Timeless Japan

DAYS 1-2: WELCOME TO JAPAN!

After your overnight flight arrives in Tokyo, transfer to your hotel in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most historic neighborhoods. Gather tonight for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. D

DAY 3: EXPLORING TOKYO

Spend the day discovering the many sides of Tokyo as you step back in time in the Asakusa neighborhood. View the lanterns of Senso-ji, browse the lively stalls of Nakamise Street, and enjoy seasonal cherry blossoms along Sumida Park. Continue to the historic grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace to enjoy its Double Bridge and cherry blossom-lined paths. After a visit to Meiji Shrine, return to your hotel and enjoy an evening to explore Asakusa, where glowing lights, traditional streets, temples, and local markets with countless dining options have welcomed visitors for centuries. B, L

DAY 4: KYOTO

Journey by bullet train to Kyoto, renowned as the nation’s cultural and historical heart. Visit Kinkaku-ji, a 14th-century temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” this temple is covered in gold leaf and reflects on the adjacent lake. Next, wander the historic streets of Gion, Kyoto’s legendary geisha district, on a guided tour. Here, enjoy a private geisha performance accompanied by a special Sunrise Tours lunch. Continue to the hillside terraces of Kiyomizu-dera, a temple where sweeping views stretch across the rooftops of Kyoto. Later, relax aboard the high-speed Shinkansen train for your return to Tokyo. B ,L, D

DAY 5: TOKYO/MS WESTERDAM

Start your morning at the iconic Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest towers in the world. Rising 2,080 feet above the city, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Tokyo and, on clear days, even as far as Mount Fuji. Enjoy a group lunch before boarding your home for the remainder of the tour, Holland America’s Westerdam. After settling in on the ship, your adventure will be up to you as you consider optional excursions to book. Your Sunrise Tour Director will be available for consultation throughout your cruise. B ,L, D

DAY 6: DAY AT SEA

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Attend cultural lectures, savor world-class cuisine, or unwind on deck as you sail along Japan’s scenic coastline. B, L, D

DAY 7: OSAKA

Visit a city that is vibrant, welcoming, and bursting with energy: Osaka, often called “Japan’s Kitchen” for its bold flavors and legendary food scene. Stroll through the neon-lit Dotonbori district, where street food stalls line the canal. Choose to step back in time at Osaka Castle, a striking symbol of the city’s samurai past, or venture out to explore serene temples that offer a peaceful contrast to the city’s lively streets. B, L, D

DAY 8: KOCHI

Discover the coastal city of Kochi, where tradition and seaside landscapes blend effortlessly. This city offers many options to discover, such as a visit to the 17th-century Kochi Castle. As one of Japan’s few original castles, wooden interiors and panoramic views bring the samurai era to life. Wander through lively markets filled with regional specialties. Along the shores of Katsurahama Beach, take in sweeping ocean views and that feel worlds away from Japan’s larger cities. B, L, D

DAY 9: HIROSHIMA

Located in the southwest of Japan, Hiroshima is set within a striking natural landscape of mountains, sea, and rivers. Hiroshima offers a powerful experience at the Peace Memorial Park, and the Atomic Bomb Dome remains a solemn reminder of history. In addition to the memorials to the events of World War II, you have the option to visit an array of shrines and temples, as well as the city’s reconstructed castle, which was originally founded in the 16th-century. Explore the historic Shukkei-en Garden, commissioned in 1620, or travel to the island of Miyajima, where one of Japan’s most iconic sights, the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, rises from the sea. B, L, D

DAY 10: KANMON STRAIT

Today, cruise the Kanmon Strait, a narrow waterway that separates the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. Sail past local fishing boats, the impressive Kanmon Bridge stretching overhead, and coastal cities that have connected trade, culture, and travelers for centuries. Enjoy a relaxing day aboard the Westerdam as you gain a unique perspective of Japan from the water. B, L, D

DAY 11: BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA

Visit Busan, South Korea’s vibrant coastal gem. Options include strolling along Haeundae Beach or exploring the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, alive with the sights and smells of fresh seafood. You may also wander through Gamcheon Culture Village, where colorful houses cascade down the hillside, or find quiet reflection at the serene Beomeosa Temple. B, L, D

