Explore and book Holland America Line 29 Night Far East Cruise on the Westerdam departing from Yokohama, Japan on Apr 12, 2026 and ending in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 11, 2026 Sail to Kobe, Japan, Yokohama, Japan, Kushiro, Japan, Aomori, Japan, Kochi, Japan, Kanazawa, Japan, Otaru, Japan, Fukuoka, Japan, Hakodate, Japan, Sakata, Japan, Sokcho, South Korea, Sitka, Alaska, Kodiak, Alaska, Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Ketchikan, Alaska, Vancouver, British Columbia

Yokohama, Japan

Yokohama (tokyo), Japan Boarding Time To Be Assigned

Yokohama Private Departure Transfer : from Yokohama Port or Hotels to Tokyo Hotels
5-hour Tokyo Tour + Transfer Between Yokohama and Narita Airport
Yokohama Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized
Yokohama Half Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private
Private Tour to see Highlights of Kamakura, Enoshima, Yokohama from Tokyo
Tokyo Shore Excursion with a Local Guide, Private & Tailored to You
Private Departure Transfer : Yokohama City to Narita International Airport
7-hour Tokyo tour, with Private Car, from/to Yokohama
8-hour Mt.Fuji to/from Yokohama with Private Car

Omaezaki, Japan

Kobe, Japan

Known worldwide for its beef, Kobe is also a city of maritime importance and cultural attractions in Japan. It provides a mix of modernity, rich culinary experiences, and scenic harbor views.

Kochi, Japan

Best in Kochi, Japan
Mt. Fuji
Kyoto
Miyajima Island
Cherry Blossom Trees
Temple Tours
Japanese Gardens and Tea Houses
National Parks

Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait (cruising Only)

Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka Highlight Tour to Hakata
Fukuoka Sightseeing Tour
Dazaifu Discovery

Sokcho, South Korea

Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa & Gokayama Day Tour
Toyama & Kanazawa
From Gokayama to Kanazawa

Sakata, Japan

Mount Haguro Discovery
Sakata History Tour

Aomori, Japan

Hirosaki and Seibien Garden
Mt.Hakkoda Aerial Tram and Oirase Stream with Japanese Style Lunch
Shirakami Mountains Walking Tour
Highlights of Goshogawara
Highlights of Hirosaki
Highlights of Aomori

Otaru, Japan

Otaru Highlights
Shakotan Peninsula Walking
Nikka Whisky Distillery & Fish Market
Best of Otaru
Experience Sapporo & Otaru

Hakodate, Japan

Panoramic Mount Hakodate and Sushi
Hakodate in Depth
Onuma Lake Cruise and Hakodate
Onuma National Park
Hakodate Highlights
Hakodate Museum and Mount Hakodate
Goryokaku Tower and Hakodate Bugyosho
Historical Hakodate

Kushiro, Japan

Akan National Park and Kushiro
Kushiro Marshland & Cranes Nature Park
Lake Akan & Ainu Village
Kushiro Marshland
Cranes Nature Park
Washo fish market

Cross International Dateline Cruising Only

Kodiak, Alaska

Geographic Marine Expeditions
Kodiak Photo Workshop
Alaska Hot Springs Directory
Causeway Crosses Lake Rose Tead

Sitka, Alaska

Perched on Baranof Island, Sitka is a blend of Tlingit culture and Russian heritage. With its raptor centers, totem poles, and surrounding temperate rainforest, it’s an Alaskan destination filled with both history and nature.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Canopy Adventure & Wildlife Expedition
Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour
Adventure Kart Expedition
Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer
Exclusive Flightseeing & Crab Feed
Neet’s Bay Bear Watch Expedition
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Museum of Northern British Columbia
North Pacific Cannery
Kwinitsa Station
Archeological Harbour Tour
Heritage Walking Tour
Khutzeymateen Valley
Ocean Fishing/Tours
Flightseeing
Kayaking
Pike Island
Nature Walks
The Skeena
Totem Park
Sunken Gardens
Roosevelt Park
Oliver Lake
Butze Rapids
Cow Bay
SeaFest

Vancouver, British Columbia

A bustling west coast seaport in Canada, Vancouver offers a blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Its scenic views, vibrant arts scene, and diverse culture make it a prominent starting or ending point for Pacific cruises.

