Japan Grand Voyage - Q416B Queen Elizabeth departing 5 May 2024

The wide ocean, the harbour with its special atmosphere, the hill which stands in a row of steep slopes, a Chinatown which is full of exotic moods – there are so many “postcard scenes” in Yokohama. Not surprisingly, many movies have been made here. Visit Kamakura with its temples and 35-foot-high Great Buddha. Take a bullet train to see Mount Fiji, or pack an overnight bag and set out for the ancient cities of Japan: Kyoto and Hakone.

Tiny Beppu, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts. It’s home to more than 3,000 hot springs, as well as the dramatic Hells of Beppu.
Tiny Beppu, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts. Nestled between Beppu Bay and a range of volcanic mountains, it’s home to more than 3,000 hot springs (onsen).

Busan is South Korea’s second largest city and seaport, and it’s a laid-back, metropolitan destination. Its pace is slower, and its diversity more pronounced, than the country’s capital city of Seoul.
Busan has an intriguing medley of culture and history, beautiful natural settings and exciting adventures. It’s also near South Korea’s cultural capital, Gyeongju, and the fortress of Jinju.

Sasebo is a city on Japan’s Kyushu Island. It’s known for Huis Ten Bosch, an amusement park modeled after a Dutch town, with canals, replica buildings, windmills and flower gardens. Kujukushima Aquarium has dolphins, coral reefs and many jellyfish.

Shimizu is a bustling modern port with ancient roots and many a revered shrine to visit. You’ll no doubt find your gaze repeatedly drawn to the beautiful snow-capped cone of nearby Mount Fuji.
A fitting starting point here is Sumpu Castle, where you can contemplate the moats, remaining stone walls and restored buildings dotted around this 400-year-old site. After all, this is the building that, to some degree, put Shimizu on the map. In becoming shogun, or supreme military dictator in 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate which would last until the Meiji Restoration of 1868; this was known as the Edo Period. Tokugawa Ieyasu himself built Sumpu Castle, then retired there in 1605, even though he remained leader of Japan until his death in 1616.

The wide ocean, the harbour with its special atmosphere, the hill which stands in a row of steep slopes, a Chinatown which is full of exotic moods – there are so many “postcard scenes” in Yokohama. Not surprisingly, many movies have been made here. Visit Kamakura with its temples and 35-foot-high Great Buddha. Take a bullet train to see Mount Fiji, or pack an overnight bag and set out for the ancient cities of Japan: Kyoto and Hakone.

On the southern tip of Kyushu lies Kagoshima, a place of spectacular scenery. Why not enjoy the rugged mountain vistas, the rivers and bubbling hot springs, and the unexpected palm tree lined streets.

Seogwipo is a better place to stay if you have at least 3 days on Jeju, and want to see more of the island’s nature-oriented attractions.

Keelung is the port city of Taiwan, just 20 minutes ride from capital Taipei. Its long, deep harbour provides ample berth for the impressive number of cruise and container ships that keep it thriving.
You’ll find most of Keelung’s highlights in the central areas of the city, or within three miles of the downtown area. A walking tour really helps you develop affection for this beguiling port.

Japan’s first real contact with the West was through Portuguese explorers and Jesuit missionaries, and then Dutch merchants. Apprehensive Shoguns thus closed Japan to foreign trade except at Nagasaki.
Stop by Peace Park for a moment of serenity, or visit the Confucian Shrine to see the influence that the Chinese community has on Nagasaki.

The wide ocean, the harbour with its special atmosphere, the hill which stands in a row of steep slopes, a Chinatown which is full of exotic moods – there are so many “postcard scenes” in Yokohama. Not surprisingly, many movies have been made here. Visit Kamakura with its temples and 35-foot-high Great Buddha. Take a bullet train to see Mount Fiji, or pack an overnight bag and set out for the ancient cities of Japan: Kyoto and Hakone.