Sacred Shores & Mountain Paths: Cruise & Rail Japan in Style
25-night Fly, Cruise & Rail from $10,499pp
Holiday Overview
Ship: Diamond Princess
Duration: 25 NIGHTS
Departure: 26 May 2026
Includes 13-night Japan Rail Tour
Escorted Tour of Mount Fuji included
Upgrade to Princess Plus® for $79pppd
Alternative Departure: 10 June 2026 (24 nights, +$300pp)
Summary
Imagine drifting past Mount Fuji’s snow-capped peak as a steam train winds through emerald valleys. Picture yourself wandering Kyoto’s ancient alleyways at twilight, the scent of cherry blossoms in the air. Feel the hush of Hiroshima’s Peace Park, the buzz of Tokyo’s neon nights, and the serenity of Miyajima’s floating torii gate.
This journey isn’t just about seeing Japan — it’s about feeling it. Deeply.
A seamless blend of luxury cruising and breathtaking rail adventures, this unforgettable 25-night holiday includes flights from Australia, an immersive land tour, and a spectacular Princess voyage through Japan and South Korea.
Inclusions
- International flights to and from Australia
- 9-night full-board cruise aboard Diamond Princess®
- Four-star hotel stays:
- 3 nights Tokyo – Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
- 2 nights Shizuoka – Hotel Associa Shizuoka
- 1 night Takayama – Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu
- 1 night Kanazawa – Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
- 3 nights Kyoto – THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA
- 2 nights Hiroshima – RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima
- 2 nights Osaka – Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
- Iconic rail journeys:
- Southern Alps Abt Scenic Steam Train
- Multiple Bullet Train sectors
- Thunderbird Express
- Sagano Romantic Train
- Escorted sightseeing including:
- Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Lake Yamanaka, Kyoto, Shirakawa-go
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
- Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine
- Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion, and Tea Ceremony
- All flights, transfers & taxes
- Overnight flights where applicable
Princess Plus® Upgrade ($79pppd) Includes:
Wi-Fi, 15 Drinks per day (incl. soft drinks), 4 Casual Dining Evenings, Room Service
Tour Highlights
- Hiroshima Peace Museum: Powerful tribute with moving exhibits
- Bullet Train: Travel up to 200mph in comfort & precision
- Southern Alps Train: Scenic steam journey through river gorges
- Sagano Romantic Train: Leisurely rail ride through stunning countryside
- Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi: Iconic views of Japan’s spiritual symbol
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Fly Overnight to Tokyo
Your holiday begins as you fly from Australia to your destination.
Day 2 – Tokyo: Hotel Stay
Landing in Tokyo, a city of captivating contrasts where ancient
temples stand alongside soaring skyscrapers and peaceful gardens provide
a serene escape from vibrant neon-lit streets, you’ll begin your
holiday with a relaxing overnight hotel stay.
Overnight: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Day 3 – Tokyo: Embark Ship
Embark the jewel of Princess Cruises' fleet, Diamond Princess®. On
board, indulge in freshly crafted sashimi at Kai Sushi, marvel at street
artists in the vibrant Atrium, or enjoy an opulent production show in
the cutting-edge theatre.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Diamond Princess®
Day 4 – Toba
Toba, a serene coastal escape in Japan’s Ise-Shima region, invites
you to cruise tranquil bays, meet legendary ama divers and savour fresh
seafood at seaside ryokans – all in the birthplace of the world’s first
cultured pearls.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Diamond Princess®
Day 5 – Kōchi
Kōchi, Japan, is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern
delights. Discover its serene temples, captivating festivals, and
pristine nature. A must-visit destination for cultural enthusiasts and
nature lovers.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Diamond Princess®
Day 6 – Miyazaki
Discover Miyazaki, Japan’s captivating gem. Immerse yourself in
golden beaches, verdant forests, and sacred shrines. Let the enchanting
landscapes of Miyazaki ignite your wanderlust and leave you with
unforgettable memories.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Diamond Princess®
Day 7 – Nagasaki
Discover the captivating spirit of Nagasaki, a city that rose from
the ashes with unwavering resilience. From its rich history to vibrant
culture, it’s a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Diamond Princess®
Day 8 – Busan
Embark on a transformative journey from picturesque Burrawoe to
vibrant Busan. Discover a captivating blend of modernity and tradition,
indulge in tantalizing cuisine, immersing yourself in South Korea’s rich
and dynamic culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Diamond Princess®
Days 9 – 10 – Relax At Sea
Day 11 – Shimizu
Embrace the coastal allure of Shimizu, Japan. With its iconic Mount
Fuji views, maritime charm, and historic sites, it’s a destination that
invites you to immerse in Japanese culture and nature’s beauty.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Diamond Princess®
Day 12 – Tokyo: Disembark Ship & Hotel Stay
After disembarking in Tokyo, you’ll enjoy a two-night hotel stay with
time to explore at your leisure. Discover the city’s rich history at
Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace, or experience Golden Gai’s lively,
intimate bars.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Day 13 – Tokyo: Tour & Hotel Stay
Delve into some of Tokyo’s most fascinating sights during an escorted
coach tour. Highlights include the famous upmarket shopping district,
Ginza, holy Meiji Jingu, and a Sumida River cruise.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Day 14 – Tokyo: Tour & Shizuoka Hotel Stay
An escorted tour will take you to Mount Fuji. Marvel at the beauty of
the prominent mountain surrounded by ancient forests and white clouds.