29 Night Far East Cruise

Alaska

North America

Asia & Indian Ocean

Explorations Central™ (EXC®), Holland America Line’s exclusive destination programming, is designed to deepen your understanding of the places you visit. Its indispensable travel resources and opportunities to engage with experts and local insiders, make exploring each port of call more vivid and meaningful. Enjoy the programs listed below and visit our Explorations Central discovery center on board. *

Explorations Central

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Casino Action

Unleash your competitive spirit at High Score!, our new family game room — on Oosterdam. By day, it’s a secret hideaway for kids and teens, where they can engage in a fast-paced flurry of four-person air hockey or contend for bragging rights in the video arcade. At night, the entire family is welcome to bond over board games, skee-ball, a tilting labyrinth and family activities.

High Score!

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

Onboard Shopping

Each voyage brings a guest chef on board to guide you through the culinary traditions of your destinations. Try local flavors at a food & wine tasting, add a new recipe to your repertoire at a live cooking demonstration or indulge your senses at a fine dining event.For those looking to continue their epicurean immersion on shore, guest chefs lead select shore excursions*, exploring local cuisines while sharing their gastronomic expertise in the field.

Port to Table

Enjoy a game of pickleball on top-deck courts with stunning ocean views. Play casually anytime or join a tournament, with beginner lessons available for newcomers. Complimentary equipment provided, weather permitting.



Pickleball At Sea

Enjoy live music in this popular bar perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.

Ocean Bar

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.

Crow's Nest

The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.

Explorer's Lounge

This sophisticated venue is adorned with an eclectic and whimsical mix of artwork including portraits, landscapes, still life and abstract pieces. Order your favorite cocktail or try one from our signature cocktail menu created in partnership with our Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, a James Beard “Who’s Who” inductee.

Gallery Bar

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges and gathering places onboard. Explore Mix for Champagne, Martinis, and Spirits and Ales.

For aficionados, this is truly your whisk(e)y wonderland. At NOTES, a dedicated whisk(e)y bar guests can gaze in awe at the more than 120 labels on display — and sample some of the rarest whisk(e)y selections in the world. An interactive menu board and multiple tasting options are designed to identify uniquely personalized flavor profiles for every guest.

Notes

Which is more delightful: the apple-pear saketini in your chilled glass or views of the sun going down in a crimson blaze? Enjoy both in this stylish hideaway – your destination for panoramic views and exotic cocktails, and just one of the wide selection of lounges and gathering places on board.

Tamarind Bar

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges on board. In the Piano Bar, gather around and sing along as our pianist plays your favorites.

Piano Bar

Feel the rhythm at the Rolling Stone Lounge, where a live band delivers rock, pop, and country hits every night. Grab a drink and hit the dance floor for an unforgettable evening of music and energy.



Rolling Stone Lounge

Unwind at Pinnacle Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails and fine wines set the tone for a sophisticated evening. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink before heading to Pinnacle Grill.



Pinnacle Bar

Sip on a cool cocktail while basking in the sun and savoring stunning ocean views from the deck lounge chairs. A laid-back vibe with unbeatable scenery.



Sea View Bar

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!

Canaletto

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.

Dive-In

At Explorations Café, relax in a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink.

Explorations Café

Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

Lido Market

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes from James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council® member, David Burke. Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor.

Pinnacle Grill

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs,  and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.

The Dining Room

Direct from Beale Street, B.B. King's All Stars bring the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, enjoy dancing and try specialty cocktails like the Lucille and Rock Me Baby.

B.B. Kings Blues Club

We have partnered with BBC Earth to bring you unforgettable new ways to experience the world's natural wonders. Through the innovative and breathtaking programming, guests will be taken closer to the ocean and the natural world through groundbreaking concerts and films.

