Japan Cruise with Viking

Itinerary can also be in reverse.

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Tokyo is a spellbinding blend of neon splendor and tranquil Shinto shrines, towering skyscrapers and meditative Zen gardens. Founded as the tiny fishing village of Edo, Tokyo’s history was shaped by emperors and shoguns. As the Edo period progressed, it grew into one of the world’s largest cities, as it remains today. Tokyoites embrace the traditional and the cosmopolitan here, both worshipping at the city’s Asakusa Kannon Temple and frequenting the high-end retail stores of the Ginza district, all while the distant symmetrical cone of Mt. Fuji watches over the city.

Tokyo as a city was officially dissolved in 1943 and 23 independent municipalities were formed, known as ku. Each neighborhood is representative of a small city yet collectively, they are still recognized as Tokyo. Exploring this vast city is easy, thanks to Tokyo’s excellent transport system. Look to the skies and admire its ever-changing skyline with towering buildings in every corner of the city. Observation platforms feature in many, including Mori Tower or the Metropolitan Government Building.

Shimizu is a scenic city set on Suruga Bay, watched over by Mt. Fuji. It has long been a thriving harbor town and prospered during the Edo period. Today, its economy stands upon a vast fishing industry and on the export of green tea, whose leaves are cultivated in nearby hills. Beyond the city limits, wide plains reach coastal hills, and to the original burial place of the nation’s first shogun. This Shinto shrine, Kunōzan Tōshō-gū, is Japan’s oldest. With its flamboyant design, it is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the leader who unified Japan after years of civil war.

Historic Shimizu and its port increased in importance after Tokugawa Ieyasu chose Sumpu Castle as his place of retirement in 1605. By the early 20th century, tea exports were the mainstay activity, while today, the port handles a wide variety of cargo. Along the waterfront, a modern shopping mall houses eateries, movie theaters and a Ferris wheel. While a little further afield, the Kashi-no-Ichi Market sells the day’s catch.

Osaka is located at the mouth of the Yodo River and is second only to Tokyo in size and cultural landmarks. For centuries, it prospered because of its mercantile economy. During the Edo period, it introduced agriculture, particularly rice, to its exports and was soon known as “the nation’s kitchen.” The city is home to some of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Its Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine is the flagship of 2,000 others spread throughout Japan. Each honors the guardian deity of sailors and the deity of prosperity, but the one here is the most majestic.

Hiroshima was founded in 1589 and grew to become one of Japan’s most important educational and industrial centers. Military supplies were later exported from here, an industry that would seal the city’s fate at the end of World War II, when an atomic bomb was dropped here on August 6, 1945. It is hard to imagine the destruction today, so modern and forward-looking are its streets and its people. In Peace Memorial Park, the hollowed dome of the former Industrial Promotion Hall symbolizes the city’s hope that nuclear weapons will never be used again.

Hiroshima’s delta is divided into several islets. It was upon one of these islets that Mōri Terumoto (1553–1625), a feudal lord who ruled over much of the Chūgoku region, constructed Hiroshima Castle. This solidified the city as a jōkamachi (“castle town”). Although the castle had successfully survived into the 20th century, it was unable to withstand the atomic bombing of the city during World War II. In 1958, Hiroshima Castle was restored to its original splendor, complete with a main keep and moat. Today, it houses a museum providing insight into the city’s rich history.

Nestled on the island of Kyushu, between Beppu Bay and a range of picturesque mountains, Beppu is renowned for its hot springs. These onsen, as they are known in Japanese, emerge from eight geothermal hot spots that together boast the second-largest volume of hot water in the world. Since Japan’s Edo period, the waters have been harnessed for curative and health benefits in soothing public baths. Outside the city, landscapes of steaming fissures and mineral-rich bubbling mud pools attract locals and visitors alike.

Historic Kagoshima is often compared to the Italian city of Naples for its mild climate, palm-lined streets and the Sakurajima volcano that reminds so many visitors of Italy’s Mt. Vesuvius. Kagoshima experienced great power and prosperity throughout the Edo period. It has been said that the city brought the industrial revolution to Japan’s doorstep after 17 young men ignored a ban on foreign travel and set off to explore England and the United States. They returned with ideas that transformed society, using Western science and technology.

Nagasaki is one of the rare Japanese cities where East and West intermingle. The Dejima district provides a fascinating and unique glimpse of European colonialism in the heart of Japan. Portuguese traders had a strong presence here and later Dutch traders lived here for two centuries. Nagasaki changed forever on August 9, 1945, destroyed by an atomic bomb. The city’s vast Peace Park contains sculptures donated by countries and artists around the world, each dedicated to world harmony and to an unwavering optimism for a peaceful future.

