JAPAN LAND JOURNEYS 2026-2027
Including Luxury Mekong River Cruising
2
Japan Imbued with a unique culture, unmistakable identity and exquisite beauty, Japan is an enthralling experience in every sense. From centuries-old fishing villages and majestic feudal castles to neon-lit skylines and ultra-modern innovations, Japan reveals a land of breathtaking contrasts, where the past, present, and future effortlessly collide.
Well-preserved cultural heritage and deeply-rooted traditions across this ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ provide countless opportunities to connect with the nation’s compelling past, while its frenetic megacities and next-gen technologies immerse you in an exhilarating, futuristic world. Comprised of a stunning archipelago in Northeast Asia, Japan’s centrally-positioned Honshu Island is home to much of the country’s main cities and important attractions, welcoming with an endearing warmth. Japan’s political centre for centuries, Tokyo today presents a fast-paced megacity ranked as the planet’s most populated. Amid this mesmerising capital, the world’s tallest tower and busiest pedestrian crossing rub shoulders with traditional icons and ancient Shinto shrines. Heading southwest, mountainous Hakone is popular for its hot springs and spectacular vistas of Mount Fuji, an active volcano and national symbol best appreciated on a scenic lake cruise. As Japan’s imperial capital for over a millennium, Kyoto boasts the nation’s highest concentration of cultural and architectural treasures. Surrounded by rural heartlands, this well-preserved ancient city delivers the quintessential face of old Japan and some of its most authentic cultural experiences. Nearby Nara makes an enthralling day trip for its significant historical assets. Another former imperial capital, Osaka dazzles with a buzzing street life and diverse attractions, but renowned as ‘the nation’s kitchen’ and Japan’s culinary mecca, food is the biggest drawcard in this vibrant metropolis. Further westwards on Honshu, Hiroshima, eternally synonymous with its tragic wartime history and off-shore, the small, pretty island of Miyajima are additional, must-see destinations.
Top: Golden Temple, Kyoto, Japan Left: Osaka, Japan Right: Colourful Geishas
3
Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima, Japan
14-Day Wonders of Japan Osaka to Tokyo Departing: March – October 2027 Day 1 Osaka
Day 4 Osaka – Hiroshima
Welcome to Japan and the vibrant city of Osaka. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your three-night included stay in Japan’s third largest metropolis. This evening, meet your Tour Director for a briefing on the days ahead and a welcome dinner.
Enjoy a ride on Japan’s iconic Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima. Here, take time to reflect at the sobering Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. Later, check in to your hotel for your included two-night hotel stay. Tonight, enjoy sampling Okonomiyaki, a Japanese-style savoury pancake and delicious regional specialty.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Osaka Begin your morning tour of Osaka at Shinsaibashisuji and Kuromon Ichiba Market, known as ‘Osaka’s Kitchen’, before visiting the Museum of History and Osaka Castle. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, then head to the Umeda Sky Building for 360-degree nighttime views from the Floating Garden Observatory and a delicious dinner 170 metres above the city. Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Today, you’ll drive to Tondabayashi to visit a restored Edo-era merchant house before continuing on to Kehaya-za. For your EmeraldPLUS experience, learn about the history, life and training routine of a Sumo wrestler during a private visit to a Sumo Museum in Kehaya-za, where Sumo originated. After your welcome ceremony, observe a demonstration of Jinku and the wrestlers in action in the dohyo. Later in the evening, take a ride on the Osaka Metro to wander around the lively entertainment area of Dotonbori and Hozenji Yokocho food alley. Exclusive visit to a sumo museum and sumo wrestler demonstration.
4
Day 5 Hiroshima - Miyajima Island Today, you’ll take the ferry to Miyajima Island, a small and picturesque island set in Hiroshima Bay. Here, you’ll visit Daisho-in Temple and its famous floating Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine, also built over the water. Later, enjoy time at leisure to explore more of fascinating Hiroshima. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3 Osaka - Kehaya-za
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 Hiroshima – Himeji - Kyoto This morning, travel by Shinkansen to marvel at Himeji Castle, regarded as one of Japan’s most spectacular and one of the few remaining original feudal castles. Continue to the culturally rich city of Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital for over a millennium and home to numerous UNESCO World Heritagelisted sites. Afterwards, check in to your hotel in Kyoto for your included stay. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Ryokan Upgrade For a unique insight into Japanese culture, choose to stay tonight in a Ryokan (at additional cost, must
be pre-booked before departure). This traditional Japanese Inn features tatami mat flooring with futon beds, sliding shoji paper doors,baths and private facilities. Your Ryokan stay includes dinner and breakfast.