BBC Earth in Concert

Screening nightly in the movie theatre (on select ships) are recent-release films and perennially popular classics. You can also watch movies any time in your stateroom or suite. And aboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, watch your favorite stars light up the night on a giant outdoor LED movie screen by the Lido Pool.

Movies On Board

In an exclusive partnership with the world’s leading center for the performing arts, we proudly present Lincoln Center Stage, showcasing outstanding musicians performing multiple programs of chamber music most evenings, as well as afternoon recitals during leisurely days at sea.

Lincoln Center Stage

Experience world-class entertainment at World Stage, featuring captivating lectures by local experts and thrilling performances from top acts like Step One Dance Company and Cantaré. On select ships, a two-story LED screen enhances the immersive experience.

World Stage

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.

Club Hal

Highlights for kids ages 3 to 6 include “Painting Picassos,” and “Sing-Along Storytime,” as well as theme parties, such as “Dino-Mite Night” and “Ships Ahoy Pirate Treasure Hunt Adventure.”

Kids Programs (Ages 3-6)

Teen cruisers enjoy mocktail parties, karaoke and trivia contests, jewelry making, video games, staff vs. teens volleyball tournaments, themed events and more.

Teens Programs (Ages 13-17)

Club HAL activities are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on port days. Lunch is available for participants between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children must be registered and signed into and out of programming by a parent or guardian.

Port Day Activities

Children with special needs are invited to attend Club HAL activities based on their chronological age; our staff is trained to work with special needs children. Please let us know when booking your reservation.

Special Needs

From ice-cream eating contests to gaming tournaments and theme parties, tweens will have plenty to enjoy.

Tweens Programs (Ages 7-12)

Relaxing treatment rooms offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body, and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials.

Treatment Rooms

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Fitness

During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

Prepare for wonderful pampering as you enjoy a select combination of rejuvenating spa treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®, along with other healthy amenities,

Signature Service

Open your mind to the creativity of our international stylists and leave the salon today with a hairstyle that will put a bounce in your step and your locks!

Hair & Nail Services

Superbly refreshed, Westerdam cruise ship features excellent bar, entertainment and dining venues, plus completely reimagined suites. Westerdam is a fascinating destination in her own right and has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards. On board, enjoy live entertainment with Music Walk™, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Feel immersed on your cruise with regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table. Enrich your travel experience at the new Exploration Central atop the ship.

Explorations Central™ (EXC®), Holland America Line’s exclusive destination programming, is designed to deepen your understanding of the places you visit.  Its indispensable travel resources and opportunities to engage with experts and local insiders, make exploring each port of call more vivid and meaningful.

Port To Table

n Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!

B.B. King's Blues Club

BBC Earth In Concert

Watch music shows and other entertainment like you never have before at World Stage. Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam bring the World Stage experience to the next level with a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen. A perfect panorama of sight and sound.

Club HAL

Holland America Line

Westerdam

The caravan of karts sets off to explore the remote backcountry along several miles of improved forest trail, with your guide in the lead ATV. Feel the rush of adrenaline at the start of your journey in a custom-designed Tomcar that tests your ability to traverse through the wilderness. A comfortable pace is maintained as you thread your way around steep curves. The road climbs to reveal unparalleled views of the Tongass National Forest, Behm Canal and Alaska's fabled Inside Passage.

Take off from Ketchikan on a 20-minute flight by floatplane, headed to a remote site in the Tongass National Forest noted for its salmon-rich streams and abundant wildlife. The aircraft is equipped with a digital stereo sound system and headsets for each individual guest to enjoy the narration. Each participant is guaranteed a window seat and the pilot will identify points of interest en route.

Perfect for serious fisher-people and for families seeking a personalized tour, this tour is customized for your interest and fishing skill level with just six guests per boat. The light tackle used ensures that even average-sized fish are exciting and rewarding to bring aboard.

Fill your senses with adventure and excitement as you take control of a 4-wheel-drive Jeep Wrangler® and wind your way through the rugged back roads of Revillagigedo Island. You'll be paired up with traveling companions in groups of four, and begin the adventure into the mountainous roads of the Tongass National Forest.

