Springtime in Tokyo with Japan & South Korea Voyage

Your holiday begins as you fly from Australia to your destination.

A scintillating blend of modernity and tradition, juxtaposes neon skyscrapers with ancient temples and shrines. Uncover its rich history at Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace, then dive into the fun and frenzy of Golden Gai’s cosy bars.

Spend a full day discovering Tokyo at your own pace, from the tranquil grounds of its historic shrines to the buzzing energy of its shopping districts. This captivating city rewards curiosity at every turn.

Today you’ll embark Holland America Line’s Westerdam, a ship that combines the elegance of traditional cruise sailing with state-of-the art amenities, the finest eateries, health and fitness facilities, and dazzling entertainment.

Arriving in Shimizu, look out for the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji rising above Suruga Bay, considered one of Japan’s most scenic ports. Sample the region’s celebrated sakura shrimp and freshly caught tuna, drawn from waters renowned among local fishermen.

Osaka blends centuries of history with vibrant modern energy, its skyline anchored by Osaka Castle, built by the powerful sixteenth-century warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Long known as Japan’s food capital, the city’s food stalls and canal-side streets invite easy exploration.

Enjoy a second day in Osaka, with the ship remaining in port overnight. Wander the retro Shinsekai district beneath Tsutenkaku Tower or spend time at leisure exploring the city’s shopping streets and waterside promenades at your own pace.

Kagoshima looks out across the bay to Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes and still visibly smoking today. Once an island before an early twentieth-century eruption connected it to the mainland, it remains an iconic, ever-present backdrop to daily life in the city.

Nagasaki’s hillside streets tell centuries of story, from its role as Japan’s sole gateway to foreign trade, Portuguese and Chinese influences still visible throughout the city today. Its harbourside setting and layered history reward quiet exploration.

Arriving in Busan, South Korea’s largest port city, you’ll find a dynamic mix of mountains, sandy beaches and a thriving harbour that has shaped the city for centuries. Renowned for its fresh seafood, Busan offers a lively contrast to the quieter ports of Japan.

The coastal city of Yeosu, whose name means beautiful waters, is scattered across more than three hundred islands along Korea’s southern shore. Look out for the striking Dolsan Bridge and Odongdo Island, known for its camellia blossoms and sweeping sea views.

Fukuoka, Kyushu’s largest city, grew from the historic merger of the port town of Hakata and its neighbouring castle town. Wander streets steeped in centuries of trade with mainland Asia, and sample the city’s famous open-air food stalls, known as yatai.

Today, Westerdam sails through the Kanmon Strait, the narrow channel separating the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. Watch from the deck as the historic ports of Shimonoseki and Moji pass either side, connected by a suspension bridge arching high above the water.

Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a vibrant, forward-looking city, while honouring its history with reflective calm. The Peace Memorial Park and its preserved A-Bomb Dome stand as a moving tribute, drawing over a million visitors each year to reflect and remember.

Kochi, on the island of Shikoku, is home to one of only twelve original castles left in Japan, its keep and lord’s palace both still standing since the early 1600s. Beyond the castle, the sweeping curve of Katsurahama Beach offers a peaceful final port of call.

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