With Japan finally reopening its borders, this is your chance to reacquaint yourself with the Land of the Rising Sun. And what better time to embrace the marvellous joys of travelling to Japan than during the pink-hued cherry blossom season.

Your holiday to the mystical East kicks off with a three-night stay in the electric city of Tokyo. Here you can easily immerse yourself in the captivating, multi-faceted metropolis with its dizzying neon-lit streets which provide a sensory overload for any visitor. Steeped in tradition and modernity, Tokyo provides a heady mix to uncover Japan’s fascinating capital city of contrasts.

From its sakura-lined streets, shrines and temples, its Otaku culture, sensational cuisine to its world-class transport system, you can simply get lost in this amazing city and not regret it.

You will also be taken to relish the unforgettable experience of the majestic Mount Fuji; go on an enchanting sky ride on the Hakone Ropeway Cable Car; take a scenic boat trip on the serene Lake Ashi before boarding the famous bullet train back to Japan’s capital city.

Imagine Holidays has crafted a wonderful 17-night holiday to Japan including a 14-night cruise onboard Holland America Line’s Westerdam departing 27 March 2024 with prices starting from $5999pp. Your voyage will uncover some of Japan’s best kept coastal treasures including Kochi, Otaru, Busan in South Korea, Sakaiminato, Tsuruga, Toyama, Niigata, Otaru and Hakodate.

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

When you board the Westerdam, you will notice that the ship embraces the finest elements of cruising heritage with modern innovations. The ship prides itself in its leisurely pace at sea, combining interesting activities, fine dining and great variety of entertainment venues from classical music at the Lincoln Centre, blues plus rock ‘n’ rock in B.B. Kings to sing-along sessions of your favourite radio hits at Billboard Onboard. And if you feel like it, you can always unwind in one of the most extensive libraries at sea at the Explorations Café Bar with some of the finest sea views.

During your days and nights at sea, you will find plenty on board to entertain you. The Vista Show Lounge lights up in the evenings with superb live entertainment while HAL’s Dancing with the Stars at Sea makes way for passenger guests to take to the stage as competitors.

When Westerdam calls at Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, you will be able to visit the impressive Osaka Castle including the Nijo Castle, once used as the Tokugawa Shogun’s family palace. Lose yourself in the towering bamboo giants at Arashiyama, a historic site known for its serenity and beauty.

At the small and friendly city of Kochi, you will be struck by its laid-back beauty. Make time to visit the Chikurenji Temple, then sample sake made in one of Kochi’s traditional breweries.

Westerdam will then call at Hiroshima where many will head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to recall the city’s destruction during World War II.

In South Korea’s coastal city of Busan, known for its golden beaches, magnificent mountains and opulent temples, you will also visit the enthralling Gamcheon Culture Village, popularly known as the “Machu Pichu of Busan.”

At Toyama, famous for its outstanding seafood, make sure you go on a boat ride along its rivers and canals to watch with wonder the cherry blossom trees which line the river banks.

You will be spoilt for choice when dining on board the Westerdam – from burgers and fries at the Lido poolside, Pan-Asian flavours at the Tamarind to fine cuisine at the Pinnacle Grill.

During sea days, make a beeline for the ship’s Greenhouse Spa for that special pampering session before you disembark at Tokyo for your flight home, filled with wonderful memories to share with family and friends.

Your holiday includes

Cruise

• 14-night full board cruise on board Westerdam

FREE hotel stay

• Three-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.