Viking Oceans Cruises – Far Eastern Horizons (China, Japan) 15 Days

Hong Kong, China
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. 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.

Hong Kong, China
Victoria Harbor keeps the heart of Hong Kong beating and it does so with grace and beauty. The natural harbor divides Hong Kong Island from Kowloon. Today, much of the harbor’s beauty lies in its location amid a dense urban area. Junks, tugs, sampans, yachts and the distinctive Star Ferry commuter boats share these teeming waters surrounded by a stunning setting. The city is famed for its nightly light show that plays off the skyline, providing an impressive view of Hong Kong’s forest of skyscrapers and Victoria Peak.

Shore Excursions – Postcards of Hong Kong
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
See the legendary highlights of Hong Kong, from its sweeping vistas to its most intimate corners. Meet your guide and ascend to Victoria Peak, the 1,800-foot summit that soars over the city’s skyscrapers. Known as “the Peak”, it offers breathtaking views of the metropolis, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Peninsula. Along Hong Kong Island’s south shore, browse the open-air Stanley Market, a picturesque warren of lanes lined with stalls selling clothing, jewelry, ornaments and more. Explore the locale of Aberdeen, a fascinating juxtaposition of modern and ancient, and browse its unique handcrafted jewelry collections that combine East and West design principles. Next, embark a traditional sampan for a cruise through the harbor’s floating village, where locals live on fishing junks—a stark contrast to the high-rise buildings on the island. After time to explore, return to your ship.

Sail the East China Sea
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. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, Province of China
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.

Shore Excursions – Taipei in Brief
Duration: 4 hours
Uncover Taipei’s curious blend of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences on a visit to the Taiwanese capital. You will meet your guide and drive to the cosmopolitan city, steeped in tradition. Stop in Liberty Square to see the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, surrounded by a green park. The hall is dedicated to the leader who led nationalists from mainland China during the 1949 Communist takeover. You can also admire the pagoda-like design of the National Theater and National Concert Hall’s twin venues, also on the square. Stop at the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, set in the mountains overlooking the Keelung River. This brightly decorated yet solemn place is a reminder of the 330,000 people who lost their lives fighting for the Republic of China. You will also stop for photos of the famed Taipei 101 skyscraper, a breathtaking structure that was the world’s tallest from 2004 to 2009.

Sail the East China Sea
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. 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.

Nagasaki, Japan
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.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Nagasaki
Duration: 2 hours
Witness a rare blend of East and West in Nagasaki, an inspirational city where monuments of peace embrace optimism. You will drive with your guide to the Nagasaki Peace Park, dedicated to world peace. The vast park contains a large fountain, statues and sculptures donated by countries and artists around the world, each dedicated to world harmony. Spend contemplative time as you remember the victims of the atomic bomb of August 9, 1945. Continue your journey and pass the Roman Catholic Urakami Cathedral, once the largest in the East. During your panoramic drive, you will also view Dejima, an artificial island built to house Portuguese and Dutch traders. It has since been linked to the mainland via land reclamation and is a National Historic Site.

Kagoshima, Japan
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.

Shore Excursions – Kagoshima Scenic Ride
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Experience the unique setting and fascinating past of Kagoshima, often compared to the Italian city of Naples. You will take in its mild climate, its palm-lined streets and the Sakurajima volcano. Drive with your guide into the city and stop at Shiroyama Park, a hilltop haven with stunning views of Kagoshima and, weather permitting, the Sakurajima volcano. At the Reimeikan museum, located within the walls of the old city castle ruins, browse a fascinating display of remarkably preserved artifacts that chronicle Japan’s long history and rich culture. The exhibit on the Meiji Restoration, the 19th-century period when a more practical imperial rule was instituted, is especially interesting. You will also see the nearby bronze statue which commemorates the site of Saigō Takamori’s death. A true Renaissance man, he established himself as the last true samurai while writing some of Japan’s most celebrated poetry under a pseudonym.

Beppu, Japan
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.

Shore Excursions – Steaming Sights of Beppu
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore Japan’s leading hot spring resort, Beppu, with its nearly 3,000 gushing vents in a small area. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through a sublime natural setting that is rich in hot springs. Marvel at the clouds of steam rising through the city’s streets, caused by the underground volcanic activity. The springs boast properties that are said to boost health and well-being because of their mineral content. At one of the best-known examples, Myoban Yunosato, learn about the benefits of these minerals and the process of extracting crystals to produce bath and skin care products. En route back to your ship, you will stop at Chinoike Jigoku. This blood-red hot spring, one of the city’s famed “Hells,” is rich in iron oxide and makes for a great photo opportunity.

Hiroshima, Japan
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.