Meet your tandem kayak and listen to a safety briefing from your guide. Gain confidence as you paddle out to Eagle Islands. The protected waters provide the opportunity to experience the tranquil, lush, green setting of the Tongass National Forest.

Depart the pier for the drive to park headquarters. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you on a hike along well-maintained natural and gravel trails offering breathtaking views. A variety of seabirds inhabit the park's coastline, and whale sightings are frequently reported in this area throughout the season.

A high-speed boat takes you past Kodiak's harbors and fishing fleet. You will pass through the breathtaking scenery of the nearby islands in search of sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and a multitude of sea birds including puffins, gulls, oyster catchers, guillemots and cormorants. You may even be lucky enough to spot a whale.

Visit the Russian Orthodox Church where the priest or a member of the clergy will talk about the Russian church and the historic role it has played in Alaska.

Travel on a US Coast Guard-inspected boat, complete with a comfortable heated cabin, as you head out onto the water in search of Kodiak's abundant marine wildlife. At 40 feet long, this is one of the larger, more comfortable boats in the fleet with full walk-around decks.

Enjoy views of wildlife and scenery from the waters surrounding Kodiak cruising aboard the Shearwater catamaran -- a stable vessel with a comfortable cabin and full walk-around decks. Wildlife often sighted from the Shearwater includes humpback and fin whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, eagles, horned and tufted puffins and a vast array of other sea birds. Kodiak is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the United States and boasts spectacular scenery that is best viewed up-close and from a waterside perspective.

Get acquainted with your Polaris Ranger vehicle and, after a quick safety orientation and operating instructions, it's your turn to drive. Follow your guide on a trail through forest surrounded by beautiful scenery. Drive over bridges with gurgling streams with salmon running up them in season, and pass along a wildflower meadow on your way to a scenic estuary. Here, you will stop and search for wildlife such as Alaska coastal brown bear and Sitka black-tail deer.

Walk through history and nature as you discover the heart and soul of Alaska's coastal communities in this 'rain forest city'. From soaring eagles to the tiniest vole, from the first peoples of Sitka to today's modern residents, from forest to shoreline, all elements combine here to form a unique frontier town. Discover how the first people thrived here, while successive waves of Russians and Americans were drawn to this rich confluence of land and sea to harvest its bounty and make their own mark. You can still see the spires of Russian Orthodoxy in the heart of small-town Sitka, while towering totems perch on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

Departing the pier you will drive to the Alaska Raptor Center where you will spend time learning about the many birds of prey in the Flight Center and outside bird habitats. The Raptor Center specializes in the care of the American bald eagle. A presentation with a live bird on a handler's glove will give you a chance to ask questions.

Gear up with a waterproof outfit. After a safety briefing, your captain skillfully navigates the offshore islands. You'll see reefs and rock pinnacles that poke out of the water as perches for bald eagles and beautiful seabirds. What lies beneath? Look down at the rapidly-growing kelp forests that disappear into the depths of the sound. In shallow water, you may even notice sea stars and anemones.

This comprehensive tour of Aomori begins with a visit to the Sannai Maruyama ruins that date back more than 4,000 years to the Jomon Period. An exhibition room holds various artifacts from the site. The ruins were revealed during excavations for a baseball stadium in 1992.

The Nebuta-no-Ie Warasse Museum opened in 2011 and showcases the amazing, colorful Aomori Nebuta Festival. The term 'Nebuta' refers to giant illuminated floats used in the procession, of which five are on display. Enjoy a short film that explains the festival.

Leave the port of Aomori by coach, so that you can sit back and enjoy a panoramic drive through the scenic countryside to the city of Goshogawara.

Drive 25 miles along National Highway Route 7 from Aomori to Hirosaki city, situated on the southern part of the Tsugaru plain and known for its castle, cherry blossoms and apples. The atmosphere of this former Samurai town is quite compelling.

