Japan’s scintillating capital boasts an incredible blend of both modern and tradition, as soaring neon skyscrapers sit next to ancient temples and gleaming shrines. During a two-night hotel stay here, marvel at the breathtaking views from the Shibuya Sky Observatory to capture a bird’s eye view of the sprawling metropolis. Soak up the colourful sights of Harajuku, filled with quirky fashion trends and home to an avant-garde art museum, or roam the grounds of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden awash with the enchanting blooms of autumn cherry blossoms.

Today, your fully escorted tour will take you to the stunning Mount Fuji, a sacred site looped with walking trails and dotted with shrines. You’ll also ride the Hakone Ropeway cable car where you could watch steam spiralling up from the active hot springs. At Lake Ashi, you’ll take a boat across its still, peaceful waters, enjoying the natural beauty of the crater lake before the high-speed bullet train whisks you back to Tokyo.

Noordam is one of Holland America Line's most renowned ships, boasting a classic design that reflects the timeless opulence of cruising. Stunningly created to combine elegance with contemporary sophistication, Noordam is renowned for its spacious and comfortable accommodations, world-class cuisine, and exceptional service.

During a leisurely day at sea, few places will help you unwind better than at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon^®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with its renowned spa rituals and healing touches. For a soothing experience, you could pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. You could nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honoured, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

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.

This small harbour city is often referred to as the Venice of Japan due to its network of beautifully preserved canals. Lined with gas lights and brick warehouses that have now been converted to restaurants and shops, it’s a popular destination for day trippers from Sapporo. As well as herring fishing, Otaru is also known for glassblowing, producing fine music boxes and its whiskey distillery.

Hakodate is a historic city surrounded by stunning landscapes and an abundance of sought-after attractions. The port also boasts colonial influence, clear in its Victorian-inspired churches and architecture. Nature lovers could take a trip up to Mount Hakodate and catch a cable car, enjoying the panoramic views of the city and volcanoes. Motomachi is the city’s historic district and houses many historical buildings, museums, churches, and public halls. For a whimsical alternative, head to Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden where you’ll find mischievous monkeys bathing in hot springs!

Akita is situated in the northeastern part of the Japanese mainland, boasting gorgeous flowing rivers, expanses of fertile farmland, and majestic mountain ranges. While the city is laced with a stark medieval past, it is also bursting with a youthful energy due to its vibrant year-round festivals and breathtaking street parades. Take a stroll through Senshū Park for a taste of Akita’s history and culture, or explore the Hachiman Akita Shrine, a sanctuary devoted to the Shinto religion. Above all else, Akita is the perfect place to decompress, thanks to its natural beauty, calming waterfalls, and awe-inspiring temples. 

There's no better place to enjoy top-end productions than in ultramodern theatres. So, whether you're inclined towards razzle-dazzle entertainment or low-key musicality – which can be found at the excellent B.B. King's Blues Club – there's a wealth of options to suit all tastes.

There's no better place to enjoy top-end productions than in ultramodern theatres. So, whether you're inclined towards razzle-dazzle entertainment or low-key musicality – which can be found at the excellent B.B. King's Blues Club – there's a wealth of options to suit all tastes.

From this natural port city, you could visit 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.

Fukuoka is the biggest city in Kyushu, and a rising star in Japanese tourism. Fukuoka has transformed itself over the last decade into one of Japan’s most cosmopolitan and internationalised cities. Its attractions are contemporary rather than traditional, but they are still very much worth seeing, particularly its modern architecture. Visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, possibly the most famous tourist attractions in Fukuoka Prefecture.

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 a number of gardens and parks where you can witness the plum cosmos blossoms in all their autumnal beauty, including Yoshino Park. Here, you can also sample some of Japan’s best sake, brewed from the Satsuma sweet potatoes.

The small and friendly city of Kochi has a laidback atmosphere and plenty of attractions for visitors. The Chikurinji Temple on the mountain of Godaisan is an important stop for those on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. You could also 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.

Japan’s second largest city, Osaka, is a commercial hub of modern architecture and ancient shrines. While it's famed for its impressive Osaka Castle, you could also visit fascinating highlights including Nijo Castle, once used as the Tokugawa Shogun's family palace, and the Kiyomizudera Temple, one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. Lose yourself among the towering giants of bamboo at Arashiyama, a nationally designated Historic Site. It’s an enchanting place of scenic beauty and a great place to find serenity.

On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from this pretty port, rich in natural beauty and cultural gems. With unparalleled natural escapes like its 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.

Tokyo pulsates with a captivating blend of tradition and cutting-edge modernity. Skyscrapers touch the sky, housing futuristic technology and vibrant subcultures, while serene temples and gardens provide pockets of tranquillity. Its neon-lit streets, efficient public transit, and dynamic street fashion reflect a society constantly in motion. From the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market to the historic Asakusa Senso-ji, Tokyo is a vibrant mosaic that captures both the essence of Japan's heritage and its forward-looking spirit.

Today you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home, your unforgettable adventure complete.