Japan is an island country full of fascinating contrasts. From ultra-sleek modern cities to traditional villages, historic shrines and soaring alps, the seemingly contradictory reverence for an ancient culture nestled within an ultra-modern technological society is one of this county’s great enigmas. And its reputation for being a very clean and safe country is yet another attraction for visitors. With four distinct seasons, Japanese landscapes offer much to the visitor at any time of the year. And whilst travelers flock to the country in April and May to enjoy the cherry blossoms, it is in autumn that Japan undergoes its most stunning transformation. The hot, humid summer gives way to crisp days, and the trees respond with a spectacular show of colour. Japan in autumn is an experience like no other: ancient temples blanketed in red maple leaves, golden Ginko trees lining wide boulevards, and misty mountains covered in a rich tapestry of orange and rust. For many travelers, it’s the most beautiful season to explore the country. Fewer crowds, at this time of the year, also make autumn one of the most comfortable and scenic times to visit.
Kerren & Ken invite you to join them on an experience of a lifetime as they lead a tour exploring the unique vibrant country and culture that is Japan. In November 2026 we’ll immerse ourselves in Japan’s autumn magnificence. The 24 Day tour can be separated into three distinct sections. After the initial travel day, we spend 3 days exploring in and around Tokyo. The second phase of our tour is a 14-day Princess cruise around the main island of Honshu, together with the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku to the south. The third and final phase comprises 6 days spent exploring ancient Kyoto and Nara, the re-born Hiroshima and Japan’s lively food capital, Osaka. Both of the land-based phases of the tour will utilise local English-speaking guides.
Day 1 – Friday 6th November: Home to Auckland We take a mid-afternoon flight to Auckland settling into, and enjoying a first night group dinner together, at the lovely Novotel Auckland Airport Hotel, ready for our flight to Tokyo the following morning.
Day 2 – Saturday 7th November: Auckland to Tokyo Today we fly, via Auckland to Tokyo, arriving at Narita Airport in the late afternoon, and transferring by coach to our hotel in the Ikebukuro district, our base for the next 3 days.
Day 3 – Sunday 8th November: Tokyo. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Today we begin our full day of sightseeing by coach, and our English-speaking guide, with a visit to the giant Senso-ji Temple and its distinctive scarlet gates and the smell of incense in the air. Out the front, on Nakamise Street, merchants arrange their stalls of sweets and lucky charms. In contrast we also take in the awesome views across the city from Tokyo Skytree (left), which is twice the height of Auckland’s Sky Tower, and experience the famed Shibuya pedestrian crossing – the busiest in the world. At Tsukiji Market the air tastes of soy, sea and charcoal and we experience the unique atmosphere of sumo wrestling in Asakusa.
Day 4 – Monday 9th November: Hakone / Mt Fuji. B & L included
South-east of Tokyo City sits the town of Hakone, part of the surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The area is famous for its hot springs, natural beauty and, of course, it’s proximity to Mt Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. There will likely be multiple possible opportunities to view the mountain today. Firstly, as we take a cruise on the volcanic caldera Lake Ashinoko, then when we ascend neighbouring Mt Hakone via gondola and finally when we visit Mt Fuji 5th Station at a height of 2,300m on Mt Fuji itself and starting point for climbers of the mountain. Definitely set your camera to ‘Panorama’ for today.
Day 5 – Tuesday 10th November: FREE DAY in Tokyo. B only included
Today is a FREE DAY for you to do as much or a little as you like in Tokyo. Kerren and Ken will have a great list of activity and destination options to discuss, complete with transport advice, and the following will definitely be on the list;
- Ueno Park is an extensive public park renowned for its zoo, as well as art, science & history museums, stunning autumn colours & famous statue of Saigo Takamori – the real ‘Last Samurai’.
- The Imperial Palace has been the residence of successive Emperors since 1868. It is a park-like complex in central Tokyo surrounded by a moat and huge stone walls. Much of the palace is not open to the public, but free guided tours of the grounds are offered daily.
