Embark on an extraordinary journey through Japan during the vibrant autumn foliage season. Explore Tokyo's cultural landmarks, iconic parks, and temples before boarding the superb Diamond Princess for a 13-day Circle Japan Autumn Foliage cruise. Discover breathtaking gardens, historic castles, and serene temples across Japan's most captivating cities, from Kanazawa to Nagasaki. Highlights include the artistry of Niigata's sake and crafts, Kobe the gateway to Kyoto, and the geothermal wonders of Kagoshima. Experience the harmony of ancient traditions and modern charm on this unforgettable adventure.
Early Booking Discount - Book by March 31, 2025 and save an extra $100 per person
Home pick up and return within the Auckland Metropolitan area (if applicable)
Travelwise Holidays Tour leader throughout.
Economy airfares Auckland-Tokyo return.
Comprehensive sightseeing in Tokyo.
A 13-Day Circle Japan Autumn Foliage cruise on ‘Diamond Princess’ in an Ocean View (OC) share twin bedded stateroom.
Travelwise Holidays documentation and travel bag.
SUN 09 NOV - AUCKLAND/TOKYO
Depart on Air NZ at 10.05am for Tokyo, arrive at 5.00pm. Hotel Shinigawa or similar. Stay Tokyo 3 nights.
MON 10 NOV - TOKYO SIGHTSEEING
Visit Tokyo's iconic Ueno Park. In Autumn, the park transforms into a sea of red and yellow foliage. Also visit the Tokyo National Museum and discover the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visit Senso-ji, the city’s oldest and most iconic temple, dating back to 645 AD. Explore Ameyoko Market and Nakamise Shopping Street and take in the views from the an Observation Deck in Shinjuku. Included: B, D
TUE 11 NOV - TOKYO SIGHTSEEING
Visit Meiji Jingu a renowned shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Situated within a vast forested park, it offers a serene and solemn sanctuary. Later proceed to Ginza, a shopping paradise. Visit Odaiba Seaside Park, a park celebrated for its stunning seaside vistas including the Rainbow Bridge and replica of the Statue of Liberty. Stroll, shop and sightsee in this area. Included: B, D
WED 12 NOV - TOKYO/YOKOHAMA/CRUISE
Explore Shibuya Center Street and the iconic Shibuya Crossing for shopping and photo opportunities, before embarking on your 13-Day Circle Japan Autumn Foliage cruise on ‘Diamond Princess’. Included: B, D
THU 13 NOV - AT SEA
Included: B, L, D
FRI 14 NOV - AKITA
Akita, where year round festivals and street parades are colourfully integrated into daily life. A key city in the Tohoku region since medieval times. Today it is a vibrant city with several fine museums to explore including The Hirano Masakichi Art Musuem housing a collection of work by Western and Japanese artists, the Akita City Folklore Museum and the Kakunodate Samurai District, a living museum that showcases the samurai way of life. Included: B, L, D
SAT 15 NOV - NIIGATA
Niigata is famous for rice making and sake production, a place for gourmet aficionados. It is also well known for the seafood caught from the Sea of Japan. To discover Japanese craftsmanship, you will have the chance to visit the Suwada Open Factory. Also nearby is the religious centre of Niigata in Yahiko. The Yahiko Shrine has gathered the devotion of the locals for more than a millennium. Included: B, L, D
SUN 16 NOV - KANAZAWA
Kanazawa. Gold leaf is a major art form synonymous with the city, and even has a designated museum. It is also known for its intricate kaga-nui embroidery and delicate kutani porcelain, making it a shopper's paradise! Once boasting geisha houses and a labyrinthine samurai village, the city was built around Kanazawa Castle. Fire destroyed all but a few small 16th-century castle structures. Just outside the castle park blooms the enchanting Kenroku-en Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and the home of the country's oldest fountain. Included: B, L, D
MON 17 NOV - SAKAIMINATO
Sakaiminato, wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood including the crab and hon-maguro, the prized Bluefin tuna. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. This area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan's Bronze Age. The town of Matsue boasts the celebrated "Black Castle," a six-story, black-walled castle and to the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen. Included: B, L, D
TUE 18 NOV - BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA
Busan, the second largest city in South Korea, is your gateway to a fascinating land whose culture is a unique amalgam of old and new. Modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples. Busan was the scene of bitter fighting during the Korean War. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery marks the final resting place for the troops from 16 nations who gave their lives during the conflict. Included: B, L, D
WED 19 NOV - NAGASAKI
Nagasaki is a symbol of the horror and the inhumanity of war. An estimated 75,000 people perished in 1945 when the city became the second target of a nuclear attack. Today, Nagasaki's Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world. Often described as the San Francisco of Japan, for three centuries, Nagasaki was Japan's sole window on the world. The city is also celebrated as the setting for Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly." Included: B, L, D
THU 20 NOV - KAGOSHIMA
Kagoshima. From the 12th century it was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai. Included: B, L, D
FRI 21 NOV - KOCHI
Kochi takes its name from the great feudal castle that sits at its very heart. Completed in 1611, Kochi Castle was the seat of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a noted warrior. Kochi is one of the wettest places in Japan - warm ocean currents wash against the Aki Mountains create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park. Included: B, L, D
SAT 22 NOV - KOBE (FOR KYOTO)
Kobe is the fifth-largest city in Japan. The earliest written records describes the founding of the Ikuta Shrine by Empress Jingu in AD 201. Kobe was one of the cities to open for trade with the West following the end of the policy of seclusion. The city is the point of origin and namesake of Kobe beef as well as the site of one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, Arima Onsen. Kobe is also your gateway to Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital and the nation's cultural and spiritual centre. Included: B, L, D
SUN 23 NOV - WAKAYAMA
Wakayama. Marvel at the aquarium in the Museum of Natural History, and watch the intricate process of preparing a massive tuna in the Kuroshio Market. Known as 'Onsen Heaven', Wakayama is home to a variety of geothermal bathing experiences. Nearby are the hilltop Wakayama Castle, with park-like grounds, and the resort island of Wakayama Marina City. For those looking for a more active experience, maybe a walking tour along the sacred paths of the 1,200-year-old Koyasan monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included: B, L, D
MON 24 NOV - OMAEZAKI
Omaezaki Cape is watched over by the Omaezaki lighthouse, faithfully guiding boats to its harbour since 1874. The coastal winds blow here and this small "beachy" town with its dramatic Hamaoka Sand Dunes is surrounded by rolling hills of green-tea plants which perfume the air. As one of the biggest producers of green tea in the area, Omaezaki infuses the elixir into many attractions, including plantation visits and treats like green tea ice cream. Experience the art of Zen meditation at Kasuisai Temple, or slip into the healing waters of Daito "Onsen" Seatopia, a therapeutic hot spring. Included: B, L, D
TUE 25 NOV - YOKOHAMA/AUCKLAND
Disembark the ship after breakfast. Final sightseeing includes the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine and its beautiful gardens. Free time to explore Kamakura’s Old Streets with its charming shops, traditional snacks, and local crafts. Later head to Narita airport for your Air NZ flight departing at 6.45pm. Included: B
WED 26 NOV - AUCKLAND
Arrive in Auckland 9.20am
Deposit: $3,000pp