This morning, visit the Hakodate Morning Market comprised of roughly 280 stores and located near the JR Hakodate Station. Enjoy some fresh seafood and lively atmosphere of the market. Next, visit the Goryokaku Tower for a view of the graceful Goryokaku pentagonal structure. This was built in 1864 for the defense of Hokkaido against would-be invaders. The grounds are now a lovely park open to the public. Then walk to the Hakodate Bugyosho, or Magistrate’s Office, opened in 2010 and located in Goryokaku Park. It was rebuilt as a faithful copy of the original building using traditional methods. Remove your shoes, in keeping with Japanese custom, and step inside the building to view the historical exhibits. Return to the ship after your tour.

Capture the flavor of Hokkaido—a province that is distinctly different from the rest of Japan—as you visit the Hakodate Morning Market. This bustling epicenter of Hokkaido commerce is comprised of roughly 280stores and is located near the JR Hakodate Station. Enjoy some fresh seafood and lively atmosphere of the market; then, you will drive through the downtown core of Hakodate. Board the aerial cableway up to the summit of Mt Hakodate. This lovely wooded mountain rises to more than 1,200 feet at the end of the peninsula on which the city sits. Needless to say, it commands a stunning, panoramic view over Hakodate. Return to the city for a visit to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse area, remodeled in 1988 as part of a waterfront area redevelopment with a theme of combining the old and the new. From the warehouse area you will return directly to the ship.

This panoramic tour is designed to be enjoyed primarily from the perspective offered by your comfortable motor coach seat. You’ll begin with a drive through Hakodate city itself; then the coach will head up to the viewpoint on Mt Hakodate. From the top you can look back over the Hakodate Peninsula, with panoramic vistas of the city, the ocean and the horizon. Drive pass Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse area, remodeled in 1988 as part of a waterfront area redevelopment with a theme of combining the old and the new. Return to the ship, just a 30-minute drive away.

Drive one hour north from Hakodate to the Onuma area. Onuma is known for its three lakes--Lake, Onuma, Lake Konuma and Lake Junsai. Lake Onuma was formed when Mt. Komagatake erupted and the lava flow from the mountain dammed the river, creating the lake. You'll set out on a 30-minute boat ride on the lake. After your cruise, continue to Onuma Quasi-National Park. This is the birthplace of Hokkaido's resort industry, and the ideal place to connect with the island's natural environment. There are multiple small islands on Lake Onuma. You will take a 40 minute hike along a road that allows you to walk from island to island by crossing the bridges yourself. Enjoy the island hopping and the natural beauty of the park. You will make a brief stop at the local winery and taste local wine for yourself before you return to the ship.

First, you will visit Kenroku-en Garden, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Enjoy some time here to stretch your legs and your imagination. You'll feel like you've stepped into an enchanted world where a masterfully-designed landscape of great variety leads the eye along streams and waterfalls to rest on graceful arched bridges and Kenrokuen's iconic stone lanterns. Created by the Maeda family, who ruled from Kanazawa Castle from the 1620s to the 1840s, this vast stroll-through garden commands the heights of central Kanazawa. It is a prime example of the six factors that distinguish Japanese landscape art -- spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water-courses, and magnificent views. A visit to the park of the famed Kanazawa Castle ruin takes you 500 years back in time. Designed with a Hon-maru, a central enclosure, plus second and third enclosures, the traditional stronghold of the Kaga clan reveals the architectural grace for which Japan's ancient builders are justly famous. The Ishikawa Gate, the two turrets, and the Gojikken Warehouse, all restored in 2001, perfectly recapture the atmosphere of those days. Ongoing repairs and renovations preserve the past for future generations.

Kenroku-en -- one of the three celebrated 'Great Gardens of Japan' -- welcomes you today. This 25-acre landscaped garden was originally developed by the great daimyo of Kanazawa Castle. It boasts Japan's first fountain, a teahouse dating to 1774, and a pagoda donated to the Maeda clan by the great warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The celebrated Ganko-bashi is a bridge comprised of 11 red stones laid out to resemble a formation of flying geese.

