Cruise · Princess Cruises · 19 nights

Grand Circle Japan

MedallionClass experience with Broadway-style entertainment
Multicourse dining and casual venues onboard
Fitness facilities and youth/teen clubs

$3,877 pp twin share

19 nights

Enquire

1/ 11

Sapphire Princess®

Tokyo, Japan

Kagoshima, Japan

Kochi, Japan

Toba, Japan

Hakodate, Japan

Niigata, Japan

Busan, South Korea

Osaka (for Kyoto), Japan

Nagoya, Japan

Grand Circle Japan — Itinerary Map

Cruise Snapshot

19 Nights

Immerse yourself in Japan's ancient traditions and modern culture on this 19-night cruise from Tokyo, exploring historic cities, natural wonders, and the MedallionClass experience

Discover Tokyo's paradoxical mix of ancient and modern
Explore the volcanic landscapes and samurai history of Kagoshima
Visit the historic castle town of Kochi and subtropical Muroto-Anan

Trip Details

Departs: 28 April 2028
Returns: 17 May 2028
Embarks
Operator: Princess Cruises

19-night Japan cruise from Tokyo, Japan to Tokyo, Japan aboard Sapphire Princess

$3,877

pp twin share

Enquire

Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

Share this holiday with your friends!

Click any button to send this voyage to a travel buddy.

