Japan, China Hong Kong on Westerdam

One of the largest cities in the world home to over 33 million residents covering 844 square miles and is located centrally on the south coast of Honshu Island. Just 3 miles south of Central Tokyo lies Haneda international airport while 35 mile to east lies Narita international airport. Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. The epicentre of Tokyo features the Imperial Palace and gardens - the residence of Japan's Imperial Family and the Emperor. Ginza is the popular shopping and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes- where you can find the infamous $10 cups of coffee. Tokyo Tower at 333 metres is the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower and one of the most recognisable landmarks in Tokyo - it is rather like a red version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Odaiba area can be best compared to Canary Wharf in London - but bigger. This is a another popular shopping and entertainment district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. It is home to some of Tokyo's boldest architectural creations, such as the Fuji TV Building, Telecom Centre and Tokyo Big Sight. Here you will also find the hot spring theme park where you can enjoy various types of indoor and outdoor baths which are fed by hot spring water pumped from a depth of 1400 metres.

Embark ship

Sprawling, semi-rural Shimizu Ward is dominated by forested coastal mountains, with hiking trails and ropeway rides to dramatic viewpoints above Suruga Bay. Miho Beach Park is popular for swimming and water sports in summer, and there are baseball and soccer fields nearby, plus an aquarium at the Marine Science Center. Busy fisheries supply sushi bars and seafood markets with local specialties like sakura shrimp.

Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It's known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark. It's surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

Takamatsu is a port city on Japan’s Shikoku Island. It’s known for the sprawling Ritsurin Garden, with a teahouse, koi ponds, landscaped hills and pine forests. To the east, atop Mount Yashima, Yashima-ji Temple offers panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea. Nearby, Shikoku Village is an open-air museum with a collection of historical buildings from around the island. To the south are the hot springs of Shionoe.

When the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide. The destructive power of the bomb obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometre radius. Destroyed monuments of Hiroshima's historical heritage, like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden, were reconstructed. Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park is one of the most prominent features of the city. At over 120,000 square meters. its trees, lawns and paths are in stark contrast to the modern surrounding downtown area. Before the bomb, this area was the political and commercial heart of the city. For this reason, it was chosen as the pilot's target. It was decided that the area would not be redeveloped but instead devoted to peace memorial facilities. Visit the A-Bomb Dome (known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial) when the bomb exploded - it was one of the few buildings to remain standing. It has been preserved in in its bombed state making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site providing a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Fukuoka, Japan is famous for its rich history, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. It is known for its beautiful temples and shrines, such as the Shofukuji Temple, as well as its bustling shopping districts like the Hakata-ku area.

Nagasaki became the target of the second atomic bomb ever detonated on a populated area (9 Aug 1945); about 75,000 people were killed or wounded, and more than one third of the city was devastated. Among Nagasaki's landmarks is Glover Mansion, scene of Puccini's opera A visit to the Atomic bomb museum and peace Park in Nagasaki are well worth it.

Busan is the second largest city in Korea and a major port city where there is a myriad of sea routes offering gateways to Japan and to the rest of the world. Busan also boasts scenic visions of nature such as the Nakdong River, a coastline littered with fine beaches, scenic islets and tall mountains.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Shanghai is situated just over 900 miles away from Beijing and will give you a taste of China mixed with Historic British involvement - discover Ming Dynasty architecture at Jichang Garden or browse the designer boutiques of Nanjing Road. Shanghai is a fast, modern metropolitan area mixed with colonial and traditional Chinese architecture and has rapidly become one of the most popular cities in the world to visit. Also known as “Paris of the Orient”, this is a city to be walked, wandered, explored and discovered in your own style.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Disembark ship for overnight flight to UK