Takaoka city has been famous for casting since 1609 when it was the center of the copper industry in Japan. Casting is a manufacturing process in which a liquid metal is poured into molds. Today, learn all about the art of casting a Japanese guinomi -- a traditional cup used when serving sake (rice wine).

Experience the rich architectural traditions of the Japanese countryside on a tour including two of the region’s most picturesque villages. Shirakawago widely-known as one of the most scenic places in Japan, is nestled along the shores of the Shokawa River and is surrounded by dramatic pine tree-covered mountains.

This transfer may suit you if you would like to explore on your own. It consists of a motorcoach ride from the ship to Shirakawago. The rich architectural traditions of the Japanese countryside are evident in Shirakawago, widely-known as one of the most scenic places in Japan. Nestled along the shores of the Shokawa River, this village is surrounded by dramatic pine-clad mountains. The town is known for its collection of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, sheds and barns, all built 200-300 years ago. These are examples of the gassho-zukuri style of construction which resembles hands-clasped in prayer, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The steeply-pitched roofs are extremely practical during the heavy snowstorms of the Shokawa River valley, as they easily shed their weighty snow burdens. You will be dropped off at a central location, and the coach escort will advise you of the pick-up time for the return journey.

Begin your day with a drive to Kenroku-en -- one of the three celebrated 'Great Gardens of Japan'. Kenroku-en's 25-acre landscaped garden was originally developed by the great daimyo of Kanazawa Castle. It boasts Japan's first fountain, a teahouse dating to 1774, and a pagoda donated to the Maeda clan by the great warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The celebrated Ganko-bashi is a bridge comprised of 11 red stones laid out to resemble a formation of flying geese.

From Kobe's pier, you'll begin exploring Kyoto by coach, stopping at the Kinkaku-ji Temple for an outside view. This elaborate building began life a villa built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1397, during the Muromachi Period. Later, the house was converted into a temple. It is three stories tall with the second and third stories completely covered in pure gold foil.

A city of profound history and rich tradition, Kyoto represents the soul of Japan. This must-see tour begins with a ride from Kobe to the ancient capital of Kyoto, then sets out to discover some of Japan's best-known sights.

Scenery and sake await you on this tour. You will drive up to the Mt Rokko observatory. At almost 3,000 feet, Mt Rokko is the highest peak in the mountain range that spreads 19 miles from northeast to southwest, north of the cities of Kobe, Ashiya and Nishinomiya. Then from the top of the mountain, take a cable car down. Next, you’ll visit the sake brewery museum in Kobe. No history of sake is complete without mentioning Nada—the Nada district in Kobe is known as the Mecca of sake brewing and it is full of cultural heritage sites that evoke the area’s long association with sake.

The world's largest gilt bronze statue of Buddha is the first of many interesting sights that await you in the city of Nara -- a center of the Arts, literature and religion. Nara is home to a number of very impressive buildings and landmarks, as you will discover on today's motor coach tour.

Depart from the port in Kobe and head to central Osaka by motorcoach. Osaka is the largest commercial center in all of Western Japan. You'll board a day boat for the cruise down the river to catch a glimpse of some of the city's manmade highlights. Watch for Osaka Castle, the Twin Towers, and City Hall on Nakanoshima Island.

You will drive up to the Mt Rokko Observatory. At almost 3,000 feet, Mt Rokko is the highest peak in the mountain range that spreads 19 miles from northeast to southwest, north of the cities of Kobe, Ashiya and Nishinomiya.

A lovely motor coach drive takes you 53 miles outside of Kochi to Murotomisaki in the eastern part of Kochi Prefecture. The cape's name translates to 'blessed with great nature' and you'll understand why when you see the cape jutting out over the Pacific Ocean, separating the Kii Channel from Tosa Bay. This is one of eight 'fine views' in Japan. Due to the area's warm temperatures, even in winter, lush subtropical plants, trees and hibiscus flowers blanket the ground. The colorful coastal plants found in this area are of scientific value, and some of the unusual species of trees are considered Natural Monuments of Japan.

