From ancient temples to neon-lit cityscapes, stepping into Japan is like stepping into another world. Imagine strolling through emerald-green bamboo forests, exploring vibrant streets alive with gleaming red shrines, and uncovering a treasure trove of kawaii curiosities that’ll have you smiling ear to ear.
Treat your tastebuds to soul-warming bowls of ramen, irresistible street eats, and indulge your inner child at magical spots like Disneyland. From tradition-rich temples to quirky pop culture and flavours you'll be dreaming about long after you've returned, Japan really does have something for every adventurer.
With insider tips from our Japan specialists, we'll help craft the magical moments and hidden gems that make a holiday truly unforgettable. Get ready to sushi-roll your way through the Land of the Rising Sun!
Traveling from Auckland to Japan typically takes around 11 hours on a direct flight. Though it’s a long journey, the allure of Japan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique blend of tradition and modernity make the time in the air well worth it.
The best times to visit Japan are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring is famous for the cherry blossoms (sakura), which bloom across the country, creating breathtaking landscapes. Autumn, on the other hand, offers beautiful fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer tourists. These seasons are perfect for exploring Japan’s temples, gardens, and cultural sites.
Japan is 3 hours behind New Zealand. This small time difference makes it easy to adjust, allowing you to dive right into your Japanese adventure with minimal jet lag.
The Japanese celebrate Sakura with Hanami, literally “flower viewing” celebrations which take place in March and April.
A must-do experience!
Get your sake fix and karaage cravings satisfied at Hoppy Street!
Chase the sunrise on Mt Fuji
Take a trip to Miyajima Island and see the iconic ‘floating’ torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Brave the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo!
Now’s your chance!
For a truly unique experience stay at a Buddhist Temple, or a "shukubo".
Ready for a wild ride?
Shop quirky t-shirts, hidden gems, and unique souvenirs on every corner!
BLACK FRIDAY
REDUCED DEPOSITS
HOT EXCLUSIVE
2027 SAILING
Sail roundtrip from Tokyo and discover Japan’s springtime beauty. Explore the cultural treasures of Osaka, Hiroshima and Kochi, and venture to South Korea’s Busan. Experience ancient traditions, modern cities and the magic of cherry blossom season.
Enjoy an elegant mid-sized ship, a comfortable stateroom with refined amenities and Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream™ bed, 24-hour in-room dining, world-class entertainment and cuisine, including a new first-of-its-kind Global Fresh Fish Program.
On the Westerdam enjoy World Stage, home to a variety of performances and lectures day and night, dance to your favourite songs at the Rolling Stone Lounge or sing along and test your music trivia with Billboard Onboard. For leisurely days at sea try your hand at the Pickleball courts that have amazing top-deck views or rejuvenate at Greenhouse Spa & Salon®.
Departs 28 Mar 2027
DRINKS + WIFI
ONBOARD CREDIT
From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Mt. Fuji, this journey takes you through Japan’s cultural highlights and the vibrant city of Busan in South Korea. Experience the historic charm of Kyoto and Osaka, the scenic coastlines of Hakodate and Aomori, and enjoy relaxing days at sea, blending city exploration with tranquil moments.
Departs 21 Jul 2026
Discover the wonders of Asia with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Glide between vibrant capitals, tranquil islands, and stunning natural landscapes aboard your luxurious superyacht. Explore bustling markets, ancient temples, and historic castles, or sail through serene waters like Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay and Japan’s cherry blossom–framed rivers. Every journey blends the region’s rich traditions and diverse cultures with the comfort and service that define The Ritz-Carlton experience.
View Asia 2025/26 Season Sailings
View Asia 2026/27 Season Sailings
Departs 23 Dec 2025
HOT EXCLUSIVE
AMAZING SAVINGS
Your adventure begins with two nights in Tokyo, perfect for enjoying the city’s famous cherry blossoms before boarding your cruise. Follow Japan’s coastline to ports rich in tradition, artistry, and scenic splendour. Visit Kobe, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima, each offering unique encounters with local culture. With the Kanmon Strait and South Korea adding to the journey, this spring voyage blends beauty, history, and coastal allure.
Experience luxury like never before onboard your intimate Seabourn ship, where a private yacht-like atmosphere meets unparalleled elegance. Each ocean-front suite is thoughtfully appointed, complemented by exquisite dining, captivating entertainment, and a generous selection of premium spirits and fine wines, always available throughout your journey.
Departs 27 Mar 2026
Windstar’s Asia sailings are a world apart from the big cruise lines. They offer something refreshingly different—smaller ships, more time in port, and cool turnarounds in places like Phuket, Bangkok and Vietnam. These aren’t your typical fly-in-fly-out itineraries; they’re thoughtfully crafted journeys that let you see more, stay longer, and go off the beaten path. Available from October 2026 to March 2027, these cruises are ideal for travellers who prefer a more relaxed pace and a deeper connection with the destination.
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details for Windstar Cruise 2026/27 sailings
You’ll be sailing on Windstar’s newest ship, Star Seeker—launching in 2026 and designed with discovery in mind. Its small size means it can access tucked-away ports and harbours the bigger ships can’t, while still offering a high standard of onboard comfort. Expect spacious suites, open-air lounges and a relaxed onboard atmosphere tailored to curious, independent travellers.
Departs 26 Oct 2026
FLY FREE OFFER
Book a Viking Ocean Cruise and you can enjoy either COMPANION FREE FLIGHTS up to AU$2500 per booking or SAVE AU$2500 per booking off your cruise. Available on 2026, 2027 or 2028 Sailings. T&C apply.
Set your sights on the wonders of East Asia, where centuries-old traditions meet futuristic cities. From Tokyo’s neon buzz to the peaceful temples of Taipei, this cruise takes you deep into the heart of the region. Uncover samurai stories in Nagasaki, soak in Beppu’s famous hot springs, and see Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial. With overnight stays in Tokyo and Hong Kong, there’s time to wander, taste and connect. It’s the perfect way to experience the depth and diversity of Japan and beyond—without having to repack once.
Departs 27 Sep 2026
Embark on an unforgettable adventure of Japan with Princess Cruises! Explore the stunning beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of this fascinating country. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Mount Fuji, Princess Cruises offers a variety of itineraries that take you to Japan's most iconic ports, including Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, and more.
View Japan Feb 26 - Jun 26 Sailings
View Japan Jul 26 - Nov 26 Sailings
View Japan Mar 27 - Jun 27 Sailings
View Japan Jul 27 - Nov 27 Sailings
Cruising Season from March to November
Flowers, festivals, Fireworks & Foliage
Mar - Sail south for Spring Flowers
Apr - Head north to follow Spring Flowers
May - Celebrate Golden Week
Jun - Sail everywhere throughout Japan
Jul - Relish the height of Summer, cruise everywhere
Aug - Marvel at Kumano Fireworks & Nebuta Festival
Sep - Follow foliage at its finest
Oct - Enjoy the low season of fall foliage
Nov - Cruise in cool crisp air
Enjoy Princess signature features such as Movies Under the Stars & the Lotus Spa, experience new Broadway-style shows, and get the best sleep at sea with the scientifically designed Princess Luxury Bed!
Departs 1 Feb 2026
Land of dawn, daring explorers and age-old paths of both earth and sea. From the Silk Road to the Spice Route, through horizons of unprecedented beauty ranging from deserts landscapes to the highest mountains on the globe. From the shores of Indian Oceans to the Pacific islands, crossroads of ancient cultures and religious blending. Asian wealth is staggering and with MSC Cruises you can fulfill your craving for exploration across its fascinating seas. A cruise to Asia is a journey through millennia-old traditions still strongly intact despite its impressive modernization.
View Asia and Far East 2025 Nov to Dec Sailings
View Asia and Far East 2026 Jan to May Sailings
Buddhist, Hindu or Taoist temples, martial arts like judo and karate, and a pulsating pop culture that has impacted the world with anime, video games and K-pop. A delicious food culture featuring sushi, ramen, sake, and Chinese rolls. A Far East cruise has everything needed for a memorable holiday! And the journey begins right onboard our cruises, where you can savour the local delicacies and tastes, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of the wonders of the Far East with MSC Cruises.
Departs 12 Nov 2025
Set sail on an unforgettable journey to Asia with Holland America Line® and be captivated by natural wonders, ancient traditions, and lively capital cities. Choose from 13-night discovery cruises to immersive 28-night collector cruises.
View Asia Nov 2025 to Apr 2026 Sailings
View Asia Sep 2026 to Dec 2026 Sailings
View Asia Jan 2027 to Apr 2027 Sailings
Enjoy an elegant mid-sized ship, a comfortable stateroom with refined amenities and Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream™ bed, 24-hour in-room dining, world-class entertainment and cuisine, including a new first-of-its-kind Global Fresh Fish Program. For leisurely days at sea try your hand at the Pickleball courts that have amazing top-deck views or rejuvenate at Greenhouse Spa & Salon®.
Departs 9 Nov 2025
Set sail on an unforgettable journey to Asia with Oceania Cruises, savour delicious cuisine, learn fascinating histories, and be awed by natural wonders. Cruises start from 10-nights and depart from Japan, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore.
View Asia 2025 Sailings
View Asia 2026 Sailings
Step onboard your contemporary and sophisticated small ship and savour The Finest Cuisine at Sea. Enjoy ultimate value with Oceania's Your World Included™ which offers dining at Gourmet Speciality Restaurants, In-Suite Dining, Unlimited Wifi, Gratuities, and more - amenities that are always included.
Departs 6 Nov 2025
"Friendly , knowledgeable and simply onto it. ! Had my travel plans at heart. Went the extra mile for me with a special request."
Sonia"Holly was commited to helping me and went over and above to help me book the flights I needed. I will use Holly again for my travel arrangements."
Sacha"Tim is extremely helpful, has lots of personal knowledge to draw from and found us a really good deal for our circumstances."
BrendaI have been in and out of the industry since the 80's I have lived in Australia, Canada, Italy and of course NZ.
I have travelled to some great places but there is still a huge number of countries on my wish list.
There is nothing better than being able to help someone when they are going to a new place...recommend a hotel, restaurant or activity and then have them return to say how much they enjoyed it all.
Erin
I have been a part of the travel industry for over 30 years and still love it!
I love to travel and I often joke with my clients that I live vicariously through them.
Planning the perfect holiday for my clients fills me with joy. I take pride in what I do and love sharing my passion of travel.
Many of my clients have become life long friends.
Shelley
As a 17 year old, I headed off to Finland on a student exchange for a year, my first ever overseas trip and the start of my passion for travel.
Whether it’s a quick jaunt across the Tasman, an adventure
through Vietnam or a guided coach tour of Europe, I love working with you
to create the perfect holiday.
Having been in the industry for over 30 years, I have an extensive knowledge of airfares, and travel providers, I combine that with the knowledge of my returning customers and the wisdom of the House of Travel collective to craft your travel.
There sure is a lot you need to know and I pride myself on keeping up to date with industry trends and changes. That may be new destinations to visit, beautiful places to stay or changes in travel requirements.
So get in touch and let me help make your travel dreams come true.
Toni
Travel is a passion for me, I have been in travel for quite some time (too long to remember) from Corporate to Leisure.
I aim to help people no matter what their plans are to create the best holiday experience possible. I enjoy being part of our travellers experience and making the whole process as easy as possible & to create fantastic memories that are special and will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.
I have travelled to some amazing places, but one stands out, the 6 months I spent working on Antarctica at McMurdo Station is a highlight & backpacking through India was a challenge.
From visiting the many aspects of Australia, Asia, South Africa & South America to basking in the sun on the Maldives or hitting the beaches and shopping in Thailand I would love to help you create some new stories & memories. I love active holidays and have followed the Moto GP / Formula 1 and the Isle of Man TT was particularly exciting. Followed by walking up on Mt Kinabalu was another eventful trip.
However, every great adventure starts with a plan, and I would be honoured to help you with that plan, whether you take the road less travelled or one of the many roads that lead to Rome.
I look forward to helping you to create more wonderful stories and memories in the coming years.
Rhonda
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