Day 7 Kyoto – Nara Continue to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, originally known as Heijo, to visit Todaiji Temple, the historic head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples. Stroll through Nara Park to see the freeroaming deer before returning to Kyoto for a visit to a sake brewery and museum to taste and learn about Japan’s world-famous brew. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 8 Kyoto Pay an early morning visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates and its appearance in ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. Then glide by traditional rickshaw through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and explore World Heritage-listed Tenryu-ji Temple. After lunch, visit Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, before your EmeraldPLUS private group dinner hosted by a Geiko or Maiko, a rare chance to learn about their life and Japanese hospitality. Exclusive group dinner hosted by a Geiko or Maiko. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9 Kyoto – Shizuoka Board the shinkansen to Shizuoka and visit Nihondaira Yume Terrace for 360-degree views of Mt. Fuji. Ride the ropeway from Nihondaira Plateau to Toshogu Shrine on Mt. Kuno, an ornate forest shrine honouring Tokugawa Ieyasu. In the evening, enjoy a hands-on sushi-making experience before an overnight stay at your hotel overlooking Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka. Meals: Breakfast and dinner
To explore this itinerary further, search for ECHT at emerald.cruises
Day 10 Shizuoka - Hakone Begin your day with a visit to a charming tea farm and factory. After enjoying a street food lunch at Omiya Yokocho, drive to the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre before continuing to Hakone. Stroll through the Hakone Chokokuno Mori Open-Air Museum, admiring the striking artworks and sculptures in a natural setting. Established in 1969, the Hakone Open-Air Museum presents Japan’s first outdoor museum. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel for your included stay. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11 Hakone - Tokyo Admire the views of Mt. Fuji on a Lake Ashinoko cruise before driving to Tokyo. On arrival, explore the Asakusa district, home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and the traditional Nakamise shopping street with its craft and souvenir shops. Check in at your hotel for a three-night stay, then enjoy an evening at leisure.
13 Number of nights
Train
— Coach transfer Map is a guide only
DiscoverMORE Dine at Gonpachi Nishiazabu, made famous in the hit film, ‘Kill Bill’ (extra expense). DiscoverMORE Culturally immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese evening Izakaya bar scene, serving Yaki-tori and Kushiyaki, accompanied by your Tour Director (extra expense). Meals: Breakfast and lunch
EmeraldDISCOVERY highlights unique to your itinerary: Emerald Inclusions
EmeraldPLUS
n Deluxe hotels with all service charges,
Day 12 Tokyo
taxes and porterage included
Begin your day with sensory wonder at teamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum in Tokyo where artworks move, change, and interact without boundaries. You’ll also make a brief stop at the Imperial Palace East National Gardens. Afterwards, wander through picturesque ShinjukuGyoen Gardens, before experiencing the Shinjuku entertainment district come alive at dusk. Tonight, enjoy time at leisure, immersed in Shinjuku’s buzzing sights and sounds. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 13 Tokyo Visit Meiji Shrine, Tokyo’s most famous Shinto site, before crossing the bustling Shibuya Scramble. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Harajuku and Omotesando, then, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, take in Tokyo’s bright lights on an evening farewell dinner cruise with free-flow drinks on Tokyo Bay aboard a traditional yakatabune houseboat. Enjoy a farewell dinner cruise on a traditional yakatabune. Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 14 Tokyo Say goodbye to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: Breakfast This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from that stated above.
n 29 meals: 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches and
7 dinners
n First-class service from an English-
speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
n Private sumo wrestler demonstration n Private group dinner hosted by a Geisha
or Maiko
n Cruise on a yakatabune, an old-fashioned
houseboat
n Earn EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty points
DiscoverMORE 2 optional excursions,
Izakaya Nightlife – From €165 pp
available at an additional cost.
Culturally immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese evening Izakaya bar scene, serving Yaki-tori and Kushiyaki, accompanied by your Tour Director.
Gonpachi Nishiazabu – From €175 pp Dine at Gonpachi Nishiazabu, made famous in the hit film, ‘Kill Bill’. Includes: Transfers, meal and free flow drinks.
Includes: Transfers, meal and free flow drinks in Izakaya bars.
