From ancient temples to neon-lit cityscapes, stepping into Japan is like stepping into another world. Imagine strolling through emerald-green bamboo forests, exploring vibrant streets alive with gleaming red shrines, and uncovering a treasure trove of kawaii curiosities that’ll have you smiling ear to ear.
Treat your tastebuds to soul-warming bowls of ramen, irresistible street eats, and indulge your inner child at magical spots like Disneyland. From tradition-rich temples to quirky pop culture and flavours you'll be dreaming about long after you've returned, Japan really does have something for every adventurer.
With insider tips from our Japan specialists, we'll help craft the magical moments and hidden gems that make a holiday truly unforgettable. Get ready to sushi-roll your way through the Land of the Rising Sun!
Traveling from Auckland to Japan typically takes around 11 hours on a direct flight. Though it’s a long journey, the allure of Japan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique blend of tradition and modernity make the time in the air well worth it.
The best times to visit Japan are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring is famous for the cherry blossoms (sakura), which bloom across the country, creating breathtaking landscapes. Autumn, on the other hand, offers beautiful fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer tourists. These seasons are perfect for exploring Japan’s temples, gardens, and cultural sites.
Japan is 3 hours behind New Zealand. This small time difference makes it easy to adjust, allowing you to dive right into your Japanese adventure with minimal jet lag.
The Japanese celebrate Sakura with Hanami, literally “flower viewing” celebrations which take place in March and April.
A must-do experience!
Get your sake fix and karaage cravings satisfied at Hoppy Street!
Chase the sunrise on Mt Fuji
Take a trip to Miyajima Island and see the iconic ‘floating’ torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Brave the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo!
Now’s your chance!
For a truly unique experience stay at a Buddhist Temple, or a "shukubo".
Ready for a wild ride?
Shop quirky t-shirts, hidden gems, and unique souvenirs on every corner!
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From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Mt. Fuji, this journey takes you through Japan’s cultural highlights and the vibrant city of Busan in South Korea. Experience the historic charm of Kyoto and Osaka, the scenic coastlines of Hakodate and Aomori, and enjoy relaxing days at sea, blending city exploration with tranquil moments.
Departs 23 Jul 2026
Discover the wonders of Asia with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Glide between vibrant capitals, tranquil islands, and stunning natural landscapes aboard your luxurious superyacht. Explore bustling markets, ancient temples, and historic castles, or sail through serene waters like Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay and Japan’s cherry blossom–framed rivers. Every journey blends the region’s rich traditions and diverse cultures with the comfort and service that define The Ritz-Carlton experience.
View Asia 2026/27 Season Sailings
Departs 3 May 2026
Windstar’s Asia sailings are a world apart from the big cruise lines. They offer something refreshingly different—smaller ships, more time in port, and cool turnarounds in places like Phuket, Bangkok and Vietnam. These aren’t your typical fly-in-fly-out itineraries; they’re thoughtfully crafted journeys that let you see more, stay longer, and go off the beaten path. Available from October 2026 to March 2027, these cruises are ideal for travellers who prefer a more relaxed pace and a deeper connection with the destination.
View Asia 2026/27 Sailings
You’ll be sailing on Windstar’s newest ship, Star Seeker—launching in 2026 and designed with discovery in mind. Its small size means it can access tucked-away ports and harbours the bigger ships can’t, while still offering a high standard of onboard comfort. Expect spacious suites, open-air lounges and a relaxed onboard atmosphere tailored to curious, independent travellers.
Departs 15 Nov 2026
Embark on an unforgettable adventure of Japan with Princess Cruises! Explore the stunning beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of this fascinating country. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Mount Fuji, Princess Cruises offers a variety of itineraries that take you to Japan's most iconic ports, including Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, and more.
View Japan Mar 26 - Jun 26 Sailings
View Japan Jul 26 - Nov 26 Sailings
View Japan Mar 27 - Jun 27 Sailings
View Japan Jul 27 - Nov 27 Sailings
Cruising Season from March to November
Flowers, festivals, Fireworks & Foliage
Mar - Sail south for Spring Flowers
Apr - Head north to follow Spring Flowers
May - Celebrate Golden Week
Jun - Sail everywhere throughout Japan
Jul - Relish the height of Summer, cruise everywhere
Aug - Marvel at Kumano Fireworks & Nebuta Festival
Sep - Follow foliage at its finest
Oct - Enjoy the low season of fall foliage
Nov - Cruise in cool crisp air
Enjoy Princess signature features such as Movies Under the Stars & the Lotus Spa, experience new Broadway-style shows, and get the best sleep at sea with the scientifically designed Princess Luxury Bed!
Departs 1 May 2026
Land of dawn, daring explorers and age-old paths of both earth and sea. From the Silk Road to the Spice Route, through horizons of unprecedented beauty ranging from deserts landscapes to the highest mountains on the globe. From the shores of Indian Oceans to the Pacific islands, crossroads of ancient cultures and religious blending. Asian wealth is staggering and with MSC Cruises you can fulfill your craving for exploration across its fascinating seas. A cruise to Asia is a journey through millennia-old traditions still strongly intact despite its impressive modernization.
View Asia and Far East 2026 Sailings
View Asia and Far East 2027 Sailings
Buddhist, Hindu or Taoist temples, martial arts like judo and karate, and a pulsating pop culture that has impacted the world with anime, video games and K-pop. A delicious food culture featuring sushi, ramen, sake, and Chinese rolls. A Far East cruise has everything needed for a memorable holiday! And the journey begins right onboard our cruises, where you can savour the local delicacies and tastes, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of the wonders of the Far East with MSC Cruises.
Departs 4 May 2026
Set sail on an unforgettable journey to Asia with Holland America Line® and be captivated by natural wonders, ancient traditions, and lively capital cities. Choose from 13-night discovery cruises to immersive 28-night collector cruises.
View Asia Sep 2026 to Dec 2026 Sailings
View Asia Jan 2027 to Apr 2027 Sailings
Enjoy an elegant mid-sized ship, a comfortable stateroom with refined amenities and Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream™ bed, 24-hour in-room dining, world-class entertainment and cuisine, including a new first-of-its-kind Global Fresh Fish Program. For leisurely days at sea try your hand at the Pickleball courts that have amazing top-deck views or rejuvenate at Greenhouse Spa & Salon®.
Departs 11 Sep 2026
Set sail on an unforgettable journey to Asia with Oceania Cruises, savour delicious cuisine, learn fascinating histories, and be awed by natural wonders. Cruises start from 10-nights and depart from Japan, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore.
View Asia Mar - Apr 2026 Sailings
Step onboard your contemporary and sophisticated small ship and savour The Finest Cuisine at Sea. Enjoy ultimate value with Oceania's Your World Included™ which offers dining at Gourmet Speciality Restaurants, In-Suite Dining, Unlimited Wifi, Gratuities, and more - amenities that are always included.
Departs
"The holiday was organised efficiently and was no problem making changes when we had to. These were handled with no problem at all. She looked after our needs as we described them to her. So a job well done."
Kevin"Great service, was all sorted out quick and easy. Much appreciated"
Aidan"He is very personable and communicates in a nice manner. We have dealt with him with another holiday that we took last year and he is great to work with."
KristinaI’m Pete, the globetrotting geek. A passionate traveller who thrives on learning and discovery - Travel provides an endless array of opportunities for this; it’s a way to experience new, ever changing and always exciting places, meet curious people and engross yourself in a different culture or witness wildlife that is truly wild.
Be it museums, historical landmarks, wildlife excursions or gaming havens – I revel in these aspects of adventure and love to share it with others.
To put it in other words.
Whether you seek the wonder of enchanted cities, the solitude of mystical forests, or the thrills of a perilous expedition, I am your trusted companion—your Gandalf, if you will—helping you navigate the world’s vastness and ensuring that your journey is free from worry and full of memories to last the ages.
Let’s together, chart your course through the lands, creating an adventure that will be sung about for years to come. As a wise halfling once said.
“Not all those who wander are lost” – Bilbo Baggins
Peter
Travel is my passion and to
be able to share this with others is the best part of my job!
I love all aspects of travel-adventure, food, culture, relaxation and most importantly
making life long memories.
Whether you're looking for a thrill-seeking adventure or a peaceful island
escape, I can’t wait to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Alicia
With a couple of years of
experience in the travel industry, I am passionate about all things travel —
culture, adventure, food and leisure. Most importantly, I love turning your
travel dreams into reality.
Travel has been a part of my life since I was three years old, those early
experiences sparked a love for travel that has only grown over time. In 2021, I
achieved a Level 4 Certificate in Tourism, Airline and Flight Attending which
opened the door that brought me into the world of travel.
I’m excited to discover new destinations and help others do the same
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