Email Facebook WhatsApp X

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

28 April 2028

Returns

17 May 2028

Duration

19 nights

From pp twin share

$3,877 pp

28 Apr 2028 - 17 May 2028
from $3,877.42 pp twin share *

Additional Pricing Information

Interior from $3,877.42 pp twin share
Balcony from $5,462.42 pp twin share
Mini-Suite from $6,812.42 pp twin share
Suite from $15,862.42 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Tokyo, Japan
Departs 04:00 pm.
Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza, an international shopping mecca, stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience.
2
At Sea
3
Kagoshima, Japan
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 03:30 pm.
From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai.The symbol of Kagoshima is Sakura Jima - the volcanic island that sits just offshore. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history.
Day 4
Arrives 09:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
Day 5
Arrives 01:00 pm, departs 03:00 pm.
6
Kochi, Japan
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.
Kochi sits on the broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay. This city in Shikoku takes its name from the great feudal castle that sits at its very heart. Completed in 1611, Kochi Castle was the seat of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a noted warrior who supported Tokugawa Ieyasu in his successful quest to become Shogun. Tosa Province and Kochi Castle were Yamauchi's reward for faithful service. There is an historical irony here: 250 years later, a Kochi native son - a former low-ranked samurai and now ronin named Sakamoto Ryoma - played a pivotal role in bringing the Tokugawa Shogunate to an end and restoring the Emperor of Japan to political prominence. The prize once awarded for faithful service had become a hotbed of support for the Meiji Restoration.Kochi is one of the wettest places in Japan - and a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. Southeast of the city, warm oceans currents washing against the Aki Mountains create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park.
7
Toba, Japan
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.
Toba, located at the northeastern end of the Shima-hanto Peninsula in Mie, flourished as the castle town of the Kuki family who ruled this region from the 16th century. It was also a landing spot for visitors on the sea route to Ise-jingu Shrine and belongs to Ise-Shima National Park.
8
Tokyo, Japan
Arrives 06:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.
Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza, an international shopping mecca, stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience.
9
At Sea
10
Hakodate, Japan
Arrives 07:30 am, departs 05:00 pm.
It took Commodore Perry and American gunboat diplomacy to open Japan to the outside world after two centuries of self-imposed isolation. In 1859, the port of Hakodate became the first Japanese city fully opened to Westerners under the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Foreigners soon flocked to Hakodate, and today visitors wandering the cobblestone streets of the city's Motomachi District can view their Western-style frame houses. Hakodate, once a fishing port famed for its high quality fish and shellfish, quickly became Hokkaido's largest city and one of Japan's most important ports. The Great Hakodate Fire of 1934 dealt the city a near fatal blow - a blow from which Hakodate was slow to recover. Today the city is Hokkaido's third largest - surpassed by Sapporo and Asahikawa - but retains its foremost position as the finest Japanese producer of sushi's raw product: the high quality seafood caught in Hokkaido's cold waters.It may not compare to Tokyo's Tsukiji's Fish Market, but at Hakodate's four-block-long Morning Market, vendors offer a stunning array of fresh fish and shellfish prized for sushi including salmon roe, sea urchin, scallops and crab. Restaurants and food stands prepare a wide arrange of dishes including domburi topped with fresh seafood.
11
Niigata, Japan
Arrives 09:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
Traditionally famous for rice making and sake production, Niigata is the place for gourmet aficionados. It is also well known for the seafood caught from the Sea of Japan. With this variety of the commodity produced locally, Niigata developed from the wealth gained through shipping and trade by Kitamae-bune, which were cargo ships operated along the Sea of Japan between Hokkaido and Osaka from mid-18th century to the end of the 19th century. To the south of Niigata is the Tsubame-Sanjo area famous today for metalworking. This derives from the production of Japanese nails used for Japanese traditional architecture. To discover Japanese craftsmanship, you will have the chance to visit the Suwada Open Factory. Also nearby is the religious center of Niigata in Yahiko. The Yahiko Shrine has gathered the devotion of the locals for more than a millennium.
12
At Sea
13
Busan, South Korea
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.
The second largest city in South Korea, Busan is your gateway to a fascinating land whose culture is a unique amalgam of old and new. Modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples. The city's bustling business district offers a stark contrast to the serene grounds of Yongdusan Park. In short, Busan is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose startling economic success often obscures one of Asia's most sophisticated and venerable cultures.Busan was the scene of bitter fighting during the Korean War. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery marks the final resting place for the troops from 16 nations who gave their lives during the conflict.
Day 14
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
15
At Sea
16
Kochi, Japan
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.
Kochi sits on the broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay. This city in Shikoku takes its name from the great feudal castle that sits at its very heart. Completed in 1611, Kochi Castle was the seat of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a noted warrior who supported Tokugawa Ieyasu in his successful quest to become Shogun. Tosa Province and Kochi Castle were Yamauchi's reward for faithful service. There is an historical irony here: 250 years later, a Kochi native son - a former low-ranked samurai and now ronin named Sakamoto Ryoma - played a pivotal role in bringing the Tokugawa Shogunate to an end and restoring the Emperor of Japan to political prominence. The prize once awarded for faithful service had become a hotbed of support for the Meiji Restoration.Kochi is one of the wettest places in Japan - and a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. Southeast of the city, warm oceans currents washing against the Aki Mountains create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park.
17
Osaka (for Kyoto), Japan
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.
For centuries, Osaka was Japan's cultural and commercial gateway to Asia - the point of entry both for trade goods and, most importantly, cultural influences that shaped Japanese society. From tea to Zen, from art to science and philosophy, Osaka was Japan's contact with the great East Asian cultures that flourished in China and Korea. The city reached its zenith in the late 16th century, when the great feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi made Osaka his capital. Toyotomi was master of Japan, and an immense administrative and commercial center rapidly developed around Osaka Castle. After Toyotomi's death, the nation's seat of power shifted from Osaka to a sleepy little fishing village called Edo - modern Tokyo. While overshadowed by Tokyo, Osaka remains Japan's second largest city and a vital commercial center.Modern Osaka is home to monuments from Japan's past including Toyotomi's immense castle and the Sumiyoshi Shrine. The city is also your gateway to Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital and the nation's cultural and spiritual center.
18
Nagoya, Japan
Arrives 11:00 am, departs 08:00 pm.
Perched on Honshu's central coast, Nagoya is the fourth largest urban center in Japan. It is also a perfect illustration of the Japanese national story. Japan's colorful history and love for tradition are embodied in the mighty donjons of Nagoya Castle, built by the first Tokugawa shogun. Two celebrated shrines - one Shinto, the other Buddhist - are found in the city center. Yet Nagoya also embodies Japan's love of modernity and its thirst for technological innovation. The city is home to the very model of a major multinational corporation - Toyota. Tradition and change. Esthetics and innovation. In its own quiet manner Nagoya embodies the essence of the Japanese way. Toyota's corporate headquarters are located just outside Nagoya in Toyota City (23 miles), while the company's excellent museums and factories are scattered about the city and environs. Toyota began life as a manufacturer of industrial looms. Toyota Motor Corporation was spun off from its parent company in 1937.
Day 19
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
20
Tokyo, Japan
Arrives 06:00 am.
Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza, an international shopping mecca, stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience.