Discover Coastlines of Japan, Korea & China

The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren't yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world's leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island's north shore. While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.

Your cruise begins in Hong Kong, where you’ll be transferred to your luxury Emerald yacht to begin your seafaring journey through the captivating waters of Asia. With its dazzling skyline and lively harbour, Hong Kong offers a dynamic introduction to the wonders that await on your unforgettable voyage. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Hong Kong prior to 02:00 PM.

Arrive this morning at the beautiful Penghu Islands, a picturesque archipelago known for its rugged coastlines, traditional fishing villages and striking basalt formations. Enjoy time ashore exploring the island’s relaxed charm, discovering its rich local culture, and taking in sweeping ocean views before setting sail early this afternoon to continue your journey. 

Continue your journey in Taipei, Taiwan’s dynamic capital, a captivating blend of contemporary innovation and centuries-old tradition. Take time to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, appreciating its distinctive character by day and lively energy after dark during your overnight stay in port.

Enjoy a second day exploring Taipei.

This morning brings you to the beautiful island of Miyakojima, known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white-sand beaches. Part of Japan’s subtropical Okinawa region, this idyllic destination is defined by its relaxed charm and breathtaking coastal scenery. 

Welcome to the capital of Okinawa, where the spirit of the Ryukyu Kingdom meets the turquoise waters of the Pacific. In Naha, historic castle sites and traditional crafts sit alongside lively markets, cafés, and a serene island pace. Celebrated as a Blue Zone, Okinawa is known for its long-lived residents, community connections and mindful way of life. 

This morning, enjoy breakfast as you sail toward the beautiful Amami Islands. Known for their lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and sparkling coastal waters, the islands offer a peaceful escape. You can take a leisurely walk along the shore, explore the natural scenery, or simply relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. 

Yakushima is a round-shaped subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu island and part of Kagoshima prefecture. One fifth of this island is designated a Natural World Heritage Site in 1993, and it is covered by an extensive cedar forest that contains some of Japan’s oldest living trees. The symbol of Yakushima is called Yaku-Sugi, meaning Japanese cedar, which is only used for cedar trees over 1,000 years old. The oldest Yaku-Sugi is considered to be more than 7,000 years old. As a subtropical island with mountains that are nearly 2,000 meters high, Yakushima attracts a lot of rainfall around the year with a local saying that it rains 35 days a month! No matter how the weather is, the walking in the Cedar tree forest is what you cannot miss on this island. You can see many rare plants due to the abundance of water and the changes in temperature at different altitudes. The range of flora is very wide, from coral reef to alpine plants.

Discover the enchanting island of Yakushima, a World Heritage-listed site famous for its ancient cedar forests, untouched nature and stunning coastline. Home to the legendary Jomon Sugi, one of the oldest living trees on Earth, Yakushima is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. 

Kagoshima city is the capital of Kagoshima prefecture and also Kyushu’s southernmost major city. This city is often compared to its Italian sister city Naples, due to its’s similarities such as mild climate and active volcano, Sakurajima. Sakurajima is one of the most renowned active volcanos not only in Japan but also in the whole entire world. This smoking Sakurajima is centred in Kinko Bay and is one of the main symbols of this prefecture. We cannot talk about Sakurajima without the history of continuous eruption. Sakurajima used to be an isolated island; however, the land has banded together with Osumi peninsula from the eruption in 1914. You may have a chance to see the smoke coming from the top of Sakurajima depending on the weather condition. Not only does the scenery of Sakurajima represent the beauty of Kagoshima City but Senganen garden is also symbolic to elegance in the Kagoshima region. This Japanese garden was constructed by a feudal lord, Mitsuhisa Shimazu, as a guest house of the Kagoshima castle which attracts many visitors for its splendid view.

Relish a morning coffee on your luxury yacht as you admire the dramatic landscape of Kagoshima. At the southern tip of Kyushu, Mount Sakurajima volcano rises dramatically in Kagoshima Bay, creating a striking natural backdrop to this vibrant coastal city. Unearth its feudal history and explore the palm-lined streets of Kagoshima, or opt to spend the day on board, appreciating uninterrupted views of Sakurajima from the elegant Observation Sun Deck.

On Japan’s sunny southern coast, Miyazaki offers a picturesque coastal stop on Kyushu’s eastern shore, known for its tranquil shrines, striking seaside cliffs and the enduring legacy of samurai history. Surrounded by lush landscapes and sweeping ocean views, this relaxed destination provides a glimpse into Kyushu’s quieter, lesser-visited side, where nature, culture, and spirituality come together. 

Kochi, a relaxed regional capital with a rich samurai heritage, offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Japan. Discover its charm as you wander downtown streets full of local life, explore the historic Kochi Castle, find serenity at Chikurinji Temple on Mount Godaisan, or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Katsurahama Beach promenade.

From Minami's neon-lighted Dotombori and historic Tenno-ji to the high-rise class and underground shopping labyrinths of Kita, Osaka is a city that pulses with its own unique rhythm. Though Osaka has no shortage of tourist sites, it is the city itself that is the greatest attraction. Home to some of Japan's best food, most unique fashions, and warmest locals, Osaka does not beg to be explored—it demands it. More than anywhere else in Japan, it rewards the impulsive turn down an interesting side street or the chat with a random stranger. People do not come here to see the city, they come to experience it.Excluded from the formal circles of power and aristocratic culture in 16th-century Edo (Tokyo), Osaka took advantage of its position as Japan's trading center, developing its own art forms such as Bunraku puppet theater and Rakugo comic storytelling. It was in Osaka that feudal Japan's famed Floating World—the dining, theater, and pleasure district—was at its strongest and most inventive. Wealthy merchants and common laborers alike squandered fortunes on culinary delights, turning Osaka into "Japan's Kitchen," a moniker the city still has today. Though the city suffered a blow when the Meiji government canceled all of the samurai class's outstanding debts to the merchants, it was quick to recover. At the turn of the 20th century, it had become Japan's largest and most prosperous city, a center of commerce and manufacturing.Today Osaka remains Japan's iconoclastic metropolis, refusing to fit Tokyo's norms and expectations. Unlike the hordes of Tokyo, Osakans are fiercely independent. As a contrast to the neon and concrete surroundings, the people of Osaka are known as Japan's friendliest and most outgoing. Ask someone on the street for directions in Tokyo and you are lucky to get so much as a glance. Ask someone in Osaka and you get a conversation.The main areas of the city, Kita (north) and Minami (south), are divided by two rivers: the Dojima-gawa and the Tosabori-gawa. Between Kita and Minami is Naka-no-shima, an island and the municipal center of Osaka. Kita (north of Chuo Dori) is Osaka's economic hub and contains Osaka's largest stations: JR Osaka and Hankyu Umeda. The area is crammed with shops, department stores, and restaurants. Nearby are a nightlife district, Kita-shinchi; Naka-no-shima and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics; Osaka-jo (Osaka Castle); and Osaka Koen (Osaka Park). Restaurants, bars, department stores, and boutiques attract Osaka's youth to Minami (south Chuo Dori); theatergoers head to the National Bunraku Theatre and electronics-lovers to Den Den Town. For a glimpse of old Osaka, visit Tenno-ji Temple and Shin Sekai. The main stations are Namba, Shin-sai-bashi, Namba Nankai, and Tenno-ji. There's easy access to the Municipal Museum of Fine Art and Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine).The bay area, to the west of the city center, is home to the Osaka Aquarium and Universal Studios Japan. The Shinkansen stops at Shin-Osaka, three stops (about five minutes) north of Osaka Station on the Mido-suji subway line. To the north of Shin-Osaka is Senri Expo Park.

Discover the vibrant city of Osaka, Japan’s third-largest metropolis, known as Japan’s ’Kitchen’ for its world-famous street food culture and lively markets. Explore famous landmarks such as Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Temple, neon-lit districts like Dotonbori, and the modern skyline from the Umeda Sky Building. From culinary delights to cultural treasures and bustling city life, Osaka promises an unforgettable urban adventure.

Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.

Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s dynamic capital, where futuristic skyscrapers rise alongside centuries-old temples and tranquil gardens. This vibrant metropolis offers an inspiring blend of tradition, innovation, and cultural depth, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic cities. In the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed on board your luxury Emerald yacht, ready to embark on your next voyage.

The salt and pepper cone of Japan's most famous natural landmark won’t fail to take your breath away, as it soars into the sky in a vision of spectacular symmetry. Make sure your camera is fully prepared before you dock in Shimizu’s port, where unparalleled views of the extraordinary Mount Fuji’s dramatic peak await. Take your time to soak up one of Japan's most iconic views, before dipping your toes into the rest of what this destination of tranquil temples has to offer. While there’s a bustling fish market, and a charming amusement park waiting close to the port, most new arrivals immediately set off in pursuit of the best views of Mount Fuji, or to see the stunning panorama on offer from the heights of the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Take the cable car up to the top, to experience the tranquillity around the forested shrine, and to enjoy its stunning architecture of deep scarlets and gleaming golds. You can also enjoy heart-stopping views out over the Bay of Suruga, and the tea plantations below.

Set against the majesty of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful ports. With a history dating back to the Nara Period and framed by stunning natural scenery, Shimizu offers a wealth of inspiring sights. Discover rich Japanese culture and nearby shrines, stroll through the town to immerse yourself in local life, and enjoy the renowned views toward Mount Fuji on clear days, when the iconic peak rises dramatically above the horizon.

Arrive in Kumano, a region steeped in spiritual history and natural beauty. Sacred sites such as the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, ancient shrines and tranquil forests have inspired travellers for centuries. With its serene rivers, coastal vistas, and rich cultural heritage, Kumano offers a peaceful and unforgettable stop on your journey.

Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before - with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants, and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

Welcome to Kobe on Japan’s main island of Honshu, a major international port city framed by ocean views and mountain peaks. With a long history as one of Japan’s key gateways for global trade and cultural exchange, Kobe blends rich maritime heritage with a vibrant, modern identity.

Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before - with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants, and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

Rebuilt and revitalised following the 1995 earthquake, the city today showcases a distinctive mix of history, culture, and international flair, offering an ideal setting for exploration and indulgence.

This morning, you will arrive at the port of Uno, the gateway to the garden city of Okayama, the second-largest city in the Chugoku region. Okayama is home to the stunning Korakuen Garden, which was commissioned by a feudal lord in 1687 as a place to receive guests. Choose to spend your day strolling immaculately manicured gardens, admiring historic architecture or contemplating thought-provoking art.

History buffs will want to write home Hiroshima. Despite being devastated in 1945, this Japanese city is known to all for its commitment peace – its ruin on the 6th August 1945 led to the end of the war and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) , is a constant reminder of the destruction that war brings. A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace Memorial Park brings quiet contemplation. The Flames of Peace – set in the park’s central feature pond – burn brightly and will continue to do so until all the nuclear bombs I the world have been destroyed. There are many other inspiring messages of hope around the city too; the Children’s’ Peace Monument just north of the park is a homage to little Sadako Sasaki, who was just two in 1945. When she developed leukemia in 1956, she believed that if she folded 1,000 paper cranes – a symbol of longevity and happiness in Japan – she would recover. Sadly she died before she finished her task but her classmates finished the rest. It is impossible to ignore the events of 1945 in Hiroshima, but this is far from a depressing place. The great efforts that have been made in rebuilding of the city over the years have given Hiroshima a vibrant, eclectic edge, with the downtown shopping area and street food stalls being well worth a visit. The proximity to Miyajima and its iconic, impressive, Torii gate should not be overlooked either. If you are lucky enough to visit during the unpredictable and short-lived Sakura (cherry blossom) season, then the extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom floating across the water to the red gate, means you can consider yourself one of the luckiest people on the planet.

Hiroshima is a profoundly significant city, shaped by its history and defined by its enduring message of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, including the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, stand as powerful reminders of the past and invite reflection on the importance of peace. Alongside this, Hiroshima Castle and the serene Shukkeien Garden reveal layers of heritage and refined landscape design. Tree-lined avenues, riverside paths, and lively neighbourhoods complete a city that balances remembrance with a vibrant, forward-looking atmosphere. 

Arrive in Kitakyushu, Kyushu’s northern gateway where urban energy meets historic charm. Admire Kokura Castle and its serene gardens, the retro streets of Mojiko Port, and the dazzling night views from Mt. Sarakura, capturing the city’s rich history and serene beauty. Nestled between mountains and sea, this vibrant city blends tradition and modernity for an unforgettable day.

Discover Fukuoka, Kyushu’s dynamic capital and well-known culinary hub where ancient shrines meet modern vibrancy. Explore the serene Ohori Park with its tranquil lake, bustling Tenjin canal city, and the famous Yatai street food stalls showcasing Fukuoka’s unique blend of tradition, culture, and flavour.

Hagi is a former castle town located in the middle of Yamaguchi prefecture along the coast of the Sea of Japan. It is surrounded by the ocean, mountain and Abugawa River. Early in the 17th century, Terumoto Mori built Hagi Castle at the foot of Mt. Shizuki-yama, and the area served as the seat of the Yamaguchi prefecture government until the middle of 19th century. Around then, Hagi produced many capable men who played a leading role in the construction of modern day Japan, including Hirobumi Ito who became the first prime minister in Japan. You will still see a castle town itself which was built 400 years ago and you can get the feel of how it was like during the Samurai period. During your visit, we recommend experiencing the Hagi-yaki pottery which was brought from Korea in the early 17th century. Its colour is very unique and changes over time due to its porous nature. You can find many craft shops specialized for Hagi-yaki pottery all over the town. Last but not least, do not forget that Hagi is also famous for summer tangerines, and there are several shops which sells soft ice cream with summer tangerine flavour.

Experience Hagi, a riverside city on the picturesque Abu-gawa delta, framed by mountains and natural beauty. The city’s historic Shizuki Park features remnants of a 17th-century castle, while the old town invites leisurely walks along streets lined with traditional samurai residences and preserved merchant homes. Cltural sites include engaging museums and workshops showcasing Hagi-yaki pottery, offering a hands-on glimpse into the city’s artistic heritage. 

White-sand city beaches and hot-spring resorts may not be everyone's first image of Korea, but these are what Koreans flock to Busan for all year. And there are plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation, retail therapy, and even a touch of glamour every October with the Busan International Film Festival. Busan's beaches are the big summertime draw but there is plenty to be seen year round. Quintessential experiences include taking some rest and relaxation at a local spa and exploring the Beomeosa temple complex.

Your luxurious yacht journey comes to an end in Busan, South Korea’s vibrant port city where bustling markets, serene beaches, and historic temples create a dynamic and unforgettable atmosphere. From here, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward travels, taking with you cherished memories of your extraordinary voyage along Japan and South Korea’s coast.

Please book your flight to depart out of Busan after 12:00 PM.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.