Fly overnight from London to Busan, South Korea. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a 2-night stay.

This morning, transfer to the port and embark Le Soléal for your 8-night Japan & South Korea cruise departing from Busan. With around four million inhabitants, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city after Seoul. This vibrant harbour city, located in the south-east and surrounded by the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, enjoys a mild, pleasant climate. Take advantage of Le Soléal’s overnight stay in port to stroll through lively streets, discover its rich cultural heritage, and visit highlights such as the stunning Haedong Yonggungsa temple, perched elegantly on the waterfront. From magnificent beaches to breathtaking natural landscapes, Busan’s serene atmosphere and welcoming locals make exploring the city a true delight, providing a perfect introduction to your unforgettable cruise journey.

Located on the south-west coast of Honshu Island, the busy fishing port of Sakaiminato celebrates the comic writer and artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born here. As well as a museum a dedicated tourist route leads through streets and squares that feature 134 bronze statues representing his beloved characters. This isn't the only thing Sakaiminato has to offer; try some local seafood specialities and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Daisen and the Yumigahama peninsula.

In the south of Honshu island, surrounded by mountains, Hagi is a city of water. For good reason; it was built on the delta of the Abu-gawa river. Its castle was built in the 17th century and its outer walls remain in the lovely Shizuki Park. The old town was one of the cradles of the Meiji revolution. You will discover its rich past in streets lined with old houses and samurai manors, or within the walls of the many museums and Hagi-yaki ceramics workshops.

At the mouth of the Kanmon Straits lies Mojiko, the northernmost port of Kyushu, one of Japan’s four main islands. For many years, Mojiko was the gateway to the island. Today, the old boats are gone, but as you stroll around the picturesque streets you will discover a well-preserved architectural heritage that evokes traditional Japan from the first Meiji era of the late 19th century. From the heights of the Mojiko Retro Observation Room, you can enjoy the amazing views that take in the Shinto shrine and coastal landscape like a postcard of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Sailing in the Kanmon Straits, between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu, promises an unforgettable experience. During the crossing of this emblematic maritime passage linking the Sea of Japan to the Seto Inland Sea, fall under the spell of this traditional Japan, with its charming picturesque fishing ports and its shrines built in the heart of enchanting nature, between verdant hilly peaks and captivating granite cliffs.

A favourite destination for the Japanese, Beppu is now famous throughout the Japanese archipelago thanks to its onsen – volcanic hot springs in which people immerse themselves to relax with family or friends. From Beppu, you will set off to discover a lush, peaceful valley in which sit 60 majestic stone Buddhas carved out of the cliff face between the 12th and 14th centuries. Exuding a soothing air of serenity, the Mangetsuji site seems to have drifted off to sleep in the heart of a dense bamboo forest surrounded by rice fields. Recognised as a National Treasure of Japan, this set of sacred sculptures offers travellers a unique, wonderful experience.

At the heart of the Inland Sea, Miyajima, the “island sanctuary” will reveal its treasures. In the background you will see the Shinto Grand Sanctuary, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion “Torii“. Considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the Japanese islands, you will be transported by the unique character and the serenity of this sacred site.

Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesn't forget its past, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is a must. You'll enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, the town's historic garden.

Located on the island of Honshu, hugging the banks of the Sento Inland Sea, Tamano is a popular destination thanks to its sun-drenched climate. Upon arrival, marvel at the way in which the city has been built along the coast at the foot of a deep, dark forest. In the area surrounding Tamano, stroll down the streets of Kurashiki, known as the 'white-walled city' in a nod to the pretty façades of the houses that line the streets of this ancient Edo-period trading town. Another major regional attraction is the Seto Ohashi bridge. Its 12.5 kilometres make it the world's longest double-decker bridge.

Disembark Le Soléal & transfer to your hotel. Spend your first night settling into Osaka, Japan’s lively gateway to the Kansai region, before meeting your CEO and fellow travellers the following evening. With no scheduled activities before the meeting, enjoy time to rest or explore the city at your own pace. Japan’s excellent public transportation and walkable city centres mean you will rely heavily on trains and your own two feet throughout the trip, often covering up to 15,000 steps a day while carrying your luggage through busy stations and streets, so be prepared for active days ahead. Your Welcome Moment offers the chance to meet the group, learn more about the journey, and join others for a local meal afterwards if you wish. Check the hotel lobby notice or ask reception for the most up to date meeting time and location.

Travel from Osaka to the sacred mountain of Kōyasan, the heart of Shingon Buddhism founded in 816 by the monk Kobo Daishi. The journey includes one of Japan’s most scenic train rides, followed by a funicular ascent and a short bus ride to the monastery where you will spend the night. In this serene setting, explore temple grounds and the atmospheric Oku no in cemetery before settling into traditional lodgings. In the evening, enjoy shojin ryori, a Buddhist vegetarian dinner, and unwind in a yukata or kimono. Please note that your main luggage will be transferred from Osaka to Hiroshima using Japan’s takkyubin service, so pack an overnight bag with everything you will need for the next 24 hours. Your Local Living Moment offers the chance to experience monastic life, from observing evening and early morning prayers to savouring a vegetarian breakfast before continuing your journey.

Begin the day by observing the monks’ morning prayers and enjoying a traditional vegetarian breakfast in the tranquil surroundings of Kōyasan. Take some time to explore the sacred Oku-no-in cemetery, Japan’s largest, where over 200,000 tombstones line the path to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, and visit Torodo Hall, home to more than 10,000 lanterns kept burning day and night. Later, descend the mountain via bus, funicular, and train before boarding a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a city marked by its pivotal history as the site of the first atomic bomb in 1945. The journey offers a chance to reflect on the serene beauty of Kōyasan before arriving in Hiroshima for the next stage of your adventure.

Start the day with a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Memorial Museum, a poignant tribute to the tens of thousands who lost their lives in the 1945 atomic bomb blast. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the only building to survive the explosion, and the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who folded 1,000 origami cranes in hope of recovery from leukemia. In the afternoon, take a ferry to the scenic island of Miyajima, famous for its floating Torii Gate set in the bay, which glows beautifully at sunset. Explore the island at your own pace, wandering among shrines, temples, and lanes filled with souvenirs and local treats, or choose to hike up Mt Misen for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Deer roam freely on the island, adding to its charm. Spend the afternoon soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty before returning to Hiroshima in the evening.

Travel from Hiroshima to Kyoto by high-speed bullet train, followed by a short local train ride from Osaka, arriving in Japan’s former imperial capital to begin your exploration. Visit Nijo Castle and its surrounding gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the first Edo Period shogun, noting that the Ninomaru Palace is closed from December 26 to January 3, during which groups will instead visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. In the evening, enjoy a CEO-led walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, wandering streets lined with traditional shops, restaurants, and ochaya where geiko and maiko perform. This day blends history, culture, and the charm of Kyoto’s iconic districts, offering a perfect introduction to the city’s timeless atmosphere.

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of bright red torii gates that form winding paths up the mountain, creating a serene and unforgettable atmosphere. Take time to explore the smaller shrines along the trails and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to discover more of Kyoto at your own pace. Stroll along the riverbanks, visit additional temples, or shop for souvenirs in the city’s charming streets. This day offers a blend of cultural immersion and personal exploration, allowing you to experience Kyoto’s historic beauty and vibrant local life.

Travel from Kyoto to Hakone by high-speed bullet train to Odawara, followed by a short bus ride into the hills of this famous onsen town. Take a leisurely boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko and, if the weather is clear, enjoy views of majestic Mt Fuji rising above the surrounding landscape. In the evening, savour a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal, a multi-course feast showcasing seasonal ingredients and refined culinary techniques, before relaxing in the town’s natural hot springs. Please note that your main luggage will be transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo using Japan’s takkyubin service, so pack an overnight bag with everything you will need for the next 24 hours. This day blends scenic beauty, cultural dining, and restorative experiences, offering a perfect introduction to Hakone’s serene charm.

Travel from Hakone to Tokyo by local train, arriving before noon with time to explore the energetic capital. Spend the afternoon discovering the city at your own pace. Visit Ueno Park and its museums, explore the cutting-edge electronics in Akihabara, browse quirky fashions in Harajuku, or wander the high-end shops of Ginza. Stroll the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or simply soak in the contrast of traditional life beneath Tokyo’s modern surface. The following day, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, bringing your Japanese adventure to a close.