- Meiji-Jingu Shrine is surrounded by a lush green forest (Yoyogi Park) in the centre of Tokyo and just six metro stops from our hotel. The shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji who brought Japan into the modern world through the late 19th As well as visiting the shine itself – via a Ginko tree-lined avenue in golden autumn colour – enjoy wandering the surrounding forest paths, visit the Meiji Museum & savour the tranquillity of ‘The Inner Garden’.
- Tsukiji Outer Market is a must for seafood lovers with Tokyo’s freshest and finest seafood, together with other mouth-watering savoury and sweet delicacies. Explore the many alleyways around the market full of food and kitchen goods shops.
Day 6 – Wednesday 11th November: Tokyo to Yokohama Port B + All Cruise meals Included
We enjoy a relaxed start to our morning following three days of exploration. We then transfer by coach to the port of Yokohama, south of Tokyo City, and embark the Diamond Princess cruise ship to begin the next chapter of our Japan adventure.
Grand Japan Cruise Overview
Our 14-night cruise will take us around the main island of Honshu and the two largest islands to its immediate south-east, Kyushu and Shikoku. The cruise itinerary is an anticlockwise circuit of the three islands stopping at eleven different ports for shore excursions to a wide variety of destinations. From the colour-laden orchards and forests of Honshu’s north, down Japan’s western coast with its old provincial cities and small fishing ports, to the verdant hillside cities of volcanic Kyushu and the great feudal castles of Shikoku where history abounds with legends of samurai and shogun.
Diamond Princess embodies Princess Cruise’s enthusiastic embrace of Japan as a destination – much more so than any other cruise line. Opportunities to experience elements of Japanese culture, onboard ship, are seemingly endless. Amongst the packed optional daily activity schedule there are basic Japanese lessons (and English lessons for Japanese passengers), origami classes, Japanese festival dance classes, the chance to dress in a yukata (a summer-style kimono) with help from Japanese volunteers, traditional Japanese story tellers and lots of other cultural activities to explore. The ship perfectly reflects Princess Cruise’s ethos of relaxed comfort. Our Balcony or Ocean View Staterooms are light, roomy and welcoming with, arguably, the most comfortable beds at sea. There’s the choice of 9 complimentary dining venues. The multi-use Main Piazza, that rises through the centre of the ship, is the venue for a constantly changing roster of entertainers throughout the day and in the evening, you can enjoy Broadway calibre shows in the huge two-level Princess Theatre. Add in the numerous separate cafes, bars and specialty entertainment venues onboard and your down-time from sightseeing will never be boring.
Day 7 – Thursday 12 November: At Sea All cruise meals included
Our first full day aboard Diamond Princess is spent at sea as we cruise north to the very top of Honshu. This is the perfect chance to spend time exploring the ship at leisure and get a feel for the rhythm of life onboard. Perhaps pick a few activities that interest you off the daily activity schedule, known as ‘The Princess Patter’. (This newsletter will be delivered into your cabin, the previous evening, and will not only detail optional activities for the following day but also advise berthing and port departure times etc.) Perhaps relax by one of the 4 pools aboard, check out the art gallery or stretch your legs around the ship’s walking track.
Day 8 – Friday 13th November: Aomori, Honshu All cruise meals included
Aomori, the most northerly town in Honshu, derives much of its beauty from the apple and cherry orchards that encompass its landscape and the snow-covered Hakkoda Mountains in the distance. A chance to perhaps visit the 17th century Hirosaki Castle, the Seiryuu-Ji Temple featuring Japan’s tallest sitting Bhudda, or Seibi-en – a traditional Japanese garden with bridges, waterfalls and ponds. Aomori is perhaps best known for its annual Nebuta Festival featuring a parade of huge, illuminated paper models of samuri characters and animals.
Day 9 – Saturday 14th November: Sakata, Honshu All cruise meals included
Sitting on the fertile Shonai Plain, renowned for the quality of the rice grown here, the city of Sakata was, for centuries, an important port on the busy shipping route, that came to be called Kitamaebune and connected the northern island of Hokkaido with the merchant city of Osaka. Sakata was the home of many wealthy merchant families (or clans). None more so than the Honma family who were, for a long time, Japan’s richest. There are many historic buildings in central Sakata relating to this period of the city’s prosperity that have been turned into museums.