PRICING AND SPECIAL OFFERS Mar Departures may feature Cherry Blossoms
2027 Oct 1, 29
2027 Apr 9, May 14
2027 Mar 12, 27
Oct Departures may feature Autumn foliage Journey Code: ECHT Per Person Twin Share
from
from
from
Earlybird including €750 saving
€8.370
€8.095
€8.435
Full Fare
€9.120
€8.845
€9.185
Additionals: Traditional one night Japanese Ryokan upgrade in Kyoto from €925 per person twin share.
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person in EUR, based on twin share. They include all applicable discounts and are limited by availability, category, and departure date. Once sold out, the full fare will apply. A deposit of 20% is required within 7 days of booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to departure. Itineraries and inclusions are subject to change. DiscoverMORE optional excursions are at an additional cost. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time.
Latest pricing and availability visit emerald.cruises or contact your travel agent
5
Osaka Castle, Osaka, Japan
26-Day Wonders of Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia Osaka to Siem Reap Departing: October 2026 - October 2027 Day 1-2 Osaka
Day 6 Hiroshima – Himeji - Kyoto
Arrive in Osaka and transfer to your hotel. Meet your Tour Director for a welcome briefing and dinner. The next day, explore Kuromon Ichiba Market, visit the Museum of History and rebuilt Osaka Castle, then end with dinner and 360-degree night-time views from the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory.
This morning, travel by Shinkansen to marvel at Himeji Castle, regarded as Japan’s most spectacular castle. Continue to the culturally rich city of Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital for for over a millennium and home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Meals: Day 1 Dinner, Day 2 Breakfast and dinner
Ryokan Upgrade
Day 3 Osaka - Kehaya-za Drive to Tondabayashi to visit a restored Edo-era merchant house before continuing to Kehaya-za for your EmeraldPLUS experience. In the evening, ride the Osaka Metro to explore the lively Dotonbori and Hozenji Yokocho food alley. Exclusive visit to a Sumo Museum and Sumo wrestler demonstration. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 4 Osaka – Hiroshima Ride Japan’s iconic Shinkansen to Hiroshima and take time to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. Later, check in to your hotel for your included two-night stay.
For a unique insight into Japanese culture, you can choose to stay in a traditional Ryokan (at additional cost, pre-booking required), featuring tatami floors, futon beds, sliding shoji doors and private baths. Your Ryokan stay includes dinner and breakfast.
Day 7 Kyoto – Nara Continue to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, to visit Todaiji Temple, the historic head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples. Stroll through Nara Park to see the free-roaming deer before returning to Kyoto for a visit to a sake brewery and museum to taste and learn about Japan’s world-famous brew. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 8 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 Hiroshima - Miyajima Island Take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit Daisho-in Temple and see the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, built over the water. Later, enjoy leisure time to further explore fascinating Hiroshima.
Pay an early morning visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, ride a rickshaw through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and explore Tenryu-ji, then visit Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, before an EmeraldPLUS private group dinner hosted by a Geiko or Maiko.
Exclusive group dinner hosted by a Geiko or Maiko Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9 Kyoto – Shizuoka Board the Shinkansen to Shizuoka and visit Nihondaira Yume Terrace for 360-degree views of Mt. Fuji, then ride the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine on Mt. Kuno. Enjoy a hands‑on sushi‑making experience for dinner before an overnight stay at your hotel overlooking Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka. Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 10 Shizuoka - Hakone Visit a tea farm and factory, then enjoy street food lunch at Omiya Yokocho. Continue to the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre before heading to Hakone to stroll through the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Then transfer to your hotel for your included stay. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11 Hakone - Tokyo Admire Mt. Fuji on a Lake Ashinoko cruise, then drive to Tokyo to explore Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street before checking into your hotel for a three-night stay and an evening at leisure or on a DiscoverMORE excursion. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 12-13 Tokyo Visit teamLab Borderless, a digital art museum, then continue to the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Shinjuku Gyoen before experiencing Shinjuku’s entertainment district with an evening at leisure. The next day, visit Meiji Shrine and cross the Shibuya Scramble, enjoy free time in Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando, then join your EmeraldPLUS experience. Enjoy a farewell dinner cruise on Day 13 aboard a traditional yakatabune.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
6
To explore this itinerary further, search for ECOS at emerald.cruises
Meals: Day 12 Breakfast and lunch, Day 13 Breakfast and dinner.