DAY 12: SAKAIMINATO

Arrive in Sakaiminato, a charming coastal town known for its maritime heritage and playful connection to Japanese folklore. Browse small shops filled with local seafood and regional specialties, or enjoy views of fishing boats and the Sea of Japan from the harbor. Book an excursion to visit the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi, one of the finest modern gardens in Japan and a collection of pottery, wood carvings, and paintings dating from 1912 to present day. B, L, D

DAY 13: TSURUGA

This morning, arrive in Tsuruga, a historic port town along the Sea of Japan that has long served as a gateway for trade and cultural exchange. Stroll along the scenic waterfront or visit the peaceful Kehi Shrine, known for its impressive vermilion torii gate and centuries-old traditions. Along the way, discover local markets and small shops, while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains and coastline that make this area of Japan so picturesque. B, L, D

DAY 14: TOYAMA

Toyama is a coastal city set between the spring fed waters of Toyama Bay and the dramatic peaks of the Japanese Alps. Shore excursions offer the opportunity to journey to the countryside, where you can witness ancient villages, thatched-roof farmhouses, and the incredible snow corridor. Take the railway up to Mount Tateyama, the highest mountain in the range, or explore the grounds of Toyama Castle, once home to feudal lords of the region. Along the waterfront, you may enjoy views of fishing boats returning with the bay’s famous seafood, long prized for its freshness and flavor. B, L, D

DAY 15: SAKATA

Uncover the historic port city of Sakata, once prosperous from the rice trade during the Edo period. You may choose to discover the beautifully preserved Sankyo Soko Rice Storehouses, where traditional wooden buildings reflect the city’s merchant heritage. Or visit the elegant Honma Museum of Art, set within tranquil gardens overlooking the harbor. Often nicknamed the “Fruit Kingdom” due to the growing conditions, you may enjoy a visit to the market to sample ruby red cherries and mouthwatering French pears. B, L, D

DAY 16: AOMORI

Explore Aomori, a lively port city at the northern tip of Honshu known for its rich traditions and scenic coastal setting. Choose to travel to the vibrant Nebuta-no-Ie Warasse Museum, where colorful floats celebrate the famous Aomori Nebuta Festival. You may also marvel at the Showa Daibutsu, known as the Big Buddha; a 70-foot-tall, 220-ton landmark that stands on Kuwabara Hill as the city's symbol of wisdom, kindness, and inner power. Stroll along the harbor and browse the bustling Aomori Gyosai Center. B, L, D

DAY 17: HAKODATE

Hakodate, one of Japan’s most scenic harbor cities, is known for its unique blend of Japanese and Western influences. Choose to stroll through the historic Motomachi, where churches and former consulates reflect the city’s early days as an international port. For sweeping views, travel up Mount Hakodate, where the sparkling harbor and city lights create one of Japan’s most memorable panoramic viewpoints. B, L, D

DAY 18: DAY AT SEA B, L, D

DAY 19: TOKYO/TRAVEL HOME

This morning, arrive back in Tokyo, where you will transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Depart Japan with new experiences and fond memories. B

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 2-4: Prostyle Ryokan, Asakusa, Tokyo
Nights 5-18: MS Westerdam

Departure Cities:

• St. Louis
• Kansas City
• Springfield, MO

Depart: March 24, 2027
Return: April 11, 2027

Price Per Person:

• Outside Stateroom:
  • DB $8,129
  • SG $11,199

• Verandah Stateroom:
  • DB $8,529
  • SG $11,599

Additional Expenses:

• $285 in port taxes and fees (per person)
• Daily onboard gratuity while cruising
• Optional excursions at each port city
• Specialty dining experiences
• Packages: Wi-Fi, beverage, etc.

Price includes roundtrip airfare from STL/MCI/SGF. Please call for other gateway cities.

Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” mailing will be sent about three months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.

Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer plans through battleface, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email or can be found HERE.

Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation with onboard restroom, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available

We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $6-10 per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.

We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.

If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.

If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.

If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.

Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.

To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.

Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.

Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.