Day 10 – Sunday 15th November: Kanazawa, Honshu All cruise meals included
Nestled in central Honshu is the historic samurai city of Kanazawa. Home of the powerful Maeda clan during Japan’s ‘Edo Period’ (1603 – 1868), this beautifully preserved city is often likened to a miniature Kyoto, with similar wooden houses and geisha districts. Many former samurai residences are still standing and open to visitors. Kanazawa is also home to one of ‘The Three Great Gardens of Japan’. Kenroku-en Garden (left) features famous trees and lanterns surrounding a huge main pond. In autumn hundreds of maple and zeikova trees create a riot of red and yellow colour. The pond is also home to Japan’s oldest fountain.
Day 11 – Monday 16th November: Sakaiminato, Honshu All cruise meals included
Wedged between sea, sky and mountain, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood. Crab and hon-maguro (Bluefin tuna) from here are sought after by gourmets all over the world. Sakaiminato is also gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu with burial mounds from Japan’s Bronze Age. West of the city is the town of Matsue and the celebrated ‘Black Castle’, a six-story fortress that was home to the mighty Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years.
Day 12 – Tuesday 17th November: Busan, South Korea All cruise meals included
South Korea’s astonishing economic success of the last few decades often obscures one of Asia’s most sophisticated and venerable cultures. Busan is the country’s second largest city (after Seoul) and was the scene of bitter fighting during the Korean War. Gyeong-Ju, north of Busan, is the ancient capital of the kingdom of Silia and home to serene Tumuli Park and Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 7th century.
Day 13 – Wednesday 18th November: Nagasaki, Kyushu All cruise meals included
Situated on the island of Kyushu, Nagasaki is a city with a dynamic history. It is best known to the world as the site of the second atomic bombing of WWII and there are a number of moving memorials to that terrible event. But the city played a pivotal role in Japan’s history prior to the 20th century. Nagasaki occupies verdant hills surrounding a deep-water bay and was, for hundreds of years, Japan’s sole window to the western world, providing the only diplomatic connections with European countries. Today we’ll enjoy a private tour (included), as a group, visiting the Atomic Bomb museum and Peace Park – symbols of reflection and renewal. We’ll experience the colour and spice fragrances of Shinchi Chinatown and Glover Garden, a hilltop open air museum exhibiting mansions from the Meiji era, that were occupied by western residents of the city, with stunning views of Nagasaki harbour.
Day 14 – Thursday 19th November: Kagoshima, Kyushu All cruise meals included
From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula and it was the legendary Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai who were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power. Perhaps visit Shoko Shuseikan Mueum which chronicles the Shimazu clan’s history. Take the ferry to Sakurajima, the volcanic island in the harbour, for views across the crater and around Kinko Bay. Or visit the nearby historic town of Chiran, where many samurai houses and gardens, dating from the feudal era, have been preserved for the public. Chiran Air Base, which was home to Japan’s Kamikaze squadrons during WWII, is also now a museum.
Day 15 – Friday 20th November: Beppu, Kyushu All cruise meals included
We are well inside one of Japan’s volcanic zones and this legendary city, blanketed with misty turquoise waters and elegant Japanese foliage, is renowned for its healing geothermal waters and spas. The main attractions are the ‘Hells of Beppu’, a collection of nine stunning onsen (hot springs) some of which feature geysers and colourful waters in shades from white to copper to sapphire blue. Those who know with the fragrance of Rotorua will be in familiar territory here.
Day 16 – Saturday 21st November: Kochi, Shikoku All cruise meals included
Sitting on a broad alluvial plain facing Urado Bay, the city of Kochi, on the island of Shikoku, takes its name from the great feudal castle at its centre. Completed in 1611, Kochi Castle was the seat of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a noted warrior who supported Tokugawa in his successful quest to become shogun. Kochi is also renowned for its gardens, which are well worth a visit. There’s even a precise replica of French artist Claude Monet’s garden. Kochi Castle Museum Of History opened in 2017 and features amazing displays of national treasures. Or perhaps visit nearby Kami City, famous for its artists and artisans creating a range of artifacts from traditional flags to decorative wooden plates and intricate calligraphy, as well as a local sake brewery.
