Japan Cherry Blossoms Cruise 2027

Today fly from Australia (or New Zealand) to Tokyo, Japan. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel for the next three nights. Once you have settled into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore.

Optional Upgrade: Private Transfer
From Tokyo airport to Tokyo hotel. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be available to depart the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks before departure.

Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: In-Flight

Enjoy a day at leisure in Tokyo.

Tokyo is perhaps the world's most captivating metropolis—a seamless paradox where deep-rooted tradition meets a visionary future. Here, you can wander between neon-lit districts and serene, regal temples, or explore boutiques defining the cutting edge of global technology. Find peace in the Imperial Palace gardens, indulge in world-class Michelin-starred cuisine, or witness the power of a traditional sumo match (charges may apply). Tokyo offers an experience unlike any other.

Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: None

Enjoy another day at leisure in Tokyo.

Ginza, an international shopping mecca, stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace where the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides travellers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: None

Depart: 15:00

Enjoy a morning at leisure before making your own way from your hotel to the cruise terminal to board Sapphire Princess and begin your Japanese cruising adventure.

Optional Upgrade: Private Transfer
From Tokyo hotel to Tokyo cruise terminal. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: The following cruise itinerary makes suggestions for activities visitors can enjoy during leisure time in each port. Additional charges may apply.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 15:00

Perched on Honshu's central coast, Nagoya is the fourth largest urban centre in Japan. It is also a perfect illustration of the Japanese national story. Japan's colourful history and love for tradition are embodied in the mighty donjon of Nagoya Castle, built by the first Tokugawa shogun. Two celebrated monuments, a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple, can be found within the city.

In its own quiet manner Nagoya embodies the Japanese way with its love of modernity and thirst for technological innovation. It embraces Japanese traditions along with change, aesthetics and innovation. The city is home to the very model of a major multinational corporation - Toyota. Toyota's corporate headquarters are located just outside Nagoya in Toyota City (38 kilometres), 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.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 08:00 - Depart: 23:00

Kobe is the eighth-largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture on the southern side of the main island of Honshu. Its name comes from "kanbe", an archaic title for supporters of the city's Ikuta Shrine. With a population of about 1.5 million, the city is part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kyoto.

The earliest written records regarding the region come from the Nihon Shoki, which describes the founding of the Ikuta Shrine by Empress Jingu in AD 201. For most of its history the area was never a single political entity, even during the Tokugawa Period, when the port was controlled directly by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Kobe did not exist in its current form until its founding in 1889.

Kobe was one of the cities to open for trade with the West following the end of the policy of seclusion and has since been known as a cosmopolitan port city. While the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake diminished much of Kobe's prominence as a port city, it remains Japan's fifth busiest container port. The city is the point of origin and namesake of Kobe beef as well as the site of one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, Arima Onsen. Kobe is also your gateway to Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital and the nation's cultural and spiritual centre.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 08:00 - Depart: 18:00

Born as a 16th century castle town whose remains now lie within a park and museum, Tokushima is best known for its colourful summer dance festival, the Awa Odori. But it may be Mother Nature who garners the most attention. Surrounded by 1000 metre-tall mountains that hint at the wonders that lie beyond, the city is the perfect gateway to the mesmerising Naruto whirlpools, the panoramic views from atop Mount Bizan, and the spectacular gorges and vine bridges of Iya Valley. Whether you're entranced with the ways of the warrior, or under the spell of the extraordinary attractions, Tokushima offers exciting new experiences and unforgettable new adventures.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 17:00

Kochi, a 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 a 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 sits on the broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay and is one of the wettest places in Japan, and is a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. Southeast of the city, warm oceans currents washing against the Muroto Peninsula create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 16:00

Nagasaki is a beautiful city on Kyushu that is often described as the San Francisco of Japan, as the city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. For over two centuries, Nagasaki was Japan's sole window to the west, and the city is celebrated as the setting for Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly." For most travellers though, Nagasaki, the second target of a nuclear attack in 1945, is a symbol of the inhumanity of war. Nagasaki's Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 16:00

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.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Kanmon Strait, also known as the Strait of Shimonoseki, is a narrow body of water in Japan. The strait separates Honshu, the main island, from Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands.