Kochi Castle, the city's most famed landmark, dominates your views from any vantage point. Built by Yamanouchi Kazutoyo following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the massive castle took more than 10 years to construct. In 1727, some of the fortress was destroyed in a fire, but later, in 1753, it was reconstructed with the "donjon" and the splendid Otemon Gate remaining as originally constructed. Kochi Castle has undergone several preservations over the years, but it has retained its original palace and the integrity of its architectural style. Inside, many of the ancient rooms are not accessible to the public, but you will find a small museum filled with cultural artifacts. The, or main tower, provides celebrated, panoramic views of the whole city, making it well worth the climb to the top.

Japanese "washi" paper is an iconic piece of Kochi's heritage, having been produced in the prefecture for more than 1,000 years. UNESCO has declared washi paper an Intangible Cultural Heritage Object. The raw materials needed to make the pulp, including the kuozo plant, the mitsumata bush and the gampi tree, all grow in the abundant greenery of the mountainous area, while the nearby Niyodogawa River supplies the water needed to make this fine paper. Learn more by watching a demonstration; then, dive into the fun of producing your own paper crafts.

Your first destination is Oboke, for scenic boat excursion on the Yoshino River. After receiving safety equipment and hearing a brief safety orientation, set out on an approximately 20- to 30-minute float trip. The narrow banks are crowded with maple trees, nut trees and azaleas. The rushing river has formed wildly shaped rocks in the current and along the banks.

Board a motorcoach for the approximately one-hour drive to to Ryugado Cave on the slopes of Mt Sampo. Discovered in 1931, Ryugado is one of Japan's three major limestone caverns and is a designated Japanese National Treasure. The cave was home to early humans. The limestone caverns feature 20 waterfalls and stalactites form a maze of shapes echoing the sound of water.

Join a local guide and gain a richer appreciation for the sights and flavors of Kushiro -- the misty city. Begin with a scenic motorcoach ride to the remarkable Kushiro Crane Reserve, where you will see why these magnificent birds have been designated a Special Natural Living Treasure. Meet a staff member to hear about the conservation and health of the cranes here.

Your tour will begin with a prepaid taxi ride to the Motomachi district in Kushiro. You're headed to Yonemachi Park. Look down Kushiro city from the observatory -- a fantastic overview of the city.

Acquaint yourself with the nature of beautiful, remote Hokkaido and its fascinating Ainu native culture. Visit Ainu Kotan, where you'll find rows of shops selling wooden knick-knacks and other locally made handicrafts. Traditional Ainu dances, which have been designated an important intangible cultural asset, can be seen at the Ikoro Theater. You can also snap some pictures of native people wearing traditional Ainu costumes.

Your first destination is misty Lake Mashu, which is widely reputed to be the world's clearest lake. It features the most beautiful transparent, emerald-colored surface that changes moment by moment. The Ainu people have revered this lake as the 'lake of the gods' since ancient times, and today you'll enjoy a splendid view from one of the three observation sites. Another intriguing feature of this lake is that it is almost always shrouded in mist.

Explore natural Hokkaido, beginning with a visit to the Kushiro Marshland observatory, from where you can look out over the largest wetland in Japan. The marsh extends across the Kushiro Plain and is fed by the waters of the Kushirogawa River. Reeds grow in the wettest areas, which are surrounded by grasslands, encircled in turn by dense stands of alder. Approximately 600 plant species have been identified in the park. It also offers habitats for many birds, including the endangered Japanese crane and migratory birds that stop here to rest.

A two-hour panoramic drive brings you to the Shakotan Peninsula, traveling past pleasant scenic views and iconic imagery. The Shakotan Peninsula is located on the Sea of Japan and forms a beautiful coastline replete with quite a diverse ecosystem and associated wildlife. It is surrounded by clear water whose special shade is called 'Shakotan blue' due to its high degree of clarity. The mountainous terrain of the peninsula is about 20 miles long, extending northwest from the mainland. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this was a well-known herring-fishing ground. Even today, fishing is still a primary industry, and the fresh sea urchins from here are heralded as particularly tasty.