Day 17 – Sunday 22nd November: Osaka, Honshu All cruise meals included
For centuries, Osaka was Japan’s cultural and commercial gateway to the great East Asia cultures that flourished in China and Korea. The city reached its zenith when Toyotomi Hideyoshi became shogun and made Osaka his capital. An immense administrative and commercial centre rapidly developed around Osaka Castle. After his death the nation’s seat of power moved to a sleepy little fishing village called Edo – now Tokyo. Osaka remains one of Japan’s largest cities and a vital commercial centre. This city is where every quirky, eccentric and colourful vision of Japan comes to life. Considered Tokyo’s edgier cousin, Osaka is more vibrant and is different from other Japanese cities. Here you’ll find neighbourhoods beaming with neon signage, contemporary art galleries and even giant animatronic animals that talk. Diamond Princess is berthed in Osaka until 9pm which, in late November, will provide plenty of time to enjoy the bright lights of the Shinsekai neighbourhood, only a 20-minute drive from the ship.
Day 18 – Monday 23rd November: At Sea All cruise meals included
After 10 port days in a row, you’ll be ready for the opportunity to simply kick back and relax aboard our floating resort as we recharge the batteries and savour the memories of the last ten days. Phew!
Day 19 – Tuesday 24th November: Shimizu, Honshu All cruise meals included
Fancy waking up to a view of Mt Fuji from your stateroom? There are a number of attractions in the port of Shimizu (now incorporated into Shizuoka City) but the most famous is the view of Japan’s highest and most iconic mountain. At 12,388 feet above sea level – slightly higher than Mount Cook – it’s fair to say this active volcano, and designated ‘place and source of artistic inspiration’ by UNESCO, dominates its surroundings. But Mt Fuji, with its near perfect conical shape, isn’t the only drawcard in town. Kerren & Ken are keen to head for the fish market where, they say, the oysters are enormous. And as we leave harbour around 4pm, the west-setting sun should light up the mountain beautifully, providing a final lasting memory, as our incredible voyage around Japan draws to its conclusion. And a last night aboard to take in a wonderful show or try that special restaurant you’ve been thinking about.
Day 20 – Wednesday 25th November: Yokohama to Kyoto B only included
We dock, this morning, at Yokohama Port and, after breakfast, say farewell to Diamond Princess and disembark. We transfer, by private coach, to the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) station in Yokohama for our first experience of one of the public transport wonders of the world. Launched in 1964 as the first ever high-speed train line anywhere, the Tokaido Shinkansen Line is the most travelled in Japan. Now with a further eight lines, the network covers the main island of Honshu and is renowned for its safety, comfort and punctuality (any delays are measured in seconds). Travelling up to a maximum speed of 285kmph, we will cover the 439kms to Kyoto in around 2 hours – depending on scheduling. This is a journey that would take some 5.5 hours to drive by road. This afternoon we settle into our Kyoto hotel and look forward to exploring the city that many refer to as Japan’s beating heart.
Day 21 – Thursday 26th November: Kyoto & Nara B only included
Kyoto is, perhaps, the ultimate guardian city of Japan’s tradition and history. The ancient capital is bursting with lavish temples and shrines, tranquil gardens and bustling geisha districts. The first of our two days of private guided coach tour (with an English-speaking guide) will begin with a visit to the neighbouring city of Nara where, in the main city park, we’ll meet the famous population of Sika deer. Not only are the Nara deer relatively tame and free to roam the city, but they are considered sacred Shinto messengers. The city’s most well-known monuments, the magnificent Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga-Taisha Shrine are also in the park grounds. Returning to Kyoto we’ll visit what might be the most famous Buddhist temple in Japan. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion) is clad in gold leaf and was once the residence of shogun Yoshimitzu. From across the pond next to the building, it appears to hover above the water. We’ll also take a wander through the Arasiyama neighbourhood with its paths showered with red cherry tree leaves.
