12-Night Japanese Cherry Blossom CME AWAY® Cruise

Detailed Port Descriptions

Day 1 Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

There aren't many places on Earth that blend ancient tradition and the ultra-modern quite like Tokyo. Centuries-old gardens and cobblestone laneways live in perfect harmony with soaring skyscrapers and dazzling neon lights. Get immersed in an unrivalled dining scene, fashionable boutiques, and endless cultural encounters in this ever-evolving city.

Day 2 Mt. Fuji

On clear days, particularly in winter, Mount Fuji (Fuji-san in Japanese) is visible from as far as Tokyo, 60 miles away. When Japan's highest mountain is capped with snow, it's a picture-postcard perfect volcanic cone. One of the best-known symbols of Japan, this iconic mountain has been considered sacred since ancient times and was even forbidden to women until the early 1900s.

Day 3 & 4 Kyoto (Osaka), Japan

Aomori Port, the capital of Aomori prefecture, is located on Mutsu Bay, at the northern tip of Honshu. Here, nature and culture fuse as one. The Shirakami Mountains, which embrace the world's largest virgin forest of beech trees, have been awarded a World Heritage Site designation. Reminders of ancient times abound throughout Aomori Port as well, and you can also indulge in the serene atmosphere of the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins, Japan's largest, which are said to have been established around 4,000 to 5,000 BC. The summer brings the city’s most beloved Nebuta Matsuri Festival, which features enormous lantern floats, taiko drums, and dancers that parade the downtown streets. Stroll Aomori’s premiere Shinsen Ichiba seafood market where restaurateurs hand-pick fresh produce then slurp up delicious ramen noodles at one of its counter restaurants.

Day 5 Kochi, Japan

The capital of Kochi Prefecture on the southern coast of Shikoku is small, friendly, and boasts several attractions of interest to travelers. Make sure to enjoy some Katsuo no tataki, Kochi's most famous dish, and visit the temple and botanical garden at Mount Godaisan.

Day 6 At Sea

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Day 7 Okinawa, Japan

This ancient kingdom boasts crystal blue waters, tropical plants, and many fascinating creatures. Browse the shops on Kokusai Street and see Shuri Castle with its Tombs of Kings of Ryukyu. Then, watch for the rare Yambaru-kuina bird in Yambaru and explore the beautiful limestone of Gyokusen-do Cave.

Day 8 Ishigaki, Japan

Often called the most beautiful place in Japan, part of Okinawa Prefecture, Ishigaki Island is where many Tokyoites come to escape the big city. They seek the warm weather, great food, and friendly people. Some stay and adopt the slower pace of life here and maybe open a small café. History buffs visit Yaeyama Museum, near the port, to see local human remains dating back 24,000 years. They also trek to Tōrin-ji, a 1614 Buddhist temple that survived the 1771 tsunami to become Okinawa’s oldest wooden building. Get out of town to experience the unspoiled beaches, dazzling waters, coral reefs, palm forests, pineapple plantations, and subtropical vistas that ring the island.

Day 9 At Sea

Day 10 Jeju Island, South Korea

South Korea's tropical island paradise will enchant you with its sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and amazing volcanic landscape. Need a break from your beach towel? Waterfalls, museums, folk villages, scuba diving, hiking and festivals galore will keep you busy. Explore the colorful coral and sea life with a scuba dive off the coast of laid-back Seogwipo. Take an underground stroll through the world’s longest lava-tube cave at Manjanggul.

Day 11 Kagoshima, Japan

Kagoshima is the southernmost city on Japan's bullet train network and the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture. The city is often compared with its Italian sister city, Naples, due to a similarly mild climate, streets lined with palm trees, and Sakurajima, Kagoshima's version of Vesuvius. Near port, find the fascinating Kagoshima aquarium, traditional Senganen Japanese gardens, museums, the Shiroyama mountain-top park with a view over the city, and Yakushima Island, a registered world heritage site. Plus, an abundance of hot springs, mud baths, and spas to promote serenity and relaxation.

Day 12 At Sea

Day 13 Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan