Go on a fabulous 14-night cruise encircling Japan onboard Holland America Line’s Noordam, including a three-night hotel stay in Tokyo, FREE escorted tours to Mount Fuji, high-speed bullet train to Tokyo, sightseeing tour of the tantalising capital city and boat trip on Lake Ashi plus all flights for only $5,999 pp.
Imagine Holidays has put together a fascinating cruise holiday experience to Japan to enjoy its iconic cherry blossom season where you will watch mesmerised by the falling, pink Sakura blooms as you explore exciting Tokyo and Mount Fuji, ride the spellbinding Hakone Ropeway cable car, chill out on a boat ride on serene Lake Ashi before boarding the bullet train back to Tokyo.
You will then embark on a wonderful 14-night cruise around Japan visiting cultural and historical ports, exploring Kochi castle, strolling down Kanazawa’s magnificent, 17th century gardens and soaking up the nostalgic atmosphere of Otaru’s canals.
Imagine Holidays has just launched its 17-night holiday departing on 27 March 2025. Just call Imagine Holidays on (02) 7254 2124 or click here for more details.
Your holiday kicks off when you arrive in Tokyo where you will spend three nights exploring Japan’s ancient shrines, the Imperial Palace to the dizzying heights of the capital’s city’s skyscrapers and neon-lit streets. You will have a pick of shopping and dining in Ginza which is packed with upmarket boutiques, sushi bars, nightclubs and ritzy restaurants. From high-tech electronics to traditional Kabuki theatre, you will have lots of entertainment choices.
The next day, you will go on an escorted tour to Mount Fuji, a sacred site of shrines and walking trails where you will ride the Hakone Ropeway cable care to watch active hot springs spewing steam in the air. You will also be taken for a serene boat ride on the crater Lake Ashi before taking the high-speed bullet train back to Tokyo.
Today you will board Holland America Line’s classic Noordam to begin your 14-night cruise around Japan. Known for its spacious and comfortable cabins, great cuisine and personal service, you will enjoy the leisurely pace while you unwind by the poolside or Greenhouse Spa and Salon.
Your first port of call is Kochi with its Chikurenji Temple on the mountain of Godaisan with its panoramic views. At Kochi you will also be able to see how Japanese paper is produced or savour sake at on the of its traditional breweries.
You will then call at Kagoshima with its active volcano, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geyers. Kagoshima also has an array of gardens where you can take in the beauty of its spring flowers and Yoshino Park with its 800 cherry trees.
Next stop is Nagasaki set against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Nagasaki is a city with a complex history, many tourists head to the Atomic Bomb Museum to gain an insight into the devastation it suffered during World War II.
When you call at Busan in South Korea, you will be amazed by its beautiful beaches and opulent temples. Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, a former slum which has been turned into a multi-coloured village with a temple, picturesque fortress overlooking the ocean.
While onboard the Noordam, have a meal at the Vista restaurant for regional inspired cuisine or head to the Pacific Grill for delicious steaks. Then make a beeline for the theatre for some after dinner entertainment or if you are a Blues fan, then stop by at BB King’s Blues Club.
In sharp contrast when Noordam calls at Kanazawa, make sure you visit Kenroku-en Garden with its samurai streets, teahouses graced by geishas and wide range of delectable cuisine.
Niigata with its wonderful and amazing cherry blossoms is a true nature lover’s dream. Take a cable car to the top of Yuzawa to take in its panoramic views.
In the small harbour city of Otaru, known as The Venice of Japan because of its well-preserved canals. Take a stroll along the canal, enjoying the museums and shops and sampling the famous Nikka whisky at a distillery in Yoichi.
When Noordam calls at Aomori, you will be mesmerized by its natural beauty steeped in ancient culture. Visit the modern art exhibits at the Aomori Museum of Art.
Hakodate is a historical town with Victorian-inspired churches and architecture. Nature lovers should visit the Botanical Garden and then catch a cable car to Mount Hakodate for panoramic views of the city and volcanoes.
You will spend a day at sea before reaching your final destination of Tokyo where you will disembark.
Your holiday summary:
Full-board cruise
- 14-night cruise onboard HAL’s Noordam
Hotel Stay
- Three night, four-star hotel stay at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
- Fully escorted tours
- FREE tour of Mount Fuji including the Hakone Ropeway cable car
- FREE boat trip across Lake Ashi
- FREE high-speed bullet train to Tokyo
- Tokyo sightseeing tour
All flights, taxes and transfers.