15 days of ancient rituals and modern culture

There's a reason Japan sits at the top of so many travel wish lists. It's a country where centuries-old temples stand quietly beside neon-lit cityscapes, where a bullet train can whisk you between worlds in under an hour, and where every port tells a different story. Viking's brand-new Japan Discovery itinerary is our pick for anyone who's been dreaming of experiencing it all, without having to plan a single transfer themselves.

This 15-day round-trip voyage sails from Tokyo, circumnavigating Japan and crossing the Sea of Japan to the southeast tip of the Korean Peninsula, before returning home. Along the way you'll call at nine ports across two countries, with nine guided tours included to help you make the most of every stop.

Priced from in AUD, per person, twin share. Contact us for 2028 sailing dates.

 

Where you'll go

Your journey begins with an overnight stay in Tokyo, giving you time to properly settle into Japan's dynamic capital before you set sail. From there, the ship carries you north to Sapporo (Tomakomai), where vibrant parks and mineral hot springs await, then on to Aomori for a visit to the samurai-era Hirosaki Castle.

In Niigata, you can watch the refined performing arts of geisha or explore the storied grounds of Shibata Castle, before the ship crosses the Sea of Japan to Busan, South Korea, a city with seventeen centuries of history to explore between its markets, beaches and parks.

Back in Japan, Hakata (Fukuoka) offers sacred shrines and the iconic Fukuoka Tower, and a scenic sail through the Kanmon Straits leads you to Hiroshima, where the Peace Memorial Park tells a moving story of resilience and restoration. In Osaka, ancient shrines and imperial history await, with Kyoto easily within reach for those keen to venture further.

The voyage closes with an overnight stay in Shimizu, where you can take in sweeping views of Mount Fuji and the Miho Peninsula, wander lush hillside tea plantations, and marvel at Shiraito Falls, before returning to Tokyo to farewell your fellow guests, or extend your adventure with one of Viking's pre or post cruise extensions.

 

What's included

We love that our clients don't need to think twice about what's covered once they're onboard. Every port of call includes one complimentary shore excursion, and your fare covers all onboard meals, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, twenty-four-hour specialty coffee, tea and bottled water, Wi-Fi, port taxes, visits to UNESCO sites, enrichment lectures, complimentary access to the Nordic Spa and Fitness Centre, and onboard gratuities. It's the kind of thoughtful, all-encompassing value we've come to expect from Viking, and it's exactly why so many of our clients choose to sail with them.

 

Why we love it for you

Japan is a destination that rewards those who have someone in their corner to help them see beyond the guidebook, and that's exactly what a luxury cruise like this offers. With nine guided tours built into the itinerary and an experienced crew handling the logistics, you're free to simply take in the ancient rituals and modern culture that make this country so captivating.

As one of our CLIA-accredited luxury cruise specialists, we can talk you through stateroom categories, current offers, and everything you need to know about sailing with Viking. Contact us to find out more, and let's start planning your next holiday or cruise together.