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!
FLIGHTS or SAVINGS OFFER
Economy airfares included up to AU$2,800pp
OR
Save AU$2,800pp off your cruise fare
Valid on new bookings for selected 2027, 2028 and 2029 voyages. T&Cs apply.
Sail roundtrip from Tokyo, exploring the cultural treasures of Niigata, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Shimizu, while experiencing Japan's rich traditions, historic landmarks and breathtaking coastal scenery, with a visit to South Korea adding another fascinating cultural perspective.
Departs 15 Aug 2028
Departs 31 Mar 2028
FLIGHTS or SAVINGS OFFER
Economy airfares included up to AU$2,800pp
OR
Save AU$2,800pp off your cruise fare
Valid on new bookings for selected 2027, 2028 and 2029 voyages. T&Cs apply.
Experience an extraordinary 92-night Pacific journey sailing between Vancouver and Auckland.
Discover the spectacular scenery of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska before journeying across the Pacific to the Far East, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. From the wildlife of Komodo Island to the vibrant cultures of Bangkok, Bali and Hong Kong, this epic voyage offers immersive experiences across oceans and continents. With overnight stays in 14 ports, enjoy more time to connect with local traditions, cuisine and unforgettable destinations along the way.
Departs 21 Sep 2027
Embark on a 14-night round-trip cruise from Tokyo and discover Japan in bloom. Explore historic ports, take in stunning coastal views, and enjoy a vibrant onboard experience with fine dining, relaxing lounges, and endless entertainment as you sail through this enchanting country.
Departs 10 Apr 2027
FLIGHTS or SAVINGS OFFER
Economy airfares included up to AU$2,800pp
OR
Save AU$2,800pp off your cruise fare
Valid on new bookings for selected 2027, 2028 and 2029 voyages. T&Cs apply.
Set your sights on the wonders of East Asia, where centuries-old traditions meet futuristic cities. From Tokyo’s neon buzz to the peaceful temples of Taipei, this cruise takes you deep into the heart of the region. Uncover samurai stories in Nagasaki, soak in Beppu’s famous hot springs, and see Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial. With overnight stays in Tokyo and Hong Kong, there’s time to wander, taste and connect. It’s the perfect way to experience the depth and diversity of Japan and beyond—without having to repack once.
Departs 4 Jul 2028
House of Travel Exclusive Bonus | Up to $100 Onboard Credit when you book by 14 Sep 26.
Embark on an extraordinary 93-night Circle Pacific journey aboard Grand Princess®, travelling round-trip in 2028 on an itinerary that spans remote islands, iconic cities, and some of the Pacific’s most fascinating coastlines. From the warmth of the South Pacific to the dramatic landscapes of Alaska, and on to the cultural heartlands of Japan and Southeast Asia, this voyage offers remarkable variety. Enjoy access to 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and make the most of extended exploration with 11 late-night stays, including overnights in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bali (Benoa).
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
With demand already high, this voyage is expected to fill quickly, so securing your place early is strongly recommended. Whether you’re discovering new destinations, revisiting favourites, or simply relaxing onboard, every stage of the journey offers something memorable. Thoughtfully crafted and rich in standout destinations, it’s the perfect way to experience the Pacific on a grand scale.
Departs 22 Jun 2028
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 9 Oct 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
House of Travel Exclusive Bonus | Up to $100 Onboard Credit when you book by 14 Sep 26.
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 Sep 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
From movies under the stars and Broadway-style entertainment to indulgent spa treatments and the comfort of the Princess Luxury Bed, Princess combines relaxation, entertainment and comfort at sea.
Departs 1 Oct 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 Oct 2026
Set sail on an unforgettable journey to Asia with Oceania Cruises, savour delicious cuisine, learn fascinating histories, and be awed by natural wonders.
View Asia 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 13 Nov 2026
Travel ignites the fire in my belly, daily and I'm lucky enough to turn holiday dreams into unforgettable experiences.
I specialise in family travel, group getaways, solo adventures, and special interest trips, helping clients craft memories that last a lifetime.
A recent highlight was travelling to New York with my sister, followed by Japan, and a Christmas in Bali with my family.
Whether I'm working with long-time clients or meeting new faces each week, I'm always excited to bring personalised travel dreams to life.
Passionate about what I do, I'm always ready for the next adventure - both for my clients and my own family.
Kelly-Ann
Hi, I'm Katy Devia. My love affair with travel started young, but it truly came alive during 3.5 years of living out of a backpack across Canada, the US, Europe, and the UK. I spent my winters chasing snow—working two snowboard seasons in Whistler, Canada, and two in the French Alps. My summers were just as unforgettable, backpacking through Europe, working on luxury power boats in the South of France, and even selling surf and snowboard gear in the UK. Those years taught me resilience, flexibility, and the pure magic of stepping into the unknown. I then headed back to the United States, where I lived and worked in Berkeley, California, for a year.
Later, love took me further south. Marrying a South American man opened my eyes to the vibrant, untamed beauty of Colombia. Over the years, I've soaked up the sun in the Pacific Islands, explored the streets of Hong Kong and Singapore, visited Bali, and even adventured deep into a gold mine in Borneo.
So, why did I become a travel agent? Honestly? Because I can't stop talking about it. After 15 years away from the industry raising my kids here in Nelson, I realised that my greatest joy is still helping others find that same spark I felt on my very first big adventure. I became a consultant not just to book trips, but to help people discover their perfect version of travel, whether that's heart-pumping adventure or total relaxation. My 'why' is simple: I want your memories to be as vivid as mine.
Katy
Travelling is my passion and I love planning holidays where I can create the most magical experiences and memories to last a lifetime. I love to share my knowledge of travel and can’t wait to help you plan your exciting new adventure away wherever that may be….
Kathie
As someone who loves to explore the world, I've been to many places and learned a lot along the way. Now, I use that knowledge to help others plan amazing trips. Whether you want excitement, relaxation, or cultural experiences, I make personalized travel plans that suit your needs. What sets me apart is my genuine dedication to top-notch service. I've been in the travel business for a while, so I know how to make your trip extraordinary. When you choose me as your travel advisor, you're not just booking a trip, you're starting a journey with someone who truly wants to make it unforgettable. So, if you're ready for your next adventure, let's talk!
Deepti
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