- Japan
- Circle Japan 27SEP26 & 28MAR27 with Tokyo City Stay
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Japan and South Korea, visiting nine captivating ports. Experience the perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, from centuries-old castles to sleek, futuristic skyscrapers, showcasing the region's rich contrasts and vibrant culture.
Originally a small fishing village, Tokyo is now the world's largest metropolitan area and home to some 35 million people. The capital city is synonymous with Japan and perfectly demonstrates the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and Zen calm with the hectic madness and love of new technology.
Depart on your International flight to Tokyo.
Lunch & Dinner
On arrival in Tokyo, you will transfer from the airport to the ship for embarkation. Your cruise will depart later this afternoon.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A day at sea allows you to unwind and enjoy the cruise facilities. Join in on various activities, from cooking classes to fitness sessions, or simply take in the ocean views from the deck.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Osaka, Japan, is a dynamic blend of energy and character, a combination of Los Angeles and Chicago. People here live loudly, play fiercely, and know how to enjoy life to the fullest, with a unique dialect that adds to the city’s charm—distinct from even nearby Kobe.
Though Osaka’s modernity stands out, it’s far from ordinary. The city was rebuilt after war and disasters, and while it’s more concrete than green space, this only adds to its impressive skyline and vibrant atmosphere. Osaka is a hub of constant action, with bustling markets, neon-lit streets, and a unique energy that embodies the ambition and excitement of the city.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kochi, Located on Shikoku Island's southern coast, is a charming city celebrated for its samurai legacy and stunning natural landscapes. Discover the historic Kochi Castle, a rare original structure offering breathtaking views from its hilltop setting. Wander through the lively Hirome Market to sample local specialties like katsuo no tataki or visit the idyllic Katsurahama Beach or the lush Makino Botanical Garden which provides perfect peacefulness.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiroshima is a city of profound resilience and reflection, known worldwide as the site of the first atomic bombing, Hiroshima has transformed into a symbol of peace. Visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site or Miyajima Island, home to the "floating" torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Navigate the narrow passage separating Japan's Honshu and Kyushu islands. This picturesque waterway is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, bustling maritime activity, and iconic landmarks such as the Kanmon Bridge, which gracefully spans the strait. witness charming harbours, quaint fishing villages and traditional Japanese Boats.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, where your able to visit the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, often called the "Machu Picchu of Korea, or the serene Haedong Yonggungsa Temple perched dramatically on the shoreline. For stunning views, take a walk along Haeundae Beach or ascend Busan Tower.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Known as the birthplace of famed artist Shigeru Mizuki, it features the whimsical Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with over 150 bronze statues of his beloved yōkai (spirit) characters. Sakaiminato is the gateway to the ancient region of Honshu, site of the famous “Black Castle.”
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This charming port city offers a peaceful escape, with highlights such as the serene Kehi Shrine, featuring its iconic, red-lacquered Torii gate and tranquil koi pond. Discover the town's rich history at the Tsuruga Museum. For a true local experience, enjoy freshly grilled seafood at Nihonkai Sakana Machi, a favourite among residents.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Toyama, nestled between Northern Japan Alps and the Sea of Japan, this captivating city offers the opportunity to Visit the Toyama Castle, an impressive reconstruction of the 1543 original. Take the railway up to Mount Tateyama, the highest mountain in the range, or cruise through a cherry blossom tunnel on the Matsukawa River. Whatever activity you do, take time to savour the region’s renowned seafood.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sakata is a riverside jewel in the Yamagata Prefecture. Here, you can encounter several styles of traditional Japanese architecture from the 1700s at the Homma Historical Residence. Another place to explore old Japan is the Sankyo Soko Storehouse, a rice warehouse with 12 attractive storehouses dating back to 1893. Don’t forget to sample the ruby red cherries or mouthwatering French pears in the “the Fruit Kingdom”.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Aomori is located at the northern tip of Honshu Island, is a vibrant city that offers a fascinating mix of rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and seasonal delights. Known for its stunning views of Mount Hakkoda and the picturesque Lake Towada, Aomori is a haven for nature lovers. For a taste of local culture, visit the Seiryu-ji Temple and the historical Osorezan, a sacred mountain with an eerie landscape believed to be the gateway to the afterlife.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
One of the city’s most iconic attractions is Mount Hakodate, where visitors can take a cable car to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, harbour, and surrounding islands. The Hakodate Historic District, which showcase the city’s role as one of Japan's first international ports. Explore the fascinating Hakodate Bay area and visit the picturesque Motomachi district, with its cobbled streets, old churches, and unique blend of Western and Japanese influences.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy the facilities onboard your Holland America cruise ship, from lectures to west end style shows you will be spoilt for choice.
