Japan & Korea by Small Ship: Our 2028 Hosted Journey on Azamara Pursuit
Updated: 60 minutes ago
An evening in Kobe
It's early evening in Kobe, and the ship isn't leaving tonight. You've spent the day in Kyoto, wandering temple paths and quiet lanes. Now you're back in port with nowhere to be.
Someone suggests a little restaurant a few streets from the pier. Eight seats, a chef who doesn't speak much English, and the best meal of the trip.
That's the kind of travel Elaine Saint and I love. It's also why we chose Japan for our 2028 hosted journey: 12 nights from Tokyo to Seoul aboard Azamara Pursuit, May 12 to 24, 2028.
Japan is one of those places people tell me they'll see "someday." It feels far away, and planning it alone can be a lot. So we decided to go together, and we'd love for you to come with us.
Trip at a glance
Cruise: Azamara Pursuit, 12 nights, Tokyo (Yokohama) to Seoul (Incheon)
Dates: May 12 to 24, 2028
Ports: Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe (overnight), Takamatsu, Beppu, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Sasebo and Yeosu, South Korea
Hosts: Dale (Travel With Dale) and Elaine Saint, Expedia Cruises North Vancouver
Group pricing: From $5,539 CAD per person, all taxes included
Extras: Pre and post packages available in Tokyo, Kyoto and Seoul
The journey, port by port
Tokyo. We board in Yokohama and sail a short hop to Tokyo, giving us a full day in the capital. I'd start the morning at Senso-ji in Asakusa and save Shibuya for after dark, when the crossing is lit up like a movie set.
Nagoya. Nagoya Castle is the big sight here, with its golden fish on the roof. If you don't mind a longer day, the Ise Grand Shrine is within reach too.
Kobe, overnight. Two days here means real choice. Spend one day in Kyoto among temples and geisha districts, or in Osaka for street food. Save an evening for Kobe itself, and yes, the beef.
Takamatsu. Our first taste of the Seto Inland Sea. Ritsurin Garden is the reason to go, with pine trees shaped by hand for generations and teahouses over the ponds.
Beppu. A town that steams. Hot springs bubble up everywhere here, from bright blue pools to bubbling red mud. A soak in an onsen is close to mandatory.
Hiroshima. A day to slow down. The Peace Memorial Park is quiet and very moving. Give it more time than you think you need. Across the water, Miyajima's great red torii gate appears to float when the tide is in.
Kagoshima. Across the bay sits Sakurajima, an active volcano that still puffs ash now and then. Kagoshima is also known for its sweet potato shochu and black pork.
Sasebo. The jumping off point for Nagasaki, or for a boat ride around the little Kujukushima islands.
Yeosu, South Korea. An easygoing seaside city on Korea's south coast. Ride the cable car over the bay, then find somewhere for seafood. We're in port until 10 PM, so dinner ashore is easy.
A day at sea, then Seoul. Time to rest, swap stories and enjoy the ship before arriving in Incheon for Seoul.
Day-by-day itinerary
Fri, May 12: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan · Embark, depart 10:00 PM
Sat, May 13: Tokyo, Japan · 3:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sun, May 14: Nagoya, Japan · 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Mon, May 15: Kobe, Japan · Arrive 1:00 PM, overnight
Tue, May 16: Kobe, Japan · Depart 8:00 PM
Wed, May 17: Takamatsu, Japan · 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thu, May 18: Beppu, Japan · 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Fri, May 19: Hiroshima, Japan · 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sat, May 20: Kagoshima, Japan · 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Sun, May 21: Sasebo, Japan · 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Mon, May 22: Yeosu, South Korea · 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Tue, May 23: At sea
Wed, May 24: Seoul (Incheon), South Korea · Arrive 6:00 AM, disembark
Itineraries may change as conditions warrant.
Why May
May is one of the nicest months to see Japan. The cherry blossom crowds are gone by then and the gardens have turned green. Most days are mild enough to walk for hours.
It also lands before the rainy season and the humid summer heat. You'll want a light jacket for evenings on deck, and comfortable shoes for the temple steps.
Why Azamara
Azamara likes to say the best journeys are measured in moments, like a market you stumble into or a conversation you didn't expect. Elaine and I agree, and it's a big part of why we chose them.
Azamara Pursuit is a small ship, so it never feels crowded. She stays late in port and overnights in places like Kobe. So you can stay out for dinner instead of rushing back for a 5 PM sailaway. In Japan, a lot of the best stuff happens after dark.
So much is already included, over $4,500 in value:
Beer, wine and spirits
Onboard gratuities
A variety of dining venues
A Signature AzAmazing Evening, a special evening event put on just for Azamara guests
Unlimited self-service laundry
Why travel with us
On a hosted journey, Elaine and I are with you the entire way. We'll be at dinner with you, out on excursions with you, and probably tugging your sleeve every so often to say "you have to see this."
If you've wanted to see Japan but weren't sure about doing it alone, this is a much easier way to do it. You'll be with a small group, and Elaine and I handle the details so you don't have to. Honestly, half the fun for us is watching someone see Japan for the first time.
Join us
Pricing is per person, all taxes included, in Canadian dollars:
Inside: $5,539
Oceanview: $6,139
Balcony: $7,859
Pre and post packages will be available, so you can add extra time in Tokyo, Kyoto or Seoul.
Our group space is limited, and Japan in spring tends to fill up early. If you'd like to join us, or just want to talk it through, get in touch. I'm happy to place a courtesy hold on a cabin while you decide.
Dale, Travel With Dale | Expedia Cruises 604.985.7447 ext. 105 · dalegraham@expediacruises.com
Elaine Saint | Expedia Cruises 604.351.6130 · esaint@expediacruises.com
Pricing and availability are subject to change. Please ask about passport, visa and travel insurance requirements when booking.
Quick answers
Who is hosting this cruise?
Dale Graham of Travel With Dale and Elaine Saint, both travel advisors with Expedia Cruises in North Vancouver, BC. We sail with the group the whole way.
When is it, and how much does it cost?
May 12 to 24, 2028, sailing from Yokohama (Tokyo) to Incheon (Seoul). Group pricing starts at $5,539 CAD per person for an inside stateroom, $6,139 for oceanview and $7,859 for a balcony, all taxes included.
Can I join on my own?
Yes. Solo travellers are very welcome. Travelling with a small group and two hosts is one of the easiest ways to see Japan for the first time.
Do I need to live in Vancouver to join?
No. We're based in North Vancouver and many of our guests are local, but you're welcome to join from anywhere. We can arrange your flights and add extra nights in Tokyo, Kyoto or Seoul.
How do I reserve?
Call Dale at 604.985.7447 ext. 105 or email dalegraham@expediacruises.com, or reach Elaine at 604.351.6130 or esaint@expediacruises.com. Dale is happy to place a courtesy hold on a cabin while you decide.
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