Sea Of Japan & Plum Blossoms

Receive a US$500 Onboard Credit per stateroom!

Book by 7 July 2026.

Few journeys capture Japan at its most quietly magnificent. As winter yields to spring along the Sea of Japan coast, Seabourn's intimate voyage traces a route known only to those who seek Japan beyond the obvious — where plum blossoms dust ancient castle grounds, fishing villages cling to dramatic coastlines, and centuries of culture unfold without a crowd in sight.

Departing Tokyo in February 2027, Sea of Japan & Plum Blossoms ventures first to Busan, South Korea's vibrant port city, before tracing the rugged western coast of Honshu through Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, and Niigata — towns where samurai heritage and contemporary craft traditions live side by side.

Continue north to Akita and Aomori, where snow still lingers in the mountains and the welcome is warm, then round the Tōhoku coast through Miyako, Sendai, and Hitachinaka before completing the circle in Osaka, Japan's irrepressible culinary capital.

Returning finally to Tokyo, you'll disembark with a Japan you never knew existed still fresh in your mind.

With Seabourn's signature all-inclusive luxury — intimate ships, open-seating dining, and a crew that knows your name by day two — this is Japan as it rewards the curious: unhurried, deeply local, and utterly unforgettable.

Pricing

Veranda Suite (Cat V1)

from

$15,866*

per person, twin share

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_{Actual Stateroom may differ to image.}

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo, Japan

Welcome to Japan’s cutting-edge capital, the world’s largest city famed for its blazing neon, techno-gadgets, and serious fashion sense. Get a glimpse into Tokyo’s glorious past while strolling the Imperial Palace gardens, or take a rickshaw ride through the Asakusa district with its ancient Sensoji Temple and colorful atmosphere that echoes Old Edo. Wander the Tsukiji Market — aka, “Tokyo’s Kitchen” — the world’s largest fish and seafood market, and raise a glass of rice lager at the Philippe Starck-designed Asahi Beer Hall located near the 2,080-foot-high Skytree, the world’s tallest tower. You can shop for fashion-forward trends in Shibuya before heading to the rooftop garden that crowns Shibuya Scramble Square for outstanding views of Mount Fuji. If you think Tokyo buzzes by day, wait until you see it at night — so take advantage of a late-evening departure to soak in all of Shinjuku’s razzle dazzle, explore Akihabara’s gadget shops and gaming arcades, or join in Japan’s favorite pastime at one of Roppongi’s karaoke bars.

Day 2: At Sea

Experience all your ship has to offer onboard.

Day 3: Osaka, Japan

Japan’s second-largest city is famous for its imposing, photogenic Osaka Castle, set in a park with decorative fruit trees that provide extravagant blooms in the spring. It has always been a merchant city, and the business sections are busy and crowded. For visitors, the city holds numerous shrines and temples, including the Shitenno-ji, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple from 526 AD, and the Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the country, from 211 AD. The Peace Pagoda, built in 1963, continues a common Japanese theme. For museum lovers, the city has a National Museum of Modern Art, focused on postwar art, and a five-story Science Museum, as well as a unique Oriental Ceramics Museum with over 2,000 items from Japan, Koreas and China.

Day 4: At Sea

Experience all your ship has to offer.

Day 5: Busan (Pusan), South Korea

Home to approximately 3.4 million people, Busan is a fast-moving coastal metropolis that guarantees you’ll never have the same experience twice. History enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the stunning historical treasures of Beomeosa Temple, a serene oasis nestled within the city, with a rich heritage that dates back over 1,300 years. No trip is complete without strolling through Yongdusan Park to take in panoramic views while marveling at the iconic Busan Tower, a symbol of the city's aspirations and dynamism. Busan's culinary scene is a highlight of any visit. Savor the city's diverse gastronomy by exploring its bustling markets like Jagalchi Fish Market, where you can feast on freshly caught seafood, and indulge in delectable Korean street food. The city's natural beauty is another compelling reason to visit, with its pristine beaches like Haeundae Beach offering a tranquil escape by the sea. For those seeking a glimpse of Busan's ecological diversity, Dongbaek Island's ecological park features coastal walks and panoramic ocean views. Whether you’re drawn to studying the city's past and or its constant evolution, this destination appeals to a wide range of interests and tastes.

Day 6: Sakaiminato, Japan

Renowned for its bounty of fresh seafood, Sakaiminato is a fishing town backed by mountains in the Honshu region. Izumo Grand Shrine is one of Japan’s most important Shinto temples, and the six-story, black Matsue Castle is one of the oldest surviving Tokugawa Samurai castles. View the snow-capped Mount Daisen, the vermilion, elaborately carved Hinomisaki temples or soak in the Kaike Onsen hot springs by the sea. The Adachi Museum holds a collection of modern Japanese art, while the Tottori Flower Road is a 124-acre flower garden. On the streets, a number of statues commemorate the Yokai figures created by the locally-born manga artist Mizuki Shigeru.

Days 7-8: Kanazawa, Japan

One of Japan’s best-preserved cities, Kanazawa escaped war damage and natural disasters to reward visitors with a wealth of architecture as an important clan castle town from the mid-17th century until the middle of the 19th. The mighty Kanazawa Castle did not survive intact, but its famous Ishikawa Gate, the Sunjikken Longhouse and lavish Kenrokuen Garden hint at the grandeur. Of special note are the surviving Higashi Geisha District and Samurai District streets. The Temple area holds the Myoryuji Temple with its hidden passages and secret doors giving it the nickname the Ninja Temple. The Oyamajinja Shrine is a later addition, its three-story gate with impressive stained glass windows reveal a Dutch influence. Museums worth exploring include the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, with examples of the arts and crafts using the pure gold decoration for which the region is famous. Another museum celebrates the Buddhist philosopher D. T. Suzuki, credited with introducing Zen philosophy to the West, and a striking 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Nearby Mt. Utatsu is renowned for its Three Shrines.

Day 8: Niigata, Japan

Nestled along the captivating shores of the Sea of Japan, Niigata awaits to envelop you in the crimson and golden hues of Japan’s fall foliage walking through Yahiko Park, Akasakayama Park, or visit the grounds of the Kimura Tea Ceremony Museum or Saito Villa for beautiful fall scenery as well as Confidential cultural immersion. Plunge into the rejuvenating embrace of open-air thermal hot springs of Tsukioka Onsen and Iwamuro Onsen or partake in the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, a soul-soothing forest bathing experience. Explore the awe-inspiring Kiyotsu Gorge, where a tunnel winds along the river, offering a captivating journey through nature’s wonders.

Day 9: Akita, Japan

The vibrant heart of the expansive Akita Prefecture in northern Tohoku stands out as a unique destination where modernity entwines with tradition. Sheltered along the enchanting Sea of Japan coast, Akita boasts a captivating blend of modern and old, with a cityscape that showcases an intriguing contrast of architectural styles. Immerse yourself in the pristine natural beauty as you walk through lush amber forests and soak in the tranquil vistas of immaculate crystal lakes or absorb the serene ambience of the Sea of Japan; daydreaming and beachcombing. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Akita's hot springs, known as onsen, provide a therapeutic escape. These onsen resorts, set against stunning mountain backdrops, invite you to soak in mineral-rich waters, providing the perfect setting for unwinding and rejuvenating the senses. One of the gems in Akita's cultural crown is the historic town of Kakunodate, celebrated for its preservation of one of Japan's most intriguing samurai districts. As you stroll through its well-preserved streets, you'll encounter traditional samurai residences and the enchanting sight of cherry blossom trees in full bloom, offering a timeless journey into the past.

Day 10: Aomori, Japan

Located on the northernmost harbor of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Aomori is the traditional departure point for Hokkaido Island. It is famous for its summer Nebuta Matsuri festival, and has a museum that recaptures the color and pageantry for those who visit in other seasons. Explore the earliest prehistoric cultures of Japan at the Sannai Maruyama archaeological site, or visit the Aomori Museum of Art for a look at more contemporary works. Nearby Hirosaki boasts a 17th Century castle. Visit either the Auga or the Furukawa public fish market, where you can create your own version of a donburi rice bowl with pristinely fresh local seafood.

Day 11: Miyako, Japan

Set along the east coast of the Iwate Prefecture, Miyako was Japan’s main seaport for hundreds of years before a series of tsunamis took their toll. Yet what the city lacks in historical buildings, it more than makes up for in natural attractions such as Sanriku Fukkō National Park. Stretching some 110 miles along the coast, the park showcases amazing flora — including Japanese red pine and a virgin forest of Tabu trees — while a variety of seabirds find refuge along its cliffs and beaches. Birders also flock to nearby Sanganjima island, one of Japan’s main nesting grounds for Swinhoe's storm petrels. Spend the day relaxing on Jodogahama Beach, which ranks among Japan’s best, or head to Morioka — Iwate’s largest city — to visit the 17th -century Hachimangu Shrine and sample rice wine on a tour of Asabiraki Sake Brewery, which dates from 1871. Just north of the city lies Ryusendo Cave, a massive subterranean network of towering stalagmites and translucent lakes.

