DAY 1 – HONG KONG, CHINA
Hong Kong is divided into four sections: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the numerous outlying islands. One hundred sixty-four square miles of dense real estate dominate Hong Kong Island, including enormous skyscrapers with futuristic architecture, opulent hotels, residential compounds on Victoria Peak, and some of the oldest Chinese communities in the region. All these elements create one of the most exotic and exciting ports of call in the world; one that is universally loved by tourists and its own enterprising citizens.
DAY 2 – DAY AT SEA
Unwind with a spa treatment or enjoy leisure activities onboard, from cafes to the card room.
DAY 3 – TAINAN (ANPING), TAIWAN
Known as the island’s spiritual heart, Tainan invites travelers to explore its quiet lanes, ornate temples, and storied landmarks that whisper tales of dynasties past. Begin your journey at the Confucius Temple, a serene sanctuary of learning, then wander through vibrant markets where the aromas of local delicacies fill the air. Discover the legacy of Dutch and Qing influences at Fort Zeelandia and Anping Old Street, or seek moments of calm in lush gardens tucked behind ancient walls.
DAY 4 – TAICHUNG, TAIWAN
Set along the island’s western coast, Taichung blends modern energy with deep-rooted traditions, offering travelers a gateway to Taiwan’s artistic and culinary soul. This vibrant city invites exploration at a gentle pace—where leafy boulevards lead to ornate temples, and contemporary museums stand beside bustling night markets. Discover the serenity of Taichung Park, wander through the colorful lanes of the Painted Animation Village, or step inside the National Taichung Theater, an architectural marvel that mirrors the city’s creative spirit.
DAY 5 – KEELUNG (TAIPEI), TAIWAN
Keelung is the second largest port in Taiwan, and a booming trade industry has turned it into a very prosperous city and international seaport. However, the main reason for calling here is to travel inland to visit the contemporary metropolis of Taipei. Not long ago, the scenic valley of the Tanshui River was home to rice and vegetable farmers, but today it is the site of Taiwan’s bustling center of culture, commerce and government.
DAY 6 – ISHIGAKI ISLAND, JAPAN
Closer to Taiwan than to Japan’s main islands, the Yaeyama group is a volcanic archipelago known (though not widely) for its coral reefs and clear waters. Ishigaki is the main hub, and attracts mostly Japanese visitors with inside information about the Caribbean-like appeal of the place. A part of the Okinawa Prefecture, the island is ringed by beaches that vary from sandy expanses to whole strands made up entirely of broken, bleached and tumbled coral. The land itself is mostly given over to palm forests and pineapple plantations.
DAY 7 – NAHA, JAPAN
Okinawa’s capital was heavily damaged during World War II. Its most famous landmark, the Chinese-style Shuri Castle, is a reconstruction, but well worth visiting, especially its impressive Shureimon gate, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Just nearby, a couple of relic sites remain: the stone houses and cobbled walkways of the Shrikinjocho Stone-Path Road, and the tranquil Shikina-en Garden. The Okinawa Prefecture Museum and Art Museum reveals a great deal of the local history. Okinawa has long been famous for a distinctive style of ceramic wares, which are still made in Naha’s Tsuboya neighborhood. Visit the Tsuboya Pottery Museum to earn about the craft, then stroll the shops along Yachimun Street to pick up some examples as souvenirs.
DAY 8 – DAY AT SEA
Relax and enjoy the amenities of Seabourn Encore as you continue your journey.
DAY 9 – ABURATSU, JAPAN
Aburatsu is a charming port town in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere. Indulge in local culinary delights, from fresh seafood to exquisite sake, crafted with centuries-old techniques. Explore the historic Nichinan Coast, dotted with ancient shrines and lush greenery, providing a glimpse into Japan’s storied past. Don’t miss the Udo Shrine, a stunning cliffside sanctuary dedicated to the Shinto deity Ugayafukiaezu, and the Obijyo Castle Ruins, which offer a fascinating look into Japan’s feudal history.
DAY 10 – KOCHI, JAPAN
Japan’s Shikoku island is a popular place of pilgrimage among Japanese Buddhists. Kochi has three of the 88 temples on the route. Chikurinji Temple, with its five-story pagoda, is one of them. Located on Mount Godaisan, it also features an adjacent botanical garden. The town is most famous for its castle, originally built in the early 17th century, but largely rebuilt following a fire in the mid-18th century. It is one of only 12 existing feudal-period castles in Japan. South of the town, Katsurahama beach is a popular destination, although swimming is not allowed due to strong currents.
DAY 11 & 12 – OSAKA, JAPAN
Japan’s second-largest city is famous for its imposing, photogenic Osaka Castle, set in a park with decorative fruit trees that provide extravagant blooms in the spring. It has always been a merchant city, and the business sections are busy and crowded. For visitors, the city holds numerous shrines and temples, including the Shitenno-ji, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple from 526 AD, and the Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the country, from 211 AD. The Peace Pagoda, built in 1963, continues a common Japanese theme. For museum lovers, the city has a National Museum of Modern Art, focused on postwar art, and a five-story Science Museum, as well as a unique Oriental Ceramics Museum with over 2,000 items from Japan, Koreas and China.
DAY 13 – SHINGU, JAPAN
Nestled along the southeastern coast of Japan’s Kii Peninsula, the Port of Shingu offers travelers a serene entry point into one of the country’s most spiritually rich and naturally stunning regions. This charming coastal town is a key destination for those seeking both cultural depth and scenic beauty.
Just beyond the harbor lies the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route that has guided spiritual seekers for over a thousand years. These ancient trails wind through misty forests and over mountain passes, connecting sacred sites and offering a profound journey into Japan’s spiritual heartland.
DAY 14 – SHIMIZU, JAPAN
A busy port located on the Suruga Bay, Shimizu is renowned for the surrounding views of Mt. Fuji. One of the most famous is from Miho no Matsubara, a shoreline lined with groves of lovely pine trees that is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. One tree, said to be over 650 years old, plays a part in a popular folkloric myth. On clear days, the snow-capped cone can also be viewed from the heights of the Nihondaira Plateau overlooking the city and the bay. Near the port, the four-story S Pulse Dream Plaza shopping mall boasts a museum dedicated to sushi!
DAY 15 – TOKYO, JAPAN
Welcome to Japan’s cutting-edge capital, the world’s largest city famed for its blazing neon, techno-gadgets, and serious fashion sense. Get a glimpse into Tokyo’s glorious past while strolling the Imperial Palace gardens, or take a rickshaw ride through the Asakusa district with its ancient Sensoji Temple and colorful atmosphere that echoes Old Edo. Wander the Tsukiji Market — aka, “Tokyo’s Kitchen” — the world’s largest fish and seafood market, and raise a glass of rice lager at the Philippe Starck-designed Asahi Beer Hall located near the 2,080-foot-high Skytree, the world’s tallest tower.
