- Japan
- Japan Odyssey Cruise via Omaezaki
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.
Depart on your International flight to Tokyo.
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
Perched on a scenic peninsula, Omaezaki boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and, on clear days, the majestic Mount Fuji. Explore the Omaezaki Lighthouse, one of Japan’s tallest, for spectacular panoramas. Known for its culinary delights, the region offers fresh seafood, including spiny lobster and tuna. Complete your visit by unwinding at a local hot spring, surrounded by the tranquil coastal charm.
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
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
Fukuoka, located on Japan’s Kyushu Island, is a dynamic city, known for its friendly atmosphere and vibrant culinary scene, Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, a creamy pork-based noodle soup that has earned worldwide acclaim. Visitors can explore historical sites like the ancient Kushida Shrine, home to the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, or stroll through the scenic Ohori Park, a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sokcho offers an ideal base for exploring Seoraksan National Park, renowned for its dramatic peaks, lush forests, and serene temples like Sinheungsa. Visit the tranquil Abai Village, a quaint enclave with North Korean roots, accessible via a traditional rope-pulled ferry. Sokcho Beach, with its golden sands and clear waters.
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
The city's centrepiece is Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan's most beautiful, landscaped gardens. Nearby, the Kanazawa Castle offers a glimpse into the city's feudal past. Wander through the Higashi Chaya District, where geisha culture thrives amidst well-preserved teahouses, or visit the Nagamachi Samurai District, where cobblestone streets and historic residences evoke the samurai era Kanazawa is also famed for its gold leaf craftsmanship—experience this unique tradition through workshops or delicacies adorned with edible gold. From its rich history to its artistic heritage, Kanazawa is a captivating destination that beautifully balances the old and the new.
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
Renowned for its preserved canals and vintage architecture, the city offers a nostalgic journey through its days as a thriving hub of trade. Stroll along the iconic Otaru Canal, lined with old warehouses and gas lamps that create a romantic atmosphere. Otaru is also celebrated for its exquisite glassware and music boxes. Visit the Kitaichi Glass Museum or the Otaru Music Box Museum to admire or shop for these artisanal crafts.
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
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
Today marks the end of your Japanese voyage. After breakfast disembark for your international flight to the UK or Optional Extension.
Full Board Cruise Accommodation
41 Meals
International Return Flights
Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)
Hold Luggage for all flights
ABTA & ATOL Protection
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. Holland America will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them during your cruise. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to the local conditions.
Have It All Cruise Package
For one simple fare, you can save with Have It All, a package available for pre-cruise purchase and specially designed to give you the best possible experience. By purchasing this package, you will receive the below:
Price: from £60.00 per person per day
This package upgrade can be added to your booking exclusively through Mercury Holidays and not directly with Holland America. To upgrade, please contact our Customer Experience team anytime, up to 14 weeks before departure.
If booking more than 14 weeks before departure a deposit of £500.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 14 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 14 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Japan
If you’re visiting Japan, your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. No additional period of validity is required. You need a blank page for your visa stamp.
You can get a visa on arrival in Japan for tourism or business for up to 90 days. You do not need to apply before you travel.
South Korea
To enter South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ after the date you are leaving South Korea. Visa requirements state you can enter South Korea for up to 90 days for tourism.
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.
This cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on uneven paths and small hills and getting on and off the cruise ship. This tour may not be suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen, and for South Korea it’s the South Korean Won, we recommend that you exchange some of your currency before you leave the UK.
On board the Holland America ships, U.S. dollars is the only currency accepted. They also accept U.S. traveller’s checks. In most ports of call you may easily exchange your U.S. dollars into the local currency at banks, airports and major hotels.
All onboard purchases and services in US Dollars are charged to your account by using your stateroom keycard. Cash is not accepted for individual transactions, e.g. bars, the shops, spa, shore excursions. Cash is accepted in our casinos.
If you do not want to use a credit card, on the day of boarding, you will need to visit Guest Services and deposit $30 cash per person per cruise day (applies to all guests 18 years of age and over). Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Traveler's checks may be cashed at Guest Services. Personal checks are not accepted on board.
Please note, there is not an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) available on board.
It is normal practice to present a Credit / Debit Card upon check -in to your cruise ship, to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. You can also pre-register your card via this link: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/gb/my-account/log-in/sso-log-in
You will need to take some money with you to cover any extras not mentioned on your itinerary such as the Spa and excursions and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks, and snacks.
The Crew Appreciation
Tipping is customary on many cruise lines. Holland America recommend approximately $17 per person per day, known as the Crew Appreciation, daily and this is added to your onboard account. This charge is paid to Holland America Line team members and represents an important part of their compensation. An 18% service charge is automatically applied to all beverage purchases, bar retail items, specialty restaurant cover charges, all for-purchase a la carte menu items, and all Spa & Salon services. Local sales taxes are applied where required.
*The charges are subject to change without notice.
The maximum number of travellers on your cruise will be dependent upon the Cruise ship capacity. Please note: your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.
Transportation to and from the airport will be provided by private transfers for your group.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. The final confirmation of your hotels and the details of your Cruise cabin booked will be sent 21 days before travel.
In addition to breakfast, lunch and a multi-course dinner, you can enjoy afternoon tea, hearty salads, comfort classics, global cuisine, an ice cream bar, hot hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hours, and the traditional late-night snack. Complimentary In-Room Dining is available 24 hours a day. Drinks are payable onboard, however there are beverage package options available to pre book. Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for onboard. Please advise Customer Experience about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
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
The dress for each evening is listed in the Daily Program and on the Navigator App.
On your arrival in Tokyo, you will be met by your driver at the exit, after baggage claim. The driver will be holding a sign displaying your name.
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.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are as follows:
For your Cruise:
please call Holland America 24 hr contact number: 001 206 626 7382
Email address: Holland America Line Groups UK groups@hollandamerica.co.uk
For your transfers and hotel:
Emergency contact information for any questions about transfers, please call JTB Global Marketing and Travel on +81 (0) 3-5796-5431 (office day on Mon-Fri 09:30-18:00 apart from Sat&Sun and public holidays)
Address: Tokyo Front Terrace 6F, Hisgashi Shinagawa, Shinagawaku, Tokyo 140-8604
Emergency contact number: +81 (0) 70-2264-2119
Email address: kg01@gmt.jtb.jp