Please note: Your ship will not dock on this day of the itinerary.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 21:00

On August 6, 1945, human history was irrevocably altered when the American bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The bomb was code-named "Little Boy," but its detonation left half the city in ruins and aflame. Today, Hiroshima is a monument not only to the destructive forces harnessed by man, but also to the indomitable will of the human spirit to overcome tragedy.

At the heart of the city lies Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The gutted walls of the city's old Industry Promotion Hall and the skeletal frame that supported its copper dome, vaporised in the blast, are instantly recognisable symbols of Hiroshima. Discover a more serene note at nearby Miyajima Island, one of the top-three scenic spots of Japan, the island is home to ancient Itsukushima Shrine, a designated National Treasure.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 09:00 - Depart: 17:00

This legendary tourist town is renowned for its healing geothermal waters and spas. Overlooking Beppu Bay to its east and protected from the west by dramatic mountain peaks, this exotic city is blanketed with misty turquoise waters and elegant Japanese foliage. Its main attraction is the "Hells of Beppu," a collection of seven stunning geothermal pools, some of which feature geysers and colourful waters in shades from white to copper to sapphire (charges may apply). The springs' names, including Kamado-Jigoku (Boiling Hell) and Oniyama-Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell), are somewhat misleading as all of the hot springs are breathtakingly beautiful - though your nose may cower and crinkle at the sulphurous odor they emit.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 06:30

This morning you will arrive back into Tokyo. Enjoy your final breakfast on board as your ship arrives into Port. After disembarkation, make your own way to the airport in time for check in.

Optional Upgrade: Shuttle Transfer
From Tokyo Port to Tokyo airport. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Welcome home.

Today fly from Australia (or New Zealand) to Tokyo, Japan. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel for the next three nights. Once you have settled into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore.

Optional Upgrade: Private Transfer
From Tokyo airport to Tokyo hotel. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be available to depart the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks before departure.

Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: In-Flight

Enjoy a day at leisure in Tokyo.

Tokyo is perhaps the world's most captivating metropolis—a seamless paradox where deep-rooted tradition meets a visionary future. Here, you can wander between neon-lit districts and serene, regal temples, or explore boutiques defining the cutting edge of global technology. Find peace in the Imperial Palace gardens, indulge in world-class Michelin-starred cuisine, or witness the power of a traditional sumo match (charges may apply). Tokyo offers an experience unlike any other.

Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: None

Enjoy another day at leisure in Tokyo.

Ginza, an international shopping mecca, stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace where the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides travellers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: None

Depart: 15:00

Enjoy a morning at leisure before making your own way from your hotel to the cruise terminal to board Sapphire Princess and begin your Japanese cruising adventure.

Optional Upgrade: Private Transfer
From Tokyo hotel to Tokyo cruise terminal. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: The following cruise itinerary makes suggestions for activities visitors can enjoy during leisure time in each port. Additional charges may apply.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Dinner

Tendered: 07:00 - 16:00

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.

Please note: This port is accessed by tender boats. Boarding and disembarking tender boats may involve steps and uneven surfaces. While cruise lines strive to provide ease of access, accessibility options can vary at different tender ports. Passengers with mobility concerns are encouraged to inquire about specific arrangements and consider their individual needs when participating in tendering activities.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 09:00 - Depart: 18:00

With over 600 kilometres of coastline, all of the delights of the sea are on offer, including snorkeling, swimming or scuba diving off one of its many white-sand beaches, marveling at the underwater world on display at the aquarium in the Museum of Natural History, and watching the intricate process of preparing a massive tuna in the Kuroshio Market.

Known as 'Onsen Heaven', Wakayama is home to a variety of geothermal bathing experiences, a treasured Japanese tradition for centuries. Nearby is the hilltop Wakayama Castle, with park-like grounds, and the resort island of Wakayama Marina City. Consider travelling outside of Wakayama city to experience everything from animal encounters at Adventure World to a walking tour along the sacred paths of the 1,200-year-old Koyasan monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When hunger strikes, try some Wakayama ramen made with a tasty soy sauce. And remember that the first mass-produced matcha green tea ice cream was created in Wakayama City, so be sure to treat yourself.