Day 14 Tokyo > Ho Chi Minh City Fly south to Vietnam and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where you’ll be met by your Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your downtown District 1 hotel for a two‑night stay. Enjoy time at leisure before meeting your Vietnamese Tour Director for a welcome briefing and dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City Drive from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels to explore with a local guide, then return for a pho noodle soup lunch, followed by an afternoon and evening at leisure or on DiscoverMORE excursions. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
25 Number of nights
Day 16 Ho Chi Minh City – Embarkation
Train
— Coach transfer
After checkout, enjoy a guided city tour before boarding Emerald Harmony to sail down the Saigon River to Cho Gao Canal for your first dinner on board.
Map is a guide only
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
EmeraldDISCOVERY highlights unique to your itinerary:
Days 17-22 Cruise the Mekong River on a luxury 8-Day cruise Day 23 Rokar Koang Disembarkation Disembark Emerald Harmony and travel by road to Siem Reap for your included three-night stay, then check into your boutique hotel. In the evening, enjoy a special Emerald DiscoverMORE dinner at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, supporting Phare’s work. Phare Cambodian Circus performance. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Emerald Inclusions
EmeraldPLUS
n Deluxe hotels with all service charges,
taxes and porterage included
n 60 meals: 25 breakfasts, 19 lunches and
16 dinners
n Private sumo wrestler demonstration n Private dinner hosted by a Geisha or Maiko n Cruise on a yakatabune, an old-fashioned
houseboat
n 7 nights on board the luxurious Emerald
n Traditional Buddhist Monk Blessing,
n First-class service from an English-
n Lion Dance performance on board
Harmony
speaking crew on board Emerald Harmony and knowledgeable local guides
Oudong
n Phnom Penh by night on a remork
Day 24-25 Siem Reap Visit Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, where jungle roots envelop ancient temple ruins, with the evening free to explore ‘Pub Street’ or join a DiscoverMORE gondola boat ride at Bayon or a Cambodian street food tour (extra expense). On Day 25, witness sunrise over Angkor Wat, explore this UNESCO‑listed temple and enjoy leisure time in town or DiscoverMORE excursions before an immersive EmeraldPLUS farewell dinner with Apsara dance performance. Cultural night dinner show with Apsara dance performance. Meals: Day 24 Breakfast and lunch, Day 25 Breakfast and dinner.
DiscoverMORE 17 optional excursions, available at an additional cost. PRICING AND SPECIAL OFFERS 2026 Oct 30
Mar Departures may feature Cherry Blossoms Journey Code: ECOS
Day 26 Depart Siem Reap
Stateroom – D Earlybird including €750 saving
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Siem Reap airport to catch your onward or homebound flight.
Full Fare Panorama/Grand Balcony Suite – B, A, AP, S Earlybird including €750 saving
Meals: Breakfast This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from that stated above.
2027 Mar 12
2027 Apr 9 Oct 29
from
from
€14.305
€14.430
€15.055
€15.180
from
from
€14.750
€14.875
Full Fare Owner’s One-Bedroom Suite – SA Earlybird including €750 saving
€15.500
€15.625
Full Fare
from
from
€16.565
€16.105
€17.315
€16.855
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person in EUR, based on twin share. They include all applicable discounts and are limited by availability, category, and departure date. Once sold out, the full fare will apply. A deposit of 20% is required within 7 days of booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to departure. Itineraries and inclusions are subject to change. DiscoverMORE optional excursions are at an additional cost. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time.
Latest pricing and availability visit emerald.cruises or contact your travel agent
7
LUXURY YACHT CRUISING As the luxury ship experts, we invite you to join us on board our custom-designed superyachts, which allow unique access to the fascinating ports and harbours that only smaller ships can enter. Venture off the beaten track and embark on the adventure of a lifetime, enjoying the freedom to explore the many beautiful coastlines and cultures around the world. Our luxury yachts, with a maximum of only up to 128 guests, sail the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean and the Indian Ocean.
Our Worldwide Cruising & Touring Collection
2026/2027 Asia River Cruising & Land Tours
2027 Europe River Cruising
2026/2028 Luxury Yacht Cruise Planner
Reservation & Enquiries +44 161 236 2537 hello@emeraldcruises.eu Or contact your travel agency
Scenic Cruises International GmbH Wallbrunnstrasse 24 79539 Lörrach, Germany
STAY IN TOUCH WITH US Follow us on social media and be inspired by our incredible journeys.
2028/2029 Yacht Cruise Calendar