Kyoto & the Zen of Japan Cruise Tour
 
Kobe, Japan to Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan
Thu Sep 24, 2026 - Tue Oct 6, 2026,
 12 days
 on Star Seeker
?All-inclusive from
$11,289
?Cruise Only From
$10,399
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Kobe, Japan to Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan
From the tranquil Zen beauty of Kinkakuji Temple to the vibrant blinking plasma screens and incessant press of pedestrians throughout Tokyo’s Shibuya Station, this 12-day cruise tour throughout Japan combines pristine natural beauty with contemporary and cosmopolitan contrasts. Nibble on freshly caught fish paired with salty soy sauce and fiery wasabi in Shimizu’s world-famous Fish Market. Meander among East Asian relics and prehistoric stone tools in Busan’s museums, ornate temples and royal tombs in Gyeongju, one of South Korea’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sip steamy green tea in the peaceful shade of chestnut trees near the scenic Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu City, or participate in the ancient rituals of a formal tea ceremony. Examine Kyoto’s majestic temples and storied Nijo Castle in detail as part of a 2-night inland stay, or explore the Zen temple of Tenryuji in scenic and peaceful Arashiyama, one of the most popular destinations in the city. It’s a perfect journey for those who love Japan, and adventurous travelers who want to go further inland to explore the distinctive culture and history of Kyoto.
voyage map
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Day 1: Osaka to Kyoto
Disembark from your plane and an English-speaking guide will be waiting. Board the motor coach for the drive to your Kyoto hotel where the evening is at your leisure.
 
(Includes overnight at Kyoto Hotel Okura)
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Day 2: Kyoto Full-Day Tour
The day starts with a visit to Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Kinkakuji was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun and after his death it became a Buddhist Temple at his request and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. Next Stop will be at Nijo Castle, which was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a 5-story castle keep.
After lunch, you will be transferred to a Local Machiya House. The house consists of a workshop in front and living space in the rear which is typical of a large scale kimono wholesaler. In this Machiya house, you will enjoy wearing a Kimono and participating in a Traditional Tea Ceremony. The staff will explain the history of kimonos and the house. After enjoying the kimono experience, you will be transferred back to the hotel.
 
(Includes overnight at a hotel, breakfast and lunch)
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Day 3: Nara and Transfer to the Yacht
After breakfast check out of the hotel and an English-speaking guide will be waiting to accompany you to Nara. Drive past Osaka Castle on your way to Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts with temples and shrines that pre-date those found in Kyoto. The exquisite city of Nara is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and numerous art and architectural relics classified as National Treasures and Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese Government. See the incredible Todaiji Temple, founded in 752, and best known for its Daibutsu, the world's largest Buddha statue sitting 49 feet tall.. The 8th century statue is housed in an all-wood building, the Daibutsu-den, considered the largest wooden building in the world. During the visit at Todaiji Temple, you will have a chance to see many deer in Nara Park which covers 1,295 acres of woodland and is home to over 1,000 free roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, Nara's deer are a symbol of the city and are designated a National Natural Monument. Visit the impressive Kasuga Shrine which has 1,800 stone lanterns lining the walkway to its entrance, and another 1,000 bronze lanterns suspended from the eaves of corridors. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, you will be transferred to Kobe where your yacht awaits.
 
