Fly overnight to Japan's capital, and one of the world's largest cities, Tokyo. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you'll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Sensoji, the city's oldest temple before ascending the Tokyo Sky Tree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Enjoy a photo stop at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park, walking through the forest to reach the hot spring pool where a community of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bathe in the warm waters. Visit the 7th-century Zenkoji before transferring to Nagano, where you can try out the Japanese tradition of onsen – hot spring baths – and enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan accommodation.

Travel by road to Mount Fuji area. Pause at Oishi Park for incredible views (weather dependent) before a mini cruise on the picturesque Lake Ashi. Fly up to the heights of Mount Komagatake by cable car for more beautiful views. Board a bullet train and be whisked off to Kyoto!

Kyoto, Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. Your explorations will include Kyoto's landmark sights - beautiful Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, the Zen garden of Ryoanji, the pathways of vermilion red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Gion district, an area famous for its geisha. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner and sukiyaki lunch on these days too.

After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Kobe's cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.

Spend today ported in Kobe; relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer.

Port at Kochi. A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful great outdoors and bags of rustic charm, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.

Arrive at Hiroshima. Best known as the first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged from the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Visit the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past.

On the north coast of the island of Kyushu, Kitakyushu is the gateway to plentiful natural beauty, historic sights, and some wonderful local food.

Port at Sasebo, a hub of local culture and a city famous for its beautiful bay, dotted with over 200 rocky islands and islets. Enjoy a of a range of excursions at your own expense, bookable on your cruise reservation.

Depart Japan and arrive in South Korea, porting at the bustling city of Busan. Boasting mountains, beaches, and hot springs, this is a city full of small-town charm.

Back in Japan, port at Sakaiminato. This small fishing town is the birthplace of anime legend Shigeru Mizuki, a pilgrimage site for manga lovers, as well as being surrounded by spectacular nature.

Arrive in the historic town of Kanazawa, where you can get a flavour of old-world Japan exploring classical architecture and traditional Japanese gardens, including Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

On the shores of the Sea of Japan, Niigata is a city of ancient traditions, best known for its rice and sake.

Surrounded by mountains, forests and plentiful hot springs, Akita also offers a glimpse at the samurai way of life in historic Kakunodate.

A delightfully sleepy seaside resort that boasts access to world class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Aomori is a charming city to explore.

Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan's coast.

Disembark in Tokyo.

Travel out of Tokyo to ancient Nikko, a compact and culture-filled city. Stop for photos at the scenic Shinkyo Bridge and enjoy a 'yuba' lunch. Then, visit Japan's most lavish shrine, Toshugu, set in the glorious surroundings of Nikko National Park, and the peaceful, forest-swathed Taiyuinbyo, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Return to Tokyo.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.