The East China Sea is a vital maritime route for international trade and fishing, connecting China, Japan and South Korea. Its history is entwined with regional cultural exchange, shaping the area’s heritage and identity. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.

Taipei stands proudly as one of the world’s most technologically advanced cities. Yet, the city cherishes centuries-old traditions, which have been shaped by Chinese, Japanese and Western influences. The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall looks over Liberty Square; the ornate landmark honors the leader who led nationalists from mainland China during the 1949 Communist takeover. However, the most prominent symbol of the city’s robust development is the famed Taipei 101, the world’s tallest skyscraper from 2004 to 2009.

Chinese and Japanese traders traversed the East China Sea for centuries, before the British, French and Americans crossed these waters during the mid-1800s to establish territories outside the walled city of Shanghai. As you sail, take advantage of the array of delicious cuisine offered on board. You may visit Mamsen’s, our casual gourmet deli, any time from early morning to late at night for a taste of traditional Norwegian fare. Or, dine at Manfredi’s and savor an authentic Italian meal, with options ranging from Milanese risotto to Tuscan inspired classics.

A British Overseas Territory until 1997, Hong Kong is home to long-cherished Eastern traditions amid modern Western sensibilities. This forest of glittering skyscrapers stands between soaring mountains and bustling Victoria Harbour. The entire sweeping vista is best taken in from atop Victoria Peak, lush with landscaped gardens and footpaths. Back down at sea level, Aberdeen provides a fascinating glimpse of China old and new as a skyward-reaching cluster of residential towers watches over a bustling bay where floating villages bob in the waters beside stylish pleasure boats.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.

Expand your horizons aboard Viking’s award-winning fleet of all-veranda small ocean ships, designed to carry fewer than 1,000 guests and able to dock where larger ships cannot.

The purpose-built ships offer a wide variety of staterooms for your selection. From Veranda Staterooms to the abundance of extra perks and amenities in our spacious Explorer Suites, there is no finer way to travel. And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known.

All staterooms include:-

• King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

• 42″ flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

• Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

• Plush robes & slippers

• Premium Freyja toiletries

• Purified water refilled daily

• Mini-bar with soft drinks, water & snacks

• Direct-dial satellite phone and cell service

• Security safe

• 110/220 volt outlets

• Ample USB ports

• Stateroom size: 288 sq ft (includes private veranda)

• Ocean-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda

• Stateroom size: 360 sq ft (includes private veranda)

• Ocean-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda

• Stateroom size: 432 sq ft (includes private veranda)

• Ocean-view suite with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to a full-size veranda

• Stateroom size: 808–1,215 sq ft (includes private veranda)

• Ocean-view two-room suite with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to a generous veranda (layout varies)

• Well-appointed living area & dining area that seats 4

The Restaurant

Viking’s main dining venue offers the highest onboard dining experience, serving regional cuisine and classic favourites. Large panoramic windows provide sweeping ocean views as you enjoy your meals.

Manfredi’s® Italian Restaurant

Inspired by traditional Italian trattorias, Manfredi’s features the best of Italian cuisine. There’s also a private dining room for a more intimate meal with family or friends.

The Chef’s Table

In this specialty dining experience, Viking’s sommeliers and culinary masters craft multi-course meals with expertly paired wines. Dinners are served either in the restaurant or in a private dining room.

World Café

A vibrant space with live cooking stations and open kitchens, the World Café provides a wide range of international flavours. Guests can dine indoors or al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace with panoramic ocean views.

Aquavit Terrace®

Located just outside the World Café, this alfresco dining area lets you enjoy meals with ocean views — Viking describes it as a space where “your destination is your dining room.

Mamsen’s®

Named for the Hagen family matriarch (“Mamsen”), this cozy venue in the Explorers’ Lounge serves Norwegian specialties for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, or treats.

The Wintergarden

Adjacent to the main pool, afternoon tea is served here with finger sandwiches, scones, desserts and international teas, often accompanied by relaxing music from Viking’s resident musicians.

Pool Grill

In a casual poolside setting, the Pool Grill offers relaxed, made-to-order fare — perfect for lunch or a lighter meal between swims.

• Nordic Spa

• Sauna

• Steam room

• Snow grotto

• Hot tub

• Relaxation lounge

• Fitness center

• Yoga and exercise studio

• Hair salon and grooming services

• Main heated pool with retractable dome

• Infinity pool at the stern

• Hot tubs

• Walking track

• Golf putting green

• Shuffleboard

• Bocce court

• Outdoor sports and activity deck

• Explorer’s Lounge and Bar

• Wintergarden

• Torshavn Bar

• Pool Bar

• Library

• The Theater

• Atrium seating and gathering areas

* While Viking ocean ships share a similar design and onboard experience, stateroom layouts, décor and facilities may vary slightly between ships.