Day 12: Sendai, Japan

Renowned for its exquisite festivals, diverse dining experiences, and warm hospitality, Sendai is a city where visitors make lasting memories and genuine connections. Steeped in history and tradition, ancient landmarks like the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine and Zuihoden Mausoleum, invite you to immerse yourself in the authenticity and richness of their heritage. Surrounded by lush green landscapes, Sendai offers natural beauty at its finest, with Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's most scenic spots, as a picturesque backdrop. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the city into a sea of pink and white blossoms, a moment of pure magic and renewal. The city's vivacious spirit shines through vibrant festivals like the Tanabata Festival and the Sendai Pageant of Starlight, offering an intimate glimpse into Japanese traditions and a warm welcome from the locals. As night falls, the Kokubuncho Entertainment District comes alive, providing a lively nightlife under vibrant city lights.

Day 13: Hitachinaka, Japan

Get a glimpse of bygone Japan in the port city of Hitachinaka, located around 100 miles northeast of Tokyo on Honshu. Hitachi Seaside Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in the entire country, blanketed in millions of flowering plants; during late spring, the park is awash in a sea of vibrant blue nemophila blossoms. Follow the coast down to the 9th-century Oarai Isosaki Shrine; its revered Kamiiso-no-Torii gate is believed to be where the gods descended to earth. Ushiku Daibutsu, a 390-foot-high figure of Buddha, stands among the world’s tallest statues; step inside to view some 3,000 golden buddha statuettes. For a fabulous hike, head to the remote hill town of Daigo and Fukuroda Falls, a dramatic, four-step waterfall that plunges nearly 400 feet. Be sure to try Hitachinaka-style takoyaki (grilled octopus), then wash it down with some rice wine at one of more than 40 sake breweries in the Ibaraki Prefecture.

Day 14: Tokyo, Japan

Your cruise ends in Tokyo, Japan’s cutting-edge capital, the world’s largest city famed for its blazing neon, techno-gadgets, and serious fashion sense. Get a glimpse into Tokyo’s glorious past while strolling the Imperial Palace gardens, or take a rickshaw ride through the Asakusa district with its ancient Sensoji Temple and colorful atmosphere that echoes Old Edo. Wander the Tsukiji Market — aka, “Tokyo’s Kitchen” — the world’s largest fish and seafood market, and raise a glass of rice lager at the Philippe Starck-designed Asahi Beer Hall located near the 2,080-foot-high Skytree, the world’s tallest tower. You can shop for fashion-forward trends in Shibuya before heading to the rooftop garden that crowns Shibuya Scramble Square for outstanding views of Mount Fuji. If you think Tokyo buzzes by day, wait until you see it at night — so take advantage of a late-evening departure to soak in all of Shinjuku’s razzle dazzle, explore Akihabara’s gadget shops and gaming arcades, or join in Japan’s favorite pastime at one of Roppongi’s karaoke bars. 

Terms and Conditions

Up to 15% savings* on select voyages off the beaten path in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, the Arctic, and more. T&Cs Pricing is correct as of 10 June 2026. Airfares and Transfers are additional. Pricing is based on Seabourn’s Exploration Event.  Valid for new bookings only. Not combinable with other offers. Supplements apply for higher suite grades, categories, and fare types. Offer starts 19 May 2026 and ends 7 July 2026 and applies to selected itineraries only. Advertised fares are available until allocation is exhausted and may fluctuate. Savings of up to 15% off the price of fares based on a comparison to fares that were in the market as at 3 March, 2026 and which included a shipboard credit offer. The shipboard credit offer differed from the current offer. Savings available on selected itineraries only and vary by suite type and itinerary. Cruise itineraries and onboard offerings are not guaranteed. Charges may apply for some activities, venues and menu items. Carnival plc trading as Seabourn ABN 23 107 998 443.

Shipboard Credit offer – Sales to 07Jul26

T&Cs Pricing is correct as of 10 June 2026. Airfares and Transfers are additional. Pricing is based on Shipboard Credit Offer.      

^Shipboard Credit (‘Credit’) is per suite, in USD, applied to the first 2 guests in the suite only and applicable to select sailings only aligned with the Exploration Event. Amount varies by meta. Oceanview and Veranda suites receive $500 credit per suite. Penthouse Suites and above receive $1,000 credit per suite. Credit expires at the conclusion of your cruise, is not transferable, not redeemable for cash and cannot be used in the casino or medical centre.