Please note: Charges may apply to the above activities.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 15:00

Kochi, a 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 a 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 sits on the broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay and is one of the wettest places in Japan, and is a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. Southeast of the city, warm oceans currents washing against the Muroto Peninsula create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 09:00 - Depart: 18:00

From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies near 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 active volcanic island that sits just offshore.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 15:00

Yatsushiro city was developed around a beautiful Shinto shrine, built during the Heian era (794–1185). Situated along the delta of the Kuma River, facing Yatsushiro Bay, this castle town and its ruins still showcase the spirit of the city.

A visit to the ruins of Yatsushiro Castle (now part of a Shinto shrine) is a good place to begin your day. Another fun and scenic landmark is the flight of 777 stairs cut into the nearby mountains, to be rewarded with panoramic views from the top – there are benches to rest on along the way!

Yatsushiro is famous for its 17th century pottery designed with a distinctive blue-gray crackled glaze with white inlay. Craft enthusiasts and collectors might like to visit three Kodayaki kilns in the area. Shopping enthusiasts could enjoy the honmachi, a covered arcade that runs the length of several city blocks, and adventurous foodies may partake in some of the city's most exotic local fare, including Basashi, raw horse meat served with soy and garlic, a delicacy of the area. For those with a more traditional palate, the light green Rush ice cream is a treat.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 16:00

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.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Kanmon Strait, also known as the Strait of Shimonoseki, is a narrow body of water in Japan. The strait separates Honshu, the main island, from Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands.

Please note: Your ship will not dock on this day of the itinerary.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 17:00

On August 6, 1945, human history was irrevocably altered when the American bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The bomb was code-named "Little Boy," but its detonation left half the city in ruins and aflame. Today, Hiroshima is a monument not only to the destructive forces harnessed by man, but also to the indomitable will of the human spirit to overcome tragedy.

At the heart of the city lies Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The gutted walls of the city's old Industry Promotion Hall and the skeletal frame that supported its copper dome, vaporised in the blast, are instantly recognisable symbols of Hiroshima. Discover a more serene note at nearby Miyajima Island, one of the top-three scenic spots of Japan, the island is home to ancient Itsukushima Shrine, a designated National Treasure.

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Sapphire Princess'

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 06:30

This morning you will arrive back into Tokyo. Enjoy your final breakfast on board as your ship arrives into Port. After disembarkation, make your own way to the airport in time for check in.

Optional Upgrade: Shuttle Transfer
From Tokyo Port to Tokyo airport. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Welcome home.

Today fly from Australia (or New Zealand) to Tokyo, Japan. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel for the next three nights. Once you have settled into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore.

Optional Upgrade: Private Transfer
From Tokyo airport to Tokyo hotel. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be available to depart the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks before departure.

Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: In-Flight

Enjoy a day at leisure in Tokyo.

Tokyo is perhaps the world's most captivating metropolis—a seamless paradox where deep-rooted tradition meets a visionary future. Here, you can wander between neon-lit districts and serene, regal temples, or explore boutiques defining the cutting edge of global technology. Find peace in the Imperial Palace gardens, indulge in world-class Michelin-starred cuisine, or witness the power of a traditional sumo match (charges may apply). Tokyo offers an experience unlike any other.

Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: None

Enjoy another day at leisure in Tokyo.

Ginza, an international shopping mecca, stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace where the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides travellers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: None

Depart: 15:00

Enjoy a morning at leisure before making your own way from your hotel to the cruise terminal to board Sapphire Princess and begin your Japanese cruising adventure.

Optional Upgrade: Private Transfer
From Tokyo hotel to Tokyo cruise terminal. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: The following cruise itinerary makes suggestions for activities visitors can enjoy during leisure time in each port. Additional charges may apply.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 15:00

Perched on Honshu's central coast, Nagoya is the fourth largest urban centre in Japan. It is also a perfect illustration of the Japanese national story. Japan's colourful history and love for tradition are embodied in the mighty donjon of Nagoya Castle, built by the first Tokugawa shogun. Two celebrated monuments, a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple, can be found within the city.

