12-Night Japanese Cherry Blossom CME AWAY® Cruise

Detailed Port Descriptions

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.

Aomori, 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.

Hakodate, Japan

A port city on the island of Hokkaido, Hakodate is best known for the spectacular views and the area's delicious, fresh seafood, sushi, squid, and ramen. From the top of the Mount Hakodate, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the city surrounded by the ocean. You can reach the summit by hiking trail, cable car, or auto. The former Goryōkaku Fort, Japan's first Western style fortress, is now used in as a public park and is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The park also features the tall, white Goryōkaku Tower that offers a panoramic view of the park, including mainland Japan across the Tsugaru Strait on clear days. Hakodate is literally a town of hot springs, and it even offers steamy outdoor footbaths to pedestrians.

Busan, South Korea

It is Busan's premier trading port, adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, that makes it an international metropolis but its beautiful sea vistas that make it a charming place to unwind. Experience the serenity of Beomeo-sa Temple, climb the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park and rejuvenate at Hushimchung Spa.

Hiroshima, Japan

While paying tribute to the infamous nuclear attack that destroyed the city in 1945, Hiroshima is now defined as a beacon of peace and prides itself on its exceptional natural beauty. See more than 300 cherry blossom trees in bloom at Peace Memorial Park, journey to the breathtaking Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, and take time to sample "okonomiyaki"—a delicious example of Japanese soul food.

Kobe, Japan

Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea, Kobe is one of Japan's most attractive and cosmopolitan cities. Home of the heralded Kobe beef, this small city is easily navigated. Visit the Hatsukura Sake Brewery Museum for a tour or dine in one of the area’s incredible restaurants.

 Kyoto (Osaka), Japan

Visit Osaka Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums which has over 580 species of sea life on display, or Universal Studios Japan, the company’s first theme park outside of the U.S. Kyoto served as the nation’s capital for more than 1000 years and is home to 17 different World Heritage Sites including Kiyomizudera Temple and Heian Jingu Shrine.

Mt Fuji (Shimizu), Japan

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.