12 Night Singapore To Tokyo Cruise on Navigator of the Seas from Singapore, Singapore Kumamoto, Japan Garden Japanese Tree
The 12 Night Singapore To Tokyo Cruise from Singapore, Singapore visits Hong Kong, China; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China; Nagasaki, Japan; Kumamoto, Japan; Kagoshima, Japan; Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
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12 Night Singapore To Tokyo Cruise
Itinerary Overview
Explore Navigator of the Seas
Day 1 - Singapore, Singapore
Day 2 - 3 - Cruising
Day 4 - 5 - Hong Kong, China
Day 6 - Cruising
Day 7 - Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China
Day 8 - Cruising
Day 9 - Nagasaki, Japan
Day 10 - Kumamoto, Japan
Day 11 - Kagoshima, Japan
Day 12 - Cruising
Day 13 - Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
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Kumamoto, Japan Garden Japanese Tree
A japanese garden called Suizenji in Kumamoto, Japan
This is your

12 Night Singapore To Tokyo Cruise

Explore This Itinerary
Leaving from
Singapore, Singapore
Onboard
Navigator of the Seas
Day Port
1
Singapore, Singapore
Departs at 4:00 PM
2 - 3
Cruising
Day at sea
4 - 5
Hong Kong, China
From Day 4, 5:30 PM - Day 5, 9:00 PM
6
Cruising
Day at sea
7
Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China
From 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
8
Cruising
Day at sea
9
Nagasaki, Japan
From 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
10
Kumamoto, Japan
From 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
11
Kagoshima, Japan
From 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
12
Cruising
Day at sea
13
Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Arrives at 5:30 AM
*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.
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Taxes & fees included.*

Your ship Navigator of the Seas

Your ship
Navigator of the Seas
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Navigator of the Seas Aft Aerial
Navigator of the Seas Aft Aerial Slides
Get to know
Navigator of the Seas
It’s time to ditch the same thing different daze for a bold new getaway. Your weekend plans are getting the ultimate upgrade —on the Amplified fleet favorite Navigator of the Seas®. Soak up the sun, and the scene, at the resort-style pool deck, and get in an island state of mind at the three-level The Lime and Coconut®. Swap going out for going all out with tiki-chic cocktails at The Bamboo Room, dining options that satisfy every craving, and the hottest tables this side of Vegas at Casino Royale℠. This is your short vacay, turned all the way up. Only on Royal Caribbean®.

MORE TO EXPLORE BETWEEN SHORES

Calling all thrill seekers — you’re in for an unforgettable vacation adventure on a ship unlike any other. Think tide-turning new rides, next level lounging, and a new pool deck with double the surface area for you to swim, splash and lounge.

A GETAWAY WITH GREAT TASTE

Choose any flavor you’re craving — the newly amped Navigator of the Seas® has a way to please your palate. Whether you’re fueling your pool day or looking to savor a multicourse meal. You’ll find an appetizing array of authentic, fresh flavors onboard. Head to El Loco Fresh℠ for crazy good tacos, grab a lobster roll from Hooked Seafood℠ at lunchtime, and share one of chef Jamie Oliver’s antipasti planks over dinner at Jamie’s Italian. With so many options to choose from, the only thing you’ll be craving is more mealtimes in a day.

SEA AND BE SCENE

You can go out anytime. But on the newly amped Navigator of the Seas®, you can go all out every night. Because when the sun goes down, the Royal Promenade comes to life with all new hotspots. Like To Dry For℠, a blow dry bar where you can pop in for a quick beauty fix and a glass of bubbly to kick off your night. Then meet up for a tiki-chic rendezvous over rum punches in The Bamboo Room. Team up for some friendly competition over brews at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. And pull up a stool at the Copper & Clover pub for a pint and a live performance.

