The Best of Japan: Immersive Rail Discovery, Mount Fuji & All-Inclusive Princess Cruises Voyage

Your holiday begins as you fly from the UK to your destination.

Touch down in Osaka and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. Japan’s spirited kitchen city greets you with neon-lit streets, canal-side bustle, and an easy, welcoming energy that sets the tone for the journey ahead.

Spend the morning at leisure before an afternoon tour of Osaka Castle, the green-roofed fortress at the heart of the city. Its gilded turrets and sweeping grounds tell the story of feudal Japan’s most ambitious warlords.

Board the bullet train and glide west to Hiroshima, checking in for two nights. A half-day tour introduces a city defined by resilience, where moving memorials and tranquil gardens stand as a quiet testament to peace.

Cross the water to sacred Miyajima Island, home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine and its great vermilion torii gate, appearing to float on the tide. Wander the wooded paths where tame deer roam freely.

Transfer to the bullet train for Kyoto, your home for two nights. A half-day coach tour reveals Japan’s cultural soul, a city of imperial palaces, lantern-lit lanes, and more than a thousand temples and shrines.

Today, walk the towering bamboo groves of Arashiyama, admire the raked Zen garden of Ryoanji and the gold-leaf splendour of Kinkakuji, and ride the Sagano Romantic Train through the scenic Hozugawa gorge.

Take the bullet train east to Shizuoka, settling in for two nights. Set against tea-covered hills with Mount Fuji often on the horizon, this coastal prefecture offers a calmer, more rural side of Japan.

Journey on board the nostalgic Oigawa Railway before connecting to the Southern Alps Abt Line, a charming mountain railway that climbs through dramatic gorges and emerald valleys deep in the heart of Japan’s high country.

Travel to Mount Fuji, Japan’s most sacred and revered peak, for an escorted tour of its lakes and lower slopes. Continue to Tokyo, your base for two nights in the dazzling capital.

Enjoy a free day to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Lose yourself in the energy of Shibuya, seek out serene shrines and pristine gardens, or browse the boutiques and backstreets of this endlessly surprising metropolis.

With an array of entertainment, great dining options, and fantastic activity programmes, it’s no wonder Sapphire Princess^® is considered such a gem. The elegant lounges, beautifully designed public spaces, and spacious pool areas provide the perfect atmosphere.

Hakodate greets you with sweeping harbour views from Mount Hakodate, striking at dusk as city lights twinkle. Wander the red-brick warehouses of the Bay Area, sample fresh seafood at the morning market, or explore Goryokaku Fort.

Experience the enchantment of Niigata, Japan. With its stunning landscapes, sake traditions, and vibrant arts scene, this city captivates the senses. Discover a world where nature and culture intertwine, creating unforgettable moments at every turn.

Embark on a transformative journey from picturesque Burravoe to vibrant Busan. Discover a captivating blend of modernity and tradition, indulge in tantalising cuisine, immersing yourself in South Korea’s rich and dynamic culture. Unforgettable experiences await.

Explore the maritime charm of Sasebo, Japan. With its picturesque harbour, and proximity to historic sites, it’s a city that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty on the island of Kyushu.

Japan’s volcanic wonder. Witness majestic Sakurajima, indulge in hot springs, and savor Southern charm. Let this city’s blend of nature and culture ignite your spirit of exploration.

Your holiday complete, today you’ll disembark your ship and head to the airport for your flight home.