28-Day Circle Japan

26 March 2028
28 nights
Departing from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Noordam

Inside price from

$10,922*/pp

Outside price from

$11,602*/pp

Balcony price from

$15,386*/pp

Suite price from

$18,834*/pp

Book now

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Your itinerary

Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan - Shimiju, japan - Osaka - Hiroshima - Busan, South Korea - Sakaiminato - Maizuru - Kanazawa - Hakodate - Miyako,Iwate, Japan - Hitachinaka, Japan - Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan - Kobe - Kochi, Japan - Kagoshima - Fukuoka - Sokcho, South Korea - Kanazawa - Sakata, Japan - Hakodate - Aomori - Miyako,Iwate, Japan - Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Day 1
26 Mar ‘28

Tokyo

Tokyo is the largest city on earth and packed with some of the world’s best shops, museums and restaurants, big and small. While the bright neon lights and the bustle of contemporary Tokyo may be what comes to mind when you think of the city, there is another side. Tokyo's historic gardens and neighborhoods of traditional homes on narrow lanes speak to a timeless Japan that has survived into the 21st century.More

Arrive
-

Depart
19:00

Day 2
27 Mar ‘28

Shimizu

A thriving harbor town for centuries, Shimizu is best known for its incredible scenic beauty. Take an excursion to Miho no Matsubara and enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and expansive black sand beaches; stroll through the graceful gardens and unique art installations of Tokachi Millennium Forest; and visit Kongofukuji Temple, first built by Kobo-daishi in 822 and rebuilt from 1662.More

Arrive
07:00

Depart
15:00

Day 3
28 Mar ‘28

Osaka

Think of Osaka, Japan (accent on the O), as a combination of Los Angeles and Chicago. It very definitely has L.A.’s second-city complex, but its attitude is pure Chicago. The only business that matters is business, and so what if the Hanshin Tigers, the local baseball team, are frequently the worst professional athletes in the world? They’re the home team. People in Osaka laugh louder, play harder and drink more than Tokyo’s most decadent dreams. Osaka even has its own dialect, one the rest of the country calls “dirty Japanese,” one entirely different than even Kobe’s—and Kobe is an Osaka suburb.Nothing is old in Osaka. The place was flattened during the war (and then again in 1962 and 1989, by Godzilla). During the reconstruction, they forgot to include much in the way of parks or green space, and the sheer amount of concrete and steel sights can get overwhelming.But Osaka has its attractions and interesting things to do. Sumo wrestlers wait for trains, reeking of chanko-nabe (traditional sumo food; pure energy and calories), just daring the official railway pushers to push them. Yakuza (Japanese gangsters) get train cars to themselves, but if you get on with them, it’s like you’re invisible. Busy markets, the visual noise of neon and nonstop action on shopping streets offer insight into the energy and ambition of Osaka.And if all that isn’t enough, Osaka is less than an hour from some of the most beautiful temples, shrines and ancient Japanese tourist attractions in the world—a thousand years of Japanese history—waiting in the old capitals of Kyoto and Nara.More

Arrive
10:00

Depart
23:59

Day 4
29 Mar ‘28

At Sea

Arrive
-

Depart
-

Day 5
30 Mar ‘28

Hiroshima, Japan

Located in the southwest of Japan, Hiroshima, the main city of the Chugoku region, is set within a striking natural landscape of mountains, sea and rivers. Home to more than one million inhabitants, it’s famous as the site of the explosion of the world’s first atomic bomb, dropped by the U.S. in August 1945. This cataclysm is sensitively documented at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and associated Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The city offers visitors a great deal more than the tragedy of the recent past. In addition to the memorials to the events of World War II, there are an array of shrines and temples, as well as the city’s reconstructed castle, which was originally founded in the 16th century.Nature lovers will be charmed by the historic Shukkei-en Garden, commissioned in 1620, and Miyajima island, one of the most scenic spots in Japan. The city is home to a number of art institutions, including the Hiroshima Museum of Art, which houses a collection of Impressionist and Japanese oil paintings, the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the quirky Mazda Museum. There is also an array of excellent restaurants and bars—the city is known for its okonomiyaki, a type of savory pancake—as well as a popular oyster festival each year.More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
23:59

Day 6
31 Mar ‘28

Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait

Arrive
-

Depart
-

Day 7
1 Apr ‘28

Busan

South Korea’s second-largest city (after the capital, Seoul), Busan is located in the southeastern corner of the country along the Sea of Japan. It combines a vibrant, big-city atmosphere with a famously laid-back attitude and subtropical landscapes. Often described as the "San Francisco of Korea," thanks mainly to its hilly terrain and close-knit neighborhoods, it offers visitors a little of everything: fashionable boutiques, dynamic culture and buzzy nightlife, as well as sandy beaches, hot springs and nearby mountains crossed with hiking trails and dotted with temples. Cultural highlights include the Gamcheon Cultural Village; the spectacular Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, built into the side of a cliff; and Art Street in Sinchang-dong, which hosts art competitions, exhibitions and cultural events such as the annual Busan International Film Festival. Those who enjoy hiking can explore the famed cliffs of Taejongdae Park, while the white sand beaches at Gwangalli and Haeundae are ideal places to relax by the seashore. Foodies will love Busan, too, not just for its excellent restaurants but also for the many atmospheric markets: the low-key Millak Hoe Town Market, tourist spots like Jagalchi Fish Market and the market at Haeundae with its ramshackle stalls selling gukpab (a traditional rice soup).More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
17:00

Day 8
2 Apr ‘28

Sakaiminato, Japan

Sakaiminato is home to Shigeru Mizuki, creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro (a character who’s everywhere in contemporary Japan), and gateway to the ancient region of Honshu, site of the famous “Black Castle.”More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
18:00

Day 9
3 Apr ‘28

Scenic cruising Maizuru Bay

Arrive
-

Depart
-

Day 9
3 Apr ‘28

Maizuru

Arrive
08:00

Depart
21:00

Day 10
4 Apr ‘28

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, on Japan’s central Honshu Island. It's known for well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums and regional handicrafts. Kenrokuen Garden, begun in the 17th century, is celebrated for its classic landscape designs incorporating ponds and streams.More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
18:00

Day 11
5 Apr ‘28

At Sea

Arrive
-

Depart
-

Day 12
6 Apr ‘28

Hakodate

From the lively morning market of Asa-ichi, to the unparalleled views from Mount Hakodate, discover the history of the first Japanese port opened to international trade. Walk the ruins of the star-shaped Fort Goryokaku, the first of its kind in Japan, learn about local Ainu culture or simply feast on the abundance of fresh seafood this city is famous for.More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
17:00

Day 13
7 Apr ‘28

Miyako, Japan

Set against a ruggedly beautiful coastline, Miyako is home to Jodogahama Beach, a picturesque pebble beach with rock outcroppings. Go for a swim then stop at Miyako Fish Market for a tasty lunch.More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
17:00

Day 14
8 Apr ‘28

Hitachinaka, Japan

Arrive
08:00

Depart
17:00

Day 15
9 Apr ‘28

Tokyo

Arrive
08:00

Depart
19:00

Day 16
10 Apr ‘28

At Sea

Arrive
-

Depart
-

Day 17
11 Apr ‘28

Kobe

This cosmopolitan port city is known for more than just its world-famous Kobe beef. Discover the boutiques and markets of the Motomashi and Kokashita districts, explore the Fashion Museum or venture out to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge-the longest suspension bridge in the world. In the Kitano district, tour stately injikan, western-style Victorian and Gothic homes, or enjoy a glass of sake from one of Kobe's famed wineries.More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
19:00

Day 18
12 Apr ‘28

Kochi, Japan

High atop a hill in Kochi sits 17th-century Kochi Castle, once the seat of the Yamauchi lords. Explore this historic site and enjoy panoramic views of the city, then dine on sushi at Hirome Market.More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
16:00

Day 19
13 Apr ‘28

Kagoshima

Situated at the southern tip of Japan, Kagoshima is the capital of the prefecture of the same name and famous for its dramatic views of Sakurajima, an active volcano that smolders across the bay. One of the most popular activities is taking a ferry to Sakurajima and hiking on the 100-year-old lava flow that is now a grassy peninsula. Kagoshima, however, offers much more than the volcano’s almost overwhelming beauty. The food scene provides opportunities to experience the area’s rich culinary culture and features dishes using locally caught fish and regional specialties, like satsuma a’ge (deep-fried fish cake) and shōchū, a traditional beverage made at more than 100 distilleries in Kagoshima alone. Although the city was officially founded in 1889, it has an even longer history that is reflected in the 17th-century gardens of Sengan-en. More recent events are covered at a museum dedicated to the kamikaze pilots who flew out of Kagoshima. Other popular attractions include the City Aquarium, the Museum of the Meiji Restoration with its exhibits exploring local history and the City Museum of Art with its collection that covers both local contemporary and older art. With so much to do, visitors may want to consider the Cute transit card. Available at tourist information offices, one-day Cute cards cover city buses, trams and Sakurajima ferries and also provide discounted admission to several attractions.More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
16:00

