Circle Japan

  • 29th March 2026
  • 14 Nights
  • Yokohama (Tokyo)
  • Westerdam
Holland America Line

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Balcony price from

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Outside price from

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Suite price from

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* based on twinshare stateroom

Your itinerary

  • Yokohama (Tokyo)
  • At Sea
  • Himeji
  • Kochi, Japan
  • Hiroshima, Japan
  • Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait
  • Busan
  • Sakaiminato, Japan
  • Tsuruga
  • Toyama, Japan
  • Sakata, Japan
  • At Sea
  • Otaru
  • Hakodate
  • At Sea
  • Yokohama (Tokyo)
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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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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0:00

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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
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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
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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
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Arrive

8:00

Depart

23:00

Day 14

11th Apr '26

At Sea
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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

Your ship - The Westerdam

Recently updated with new bar, entertainment and dining venues, plus completely reimagined suites, Westerdam is a fascinating destination in her own right. On board, enjoy live entertainment with Music Walk, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table. Enrich your travel experience at the new Exploration Central atop the ship.

Recently updated with new bar, entertainment and dining venues, plus completely reimagined suites, Westerdam is a fascinating destination in her own right. On board, enjoy live entertainment with Music Walk, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table. Enrich your travel experience at the new Exploration Central atop the ship.

Card Room
Club HAL
Golf Simulator
Library
The Loft

Art Gallery
Atrium
Concierge
Culinary Arts Center
Duty-free shop
Observation Deck
Photo Gallery
Shopping Gallery
Shops
Shore Excursion Office
Wrap Around Promenade Deck

Crow’s Nest
Dance Floor
Explorers Lounge
Neptune Lounge
Night Club
Photo Gallery
Queen’s Show Lounge

Beauty Salon
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Hydro Massage Pool
Lido Pool
Spa
Thermal Suite

Bar
Canaletto Restaurant
Explorations Cafe
Grill
Lido Bar
Lido Casual Restaurant
Lounge
Piano Bar
Pinnacle Grill
Sports Bar
Terrace Grill
The Verandah
Vista Dining Room

Basketball
Fitness Center
Gym
Pickleball

Digital Workshop
Internet Access Lounge

Description

Recently updated with new bar, entertainment and dining venues, plus completely reimagined suites, Westerdam is a fascinating destination in her own right. On board, enjoy live entertainment with Music Walk, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table. Enrich your travel experience at the new Exploration Central atop the ship.

Recreational

Card Room
Club HAL
Golf Simulator
Library
The Loft

Other

Art Gallery
Atrium
Concierge
Culinary Arts Center
Duty-free shop
Observation Deck
Photo Gallery
Shopping Gallery
Shops
Shore Excursion Office
Wrap Around Promenade Deck

Entertainment

Crow’s Nest
Dance Floor
Explorers Lounge
Neptune Lounge
Night Club
Photo Gallery
Queen’s Show Lounge

Relaxation

Beauty Salon
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Hydro Massage Pool
Lido Pool
Spa
Thermal Suite

Food and Drink

Bar
Canaletto Restaurant
Explorations Cafe
Grill
Lido Bar
Lido Casual Restaurant
Lounge
Piano Bar
Pinnacle Grill
Sports Bar
Terrace Grill
The Verandah
Vista Dining Room

Fitness

Basketball
Fitness Center
Gym
Pickleball

Technology

Digital Workshop
Internet Access Lounge

Staterooms

outside

Approximately 174-180 sq. ft. These large staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one que ... en-size bed—our Signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities. The view is fully obstructed. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

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inside

Approximately 151-233 sq. ft. Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Marin ... er’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

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suite

Approximately 372-384 sq. ft. including verandah These large, comfortable suites feature a spaciou ... s sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one sofa bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

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balcony

Approximately 212-359 sq. ft including verandah Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows ov ... erlooking 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.

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Additional information

Call +44 20 3943 5227 or enquire to book this cruise

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