This is your chance to embrace one of Japan’s most iconic spectacles – the pink cherry blossom season – with a Holland America Line’s cruise of Asia’s exotic coastal destinations.

The magical journey includes a visit to Ishigaki, popularly known as the Hawaii of the Far East; Keelung in Taiwan and Shimizu renowned for its unparalleled natural landmarks. One highlight of the voyage is a breathtaking bullet train journey to admire Japan’s majestic Mount Fuji.

Imagine Holidays has crafted a spectacular 17-night Cherry Blossom Discovery holiday departing 15 March 2024 with prices starting from $5,999pp. Only limited spaces are available on this exclusive deal.

To book call Imagine Holidays at (02) 7254 2124 or click here for more details.

Your Japanese adventure kicks off in tantalizing Tokyo, one of the world’s fascinating cities where ancient shrines sit cheek-by-jowl to gleaming, mirror-tinted skyscrapers and during the short cherry blossom season, the streets of Tokyo are covered in a riot of pink Sakura.

Japanese families love to celebrate cherry blossoms (sakura) season during their limited flowering period with many throwing “flower watching” parties, known as hanami. The delicate blossoms renowned for their transient beauty, have powerful historical ties to Japan’s history, culture and identity. Because they symbolize impermanence, hope and renewal, the Sakura blossoms have become one of Japan’s iconic natural symbols.

As the cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom for around one week, this magical moment usually occurs between March and early April.

After an overnight stay in exciting Tokyo, you will board the stately Westerdam which offers a leisurely pace of life at sea combined with great dining options and interesting onboard activities.

The ship also offers the finest elements of cruising heritage with contemporary innovations so suitable for today’s passengers. You will have plenty to do for after dinner entertainment from classical hits at the Lincoln Centre; blues and rock ‘n’ roll in BB King’s to karaoke sessions at Billboard Onboard. There’s also the Vista Lounge which lights up at night with superb Dancing with the Stars at Sea shows.

When the ship calls at Naha, you will be blown away by the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Make sure you visit the majestic Shuri Castle perched on a hilltop with traditional Okinawan style of landscape gardens.

Your next port of call is Ishigaki, a nature lover’s paradise and a big drawcard for sun worshippers, divers and snorkelers who want to catch a glimpse of the island’s giant manta rays.

You will then visit laid-back Hualien, one of Taiwan’s largest cities with loads of natural beauty and an easy-going pace of life. Head to Taiwan’s beaches, hiking trails and hot springs.  This is followed by a port call to the city of Keelung, gateway to Taipei. Make a beeline to the city’s night markets and sample some of the delectable dishes.

Make sure you explore the range of dining options on board – everything from a burger and fries by the Lido pool to the Pan-Asian flavours of Tamarind to fine dining at Pinnacle Grill.

The Westerdam will then call at Kagoshima, a friendly city with a towering active volcano with a geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers.

You will then cruise to the seaside city of Miyazaki with its palm-tree-lined sandy beaches, offering more sunshine than any other Japanese city.

Your next stop is Kobe, one of Japan’s most attractive cities which is small enough to explore on foot and don’t forget to visit a teppanyaki restaurant to taste the local speciality, Kobe beef.

In Shimizu, you will gaze repeatedly to the amazing sight of snow-capped cone of Mount Fuji.

When Westerdam docks in Tokyo, you will be taken a fully escorted tour to experience the wonders of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain at 3776-metres high which is one of the country’s most iconic national symbols. Over the years, Mount Fuji  has been worshipped as a sacred mountain and inspired writers, artists and even samurai warriors. You will also be taken on a sky ride on the Hakone Ropeway Cable Car, enjoy a boat trip across the serene Lake Ashi before boarding the bullet train back to Tokyo.

Your holiday summary:

Cruise

• 14-night full board cruise onboard Westerdam
• Overnight in port in Kobe

Free Hotel Stay

• 3-night four-star hotel stay at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba or similar

Free Fully Escorted Tours

• Tour of Mount Fuji including the Hakone Ropeway cable car
• Boat trip across Lake Ashi
• High-speed bullet train to Tokyo

All flights, taxes and transfers.

To book, call Imagine Holidays at (02) 7254 2124 or click here for more details.