Like Tokyo, Osaka blends deep-rooted traditions with cutting-edge innovations, creating a vibrant yet serene atmosphere by the Pacific Ocean. Iconic landmarks include the 16th-century Osaka Castle, surrounded by towering skyscrapers. The bustling Dotomburi district and quirky Shinsekai draw crowds with energy and charm. Culinary delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and kushikatsu (skewered kebabs) showcase Osaka’s renowned food culture.

Situated on Honshu Island along the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, Tamano captivates visitors with its sunlit charm and coastal beauty. The city's layout, nestled between serene waters and a dense forest backdrop, is a marvel. Nearby, explore Kurashiki, known as the "white-walled city," where Edo-period trading houses line picturesque streets. A highlight of the region is the Seto Ohashi Bridge, a 12.5-kilometer marvel and the world's longest double-decker bridge.

Miyajima, the "island sanctuary," will reveal its treasures at the heart of the Inland Sea. In the background, you can see the Shinto Grand Sanctuary, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion "Torii." Considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the Japanese islands, be captivated by this sacred site's unique character and tranquility.

Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesn't forget its past, and visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is necessary. You can enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas, such as splendid Shukkei-en, the town's historic garden.

A favorite destination for the Japanese, Beppu is now famous throughout the Japanese archipelago thanks to its onsen – volcanic hot springs in which people immerse themselves to relax with family or friends. From Beppu, discover a lush, peaceful valley where 60 majestic stone Buddhas are carved out of the cliff face between the 12th and 14th centuries. Exuding a soothing air of serenity, the Mangetsuji site seems to have drifted off to sleep in the heart of a dense bamboo forest surrounded by rice fields. Recognized as a National Treasure of Japan, this set of sacred sculptures offers travelers a unique, wonderful experience.

The cradle of Japanese mythology, Miyazaki is a hidden treasure on the southern coast of Kyushu. Known for its climate, golden beaches, and spectacular rocky formations, it is an invitation to exploration and contemplation. In the city's heart, the Miyazaki-jingu Shinto shrine stands majestically, surrounded by ancient forests and peaceful gardens, in which an atmosphere of serenity reigns. Make the most of the authenticity of this city with its fascinating local culture. During the visit to the Miyazaki Shrine, fall under the spell of the kagura, a dance and song performance by the shrine's priests and helpers.

The seaside city of Kagoshima, south of Kyushu Island, ﾠis best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis will remind you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitants' everyday life. A delicate layer of ash settles on everything in the wake of the almost daily eruptions. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three meters, which was 'swallowed up' by a giant lava flow in 1914, can still be seen. The power of nature will send a shiver down your spine.

A splendid sub-tropical, mountainous island listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Yakushima is one of the most beautiful islands in the Japanese archipelago. Its extensive yakusugi forest contains some of Japan's oldest living trees and cedars, over 1000 meters tall and up to 7,000 years old. The Senpiro and Toroki waterfalls are equally impressive, each several dozens of meters high—a feast for the eyes.

Located on the northwest coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki will impress you with its rich heritage. Despite the destruction in 1945, you can visit several ancient sites, including the beautiful 19th-century Catholic Church of Oura and its garden, the sanctuary of Suwa Shrine, or several Buddhist temples. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum gives you insight into the extent of the damage caused by the nuclear attack. Close by, a walk in the Memorial Peace Park leads you to a collection of objets d'art offered as a gift from Japan to the world.

With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the second largest metropolis in South Korea after Seoul. This dynamic harbor city in the southeast, surrounded by the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, benefits from a mild, pleasant climate. You can find delightful to stroll around the lively streets and explore the city’s outstanding cultural heritage of art galleries, museums, and Buddhist sites, such as the Haedong Yonggungsa temple, which elegantly sits on the waterfront. Rich too in magnificent beaches and superlative natural landscapes, Busan’s peaceful atmosphere will win you over, as well as its inhabitants, whom you can meet.

Disembark after breakfast in Busan.