One of Asia’s most iconic megacities, Tokyo is where you’ll kickstart your adventure with a one-night stay. Here, you’ll be welcomed by the city’s mesmerising skyline, captivating culture, and charming traditions – a sign of all the wonderful discoveries that’ll come over the duration of your holiday.

Embark the regal Queen Elizabeth in Tokyo’s port, Yokohama, to begin your thrilling cruise. On board, you’ll enjoy Cunard’s unrivalled heritage, sense of occasion, and an array of activities including glamourous ballroom dancing, lawn bowls, and traditional Afternoon Tea served by white-gloved waiters. Savour your time unwinding at the sensational spa and relaxing in lounges.

On board, you’ll find modern amenities blended with golden era-style service, along with exceptional fine dining. You could dance the night away in the Queens Room at a themed ball or watch a polished production in the Royal Court Theatre. You’ll have three main gourmet restaurants to choose from, promising gastronomic delights to suit all tastes. And with spacious accommodation, two lovely pool areas, and a tranquil spa, you’ll experience a comfortable and relaxing cruise.

Aomori lies on the north coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu, between the Mutsu Bay and the beautiful Hakkoda Mountains. It’s known for its ‘onsen’, or hot springs, numerous museums, and prehistoric ruins. Explore the enchanting archaeological site, Sannai Maruyama, a prehistoric relic from the time of the Jomon people who once lived in this part of the country. Alternatively, pay a visit to the Aomori Museum of Art that showcases popular modernist sculptures and art.

Whether you enjoy taking part in sport or watching it, you’ll find plenty of opportunities on board. Queen Elizabeth’s Games Deck offers a refined area to play bowls, deck tennis, and croquet, or you could try a gentle putt in the golf nets. Alternatively, you’ll find a great atmosphere in the Golden Lion pub to watch live sports.

From this natural port city, you couldvisit the Oki Islands, a small cluster of largely uninhabited islands with an abundance of natural beauty, ancient Japanese cedar trees, majestic cliffs, and tranquil beaches. For fans of Japanese anime, the Mizuki Shigeru Museum is a must-visit that celebrates the life and work of one of Japan's best-loved cartoonists

Nestled on the coast of South Korea, Busan is known for its sprawling golden beaches, magnificent mountains, and opulent temples. It’s regarded as the core of South Korea and boasts a unique atmosphere, showcasing its ethnic and cultural diversity. Modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples including Beomeosa and Tongdosa. Spend the day relaxing on Haeundae Beach, one of South Korea’s most beautiful beaches, or discover the Haedong Yonggung Temple, a picturesque fortress clinging to rugged cliffside, overlooking the ocean.

Today, you’ll explore Nagasaki, a stunning city brimming with delights. Marvel at the impressive Spectacles Bridge, which built in 1643 is Japan’s oldest bride; the Oura Catholic Church, the country’s first wooden Gothic church; and the picturesque Glover Gardens, the island’s oldest European-style house. Alternatively, head to Nagasaki’s tallest mountain, Mount Inasa, to savour dazzling views. At 33 metres high, your view stretches as far as the breathtaking Goto Islands.

There’s as much or as little to do as you please, with more possibilities than you may have time to discover! Enjoy croquet or set off on a journey through the stars in the largest planetarium at sea. Join a fitness class that extends to aerobics, Pilates or yoga, or gain more insight on wine through discerning lectures and tastings.

 On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from this pretty port, rich in natural beauty and cultural gems. With unparalleled natural escapes including green parks and beautiful beaches, Shimizu does its best to convince you to stay. A few of the main attractions here also include the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine – designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government – and Sunpu Castle and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, where ruler Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ushered in the Edo period, held his coming-of-age ceremony.

From the port of Yokohama, today, you’ll encounter Tokyo for a second time. Known for its vibrant street culture and exceptional cuisine, Japan’s neon-lit capital abounds with traditional and innovative sights. From Shibuya’s lively streets to the serene gardens and historic temples of Asakusa, Tokyo boasts a distinctive fusion of old and new.

The entertainment on Queen Elizabeth is second to none, with a dazzling line up of acts and performances in venues that are known for their comfort and meticulously designed décor. Whether its live music, illusionists, West End-style cabaret or stand-up comedians, the talent on show at the Royal Court Theatre is truly world-class and you’ll keep going back for more.

This famous hot spring resort produces more hot water than any other resort in the country. Here, you could enjoy a fantastic selection of baths – mud, sand, steam or just an ordinary hot water bath if you prefer. There’s also a beautiful park with fantastic cherry blossom that offers a peaceful oasis away from everyday life. 

Day or night, whatever the mood or occasion, you’ll find the ideal setting among the ship’s cosmopolitan selection of refined bars and lounges, while signature venues indulge with an impressive range of speciality drinks. Succumb to the charms of the alluring Commodore Club, taking pride of place overlooking the ship’s bow, where you could admire the sun setting over the sparkling ocean and relax to the soothing tones of the pianist.

An efficient bus and train system allows you to hop around the city — head to Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside arts district where you'll find a kaleidoscopic collection of multi-coloured houses adorned with murals and graffiti, or climb the stairs to Haedong Yonggung Temple, set against dramatic rocks and windswept waters.

Nagasaki is a beautiful city set before a backdrop of stunning mountains. It has one of Japan’s most complex histories due to the influences of the Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese - all of which can be seen around its bustling streets. The Atomic Bomb Museum gives you an insight into the devastation it suffered during World War II and the fortitude shown by its people to rebuild the city.

This friendly city, with its towering active volcano, lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. This city has several gardens and parks where you could witness the plum blossoms and other spring flowers, including Yoshino Park with over 800 cherry trees and the riverside with over 500 cherry trees lining the banks of the Kotsukigawa River. Here, you could also sample some of Japan’s best sake brewed from the Satsuma sweet potatoes.

This small and friendly city has a laidback atmosphere and plenty of attractions for visitors. The Chiku Renji Temple on the mountain of Godaisan is an important stop for those on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Visit the original hilltop castle for panoramic views, see how Japanese handmade paper is produced or sample sake in one of the city’s traditional breweries.

Head to the inviting Mareel^® Wellness & Beauty spa and take your pick from a long menu of treatments, or simply sit back and relax in the hydrotherapy pool. Here, you’ll find a calming sanctuary to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life, with experiences that revive, refresh, and transform.

Discover Japan’s fascinating city of contrasts from serene ancient shrines to dizzying neon-lit streets. Visit the famous Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace, home to Japanese royalty and take your pick of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the district of Ginza. In the evening, head to the Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Illuminations where over 800 cherry trees are lit up along the river lined with red lanterns and festive food stalls.

Today, you’ll embrace a sight unlike any other: the sacred Mount Fuji. There’s no natural spectacle that quite compares to this iconic wonder, which stands at an impressive 3,776 metres in height and boasts a near-perfect cone shape. As you meander its winding trails and encounter vibrant red shrines, you could take in the misty views of the city beneath you. Alongside your tour is a Hakone Ropeway cable ride that lifts you above active hot springs – a phenomenal sight to behold. You’ll then glide along Lake Ashi with a boat trip before the world-renowned, high-speed bullet train, or Shinkansen, whisks you back to Tokyo.

Bid a fond farewell to colourful Tokyo, completing your enchanting holiday. Transfer to the airport and fly home, ready to share your stories of unparalleled scenery, unforgettable traditions, and unique experiences with your loved ones.