Breakfast
After breakfast disembark your cruise, and transfer to your hotel in Tokyo for your extension Tokyo is Japan's buzzing capital city where you can marvel at the juxtaposition of ancient Japanese traditions with the population's love of new technology.
Breakfast
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
UK passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa prior to departure. A tourist visa will be issued on arrival for a duration of 90 days when you show your passport (must be valid for at least six months from the date you are due to leave Japan). Visa, arrival and departure requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding these.
Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). You can purchase the currency before you travel but you will probably get a better exchange rate if money is exchanged when in Japan. You can buy Yen at foreign exchange banks and at the airport. Credit, debit and prepaid cards from international brands are accepted at a wide variety of places in the major cities within Japan. Outside of these, cards may not be widely accepted, although you will be able to withdraw cash in the local currency across the country at ATMs.
It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
Please note Gluten free food is very limited in Japan and while every effort is made to assist you, this requirement cannot be guaranteed.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way.
If you are travelling within the below Japanese Public Holidays please note that celebrations can last a couple of days and during these times some businesses will be closed and coach, air and train travel may be affected. Tourist attractions will be open but may be crowded. Golden Week is usually between late April and early May. Obon Holiday is between usually in the middle of August
Boarding Procedures
Guests are encouraged to complete the Online Check-in process at hollandamerica.com and, if possible, download the Holland America Line Navigator App. Once Online Check-in is complete, travellers should either print their Boarding Pass or access the electronic version via the Navigator App.
At the pier, guests must present their Boarding Pass, have their passports and applicable visas verified, and have their photo taken if one was not uploaded through the app. Stateroom keycards will be delivered directly to staterooms.
Important Notes:
• Online Check-in must be completed prior to the sail date. • Required documents for check-in include: o Boarding Pass (available via Express Docs) o Proof of citizenship o Applicable visas
To comply with U.S. security regulations, Holland America must submit guest information to law enforcement at least 60 minutes before departure. This requires all information to be submitted no later than 90 minutes before the ship’s departure. Guests who do not complete Online Check-in beforehand or arrive late to the terminal risk being unable to board. Costs incurred to join the vessel at the next port will be the guest’s responsibility.
Ship Identification Card:
Upon completing check-in, guests will receive a ship ID card, which serves as identification for embarkation, disembarkation, onboard purchases, and access to staterooms. When boarding or leaving the ship, guests should carry their ship ID card along with a government-issued photo ID. Terminal security may also require a valid picture ID.
Embarkation Details:
Boarding begins at 12:00 p.m., and all guests must check in no later than 90 minutes before the published sailing time. Passports will be collected during check-in for secure handling by staff, as some ports require face-to-face immigration inspections. Guests are encouraged to bring photocopies of their passport pages as a precaution.
Although embarkation may start as early as 11:30 a.m., preparation of staterooms will be underway, with readiness anticipated by approximately 1:00 p.m. Guests are welcome to relax in bar, lounge, or pool areas while waiting. Checked baggage will be delivered to staterooms later in the afternoon.
Holland America ensures an organized and seamless embarkation process, allowing guests to start their cruise stress-free.