Samurai Shrines & Silk Roads – Busan, Hiroshima & Hakodate

About this cruise

If you've got 19 nights to work with, this sailing from Tokyo on May 7, 2028 through Shimizu, Kochi and Hiroshima, with additional stops along the Japan, Korea, China & Taiwan is genuinely one of the better ways to spend them. A few ports come in quick succession, which is great for sightseeing but means you'll appreciate the sea days when they arrive. Bullet trains visible from the harbour, cherry blossoms, and thousands of years of history. East Asia is a lot to take in. Kochi stands out. It's Japan's castle town on the Shikoku coast. Around 9 hours per port on average, which is generous enough to go beyond the obvious. You won't go hungry on Diamond Princess. 7 restaurants come with the fare, plus 5 more when you feel like treating yourself. The longer time on board means you'll catch several shows, themed nights, and start feeling like a regular at your favourite bar. Timing-wise, spring usually means comfortable temperatures and lower prices than peak season. All in all, it's a solid trip.