In its own quiet manner Nagoya embodies the Japanese way with its love of modernity and thirst for technological innovation. It embraces Japanese traditions along with change, aesthetics and innovation. The city is home to the very model of a major multinational corporation - Toyota. Toyota's corporate headquarters are located just outside Nagoya in Toyota City (38 kilometres), 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.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 08:00 - Depart: 23:00

Kobe is the eighth-largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture on the southern side of the main island of Honshu. Its name comes from "kanbe", an archaic title for supporters of the city's Ikuta Shrine. With a population of about 1.5 million, the city is part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kyoto.

The earliest written records regarding the region come from the Nihon Shoki, which describes the founding of the Ikuta Shrine by Empress Jingu in AD 201. For most of its history the area was never a single political entity, even during the Tokugawa Period, when the port was controlled directly by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Kobe did not exist in its current form until its founding in 1889.

Kobe was one of the cities to open for trade with the West following the end of the policy of seclusion and has since been known as a cosmopolitan port city. While the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake diminished much of Kobe's prominence as a port city, it remains Japan's fifth busiest container port. The city is the point of origin and namesake of Kobe beef as well as the site of one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, Arima Onsen. Kobe is also your gateway to Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital and the nation's cultural and spiritual centre.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 08:00 - Depart: 18:00

Born as a 16th century castle town whose remains now lie within a park and museum, Tokushima is best known for its colourful summer dance festival, the Awa Odori. But it may be Mother Nature who garners the most attention. Surrounded by 1000 metre-tall mountains that hint at the wonders that lie beyond, the city is the perfect gateway to the mesmerising Naruto whirlpools, the panoramic views from atop Mount Bizan, and the spectacular gorges and vine bridges of Iya Valley. Whether you're entranced with the ways of the warrior, or under the spell of the extraordinary attractions, Tokushima offers exciting new experiences and unforgettable new adventures.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 17:00

Kochi, a 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 a 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 sits on the broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay and is one of the wettest places in Japan, and is a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. Southeast of the city, warm oceans currents washing against the Muroto Peninsula create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 16:00

Nagasaki is a beautiful city on Kyushu that is often described as the San Francisco of Japan, as the city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. For over two centuries, Nagasaki was Japan's sole window to the west, and the city is celebrated as the setting for Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly." For most travellers though, Nagasaki, the second target of a nuclear attack in 1945, is a symbol of the inhumanity of war. Nagasaki's Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 16:00

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.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Kanmon Strait, also known as the Strait of Shimonoseki, is a narrow body of water in Japan. The strait separates Honshu, the main island, from Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands.

Please note: Your ship will not dock on this day of the itinerary.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 21:00

On August 6, 1945, human history was irrevocably altered when the American bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The bomb was code-named "Little Boy," but its detonation left half the city in ruins and aflame. Today, Hiroshima is a monument not only to the destructive forces harnessed by man, but also to the indomitable will of the human spirit to overcome tragedy.

At the heart of the city lies Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The gutted walls of the city's old Industry Promotion Hall and the skeletal frame that supported its copper dome, vaporised in the blast, are instantly recognisable symbols of Hiroshima. Discover a more serene note at nearby Miyajima Island, one of the top-three scenic spots of Japan, the island is home to ancient Itsukushima Shrine, a designated National Treasure.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 09:00 - Depart: 17:00

This legendary tourist town is renowned for its healing geothermal waters and spas. Overlooking Beppu Bay to its east and protected from the west by dramatic mountain peaks, this exotic city is blanketed with misty turquoise waters and elegant Japanese foliage. Its main attraction is the "Hells of Beppu," a collection of seven stunning geothermal pools, some of which feature geysers and colourful waters in shades from white to copper to sapphire (charges may apply). The springs' names, including Kamado-Jigoku (Boiling Hell) and Oniyama-Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell), are somewhat misleading as all of the hot springs are breathtakingly beautiful - though your nose may cower and crinkle at the sulphurous odor they emit.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 06:30 - Depart: 15:00

Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. 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.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Tendered: 07:00 - 16:00

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.