Day 20
14 Apr ‘28

Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan

More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
16:00

Day 21
15 Apr ‘28

Sokcho, South Korea

Arrive
10:00

Depart
20:00

Day 22
16 Apr ‘28

At Sea

Arrive
-

Depart
-

Day 23
17 Apr ‘28

Kanazawa

Arrive
08:00

Depart
17:00

Day 24
18 Apr ‘28

Sakata, Japan

Arrive
09:00

Depart
18:00

Day 25
19 Apr ‘28

Hakodate

Arrive
10:00

Depart
21:00

Day 26
20 Apr ‘28

Aomori

Most Japanese used to think of Aomori merely as the place you caught the ferry to when you were going to Hokkaido. By the time you’d gotten here, they figured, you were pretty much at the edge of the civilized world. The small Tsugaru Strait that separates Honshu from Hokkaido isn’t big—only about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) at its narrowest point—but it’s ecologically important: Hokkaido has animals related to northern Asia, whereas Honshu’s are more closely related to southern Asia’s. The strait is also famous for sudden, very rough weather and for no shortage of shipwrecks. The city was flattened in World War II, so there isn’t much history left to see. Still, it’s a lovely area, not much congestion or development, and because the town is still the major gateway to Hokkaido, the city has money to spend on architecture and parks. Its setting on the edge of Mutsu Bay means you will often be surprised by lovely water views through the buildings. The old way of thinking of Aomori is over. Aomori may not be quite what most people think of when they plan a Japan trip, but it is what Japan thinks of when they consider where they got the new century right.More

Arrive
07:00

Depart
19:00

Day 27
21 Apr ‘28

Miyako, Japan

Set against a ruggedly beautiful coastline, Miyako is home to Jodogahama Beach, a picturesque pebble beach with rock outcroppings. Go for a swim then stop at Miyako Fish Market for a tasty lunch.More

Arrive
08:00

Depart
17:00

Day 28
22 Apr ‘28

At Sea

Arrive
-

Depart
-

Day 29
23 Apr ‘28

Tokyo

Arrive
08:00

Depart
-

Your ship - the Noordam

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam features museum-quality art — from 19th-century oils to contemporary photographs of music greats Dizzy Gillespie and B.B. King. Guests onboard can enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Explore the world’s wonders through BBC Earth Experiences. Take yoga or Pilates in our Fitness Center. Savor the sounds of Music Walk and the delights of our specialty restaurants.

Crow's Nest

Explorers Lounge

Neptune Lounge

Night Club

Photo Gallery

Queen's Show Lounge

Club HAL

Outdoor Pool

The Loft

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

Hydro Massage Pool

Lido Pool

Spa

Thermal Suite

Whirlpool

Explorations Cafe

Lido Bar

Lido Casual Restaurant

Lounge Bar

Piano Bar

Pinnacle Grill

Sports Bar

Terrace Grill

The Verandah

Vista Dining Room

Art Gallery

Atrium

Concierge

Culinary Arts Center

Future Cruise Sales

Shopping Gallery

Shops

Shore Excursion Office

Staterooms

Inside

Approximately 151-233 sq. ft. These spacious staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one…queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.MoreLess

Outside

Approximately 174-180 sq. ft. These expansive staterooms include include two lower beds convertib…le to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.MoreLess

Balcony

Approximately 212-359 sq. ft. including verandah Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows …overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.MoreLess

Suite

Approximately 1150 sq. ft including verandah Generously proportioned and filled with light, these…elegant suites include a living room, dining room, pantry with microwave and refrigerator, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah with whirlpool. The bedroom features a king-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus a separate dressing room and the bath includes an oversize whirlpool bath and shower as well as an additional shower stall. There's also a sofa bed, suitable for two people, and a guest toilet. Amenities include a private stereo system, use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, private concierge and an array of complimentary services. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.MoreLess