Day 1: Singapore, Singapore

Day 1
Singapore
Singapore
View Itinerary
Singapore, Singapore Chinese Garden Twin Pagoda
Beautiful day at Chinese Garden Twin Pagoda in Singapore
Things to do in
Singapore
Departs at 4:00 PM
Singapore is small in size but big on excitement. Discover the multicultural medley of this city-state through its neighborhoods: Check out the statue-adorned temples of Little India and the colorful pagodas of Chinatown. Cruise to Singapore and explore the city's Malay section on the Kampong Glam Heritage Trail, which will take you past Arabic-influenced mansions and the gold-dome-topped Masjid Sultan mosque. Experience the contrast between the lush rainforest flora of the Singapore Botanic Garden and the high-tech "supertrees" and biodomes of Gardens by the Bay. Complete your Singapore adventure with a panorama from the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands or a Singapore Sling cocktail at the historical Raffles Hotel.
Singapore, Singapore Masjid Sultan Street View
View of the street with Masjid Sultan in the background in Singapore

Multicultural Medley

Singapore has four official languages and even more ethnicities that have influenced its culture. Discover the city's Muslim heritage at Sultan Mosque along Arab Street and its Chinese character (and food!) in Chinatown. Little India is the heart of the city's Tamil Indian community, while Kampong Glam is the epicenter of Malay-speaking Singapore.
Insider tip
Taxis in Singapore are plentiful, but locals increasingly use applications (namely, the "Grab" app) to get around. Consider downloading this before you dock in Singapore.
Singapore, Singapore Gardens By The Bay Park
Sculptural vegetation towers from Gardend by the Bay in Singapore

Two Sides of Nature

Singapore's tropical landscape is as diverse as its culture. The Singapore Botanic Garden (and adjoining Orchid Garden) approach horticulture from a more traditional perspective, while the spacey Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay would seem more at home in "Avatar" than an issue of "Better Homes and Gardens."
Singapore, Singapore Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore

Zoom In, Zoom Out

Head to the rooftop of the massive Marina Bay Sands to enjoy a panorama of the Singapore skyline, which is also beautiful as seen from the city's symbolic Merlion statue on the other side of the bay. Or visit a more inward-looking Singapore icon when you order an original Singapore Sling cocktail at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel.
Singapore, Singapore Wantan Mee
Wantan Mee, popular street food noodles with bbq pork, in Singapore

Local Cuisine

The best way to get a cross-section of Singaporean cuisine is to visit its street vendors, or hawkers, in hubs like Tiong Bahru. Jump onboard a Singapore cruise to try Cantonese-derived wantan mee noodles, with dumplings and yellow egg noodles topped with slices of char siu pork. Snack on chai tow kway, also called carrot cake, even though it's made from rice flour and daikon radish fried with eggs in pork fat.
Singapore, Singapore Chopsticks
Colorful variety of chopsticks in a small shop in Chinatown, Singapore

Shopping

Singapore is a shopper's paradise, whether you stick to the high-end boutiques of Orchard Road or the local shops throughout the city. One way to guarantee a special souvenir during your Singapore cruise vacation is to shop in the city's ethnic neighborhoods: Seek out chopsticks and lacquerware in Chinatown or incense and South India dolls in Little India.

Day 2 - 3: Cruising

Day 2 - 3
Cruising
At Sea
View Itinerary
Navigator of the Seas Couple Lounging
Couple Lounging Drinking Cocktails
PLAY ANY WAY YOU LIKE
Navigator of the Seas The Blaster with Rock Climbing Wall
Mother and Daughter Going Through The Blaster

The Blaster®

Chart a thrill-filled course on the longest waterslide at sea — The Blaster® aqua coaster. Five waterjet blasters propel you and a friend through dips, drops, and the longest stretch of slide ever suspended over water.
Rock Climbing Wall Boy Almost Reaching the Bell
Rock Climbing Wall Boy Almost Reaching the Bell

Rock Climbing Wall

Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 40 feet above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
Woman Enjoying her Flowrider Private Lesson
Woman Enjoying her Flowrider Private Lesson

FlowRider®

Grab your board and get ready for 30,000 gallons of rushing awesome headed your way. The surf’s always up on the 40-foot-long FlowRider® surf simulator.
Young Girl Learning How to Ice Skate
Onboard Ice Skating Instructor Teaching

Ice Skating

Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve got moves like the Great One, you’ll have a great time every time at the ice skating rink.

Day 4 - 5: Hong Kong, China

Day 4 - 5
Hong Kong
China
View Itinerary
Hong Kong, China Red Bridge Garden
A red bridge leading to a temple Chinese architecture in a garden in Hong Kong, China
Things to do in
Hong Kong
From Day 4, 5:30 PM - Day 5, 9:00 PM
Although it's officially part of China, Hong Kong is a world unto itself. This bustling city is full of ancient and modern architecture, lots of people and — of course — the best dim sum around. Head to the Kowloon Peninsula for Golden Mile shopping along Nathan Road. Then, make your way to Hong Kong Island to admire the views from the top of Victoria Peak — you can see the skyscrapers of the financial district as well as the fishing village of Stanley Harbour. Cruise to Hong Kong and trek out to mountainous Lantau Island to see the famous Tian Tan Buddha, standing a full 112 feet tall. Or score some quiet time at Hong Kong Park, full of contemplative rock gardens and tree-lined paths.
Hong Kong, China Victoria Peak Tram
The Victoria peak tram arriving at a station overlooking the skyline in Hong Kong, China

Peek From the Peak

The Peak Tram takes you up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong's 1,800-foot-high mountain. Less expensive buses will get you there, too. Once you're up top, admire the views over the city from the hiking trails. The Peak also offers an escape from the subtropical climate below — the air here is cooler and less humid.
Insider tip
The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the official currency. Some larger stores will accept Chinese yuan (also called renminbi and RMB), but the exchange rate isn't great. Withdrawing cash from an ATM almost always means the best exchange rate.
Hong Kong, China Harbor Pier Ferry Dock
Boats out on the harbor alongside a rocky coast in Hong Kong

Scenic Ride to Stanley

Stanley Harbour, on the other side of Hong Kong Island, will give you a taste of a different Hong Kong. It's a fishing village on Repulse Bay with a lovely seaside walk (snap some photos of the fishing boats) as well as a famous street market. There's lots of British history, a boardwalk and even a few beaches. You can take the bus from Central for a scenic trip, though the express bus is faster.
Insider tip
Buy an Octopus Card at any subway station to get around Hong Kong easily. Cards purchased here have a $100 HKD (about $12 USD) credit and $50 deposit. The deposit covers negative balances up to -$35. You can also use the card at many restaurants, shops and even at ice cream carts.
Hong Kong, China Victoria Harbor Sailboat
Tourist sailboat crosses Victoria Harbour to the Hong Kong Island with skyscrapers in the background

Out on the Harbor

Use an Octopus card for a ride on Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferry for inexpensive views of Hong Kong's harbor. The tour makes a scenic circular route between Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island, stopping at three piers. Skyscrapers are everywhere, but look closely for the smaller Golden Bauhinia near the Wan Chai Pier, a golden flower statue where the handover of Hong Kong took place in 1997.
Hong Kong, China Dim Sum
Delicious array of dim sum in bamboo steamers in Hong Kong, China

Local Cuisine

Hong Kong is famous for dim sum, a meal of bite-sized foods with various selections brought to your table. Traditionally eaten for brunch, you'll find it at other hours, too. Choose from steamed buns, dumplings or fried rolls filled with spinach, crab or chicken. You'll likely need to share a table — but then you'll have help deciding what to order. Restaurants with lots of locals are a sign of quality and good prices.
Hong Kong, China Traditional Jade Necklaces
Traditional Jade necklaces sold in markets while souvenir shopping in Hong Kong, China

Shopping

Head to Causeway Bay for modern retail therapy: This stretch of Hong Kong is virtually covered in malls and shops. Central is the district to go to for upscale designer clothes, shoes and other items. But don't overlook the markets for local handicrafts during your Hong Kong cruise. Pick up an inexpensive but distinctive jade necklace or ornament, or look for poetry-inscribed paintings and bamboo handicrafts from the antique dealers on Cat Street.

Day 6: Cruising

Day 6
Cruising
At Sea
View Itinerary
Hooked Seafood Raw Oysters
Raw oysters served with lemon and hot sauce served at Hooked Seafood
LET THE FLAVOR FEST BEGIN
Navigator of the Seas Johnny Rockets Express by the Pool
Hamburger, Fries and Milkshake by the Pool

Johnny Rockets® Express

All your favorite diner classics are just a skip and a sock hop away from the pool deck at Johnny Rockets® Express. Burgers, fries — even spiked shakes for those who want something a bit more spirited.
Chops Grille Dinner Table Dishes
A top-down view of a couple enjoying dinner dishes at Chops Grille on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Chops Grille℠

Experience premium dining at our American steakhouse aboard Royal Caribbean. Savor exquisite cuts like Wagyu beef and bone-in tomahawks, expertly prepared in our open kitchen.
Izumi Sushi Specialty Roll
Izumi Sushi Specialty Roll

Izumi

From delicious sushi rolls to fresh sashimi and nigiri, Izumi serves up an exotic Asian-inspired dining experience. Savor izakaya-style appetizers and rolls that range from classic to imaginative. No matter what you order, you’re in for a far out, Far East feast filled with incredible flavors from Tohoku to Tokyo.
Chef's Table Appetizer
An appetizer at Chef's Table on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Chef's Table

Welcome to Chef’s Table, the most exclusive and elevated dining experience on our fleet. Join an intimate group of fellow foodies on a private epicurean journey led by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine. You’ll sit down to a white tablecloth dinner spotlighting five exquisite courses that range from scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette, to grilled filet mignon served with truffle potato puree — each expertly paired with the perfect wine to highlight every flavor on the menu.

Day 7: Taipei, Taiwan, China

Day 7
Taipei
Keelung, Taiwan, China
View Itinerary
Taipei, Taiwan, Temple at Jiufen Old Streed
Statues on the roof of the temple at Jiufen Old Street in Taipei, Taiwan
Things to do in
Taipei
From 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the harbor city of Keelung is the gateway to Taipei. After your ship arrives, take the 25-minute drive into Taiwan's capital, where art, nature and architecture both traditional and modern meet. Cruise to Taipei and walk the narrow corridors of Jiu Fen Old Street, stopping to take tea while you soak in the mountain and ocean scenery. Then, see the city's modern side by climbing Taipei 101, a 449-meter-tall skyscraper with a sightseeing deck for panoramic views. Or spend your time absorbing the natural splendor: Hike Mount Keelung to its now-extinct volcanic summit, then see the Golden Waterfall below before you head to the Yin Yang Sea for some beach time.
Taipei, Taiwan, Hi Park
Rocky coast of Hi Park in Taiwan

Moonwalk

Ho Ping Island Park is a little slice of coastal terrain that will make you feel as if you've just landed on the moon. Wander through the park while listening to the waves crash on the shore, and discover the unique rock structures that have been carved by thousands of years of erosion.
Insider tip
Plan your day out in advance! Most of the best spots to visit in Keelung are a 30-minute taxi ride away.
Taipei, Taiwan, Baimiweng Fort
The Baimiweng Fort in Keelung, Taiwan

Easy Breezy

Once safeguarding the Keelung Harbor, Baimiweng Fort is now the perfect place to take in the stunning coastal views of Northern Taiwan. Explore the three stations with your camera in hand. Snap a photo of the boats in the harbor from the top, and enjoy the breeze coming off the sea.
Insider tip
Download the Keelung App before you go so you can have access to the shuttle schedule, best places to eat, and more.
Taipei, Taiwan, Giant buddha statue
Giant Buddha statue in Keelung, Taiwan

Visit a Goddess

Stretch your legs and climb the hilltop of Zhongzheng Park to visit Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy statue. On your way back down, stop at the Buddhist Temple and the Statue of Confucius before wandering the grounds, which are home to tennis courts and a skating rink.
Taipei, Taiwan, Beef Noodle Soup
A bowl of beef noodle soup

Local Cuisine

Taipei's night markets are the place to go for Taiwanese street food — and despite their name, many open around noon. Cruise to Taipei to fill up on lu rou fan (braised minced pork over rice), or niu rou mien, a bowl of noodles topped with tender braised beef and served in comforting beef broth. Then, cool down with pao pao bing, a sweet flavored ice. Or try liu sha, a golden-fried donut filled with sweet, eggy custard.
Taipei, Taiwan, Red lanterns
Red lanterns in Taiwan

Shopping

Head to Jiufen Old Street, lined with beautiful red lanterns, for distinctive, traditional souvenirs. The street is home to several tea houses, where you can purchase handmade tea leaves and delicate tea sets so you can brew your own Taiwanese tea at home. With your Taiwan cruise vacation, bring home a miniature replica of the sky lanterns you see hanging above the alleys here.

Day 8: Cruising

Day 8
Cruising
At Sea
View Itinerary
Navigator of the Seas Showgirl Dancers Patriotic
Dancers in Patriotic Costumes
NIGHTS YOU'LL NEVER FORGET
Lime and Coconut Friends Getting Drinks at the Bar
Lime and Coconut Friends Getting Drinks at the Bar

The Lime and Coconut®

The search for your favorite island bar is over. The Lime and Coconut® turns the vacay vibes way, way up with DJs, live music and two bars serving all your favorite poolside cocktails — including the signature Lime & Coconut. And when the sun goes down, this pool bar just might be the hottest spot onboard.
Ice Skating Shows Performers Dancing Colorful
Performers dancing in colorful costumes during ice skating shows onboard a cruise.

Ice Skating Shows

Royal Caribbean is the first and only cruise line with ice-skating rinks right onboard, plus complimentary ice spectaculars with amazing jumps, lifts, and spins performed by professional skaters .
Schooner Bar Mixed Drinks
Schooner Bar Mixed Drinks

Schooner Bar

Wrap up your night at Schooner Bar, where perfectly mixed cocktails and live entertainment come together in a warm-lit nautical-themed lounge. Cozy up in a seat under the mast, by the portholes, or right by the gleaming grand piano. The sing-along's about to begin.
Ballroom Fever Cruise Show, Performers Dancing, Navigator of the Seas
Performers dancing in Ballroom Fever Cruise Show.

Ballroom Fever

You'll feel every beat as you waltz, tango, and jive your way through Ballroom Fever.

Day 9: Nagasaki, Japan

Day 9
Nagasaki
Japan
View Itinerary
Nagasaki, Japan Castle
The Shimabara castle in Nagasaki, Japan
Things to do in
Nagasaki
From 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
A beautiful and bustling city, Nagasaki's streets have been touched by foreign culture for generations. This is the port by which the Portuguese and Dutch brought Japan into contact with Western culture in the 1500s, and over the years, international influence has continued to transform Nagasaki into the hub of cosmopolitan activity it is today. Explore the Dutch Slope, where you'll find Dutch residences from the 1800s and Japan's first Protestant Church, Higashi Yamate. Cruise to Nagasaki to see the oldest bridge in Japan, Megane-bashi — or "Spectacles Bridge," so called for its arched appearance. Then, visit Nagasaki Peace Park, with its 18-meter-wide fountain built to memorialize the events that took place here when the atomic bomb struck in 1945.
Nagasaki, Japan Hashima Island
Hashima Island on the corner view from the sea in Nagasaki, Japan

Play James Bond

Just 20 kilometers from the shore of Nagasaki lies a mysterious, abandoned island. Commonly called Gunkanjima or Battleship Island, its derelict shores tell a story of coal mines and immigrants. On a guided tour, you can see the areas that famously appeared in the James Bond movie "Skyfall".
Insider tip
Getting around is easy in Nagasaki: The port is conveniently located in the center of the city, every major destination is connected via trams, and taxis are available at will.
Nagasaki, Japan Glover Garden
Glover Garden, nature and city view in Nagasaki, Japan

City of Firsts

Nagasaki is home to some of Japan's oldest structures. See the Spectacles Bridge built in 1643, it the oldest bridge in Japan. Then stop in at Oura Catholic Church, the first wooden Gothic church in the country, or see the island's oldest European-style house at the picturesque Glover Gardens.
Insider tip
If you'd like to save on public transport and taxis, spend your time doing a walking tour of the inner city.
Nagasaki, Japan View Mount Inasa
View from Mt. Inasa in Nagasaki, Japan

View From Above

Mt. Inasa is the tallest mountain in Nagasaki and gives you a dazzling view over the city and the bay. At 333 meters high, you can see as far as the Goto Islands on a clear day. To get to the observation deck, hop on the ropeway up the mountainside.
Nagasaki, Japan Pork Belly
Pork belly with boiled egg called Kakuni in Japan

Local Cuisine

Dine like royalty at a Shippoku Ryori restaurant. You'll be served shareable small plates that blend Japanese staples with influences from China and Europe. Sample kakuni, cubes of pork belly braised in a dashi broth flavored with umami-packed dried bonito fish. Cruise to Nagasaki to indulge in a Sasebo burger, typically topped with egg, bacon and Japanese mayo. For dessert, try the Portuguese-inspired castella, a fluffy vanilla sponge cake balanced with gentle sweetness.
Nagasaki, Japan Kimono Umbrella
A kimono under a purple umbrella

Shopping

Hamano-machi shopping district sells just about everything you can imagine. Pick up delicately patterned cotton and silks, or spring for a pair of unique, hand-carved chopsticks. Stop in at a fun 100 Yen store, where every item in the shop only costs 100 yen (less than a dollar).

Day 10: Kumamoto, Japan

Day 10
Kumamoto
Japan
View Itinerary
Kumamoto, Japan Mountains Landscape
Green and bright landscape with views of the mountain in Kumamoto, Japan
Things to do in
Kumamoto
From 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Kumamoto City offers insight into both Japan's samurai past and its modern-day love of kawaii cuteness. Check out the city's old downtown area dominated by Kumamoto Castle, a reconstruction of the fortress from which samurai lords ruled their domain. Cruise to Kumamoto and walk alongside the Shirakawa River past traditional Japanese gardens the homes of prominent 19th- and 20th-century writers — pop into the former residence of Lafcadio Hearn, one of the first Western writers to settle in Japan. Then, see ancient and modern art and relax in the calming stone garden at the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, or head to Musashizuka Park to see the tomb and statue of famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Kumamoto, Japan View from Bottom Of Castle
View from below of the castle in Kumamoto, Japan

Home of the Samurai

Kumamoto Castle is a stunning samurai fortress with spectacular rooms of tatami, wood and painted panels beneath its somber, soot-black exterior. Originally built in the 17th century, it's at its prettiest in spring, when hundreds of cherry trees around the moat are in bloom. It's under reconstruction after the 2016 earthquakes, but you can still view parts of the fortifications from around Ninomaru Square and Kato Shrine.
Insider tip
Remember that many small restaurants, cafes and bars in Japan may not accept credit cards, so carry enough cash.
Kumamoto, Japan Shrine
Haiden of Inari Shrine at Suizenji Jojoen Garden in Kumamoto

Suizenji Stroll

Dating back to 1632, Suizenji Garden is like a picture come to life. You'll find beautiful cherry trees, pines and elegant arched bridges over a central pond at this traditional Japanese garden. The grounds have been landscaped into small "hills." You'll also find a Shinto shrine and a mini Mt. Fuji to evoke the ancient Tokaido road that linked Kyoto with Edo (present-day Tokyo).
Insider tip
Tipping is not done in Japan, but gifts from one's homeland are always appreciated.
Kumamoto, Japan Japanese Home Zen
An inside look of a Japanese home in Kumamoto, Japan

Literary Lives

Explore the tatami-mat rooms and gardens the former homes of two prominent writers who lived in Kumamoto. The residence of Natsume Soseki celebrates the author of "I Am a Cat," who lived here around 1900 while teaching at Kumamoto University. The Lafcadio Hearn residence is dedicated to the Greek-Irish author of "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan" who lived here in the 1890s.
Kumamoto, Japan Traditional Ramen
Traditional ramen noodles in a bowl in Japan

Local Cuisine

Kumamoto's culinary claim to fame is Kumamoto ramen — the local take on the pan-Japanese soup features a mild pork broth, medium-sized noodles and smoky fried garlic chips. Cruise to Kumamoto to try Red Wagyu donburi, with rare-seared strips of lean Wagyu beef served over rice with an oozy egg. Snack of karashi renkon (fried lotus root dipped in mustard), and sample some shochu, the Kyushu's region's nutty-tasting liqueur.
Kumamoto, Japan Lanterns
Japanese lanterns hung from tree to tree

Shopping

The Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center is a museum and shop offering a wide range of local handicrafts. There are some 80 craft types on display here, including Yamaga lanterns, Higo gold inlay metal craft and ceramics. For more modern souvenirs — including items imprinted with Kumamon, the cute bear that serves as Kumamoto's mascot — try the Kumamoto Prefectural Products Center.

Day 11: Kagoshima, Japan

Day 11
Kagoshima
Japan
View Itinerary
Kagoshima, Japan Volcano City View
View of the city overlooking the volcano in Kagoshima, Japan
Things to do in
Kagoshima
From 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Japan's southernmost major city, Kagoshima delivers a memorable mix of unique cuisine, historical attractions and outdoor activities in its temperate weather. Take in sweeping bayside vistas at Sengan-en, the elegant estate of the Shimadzu samurai clan, and stroll through its cherry blossom-filled gardens. Cruise to Kagoshima and head to Yurigahama Beach, with its bright waters and mysterious sandbar that appears each month in a slightly different spot, depending on the tides.
Kagoshima, Japan Garden Landscape
Beautiful landscape with flowers and trees in Sengan-en, Kagoshima, Japan.

Samurai Garden

Step back in time at Sengan-en, a sprawling samurai estate originally built in the 17th century that offers breathtaking garden views of the bay and Sakurajima puffing in the distance. The villa here was built out of Yakushima cedar trees over 1,000 years old; it's perfect place to try traditional Japanese green tea and chocolate sweets.
Insider tip
There's no tipping in Japan, but you'll face an 8 percent sales tax everywhere except major retailers, which often have no-fee shopping.
Kagoshima, Japan Historic Lookout
Shiroyama historic lookout overlooking the volcano in Kagoshima, Japan

Historic Lookout

Head to Shiroyama Lookout, a hillside park overlooking the city. Heads up, history buffs: This was the site of the final battle of the Satsuma Rebellion, in which the last samurai, Saigo Takamori, met his end. Cruise to Kagoshima and check out Reimeikan Museum at the foot of the hill, based on the remains of a fort that once stood here.
Insider tip
Don't forget to carry some Japanese yen in cash as smaller shops, cafes and bars may not accept credit cards.
Kagoshima, Japan Meat Soup
Kurobuta Meat soup local cuisine in Kagoshima, Japan

Local Cuisine

Cuisine in Kagoshima centers around kurobuta, or "black pork" — it comes from a black-haired breed of heritage pig that produces meat with a delicate, sweet flavor. Try the good stuff shabu-shabu hot pot style, wash it down with a cup of shochu, a distilled liquor from southern Japan that's often made with sweet potato, barley, sugar cane and buckwheat.
Kagoshima, Japan Blue Pottery
Japanese porcelain blue pottery sold in Kagoshima, Japan

Shopping

Head over to the Tenmonkan district for unique Kagoshima goods, including handmade Satsumakiriko cut glass, Satsumayaki porcelain vases and bowls, Oshima tsumugi textiles and other handicrafts from Kagoshima and the Ryukyu Islands to the south. Tenmonkan shops also offer different varieties of shochu.