Visit Lake Kawaguchi and learn the mountain’s history at Itchiku Kubota
Museum.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Associa Shizuoka
Day 15 – Shizuoka: Tour & Hotel Stay
Step on board the Southern Japan Alps Train, a characterful steam
train which weaves through the gorges along the Oi River. This river has
been an important water source for centuries, underpinning local
agriculture and culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Associa Shizuoka
Day 16 – Takayama: Tour & Hotel Stay
Today’s walking tour of Takayama highlights the Takayama Matsuri
Yatai Kaikan, a fascinating museum showcasing the elaborate festival
floats, along with a stroll through the beautifully preserved Old Town,
known for its traditional architecture and charm.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Oku Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu
Day 17 – Takayama: Tour & Kanazawa Hotel Stay
Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the morning Takayama Market and then join
your coach for a visit to the picturesque Shirakawa-go village, a
UNESCO World Heritage site, en route to Kanazawa for your next hotel
stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Day 18 – Kyoto: Tour & Hotel Stay
Taking the Thunderbird train to Kyoto, you’ll then step on board your
coach for a half-guided tour, complete with a traditional tea ceremony.
Come evening you’ll discover the magical Gion district, now famous for
being the city’s iconic Geisha area.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Day 19 – Kyoto: Tour & Hotel Stay
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Kyoto during an escorted tour.
You’ll visit captivating sights such as Ryoanji and relish a journey on
board the Sagano Romantic Train to enjoy the natural beauty of the
region.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Day 20 – Kyoto: Tour & Hotel Stay
Kyoto has a reputation as the most beautiful city in Japan and is one
of the most culturally rich cities in the world. Relax in one of the
public baths or the city’s many cafés and restaurants.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Day 21 – Hiroshima: Tour & Hotel Stay
Today, travel to Hiroshima by bullet train for the start of a
memorable two-night stay. Enjoy a half-day guided tour exploring Peace
Memorial Park, the moving Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the
iconic A-Bomb Dome, symbolising resilience.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Day 22 – Hiroshima: Tour & Hotel Stay
Today you’ll enjoy a half-day tour discovering the beautiful Miyajima
Island. You’ll reach this sacred island by ferry as you marvel at the
delightful views of the red-gated Itsukushima Shrine.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Day 23 – Osaka: Tour & Hotel Stay
Experience a guided tour of Osaka Castle, a stunning five-story
fortress with nearly 450 years of history and cultural significance.
Afterward, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the vibrant
city at your own pace.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Day 24 – Osaka: Hotel Stay
Spend a full day at leisure in Osaka, with plenty to explore. Visit
the bustling Dotonbori district for mouth-watering street food and
shopping, explore the futuristic Umeda Sky Building, or relax in the
serene Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Days 25–26 – Osaka: Fly Home
Your holiday complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure Airports
- Brisbane
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Adelaide
- Perth
Prices (Departures from Brisbane)
26 May 2026 – 25 Nights
Interior: from $10,499pp
Oceanview: from $11,499pp
Balcony: from $12,999pp
10 June 2026 – 24 Nights
Interior: from $10,799pp
Oceanview: from $11,799pp
Balcony: from $13,299pp