Please note: This port is accessed by tender boats. Boarding and disembarking tender boats may involve steps and uneven surfaces. While cruise lines strive to provide ease of access, accessibility options can vary at different tender ports. Passengers with mobility concerns are encouraged to inquire about specific arrangements and consider their individual needs when participating in tendering activities.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 09:00 - Depart: 18:00

With over 600 kilometres of coastline, all of the delights of the sea are on offer, including snorkeling, swimming or scuba diving off one of its many white-sand beaches, marveling at the underwater world on display at the aquarium in the Museum of Natural History, and watching the intricate process of preparing a massive tuna in the Kuroshio Market.

Known as 'Onsen Heaven', Wakayama is home to a variety of geothermal bathing experiences, a treasured Japanese tradition for centuries. Nearby is the hilltop Wakayama Castle, with park-like grounds, and the resort island of Wakayama Marina City. Consider travelling outside of Wakayama city to experience everything from animal encounters at Adventure World to a walking tour along the sacred paths of the 1,200-year-old Koyasan monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When hunger strikes, try some Wakayama ramen made with a tasty soy sauce. And remember that the first mass-produced matcha green tea ice cream was created in Wakayama City, so be sure to treat yourself.

Please note: Charges may apply to the above activities.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 15:00

Kochi, a 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 a 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 sits on the broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay and is one of the wettest places in Japan, and is a frequent target for cyclonic storms or typhoons. Southeast of the city, warm oceans currents washing against the Muroto Peninsula create a subtropical landscape of hibiscus, palm and ficus at Muroto-Anan Quasi-National Park.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 09:00 - Depart: 18:00

From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies near 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 active volcanic island that sits just offshore.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 15:00

Yatsushiro city was developed around a beautiful Shinto shrine, built during the Heian era (794–1185). Situated along the delta of the Kuma River, facing Yatsushiro Bay, this castle town and its ruins still showcase the spirit of the city.

A visit to the ruins of Yatsushiro Castle (now part of a Shinto shrine) is a good place to begin your day. Another fun and scenic landmark is the flight of 777 stairs cut into the nearby mountains, to be rewarded with panoramic views from the top – there are benches to rest on along the way!

Yatsushiro is famous for its 17th century pottery designed with a distinctive blue-gray crackled glaze with white inlay. Craft enthusiasts and collectors might like to visit three Kodayaki kilns in the area. Shopping enthusiasts could enjoy the honmachi, a covered arcade that runs the length of several city blocks, and adventurous foodies may partake in some of the city's most exotic local fare, including Basashi, raw horse meat served with soy and garlic, a delicacy of the area. For those with a more traditional palate, the light green Rush ice cream is a treat.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 16:00

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.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Kanmon Strait, also known as the Strait of Shimonoseki, is a narrow body of water in Japan. The strait separates Honshu, the main island, from Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands.

Please note: Your ship will not dock on this day of the itinerary.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 17:00

On August 6, 1945, human history was irrevocably altered when the American bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The bomb was code-named "Little Boy," but its detonation left half the city in ruins and aflame. Today, Hiroshima is a monument not only to the destructive forces harnessed by man, but also to the indomitable will of the human spirit to overcome tragedy.

At the heart of the city lies Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The gutted walls of the city's old Industry Promotion Hall and the skeletal frame that supported its copper dome, vaporised in the blast, are instantly recognisable symbols of Hiroshima. Discover a more serene note at nearby Miyajima Island, one of the top-three scenic spots of Japan, the island is home to ancient Itsukushima Shrine, a designated National Treasure.

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 06:30

This morning you will arrive back into Tokyo. Enjoy your final breakfast on board as your ship arrives into Port. After disembarkation, make your own way to the airport in time for check in.

Optional Upgrade: Shuttle Transfer
From Tokyo Port to Tokyo airport. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Welcome home.