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Grand Japan
May 16, 2028 — May 25, 2028
Starting from
TOKYO → OSAKA, KYOTO
9 Nights on Star Seeker
Immerse yourself in Japan’s unique culture — celebrate a respect of order, harmony, and self-development as you embrace new technologies and celebrate ancient traditions. Admire Tokyo’s sparkling skyline bathed in glowing pastel neon lights. Indulge in Takamatsu’s tiny restaurants and generous portions of sizzling chicken, steaming noodle bowls and mysterious seafood pieces shrouded in delectable fried batter. Experience the beauty of Japan’s Inland Sea and join a jostling crowd in an aromatic Shimizu seafood market. This voyage remains one of the most highly personalized and authentic explorations of Japan’s iconic islands at the edge of the Far East.
Popular Highlights
Discover the beauty of UNESCO site Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, when you get to Shimizu.
Enjoy the cuisine of Hiroshima, with not-to-be-missed Okonomiyaki savory pancakes.
Absorb the scenic beauty of Japan’s Inland Sea, a yacht exclusive.
Take in the scenery as you cruise around the abandoned island of Hashima, near Nagasaki.
Respectfully remember lives lost at the Peace Memorial Parks of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
See 16th century Osaka Castle, the city’s main historic landmark.
Complimentary Windstar Destination Discovery Event
Traditions of Tomonoura & the Inland Sea
Starting in 2027, join us for a complimentary Windstar-exclusive Destination Discovery Event: Traditions of Tomonoura & the inland Sea.
Offered on this and select other voyages, travel through Japan’s Inland Sea and the enchanting town of Tomonoura. The day begins with scenic cruising, offering breathtaking views of the storied coastline, before stepping ashore to uncover traditions and treasures that few travelers ever get to see. Guided by a special map—your key to unlocking Tomonoura’s secrets—you’ll set off on a treasure-hunt-style journey through Edo-period streets, discovering live koto music, the serene art of a traditional tea ceremony, and insider access to the historic Ota Family Residence and the hilltop Taichoro guesthouse overlooking the bay. Along the way, local guides and townspeople will share stories, traditions, and demonstrations, bringing history to life as you take part in cultural highlights such as a samurai sword performance, hands-on calligraphy, and the distinct sounds of Shinobue and Kokyu music.
Designed just for Windstar, this immersive experience blends discovery, interaction, and celebration—an unforgettable connection to one of Japan’s most picturesque hidden gems.
There are as many Tokyos to discover as there are interests. Cuisine? It has more Michelin stars than any other city. Culture? Kabuki theater and sumo wrestling are just the beginning. Shopping? The posh boutiques of Ginza lie on one end of the spectrum, workshops that hand-craft samurai swords at the other
Most notably known as the city you can see the UNESCO site of Mount Fuji from. This small port city considered one of the three most beautiful ports in Japan has many historical building like Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sumpugo Park, and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine. The 65-foot Shiraito Waterfall, located near Mount Fuji looks like it could be silk. Enjoy tuna from Japan's largest fishery here or a cup of maccha, a Japanese green tea.
The seaside city of Kagoshima is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano facing Kinko Bay. Take a tour to the Shiroyama Observatory or to the peaceful Edo-period Sengamen Japanese Garden. Visit the Ishibashi Park and the three Edo-period stone bridges or travel to the nearby village of Chiran to see the well-preserved Samurai Houses and the Chiran Peace Museum, exploring the background of kamikaze pilots.
Cruise around the island of Hashima, abandoned over 50 years ago when the coal mining that flourished there suddenly ran out. The mining company shut the mine down and the island has been a ghost town ever since.
Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.
The second largest city in South Korea is a popular leisure destination due to the nearby hot springs. It is home to many famous beaches that lure visitors from around the world and the UNESCO site of Gyeongju an outdoor museum that was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom and holds many architectural points of interest including ornate temples. Also of interest is South Korea's largest temple, Tongdosa Temple, renowned for having no outdoor statues.
Located on the island of Kyushu, Karatsu is one of the closest Japanese cities to the Korean Peninsula. Karatsu Castle is the main attraction here. Built in 1608, it houses a museum of the castle's history and Karatsu ceramics. Karatsu is also known for its pottery which can be viewed at the Karatsu-yaki Pottery Gallery. Also worth visiting is the Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall which displays the 14 floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi Festival in November.
Fold a paper crane to leave at the Atomic Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Hiroshima Castle to see three trees that survived the bombing that destroyed the castle itself. Or head to Miyajima, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, for a look at the vermillion Itsukushima Shrine floating in the sea - yet another World Heritage Site.
This picturesque port city is one of Windstar's iconic hidden harbors. Tomonoura is part of the Setonanikai National Park and features an endearing old-fashioned townscape. One of its thriving industries is the production of "homeishu," a medicinal liquor with 16 different herbs in it, said to promote longevity.
The Inland Sea of Japan, known as the Setonaikai or Seto Inland Sea, is a beautiful National Park dotted with hundreds of islands, small coastal towns, and the occasional large modern bridge. We’ll take advantage of our small size to traverse the more narrow routes of the inland sea during the daytime, allowing guests to experience the scenic beauty of this area.
Osaka is the gateway to Kyoto with great street food, bright lights and delightful night life. Its main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat and many flowering trees. Kyoto is famous for its numerous Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It is also known for formal traditions like kaiseki dining (multiple courses of precise dishes) and geisha entertainers.
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