Day 22 – Friday 27th November: Kyoto B & D included
Our guided tour continues this morning, beginning with a visit to what must surely be one of the most striking autumn views to be seen anywhere. Kiyomitzu-dera is a Buddhist temple founded 1,250 years ago. It’s best known for its ‘wooden stage’ (what we would call a deck, or balcony) that juts out 13 metres above the hillside. The stage affords amazing views of the thousands of cherry and maple trees below, that erupt in a sea of colour every autumn, with views of the city of Kyoto itself in the distance. Nearby is another of Kyoto’s iconic monuments – Yasaka Pagoda. At 46 metres high this impressive structure, with its graceful sloping roofs on each tier, is perhaps best appreciated when viewed from the northern side in the old Higashiyama District. This district is also home to the Gion, famous for its traditional geisha houses. The Gion is particularly striking at this time of the year thanks to all the deciduous trees. Walk the wooden streets and you could be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped back in time. We may glimpse a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) shuffling along dressed in traditional kimono and okobo (tall wooden sandals). And any visit to Kyoto wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the visually stunning Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Famous for its more than 10,000 red torii gates that straddle a network of paths behind the main shrine buildings. An astonishing sight worthy of many a photo. This evening we’ll enjoy a shared dinner and Maiko performance which gives a genuine glimpse into Kyoto’s traditions and the artistry of the Maiko.
Day 23 – Saturday 28th November: Hiroshima B only included
Today is our second Shinkansen (Bullet Train) experience. This morning we’ll cover the 240kms to Hiroshima in around 1 hour & 40 minutes. While its reputation as a victim of war precedes it, this is a dynamic city on the rise. Today it’s a place that respects its past yet continues to focus on its future. Any visit to Hiroshima is both poignant and inspiring. Our coach and guide will meet us on arrival, and we’ll learn about the city’s rebirth and resilience. The magnificent Peace Memorial Park & Museum is a must-see, as is the Atomic Dome – the only building directly below where atomic bomb exploded to withstand the blast. A short ferry ride takes us to Miyajima Island, famous for its spectacular red ‘floating’ torii gate, sacred deer population and Daisho-in temple. And, once again, the maple trees will be a blaze of autumn colour. Later in the afternoon we return to Hiroshima Station and take the Shinkansen back to Kyoto and our hotel. Ken & Kerren at the Atomic Dome, Hiroshima
Day 24 – Sunday 29th November: Osaka B, L, D included
This morning, we travel by private coach to Osaka, only an hour from Kyoto. Considered Japan’s food capital, Osaka is renowned for the abundance of outstanding street food, authentic eating houses and Michelin-starred restaurants. But first we’ll visit an architectural icon of the city. The Umeda Sky Building, which consists of two modern tower blocks connected by the circular ‘Floating Garden Observatory’, provides 360-degree views of Osaka. However, the city’s most prominent landmark is probably legendary Osaka Castle, surrounded by 106 hectares of open park, right in the middle of town. We’ll explore this extraordinary complex. For lunch we’ll try Osaka’s favourite dish – okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake beloved by the locals. And a visit to Osaka wouldn’t be complete without checking out Dotonbori, a street in the Namba district This entertainment neighbourhood with giant neon screens and canal-side atmosphere is great fun. We’ll also enjoy a Farewell Dinner together at a local restaurant.
Day 25 – Monday 30th November: Osaka/Tokyo to Auckland B only included
After breakfast we transfer to Osaka Airport with first a domestic flight to Narita Airport in Tokyo and then an overnight flight to Auckland.
Day 26 – Tuesday 1st December: Auckland and home
Our flight from Japan arrives into Auckland mid-morning and we then take a domestic flight home.
Back in early 2025 Kerren and Ken spent time exploring Japan, with the assistance of some local contacts they’d made through the travel industry. Their aim was to identify the best way our Tour Club group could experience this amazing country, and the result is this 26 Day adventure with the destinations reached by land and sea complementing each other. For those who have long wished for a chance to explore Japan within the safety and reassurance of the Bay Tours escorted tour structure, this tour is for you!