Visit the Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion)--second home of an Otaru herring fisheries owner. It took 6½ years for the miyadaiku (carpenters specializing in shines and temples) to complete the construction that was ludicrously lavish and expensive even at the time. Herring fisheries were extremely prosperous during the Meiji and Taisho eras. The two- story wooden house was built in 1922 and measures 53,000 square feet. It features a lacquer floor, whitewashed walls and zelkova corridors. Sliding doors are adorned with works by the premiere painters and calligraphers of the day.

Visit Sapporo’s Nijo Ichiba Market, famous supplier to the restaurants and kitchens of Sapporo. Freshly-caught seafood and fresh vegetables are displayed in rows, and buyers and sellers negotiate energetically. This market offers a true glimpse of local lifestyle and business.

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavors of Otaru. The city has to offer lavish mansions, a stunning stone-paved promenade, and authentic Japanese cuisine. According to Food & Wine magazine, it also gives Scotland a run for its money when it comes to top-of-the-line whisky.

A scenic 60-minute motorcoach drive from Yokohama brings you to fascinating Tokyo. The route affords you a glimpse at the world's largest city, including its modern skyscrapers, the Ginza district and other landmarks in the city center.

Head to the Fukagawa area, east of the Sumida River, called the shitamachi (Old Town). Your first stop is at the Fukagawa Edo Museum, nestled in a narrow, tree-lined street among numerous temples and shrines. The museum was established in 1986, and here you will enjoy a display of the Edo period, including everyday items and plants, and a reconstruction of Fukagawa Saga town.

A compelling place to visit, Kamakura invites the visitor to explore the treasures of the Shinto and Buddhist religions. The Shoguns made Kamakura an important town when it served as their capital from AD 1192 - 1333, but it is the quiet walks and spiritual peace that are its attractions in the 21st century.

You'll head to the Imperial Palace Plaza in central Tokyo -- home of Japan's Emperor. There will be time to wander in the Plaza, which provides a view of the Fushimi-Yagura watchtower. This famous building is a remnant of the mighty Edo period. You'll also see the famous Nijubashi Bridge.

Transfer by coach to Kokura Castle. Originally constructed in 1602, the castle's inner stronghold was destroyed by fire in 1837 and rebuilt in 1959. Inside is a small museum with spectacular views from the top floor. Stroll through the garden, full of delightful outdoor settings. The garden is much smaller than other Japanese gardens but it is a thing of beauty.

Exiled from the Imperial Court in Kyoto on trumped-up charges, Michizane persevered at Dazaifu under harsh conditions, with his character so admired that there are now 12,000 shrines dedicated to him across Japan. Dazaifu Tenmangu is perhaps the most famous of these and was established early in the 10th century.

This narrated excursion is a great way to acquaint yourself with the city and all its splendors. A knowledgeable onboard guide will point out areas of interest along the way and all you have to do is climb aboard your air-conditioned motorcoach and sit back and relax. Don't forget to bring a camera for the photo stops you'll make during your sightseeing tour.

Board a motor coach for the drive to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. You will walk 15-20 minutes to reach the shrine from the parking area. Dedicated in AD 905, this shrine commemorates a Heian official renowned for his learning and his purity of heart. The current shrine dates to 1591 and is a classic example of Momoyama Period architecture with its elegant, Buddhist-inspired bridges, serene ponds and ancient camphor trees. Browse for souvenirs along the street.

Explore the pretty, willow-lined canals by donko-bune -- a gondola-like punt poled by a boatman. The building is now long gone, but the sights that once surrounded Yanagawa Castle are stunning.

This flexible city tour offers the highlights of downtown Vancouver by convertible, clear-top bus, with stunning views rain or shine. Choose to hop off at any of the 20-plus stops; then, hop on again to continue your adventure. Included are major attractions and scenic points of interest.

The city of Vancouver, in the Canadian province of British Columbia, is a shining light in the American Northwest, and is consistently ranked one of the most livable cities in the world. Come see why this location was chosen as the home for the 2010 Winter Olympics.