Apra Harbor Cruise from Guam Island Marianas to Osaka — 15 Days

Guam Island Marianas, USA

Guam, the largest island in the Mariana chain, pairs warm-water beaches with a distinct island culture. As a U.S. territory, it carries a layered history shaped by Chamorro, Spanish, and American influences. Explore Hagåtña, the capital, and sites in War in the Pacific National Historical Park, then snorkel Tumon Bay’s clear waters. Chamorro food and village fiestas offer a closer look at local life beyond the resorts.

Saipan Island Marianas, USA

Saipan is the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the western Pacific. Its clear lagoon, limestone coast and wartime history reward a visit beyond the beach. At Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff, the island’s World War II story is starkly present. Snorkel the Grotto, a limestone cavern connected to the sea, or drive to Mount Tapochau for sweeping views. Garapan, the main town, offers a convenient base and local dining.

Pagan Island Marianas, USA

Pagan is a remote volcanic island in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the western Pacific. Mount Pagan, an active volcano, has shaped a stark landscape of ash, lava and rugged slopes. Most residents were evacuated after the 1981 eruption; Pagan remains largely uninhabited. For travelers who can reach it, the island offers a rare encounter with volcanic wilderness and vast Pacific horizons.

At Sea (At Sea)

Torishima Island Japan, Japan

Torishima lies roughly 600 kilometres south of Tokyo. Far out in the Pacific, it rises as a steep, uninhabited volcanic island in the Izu chain. There is no regular visitor access, but its cliffs make a striking sight from the water. Torishima supports a key breeding colony of the endangered short-tailed albatross, a seabird once driven close to extinction. Bring binoculars; these remarkable birds are best viewed from a vessel offshore.

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.

Oshima Island Japan (Scenic Stop)

Toba-Mie, Japan

Toba brings Japan’s maritime traditions into focus on the coast of Mie Prefecture’s Shima Peninsula. At Mikimoto Pearl Island, learn how Kokichi Mikimoto pioneered cultured pearls, then watch ama divers demonstrate their centuries-old free-diving craft. Nearby, Toba Aquarium ranks among Japan’s largest, with dugongs among its notable residents. Ise Grand Shrine makes a rewarding inland excursion. Choose among pearl heritage, fresh seafood and sacred history, all close to the harbor.

Takamatsu, Japan

Takamatsu is the gateway to Shikoku, Japan’s smallest main island, and a city with an unexpectedly graceful pace. From the harbour, reach Ritsurin Garden, a celebrated landscape garden shaped over more than a century. Its ponds, pine groves and teahouses reward an unhurried visit. The city is also known for sanuki udon, the region’s springy wheat noodles. Take the ferry to Naoshima for contemporary art, or stay to explore the waterfront and castle ruins.

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.

Itsukushima Island Japan, Japan

Step ashore on Itsukushima, better known as Miyajima, and the Seto Inland Sea sets the scene. Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands above tidal flats; its vermilion torii rises offshore at high tide. Explore the shrine’s corridors, browse local shops for maple-leaf cakes, or take the ropeway toward Mount Misen’s wooded summit. Ferries link the island with Miyajimaguchi for easy access; stay overnight to find quieter shores after day-trippers leave.

Yakushima Island Japan, Japan

Miyakojima, in Okinawa’s southern island chain, offers a quieter Japan of sugarcane fields, coral shores and turquoise water. Hirara Port puts the island’s main town, beaches and coastal viewpoints within reach. Cross the 3.5-kilometre Irabu Bridge for sweeping sea views. Yonaha Maehama’s pale sand and clear shallows reward an unhurried stop. Try Miyako soba, then take in the limestone landscape that gives this reef-fringed island its distinctive character.

At Sea (At Sea)

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.