Circle Japan Collector\t\t Westerdam 2026-03-29

Day 1

29th Mar '26

Yokohama (Tokyo)

Until the mid-19th century, Japan lived in isolation, closed off from the rest of the world, and Yokohama was a mere fishing village. But in 1853, American naval officer Matthew Perry demanded the country open to foreign trade, and Yokohama was changed forever. The city quickly emerged as an international trading center, and while today it is often overshadowed by nearby Tokyo, it continues to be one of Japan’s liveliest, and most international, destinations. With its microbreweries and international restaurants, Yokohama has a decidedly different feel from many other Japanese cities. From Yokohama, it’s a quick trip to peaceful Kamakura, home to Daibutsu, Japan’s second-largest bronze Buddha, and to the important Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Head to Hakone National Park on a clear day and you’ll be rewarded with picture-postcard views of majestic Mt. Fuji. 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. Tokyos historic gardens and neighborhoods of traditional homes on narrow lanes speak to a timeless Japan that has survived into the 21st century. More

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Arrive

0:00

Depart

18:00

Day 2

30th Mar '26

At Sea

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Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 3

31st Mar '26

Himeji

Himeji is a city in Hyōgo prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. It has one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. At one point, in the late 1500s, it was the largest castle in all of Asia. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other attractions in Himeji include Engyō-ji Temple, Seppiko-san Mountain, Himeji Central Park (a safari park), Himeji City Tegarayama Botanical Garden, and Koko-en Garden. Things to see and do: * Himeji Castle * Kōkoen Garden * Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History * Senhime Shrine * Engyo-ji Temple More

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Arrive

8:00

Depart

18:00

Day 4

1st Apr '26

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

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Arrive

8:00

Depart

17:00

Day 5

2nd Apr '26

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

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Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 5

2nd Apr '26

Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait

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Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 6

3rd Apr '26

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

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Arrive

10:00

Depart

18:00

Day 7

4th Apr '26

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

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Arrive

8:00

Depart

17:00

Day 8

5th Apr '26

Tsuruga

This sleepy little port city is home to the intimate Kehi Shrine, with its red-lacquered Torii gate and koi pond. Learn about the fascinating history of the town at the Tsuruga Museum. Dine on grilled seafood like a local at Nihonkai Sakana Machi. More

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Arrive

8:00

Depart

17:00

Day 9

6th Apr '26

Toyama, Japan

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

17:00

Day 10

7th Apr '26

Sakata, Japan

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

18:00

Day 11

8th Apr '26

At Sea

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 12

9th Apr '26

Otaru

Located on the Sea of Japan just north of Sapporo, Otaru is one of Japans most picturesque cities. Stroll along the historic Otaru Canal built in 1914; visit Herring Mansion, the lavish home built in 1922 for a wealthy herring fisheries owner; and explore Sapporos Nijo Ichiba Market for a glimpse of the local lifestyle and enthusiastic trade negotiations. Sample shore excursions: Otaru & the Herring Mansion; The Otaru Gourmet: Sushi & Sake; The Best of Sapporo. More

Less

Arrive

7:00

Depart

16:00

Day 13

10th Apr '26

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

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

23:00

Day 14

11th Apr '26

At Sea

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 15

12th Apr '26

Yokohama (Tokyo)

Until the mid-19th century, Japan lived in isolation, closed off from the rest of the world, and Yokohama was a mere fishing village. But in 1853, American naval officer Matthew Perry demanded the country open to foreign trade, and Yokohama was changed forever. The city quickly emerged as an international trading center, and while today it is often overshadowed by nearby Tokyo, it continues to be one of Japan’s liveliest, and most international, destinations. With its microbreweries and international restaurants, Yokohama has a decidedly different feel from many other Japanese cities. From Yokohama, it’s a quick trip to peaceful Kamakura, home to Daibutsu, Japan’s second-largest bronze Buddha, and to the important Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Head to Hakone National Park on a clear day and you’ll be rewarded with picture-postcard views of majestic Mt. Fuji. 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. Tokyos historic gardens and neighborhoods of traditional homes on narrow lanes speak to a timeless Japan that has survived into the 21st century. More

Less

Arrive

8:30

Depart

20:00

Day 16

13th Apr '26

Omaezaki, Japan

Less

Arrive

7:00

Depart

16:00

Day 17

14th Apr '26

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 Kobes famed wineries. More

Less

Arrive

8:30

Depart

18:00

Day 18

15th Apr '26

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

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

15:00

Day 19

16th Apr '26

Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 19

16th Apr '26

Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

16:00

Day 20

17th Apr '26

Sokcho, South Korea

Less

Arrive

10:00

Depart

20:00

Day 21

18th Apr '26

At Sea

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 22

19th Apr '26

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, on Japan’s central Honshu Island. Its 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

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Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 23

20th Apr '26

Sakata, Japan

Less

Arrive

10:00

Depart

18:00

Day 24

21st Apr '26

At Sea

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 25

22nd Apr '26

Otaru

Located on the Sea of Japan just north of Sapporo, Otaru is one of Japans most picturesque cities. Stroll along the historic Otaru Canal built in 1914; visit Herring Mansion, the lavish home built in 1922 for a wealthy herring fisheries owner; and explore Sapporos Nijo Ichiba Market for a glimpse of the local lifestyle and enthusiastic trade negotiations. Sample shore excursions: Otaru & the Herring Mansion; The Otaru Gourmet: Sushi & Sake; The Best of Sapporo. More

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

17:00

Day 26

23rd Apr '26

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

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

16:00

Day 27

24th Apr '26

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

Less

Arrive

7:00

Depart

18:00

Day 28

25th Apr '26

At Sea

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 29

26th Apr '26

Yokohama (Tokyo)

Until the mid-19th century, Japan lived in isolation, closed off from the rest of the world, and Yokohama was a mere fishing village. But in 1853, American naval officer Matthew Perry demanded the country open to foreign trade, and Yokohama was changed forever. The city quickly emerged as an international trading center, and while today it is often overshadowed by nearby Tokyo, it continues to be one of Japan’s liveliest, and most international, destinations. With its microbreweries and international restaurants, Yokohama has a decidedly different feel from many other Japanese cities. From Yokohama, it’s a quick trip to peaceful Kamakura, home to Daibutsu, Japan’s second-largest bronze Buddha, and to the important Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Head to Hakone National Park on a clear day and you’ll be rewarded with picture-postcard views of majestic Mt. Fuji. 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. Tokyos historic gardens and neighborhoods of traditional homes on narrow lanes speak to a timeless Japan that has survived into the 21st century. More

Less

Arrive

8:30

Depart

0:00

Circle Japan Collector

Your itinerary

Day 1

Yokohama (Tokyo)

Arrive

Depart

Day 2

At Sea

Arrive

Depart

Day 3

Himeji

Arrive

Depart

Day 4

Kochi, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 5

Hiroshima, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 5

Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait

Arrive

Depart

Day 6

Busan

Arrive

Depart

Day 7

Sakaiminato, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 8

Tsuruga

Arrive

Depart

Day 9

Toyama, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 10

Sakata, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 11

At Sea

Arrive

Depart

Day 12

Otaru

Arrive

Depart

Day 13

Hakodate

Arrive

Depart

Day 14

At Sea

Arrive

Depart

Day 15

Yokohama (Tokyo)

Arrive

Depart

Day 16

Omaezaki, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 17

Kobe

Arrive

Depart

Day 18

Kochi, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 19

Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait