2026 Japan with Mitsui Golden Week Cruise

We depart Auckland this morning for our flight to Tokyo – the capital of Japan – a city of marvellous contrasts, its past and present meshing seamlessly. On arrival late afternoon, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a three-night stay.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan. At over 12 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world, Greater Tokyo (which has a population of 35 million people). This huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan and has something for everyone. Today we Tokyo Tower, Meiji Jingu Shrine before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we continue our touring and see Imperial Palace, Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Street. We return to our hotel late afternoon and there is time to refresh prior to dinner at our hotel.

This morning, we visit Hama Rikyu Gardens and Tokyo Tower. The afternoon is free to relax, or you may like to continue exploring on your own.
We enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

This morning enjoy some free time before we are transferred to the port to embark on our 11-night cruise on the Mitsui Ocean Fuji. Once onboard settle in and familiarise yourself with your luxurious surroundings! Our ship departs at 5.00pm.

A full day at sea for you to enjoy the ship’s facilities.

Set along the east coast of the Iwate Prefecture, Miyako was Japan’s main seaport for hundreds of years before a series of tsunamis took their toll. Yet what the city lacks in historical buildings, it more than makes up for in natural attractions such as Sanriku Fukkō National Park. Stretching some 110 miles along the coast, the park showcases amazing flora — including Japanese red pine and a virgin forest of Tabu trees — while a variety of seabirds find refuge along its cliffs and beaches. Birders also flock to nearby Sanganjima island, one of Japan’s main nesting grounds for Swinhoe’s storm petrels. Spend the day relaxing on Jodogahama Beach, which ranks among Japan’s best, or head to Morioka — Iwate’s largest city — to visit the 17th-century Hachimangu Shrine and sample rice wine on a tour of Asabiraki Sake Brewery, which dates from 1871. Just north of the city lies Ryusendo Cave, a massive subterranean network of towering stalagmites and translucent lakes.
Arrives: 8.00am
Departs: 5.00pm

Matsumae is a former castle town just west of Cape Shirakami, the southernmost point of Hokkaido. Only 20 kilometres across the Tsugaru Strait from Aomori, Matsumae was the northern limit of Japan during the Edo Period and the sole feudal fief on the otherwise wild, untamed frontier of Hokkaido. The prosperous town attracted merchants engaged in the shipping trade, and was protected by a garrison at Matsumae Castle, the only Japanese style castle to have been built on Hokkaido.
The former castle grounds north of the keep have been turned into the sprawling Matsumae Park, in which rows upon rows of cherry trees are planted. Over ten thousand cherry trees representing more than 250 different varieties can be seen around the grounds, and have earned the park the distinction of being ranked among the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Japan. In addition, the park has a small Sakura Museum just north of the castle keep with information about the development of the blossoms, and photos and preserved specimens of the types of cherry trees that you can see around the grounds.
Due to the large variety of cherry trees, Matsumae has an uncharacteristically long blooming season that lasts from late April to late May

Sheltered along the enchanting Sea of Japan coast, Akita boasts a captivating blend of modern and old, with a cityscape that showcases an intriguing contrast of architectural styles. Immerse yourself in the pristine natural beauty as you walk through lush amber forests and soak in the tranquil vistas of immaculate crystal lakes or absorb the serene ambience of the Sea of Japan, daydreaming and beachcombing. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Akita’s hot springs, known as onsen, provide a therapeutic escape. These onsen resorts, set against stunning mountain backdrops, invite you to soak in mineral-rich waters, providing the perfect setting for unwinding and rejuvenating the senses. One of the gems in Akita’s cultural crown is the historic town of Kakunodate, celebrated for its preservation of one of Japan’s most intriguing samurai districts. As you stroll through its well-preserved streets, you’ll encounter traditional samurai residences and the enchanting sight of cherry blossom trees in full bloom, offering a timeless journey into the past
Arrives: 8.00am
Departs: 5.00pm

Nanao City, located in the centre of the Noto Peninsula, was once the site of Nanao Castle, one of the largest mountain castles in Japan, and is named after the seven ridges on the castle mountain: Matsuo, Takeo, Umeo, Tsuruo (Kikuo), Kameo, Ryuuo, and Torao. It is also part of the “”Noto Satoyama Sea,”” which was registered as a World Agricultural Heritage site in June 2011 by the World Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the first such designation for Japan and other developed countries. It is one of the few hot springs in Japan that spring from the sea, and a soak in the salty water warms the body from the inside out.
Arrives: 9.00am
Departs: 5.00pm

Home to approximately 3.4 million people, Busan is a fast-moving coastal metropolis that guarantees you’ll never have the same experience twice. History enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the stunning historical treasures of Beomeosa Temple, a serene oasis nestled within the city, with a rich heritage that dates back over 1,300 years. No trip is complete without strolling through Yongdusan Park to take in panoramic views while marvelling at the iconic Busan Tower, a symbol of the city’s aspirations and dynamism. Busan’s culinary scene is a highlight of any visit. Savour the city’s diverse gastronomy by exploring its bustling markets like Jagalchi Fish Market, where you can feast on freshly caught seafood, and indulge in delectable Korean street food. The city’s natural beauty is another compelling reason to visit, with its pristine beaches like Haeundae Beach offering a tranquil escape by the sea.
Arrives: 8.00am
Departs: 5.00pm

Soak up the rich literary history of this famously hospitable castle town. Home to Dōgo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. Venture into the suburbs to find magical islands populated by deer. Sitting on a hill above the city is Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s original castles, its home to an abundance of unique cultural experiences such as the opportunity to wear the armour of a samurai.
Arrives: 9.00am
Departs: 5.00pm

Shimizu Port offers one of Japan’s most picturesque harbour views with Mt. Fuji as its backdrop. It’s known for fresh seafood, tea, and access to scenic and spiritual landmarks like Miho no Matsubara pine grove.
Arrives: 8.00am
Departs: 6.00pm

Sadly, this morning we disembark . We are met by our guide and enjoy a tour of the Japan National Stadium – the main stadium for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. You’ll get to see areas not usually open to the public, such as the athletes’ locker rooms and the competition area, where you may still feel the energy from the events. Walk around the track of this historic sports venue, and step onto the Olympic podium, constructed of recycled plastic, to get a feel for what the competitors themselves felt. See a wall signed by 300 of these athletes and sit on the same benches where they sat. You can create your own Olympic memories. Afterwards, explore the Japan Olympic Museum. Since opening in September 2019, the Japan Olympic Museum in Tokyo introduced the Japanese Olympic Movement through its immersive multimedia exhibits under the theme of “Know, Learn, Feel, Challenge, and Think,” inviting visitors to experience the “Olympic Spirit.” Early afternoon we head to the airport for our evening flight home.

Arrive Auckland mid morning.