(Includes breakfast and lunch)
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Day 3: Kobe, Japan
Kobe is the 6th largest city in Japan and famous for its signature marbled beef. The Ikuta Shrine there is among Japan’s oldest shrines, dating back to the 3rd century. Kobe is also the gateway to Mount Rokko, accessible by antique cable cars, and the outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen. Other sites include the Sake Breweries, the Earthquake Museum, and Sorakuen Garden.
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Day 4: Takamatsu
The main gateway to Shikoku Island and an important focal point for the island’s rail and road transit systems, Takamatsu, on Japan’s scenic Inland Sea, has been a political and economic center since the Edo period. Among the attractions here is Ritsurin Garden, created during the Edo period, and especially popular during spring for the cherry blossoms and autumn for the fall foliage. Takamatsu Symbol tower has several observation decks providing panoramic views of the sea and landscapes.
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Day 5: Tomonoura
This picturesque port city is one of Windstar’s iconic hidden harbors.  Tomonoura is part of the Setonanikai National Park and features an endearing old-fashioned townscape. One of its thriving industries is the production of “homeishu,” a medicinal liquor with 16 different herbs in it, said to promote longevity.
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Day 6: Karatsu
Located on the island of Kyushu, Karatsu is one of the closest Japanese cities to the Korean Peninsula. Karatsu Castle is the main attraction here. Built in 1608, it houses a museum of the castle’s history and Karatsu ceramics. Karatsu is also known for its pottery which can be viewed at the Karatsu-yaki Pottery Gallery. Also worth visiting is the Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall which displays the 14 floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi Festival in November.
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Day 7: Busan
The second largest city in South Korea is a popular leisure destination due to the nearby hot springs. It is home to many famous beaches that lure visitors from around the world and the UNESCO site of Gyeongju an outdoor museum that was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom and holds many architectural points of interest including ornate temples.   Also of interest is South Korea’s largest temple, Tongdosa Temple, renowned for having no outdoor statues.
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Day 8: Scenic Cruising Hashima Island, Japan
Cruise around the island of Hashima, abandoned over 50 years ago when the coal mining that flourished there suddenly ran out. The mining company shut the mine down and the island has been a ghost town ever since.
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Day 8: Nagasaki
Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.
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Day 9: Kagoshima
The seaside city of Kagoshima is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano facing Kinko Bay. Take a tour to the Shiroyama Observatory or to the peaceful Edo-period Sengamen Japanese Garden. Visit the Ishibashi Park and the three Edo-period stone bridges or travel to the nearby village of Chiran to see the well-preserved Samurai Houses and the Chiran Peace Museum, exploring the background of kamikaze pilots.
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Day 11: Shingu
For over 1,000 years pilgrims have traveled to the Kumano Region to pray at the three Sacred Kumano Shrines. In Shingu you can see the Hayatama Shrine and the Kamikura Shrine. Both of these shrines are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Sacred Sites of Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The Kamikura Shrine sits on Mount Kamikurayama and requires climbing 538 steps to reach it.
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Day 12: Shimizu
Most notably known as the city you can see  the UNESCO site of Mount Fuji from.  This small port city considered one of the three most beautiful ports in Japan has many historical building like Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sumpugo Park, and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine. The 65-foot Shiraito Waterfall, located near Mount Fuji looks like it could be silk. Enjoy tuna from Japan’s largest fishery here or a cup of maccha, a Japanese green tea.
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Day 13: Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan
Yokohama, the gateway to Tokyo,  was one of the first Japanese ports open to foreign trade. It contains a large Chinatown with hundreds of Chinese shops and restaurants.  It is also known for its botanical park, Sankei-en Garden, containing preserved Japanese residences from different eras, and for the seaside Minato Mirai District, site of the Landmark Tower, standing 971 feet high.

What’s Included?


• 2 hotel nights at Intercontinental Osaka

• All transfer to and from the various included sites

• Admission fees to Kasuga Shrine, Todaiji Temple, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Kimono & Tea Tasting Experience

• 10-day cruise aboard your Windstar small ship
Popular Highlights
Hashima
Take in the scenery as you cruise around the abandoned island of Hashima, near Nagasaki
 
Hiroshima
Enjoy the cuisine of Hiroshima, with not-to-be-missed Okonomiyaki savory pancakes
 
Nagasaki
Respectfully remember “Never Again” at the Peace Memorial Parks of Nagasaki and Hiroshima
 
Nijo Castle
With extra time to discover Kyoto’s sites, see Kinkakuji Castle, known as the Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle, a UNESCO site with ornate wood carvings
Seto Inland Sea
Realize the scenic beauty of Japan’s Inland Sea, where few ships go
 
Shimizu
Discover the beauty of UNESCO site Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, when you get to Shimizu
 
Shingu
Visit the UNESCO site of Shingu, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, a part of the Sacred Sites of Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range 
 