Day 12: Cruising

Day 12
Cruising
At Sea
View Itinerary
Navigator of the Seas Couple Lounging
Couple Lounging Drinking Cocktails
PLAY ANY WAY YOU LIKE
Navigator of the Seas The Blaster with Rock Climbing Wall
Mother and Daughter Going Through The Blaster

The Blaster®

Chart a thrill-filled course on the longest waterslide at sea — The Blaster® aqua coaster. Five waterjet blasters propel you and a friend through dips, drops, and the longest stretch of slide ever suspended over water.
Rock Climbing Wall Boy Almost Reaching the Bell
Rock Climbing Wall Boy Almost Reaching the Bell

Rock Climbing Wall

Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 40 feet above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
Woman Enjoying her Flowrider Private Lesson
Woman Enjoying her Flowrider Private Lesson

FlowRider®

Grab your board and get ready for 30,000 gallons of rushing awesome headed your way. The surf’s always up on the 40-foot-long FlowRider® surf simulator.
Young Girl Learning How to Ice Skate
Onboard Ice Skating Instructor Teaching

Ice Skating

Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve got moves like the Great One, you’ll have a great time every time at the ice skating rink.

Day 13: Tokyo, Japan

Day 13
Tokyo
Yokohama, Japan
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Tokyo, Japan, Sensoji Temple
The Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Japan
Things to do in
Tokyo
Arrives at 5:30 AM
Yokohama is the central gateway to exploring Tokyo, a once-humble fishing village that is now one of the world's biggest, most densely populated cities. You'll find an eclectic mix of traditional shrines and soaring skyscrapers lining these neon-lit streets. Walk the Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay alongside the Yurikamome Rail Line, a futuristic, operatorless train system. Then, see old Tokyo at the Imperial Palace, an Edo Castle surrounded by moats and gardens perfect for strolling. Cruise to Tokyo and head to iconic Sensoji Buddhist Temple and pass below the massive red paper lantern of the Thunder Gate. Then, unwind in Yoyogi Park, a literal forest in the heart of the city, complete with Zen gardens and a gingko tree forest.
Tokyo, Japan, Geishas at Sensoji Temple
Two geishas walking by the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Japan

Let Tokyo Impress You

Whether you take a guided tour or explore on your own, Tokyo will never disappoint. Scope out the cutting-edge fashion in Harajuku and learn all about Otaku culture in Akihabara. Stop off at the forested Meiji shrine and see the bright Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, a well-known geisha district.
Tokyo, Japan, Great Buddha bronze statue
A bronze statue of the Great Buddha in Japan

Seaside Escape

Every summer, Tokyoites escape the heat by heading to the picturesque town of Kamakura. Take the classic Enoshima Electric Railway to the breathtaking Hase-Dera temple housing a gold-leafed statue of the goddess Kannon. Known for the popular Giant Buddha (Daibutsu), you can spot Mt. Fuji from the nearby charcoal black beaches of Inamuragasaki park.
Tokyo, Japan, Sankeien Garden
The Sankeien Garden in Japan

Garden of Architecture

Sankeien Garden is the extravagant creation of a 20th-century silk trader. Dotting the grounds are 17 recreations of iconic buildings from across Japan. All perfectly balanced according to the season, the garden is a celebration of Japan. Cruise to Tokyo and join in a traditional tea ceremony, and learn how to wear a kimono.
Tokyo, Japan, Chicken yakitori
Chicken yakitori on a white plate

Local Cuisine

Japan has some of the world's most renowned cuisine, and Tokyo is the epicenter of all that goodness. Try nigirizushi-style sushi, with simple, single cuts of delicate raw fish served over vinegared rice. Indulge in Tokyo's unique approach to the pan-Japanese noodle soup ramen — here, thin, wavy noodles luxuriate in a soy-infused chicken broth. Or snack on yakitori, grilled chicken skewers seasoned simply with salt or tare, a savory blend of fish-infused dashi broth, soy and vinegar.
Tokyo, Japan, Kimonos on a rack
An assortment of kimonos on a rack in Japan

Shopping

Harajuku in the heart of Tokyo is a shopaholic's dream. From the weird to the classy, you'll find the latest fashion and the coolest brands. For a broader experience, head to Yokohama's 150-year-old Motomachi Shopping street. Hosting a massive sale in September and February, Motomachi has something for everyone. Jump onboard a Tokyo cruise and make sure to bring home some of the region's famous silk, either in the form of a floral kimono or scarf.

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