and the nuclear bomb’s impact. Another major attraction is Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan’s most photographed landmarks, where its shrine and torii gate appear to float on Miyajima Island’s waters during high tide, creating a breathtaking sight. Built in 593 B.C. during Empress Suiko’s reign, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Takamatsu
Takamatsu, located on Shikoku Island, is a port city that provides access to a number of smaller islands in the Seto Inland Sea. One of its main attractions is Ritsurin Garden, awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. This stunning 185-acre garden is heralded as one of the country’s most beautiful parks, boasting six ponds, a waterfall, bamboo groves, and a tea house. Additionally, Takamatsu is famed for its soy sauce production and Udon noodles. Food enthusiasts can enroll in a noodle-making class at Nakano Udon School, where they’ll learn about the dish’s history and enjoy a delicious bowl of thick noodles after walking on the wheat dough.
Kyoto
On this itinerary, travelers have the opportunity to experience Kyoto, a city that beautifully honors Japan’s heritage, through a two-night, three-day immersive experience departing from the ports of Kobe and Osaka. With a wealth of over 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites and more than 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto was the country’s capital for many years, preserving important historical sites like the Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, vibrant cobblestone streets of Gion, and the Zen garden of Ryoan-ji Temple.
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