Tea Ceremony
Don a kimono and participate in a Traditional Tea Ceremony
Itinerary at a Glance
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
Watersports
PlatformWatersports Platform: 
Thu Sep 24
Osaka to Kyoto
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Sep 25
Kyoto Full-Day Tour
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Sep 26
Nara and Transfer to the Yacht
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Sep 26
Kobe, Japan
Arrive:  
Depart:  11:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Sep 27
Takamatsu
Arrive:  7:00 AM
Depart:  7:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Sep 28
Tomonoura
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Tue Sep 29
Karatsu
Arrive:  12:00 PM
Depart:  6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Wed Sep 30
Busan
Arrive:  7:00 AM
Depart:  4:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Thu Oct 1
Scenic Cruising Hashima Island, Japan
Arrive:  6:00 AM
Depart:  7:30 AM
Watersports Platform: 
Thu Oct 1
Nagasaki
Arrive:  10:00 AM
Depart:  7:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Oct 2
Kagoshima
Arrive:  9:00 AM
Depart:  6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Oct 3
AT SEA
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Oct 4
Shingu
Arrive:  7:00 AM
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Oct 5
Shimizu
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Tue Oct 6
Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Accommodations & Pricing
Oceanview Suite
Oceanview Suite
Experience the perfect blend of style and functionality in this thoughtfully designed 203-square-foot suite. The well-planned layout creates an ideal retreat with plenty of natural light, a view of the sea, a walk-in mosaic glass shower and an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twins if desired), perfect for unwinding after a day of fun and exploration.
? Cruise only from $10,399 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $11,289 per guest
Vista Infinity Suite
Vista Infinity Suite
Located on deck 7, this 280-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window that allows for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Your suite features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired), a walk-in mosaic glass shower and a comfortable living area where you can lounge and enjoy the view.
? Cruise only from $10,999 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $11,889 per guest
Veranda Suite
Veranda Suite
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you to this 225-square-foot suite. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
? Cruise only from $12,599 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $13,489 per guest
Premier Veranda Suite
Premier Veranda Suite
 Located at the middle of the ship, these 225-square-foot suites welcome you with stylish comfort and beautiful ocean views. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
? Cruise only from $13,199 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $14,089 per guest
Vista Veranda Suite
Vista Veranda Suite
Located on deck 7, this 268-square-foot suite welcomes you with stylish comfort and stunning ocean views. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
? Cruise only from $13,699 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $14,589 per guest
Infinity Suite
Infinity Suite
This 280-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window that allows for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Your suite features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired), a walk-in mosaic glass shower and a comfortable living area where you can lounge and enjoy the view.
? Call for Availability
Triple Premier Veranda Suite
Triple Premier Veranda Suite
Located on deck 6, this 246-square-foot suite welcomes you with stylish comfort and stunning ocean views. Featuring an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and a pull-out sofa in the living area, the suite allows for triple occupancy. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
? Call for Availability
Triple Infinity Suite
Triple Infinity Suite
This roomy 301-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window in the bedroom, allowing for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. This suite also features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and a pull-out sofa in the separate living area, allowing for triple occupancy. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
? Call for Availability
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
This 288-square-foot suite welcomes you with spectacular views, courtesy of the sliding glass doors that lead out to your private balcony. The outdoor space adds another 110 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. The bedroom features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and its own sliding glass door with balcony access, while the bathroom includes a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
? Call for Availability
Classic Suite
Classic Suite
Step into a stylish and bright open living area with a spacious adjacent bedroom. This 353-square-foot suite welcomes you with spectacular views, courtesy of the sliding glass doors that lead out to your private balcony. The outdoor space adds another 110 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. The bedroom features an inviting queen bed that can be converted into two twins if desired, while the bathroom includes a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
? Call for Availability
Star Suite
Star Suite
Step into a stylish and bright open living area with a spacious adjacent bedroom. This 380-square-foot suite welcomes you with spectacular views, courtesy of the sliding glass doors that lead out to your private balcony. The outdoor space adds another 110 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. The bedroom features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and its own sliding glass door with balcony access, while the bathroom includes a bathtub and walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
? Call for Availability
Horizon Owner’s Suite
Horizon Owner’s Suite
This luxurious 548-square-foot suite combines floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around balcony for an unparalleled cruising experience. Perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner, the wrap-around balcony adds 248 square feet of space and offers unobstructed views of the sea. The suite boasts a separate entryway — as well as separate dining and living areas — and a guest powder room. The bedroom includes an inviting king bed (convertible into two XL twin beds if desired), and the bathroom features a luxurious double walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets. For family bookings, the adjacent suite can be combined to provide extra bedrooms and space for entertaining.
? Call for Availability
The Windstar Life
The Windstar staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5, and it shows.The moment you board you’ll feel it: an ever-attentive crew at your service, providing you with what you want and need, when you want and need it.
Friendly and Relaxed Atmosphere
Signature Onboard Barbecue
Cooking Demonstrations
Genuine and Thoughtful Crew
Crew Talent Show
Open Bridge
Local and Live Performances
Relax at the Pool or Hot Tub
Complimentary 24 Hour Room Service
Signature Sail Away
Shopping With The Chef
Take In The Sun
Watersports Platform
Enjoy regionally inspired treatments at World Spa by Windstar
Relax With A Morning Yoga Session
ALL DATES &
FARES
Great cruise-only fares or make it an all-inclusive voyage with Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, and gratuities. From $89 per guest per day.
Date
Ship
All-Inclusive
From
Cruise Only
From
Wed, Sep 16 - Mon, Sep 28, 2026
STAR SEEKER
Call For Availability
Thu, Sep 24 - Tue, Oct 6, 2026
STAR SEEKER
$11,289
$10,399
THIS
SAILING
Tue, Oct 6 - Sun, Oct 18, 2026
STAR SEEKER
$11,089
$10,199
Wed, Oct 14 - Mon, Oct 26, 2026
STAR SEEKER
$11,089
$10,199