Day 1

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a city of contrasts best explored one neighborhood at a time. In Asakusa, Senso-ji’s lantern gates lead to a centuries-old Buddhist temple; nearby, the Sumida River frames the skyline. Ride the efficient rail network to sleek Ginza, quiet Meiji Shrine, or the high-rise streets of Shinjuku. Come hungry: sushi counters, ramen shops, and department-store food halls make eating well remarkably easy. Tokyo’s scale is immense, but its details reward curiosity.

Day 2

Shimizu, Japan

Shimizu offers a memorable arrival: on clear days, Mount Fuji rises beyond the blue waters of Suruga Bay. Shimizu is a working harbor famed for tuna. Across the bay, Miho-no-Matsubara’s pines frame a celebrated view of Fuji. At Nihondaira, take in the panorama, then ride the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu, a richly decorated shrine honoring Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Day 3

Kobe-Osaka, Japan

Osaka rewards travellers who look beyond its famous appetite. Japan’s third-largest city blends merchant heritage, bold architecture and everyday energy. At Osaka Castle, stone walls and broad moats frame a defining chapter of the city’s past. Follow locals to Dotonbori, where neon reflects on the canal and takoyaki comes hot from the grill. Excellent rail links make Osaka a practical gateway to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.

Day 5

Kochi City, Japan

Kochi rewards curious visitors with Shikoku’s history and easygoing, open-air pleasures. At its heart, Kochi Castle is one of Japan’s twelve castles to retain its original keep. Nearby, the Sunday market and Hirome Market reveal local life through seasonal produce and katsuo no tataki, seared bonito. Follow the coast to Katsurahama, where a statue of samurai reformer Sakamoto Ryoma faces the sea.

Day 6

Hiroshima City, Japan

Hiroshima is a modern city with a history that reaches far beyond the events of 1945. At Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and museum offer a moving, carefully documented account of the bombing. Across the city, local trams make it easy to reach Shukkeien Garden, lively Hondori and the riverside. A short train and ferry journey reaches Miyajima, famed for Itsukushima Shrine and its great torii gate.

Day 7

Busan, Korea

Busan pairs the scale of a modern port city with easy access to temples, markets and broad beaches. Visit Gamcheon Culture Village, browse Jagalchi Fish Market or ride Songdo’s cable car over the sea. The city’s best-known sights are spread across several districts, so plan your day around one area. For a quieter pause, visit Beomeosa Temple on the forested slopes of Geumjeongsan.

Day 8

Nagasaki City, Japan

Few Japanese cities combine harbor scenery and layered history as compellingly as Nagasaki. Its steep streets rise above a sheltered harbor that once linked Japan with Dutch and Chinese traders. At Dejima, the former Dutch trading post, exhibits trace the city’s unusual role during centuries of restricted foreign contact. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum offer a moving, carefully documented account of 1945. Come for the history; stay to see how a resilient port city lives beside its past.

Day 9

Kagoshima City, Japan

Kagoshima sits at the southern end of Kyushu, with Sakurajima rising across its sheltered bay. Ferries cross to the active volcano, where lava fields and walking trails reveal a landscape still shaped by fire. Sengan-en, a former Shimazu estate, combines traditional gardens with striking views of Sakurajima. Kagoshima’s food is equally distinctive: tender kurobuta pork and local sweet-potato shochu give the region its own character.

Day 10

Beppu, Japan

Steam curls above Beppu, Japan’s celebrated hot-spring town. On Kyushu’s east coast, mineral-rich waters feed public baths and traditional inns. The famous Eight Hells are vivid geothermal pools, best admired rather than entered. Choose a soak in a neighborhood bathhouse, or sample cuisine cooked with volcanic steam. Beppu rewards travelers who make time for the water.

Day 12

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a city of contrasts best explored one neighborhood at a time. In Asakusa, Senso-ji’s lantern gates lead to a centuries-old Buddhist temple; nearby, the Sumida River frames the skyline. Ride the efficient rail network to sleek Ginza, quiet Meiji Shrine, or the high-rise streets of Shinjuku. Come hungry: sushi counters, ramen shops, and department-store food halls make eating well remarkably easy. Tokyo’s scale is immense, but its details reward curiosity.

Day 13

Nagoya, Japan

Nagoya rewards travelers who look beyond its industrial skyline. Nagoya Castle’s golden shachihoko and broad grounds recall the power of the city’s samurai lords. At Atsuta Jingu, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, ancient trees frame a quieter visit. Try miso katsu or grilled eel over rice, local specialties that give this hardworking city a distinct flavor.

Day 14

Kobe-Osaka, Japan

Osaka rewards travellers who look beyond its famous appetite. Japan’s third-largest city blends merchant heritage, bold architecture and everyday energy. At Osaka Castle, stone walls and broad moats frame a defining chapter of the city’s past. Follow locals to Dotonbori, where neon reflects on the canal and takoyaki comes hot from the grill. Excellent rail links make Osaka a practical gateway to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.

Day 17

Naha, Japan

Naha is the gateway to Okinawa, where Japan’s subtropical south feels distinct from the mainland. Begin at Shuri Castle, former seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, now being rebuilt after the 2019 fire. Along Kokusai Street, browse local crafts and taste Okinawan specialties, including bitter melon and sweet-potato treats. For a quieter glimpse of island life, explore Shikinaen, a royal garden with ponds and traditional architecture. Naha rewards curiosity beyond the waterfront.

Day 18

Ishigakijima Island, Japan

Ishigaki is the southern gateway to Japan’s Yaeyama Islands, where subtropical forests, coral reefs and clear seas set the pace. From the port, head to Kabira Bay for its jade-green water and glass-bottom boat rides; swimming is prohibited there. Explore Ishigaki Yaima Village for traditional Yaeyama houses, or seek out the island’s limestone cave. Return for grilled Ishigaki beef and Yaeyama soba, two local specialties worth making room for.

Day 19

Keelung, Taiwan

Keelung is Taiwan’s northern gateway, a busy harbor city with an easy rail connection to Taipei. Taipei’s museums, temples and shopping districts make a rewarding day ashore; Keelung offers local life closer to port. At Miaokou Night Market, sample seafood and Taiwanese snacks beneath the lantern signs. Heping Island Geopark offers wave-shaped rocks and broad coastal views.

Day 20

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s southern gateway, a working harbor city with an easy route to temples, markets, and contemporary art. Ride the light rail to Pier-2 Art Center, where converted warehouses hold galleries, design shops, and cafés beside the water. At Lotus Pond, dragon-and-tiger pagodas frame a vivid lakeside walk; further east, Fo Guang Shan offers a contemplative visit. Return downtown for beef noodles or seafood, then watch the harbor lights from the Love River.

Day 21

Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is best approached from the water, where the Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbour beneath a skyline of towers. Ride the Peak Tram for sweeping views of the harbour and surrounding islands. In Central, colonial landmarks stand beside glass towers; across the harbour, Kowloon’s markets and temples offer a different pace. Cantonese kitchens range from dim sum teahouses to polished dining rooms. Leave time for the harbour after dark, when the city’s lights come into focus.

Day 24

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Hạ Long opens onto a singular seascape: thousands of limestone islands rise from the Gulf of Tonkin. From the modern cruise port, boat trips lead into sheltered coves and dramatic grottoes. Some itineraries visit a floating fishing village, where families once made their living from the bay. Back ashore, Bai Chay has cafés and seafood restaurants. Choose a longer cruise for the best perspective: the karsts are most striking from the water.

Day 26

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang is Vietnam’s celebrated seaside city, set around a sweeping bay of turquoise water and pale sand. Beyond the beach, visit the centuries-old Po Nagar Cham Towers. At Long Son Pagoda, a climb brings broad views across the city. Fresh seafood, lively markets and boat trips to nearby islands make an easy day here. Choose a swim, a bowl of noodle soup, or a quiet hour watching fishing boats cross the bay.

Day 27

Saigon, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City rewards curious travellers with a vivid collision of old Saigon and modern Vietnam. French-colonial landmarks, busy markets and motorbike-filled streets make the centre a study in contrasts. The War Remnants Museum offers a sobering account of the conflict, while local cafés invite a slower pause. For a deeper look at Vietnam’s wartime history, the Cu Chi tunnels make a memorable excursion beyond the city.

Day 30

Singapore, Singapore

Singapore rewards the curious with a rare mix of order, energy and invention. Within a short ride of the waterfront, explore Chinatown’s shophouses, Little India’s temples and Kampong Glam’s Malay heritage. Follow pepper crab and satay aromas into a hawker centre, where local cooks make a persuasive case for lunch. For a quieter hour, Gardens by the Bay pairs dramatic Supertrees with cool conservatories and views across Marina Bay.

Day 33

Laem Chabang, Thailand

Bangkok makes its first impression in motion: river boats, temple roofs and traffic threading between modern towers. At the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha and ceremonial halls reveal the city’s royal heritage. Nearby, Wat Pho holds the famous Reclining Buddha; a Chao Phraya boat ride offers a quieter view of old neighborhoods. Come hungry: markets and street kitchens serve fragrant curries, grilled seafood and mango with sticky rice. Allow time for heat and distance; Bangkok rewards an unhurried visit.

Day 35

Koh Samui Island Thailand, Thailand

Ko Samui rewards those who look beyond its beach resorts. Thailand’s Gulf island pairs coconut groves and fishing villages with polished dining and quiet coves. From Nathon, explore the island’s temples, including the gold-toned Big Buddha, or follow the coast to Chaweng and Lamai. Boat trips reach Ang Thong Marine Park, where limestone islands rise above clear water. Choose a driver for the day; distances and heat make leisurely exploration easier.

Day 37

Klang, Malaysia

Port Klang is Malaysia’s busiest seaport and the practical gateway to Kuala Lumpur, about 40 kilometres inland. Stay nearby to explore Klang’s royal history and lively Little India. Follow the scent of bak kut teh, the peppery pork-and-herb soup that made the town famous. Or head to Kuala Lumpur for grand mosques, markets and city views; allow extra time for traffic.

Day 41

Jakarta, Indonesia

Cruise ships dock at Tanjung Priok, north of central Jakarta; allow extra time for traffic. Jakarta is Indonesia’s capital, where Dutch-era streets and modern towers share a crowded horizon. Begin in Kota Tua, the old town, with colonial façades, museums and Fatahillah Square. Monas commemorates independence, while the National Museum explores Indonesia’s history; save room for nasi goreng or satay.

Day 42

Semarang, Indonesia

Semarang rewards travelers who look beyond the harbor. Kota Lama’s Dutch-era warehouses and civic buildings recall the city’s trading past. The domed Gereja Blenduk anchors its historic square. Sam Poo Kong, a Chinese temple complex associated with 15th-century admiral Zheng He, reflects Java’s layered heritage. For a longer excursion, Borobudur, the celebrated Buddhist temple complex, lies about 100 kilometers inland. Make time for lumpia, Semarang’s famed spring roll.

Day 43

Surabaya, Indonesia

Surabaya, East Java’s provincial capital and Indonesia’s second-largest city, is a working port with a layered past. From Tanjung Perak, explore the old quarter, lively markets and broad boulevards that reveal its trading-city character. The House of Sampoerna, set in a restored Dutch-era complex, tells the story of the city’s clove-cigarette industry. For a dramatic change of scene, Mount Bromo’s volcanic landscapes make a lengthy day trip from the city.

Day 44

Benoa, Indonesia

Benoa is Bali’s principal cruise gateway, set on the island’s sheltered southeast coast. From the pier, Bali’s contrasts are close at hand: Nusa Dua’s resorts and Sanur’s seafront. Denpasar offers markets, museums, and a glimpse of daily life beyond the resort belt. Allow time for traffic; journeys inland can take longer than the map suggests. For a deeper excursion, Ubud pairs galleries and rice terraces with a lively arts scene.

Day 46

Lembar, Indonesia

Lembar is Lombok’s working harbour, where ferries connect the island with Bali. The port lies about 25 kilometres south of Mataram, Lombok’s compact capital. Explore Sasak heritage in traditional villages, surf beaches in the south, and rice fields across the inland foothills. The island’s best experiences lie well beyond the waterfront, so plan to travel.

Day 47

Komodo Island Indonesia, Indonesia

Komodo is a rare landfall where the world’s largest lizard still lives in the wild. The island lies within Komodo National Park, a UNESCO-listed landscape of dry hills, clear bays and coral-rich waters. Ranger-guided walks offer a chance to see the dragons, while boat trips reach quiet coves and rewarding snorkeling. Expect heat and uneven trails; the island rewards those who explore at an unhurried pace.

Day 49

Darwin, Australia

Darwin is Australia’s northern gateway, where the Timor Sea meets a city shaped by tropical heat and Asian influence. Its compact waterfront puts the harbour within easy reach. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory offers insight into Indigenous cultures and the region’s wartime past. Beyond town, Kakadu’s wetlands and Litchfield’s waterfalls reward a longer stay. Visit in the dry season for easier travel and clear, warm days.

Day 53

Cooktown QLD, Australia

Cooktown sits where the Endeavour River meets the Coral Sea, beneath the hills of Cape York Peninsula. In 1770, James Cook repaired the Endeavour here after it struck the Great Barrier Reef. Climb Grassy Hill for broad river and coastline views, then visit the James Cook Museum in a former convent. Cooktown’s gold-rush past and living Guugu Yimithirr culture give this remote Queensland town its distinct character.

Day 54

Cairns, Australia

Cairns puts two World Heritage landscapes within reach: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest. Boats leave the marina for coral reefs and islands. Inland, the scenic railway and Skyrail connect Cairns with Kuranda, a mountain village above the rainforest. The Esplanade’s waterfront lagoon offers a refreshing pause in the tropical city. Allow time for Cairns itself: its markets, cafés and relaxed waterfront reward a slower pace between excursions.

Day 55

Townsville QLD, Australia

Townsville puts tropical North Queensland within reach, with the Great Barrier Reef offshore and Magnetic Island just across the water. Take the ferry to Magnetic Island, where walking trails, quiet bays and koalas make a compelling day ashore. Back in town, The Strand follows the waterfront, while Castle Hill rewards a climb with broad views over the harbour. Allow time for the Museum of Tropical Queensland, whose exhibits explore the region’s maritime and natural history.

Day 56

Airlie Beach, Australia

Airlie Beach is the mainland gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, on Queensland’s Coral Sea coast. Boats leave its marina for island beaches, reef snorkelling and sailing, on day trips or overnight cruises. The foreshore lagoon offers a saltwater swim and bay views; cafés and shops line the town centre. Conway National Park’s rainforest trails provide a quieter inland counterpoint.

Day 58

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane is a river city with a relaxed subtropical pace and a confident cultural scene. Ride a CityCat ferry for an easy view of its bridges, riverside parks and skyline. At South Bank, galleries, restaurants and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre sit close to a man-made beach. Two leading art museums anchor the Queensland Cultural Centre. Afterward, explore the city’s dining precincts, where Queensland produce and global influences share the menu.

Day 60

Sydney, Australia

From the water, Sydney’s harbour frames the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and ferries crossing between historic quays. Beyond the waterfront, central Sydney pairs nineteenth-century buildings with contemporary architecture and leafy streets. Walk the Royal Botanic Garden for harbour views, or take a ferry to Manly for a coastal perspective. Allow time to explore The Rocks, where the city’s colonial beginnings meet galleries, cafés and a lively weekend market.

Cruise line	Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Ship	Seven Seas Explorer
Duration	59 nights
Port calls	35
From fare	$144,898 per person
Year built	2016
Guests	829
Cabins	375
Crew	552
Length	224 m
Beam	31 m
Cruising speed	22.0 kn

Japan Cruise from Tokyo to Sydney — 60 Days

Tokyo, Japan

Shimizu, Japan

Kobe-Osaka, Japan

Kochi City, Japan

Hiroshima City, Japan

Busan, Korea

Nagasaki City, Japan

Kagoshima City, Japan

Beppu, Japan

Tokyo, Japan

Nagoya, Japan

Kobe-Osaka, Japan

Naha, Japan

Ishigakijima Island, Japan

Keelung, Taiwan

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Hong Kong, China

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Saigon, Vietnam

Singapore, Singapore

Laem Chabang, Thailand

Koh Samui Island Thailand, Thailand

Klang, Malaysia

Jakarta, Indonesia

Semarang, Indonesia

Surabaya, Indonesia

Benoa, Indonesia

Lembar, Indonesia

Komodo Island Indonesia, Indonesia

Darwin, Australia

Cooktown QLD, Australia

Cairns, Australia

Townsville QLD, Australia

Airlie Beach, Australia

Brisbane, Australia

Sydney, Australia

Seven Seas Explorer Cruises

Cruise Disclosure