Shore Excursions – Postcards of Hiroshima
Duration: 3 hours
Witness the miraculous, decades-long recovery of Hiroshima and take inspiration from its remarkable restoration. Drive with your guide into the heart of the city, stopping to view the skeletal remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The hall’s hollowed dome, appropriately called the Atomic Bomb Dome, was intentionally left in ruins as a stark visual reminder of the bomb’s destruction. It was the only building that was left standing close to the hypocenter of the bomb’s blast. Stop at the arched tomb cenotaph and take a moment to remember the victims of the bomb. Each one of the 220,000 victims’ names is inscribed on the stone chest beneath the arch. After time to reflect, enjoy free time in the city’s major shopping district, where you will find mementos of your visit to this inspirational city.

Hiroshima, Japan
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.

Shore Excursions – Postcards of Hiroshima
Duration: 3 hours
Witness the miraculous, decades-long recovery of Hiroshima and take inspiration from its remarkable restoration. Drive with your guide into the heart of the city, stopping to view the skeletal remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The hall’s hollowed dome, appropriately called the Atomic Bomb Dome, was intentionally left in ruins as a stark visual reminder of the bomb’s destruction. It was the only building that was left standing close to the hypocenter of the bomb’s blast. Stop at the arched tomb cenotaph and take a moment to remember the victims of the bomb. Each one of the 220,000 victims’ names is inscribed on the stone chest beneath the arch. After time to reflect, enjoy free time in the city’s major shopping district, where you will find mementos of your visit to this inspirational city.

Osaka, Japan
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.

Shore Excursions – Osaka City Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Visit Osaka’s ancient shrine to the great gods of Sumiyoshi and witness Abeno Harukas, the tallest skyscraper in Japan. In the precinct of Sumiyoshi-ku, explore the revered Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine), the main shrine among some 2,000 spread throughout Japan. In the 3rd century, it was built for the guardian deity of sailors and the deity of prosperity. Its four sanctuaries, built with traditional straight roofs, are national treasures. Wander the surrounding wooded trails and admire 600 stone garden lanterns and the red arched bridge spanning the pond, a soothing and tranquil setting. En route back to your ship, drive past the towering Abeno Harukas—at almost 1,000 feet tall, it was once Japan’s tallest building and home to the country’s largest department store from 2014-2023.

Shore Excursions – Stunning Vistas of Shimizu
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
See the stunning natural beauty of Japan’s countryside as you explore Mt. Udo and and the Miho Penninsula. You will depart with your guide for a drive to scenic Nihondaira. Often referred to as a natural observation deck, the once flat topography has been changed by nature and now rises over 1,000 feet, offering sweeping vistas of tea plantations, Shimizu City and the cone-shaped Mt. Fuji. The picturesque views of the Izu Peninsula and Southern Alps are some of Japan’s finest. You will marvel at more of the area’s picturesque landscapes when you head to Miho no Matsubara on the Miho Peninsula. Here, take a guided stroll through a grove of pines protected by UNESCO to a tranquil sandy beach, part of a four-mile stretch of pristine shore. Weather permitting, you will enjoy splendid views of Mt. Fuji.

Shimizu, Japan
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.

Shore Excursions – Stunning Vistas of Shimizu
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
See the stunning natural beauty of Japan’s countryside as you explore Mt. Udo and and the Miho Penninsula. You will depart with your guide for a drive to scenic Nihondaira. Often referred to as a natural observation deck, the once flat topography has been changed by nature and now rises over 1,000 feet, offering sweeping vistas of tea plantations, Shimizu City and the cone-shaped Mt. Fuji. The picturesque views of the Izu Peninsula and Southern Alps are some of Japan’s finest. You will marvel at more of the area’s picturesque landscapes when you head to Miho no Matsubara on the Miho Peninsula. Here, take a guided stroll through a grove of pines protected by UNESCO to a tranquil sandy beach, part of a four-mile stretch of pristine shore. Weather permitting, you will enjoy splendid views of Mt. Fuji.

Tokyo, Japan
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.

Shore Excursions – Tokyo On Your Own
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes
Unravel the mysteries of Tokyo during independent exploration. In this dazzling city, Zen-like gardens and Shinto shrines mingle with towering skyscrapers while the symmetrical cone of Mt. Fuji watches over. You will drive with your guide to the city center and receive a city overview and map on the way. Your drop-off point is Shinjuku, close to the Meiji Shrine and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden by train or subway. Before parting ways, your escort will inform you of the pick-up place and time. Perhaps you will explore Shinjuku Gyoen, a picturesque park with gardens, once part of a feudal lord’s Tokyo estate. Today, it is the perfect marriage of French, English and Japanese landscape design. You might also join the locals in the upscale shops and sushi bars in Tokyo’s famed Ginza district. Or explore Sensō-ji, the city’s oldest temple and one of its most revered.

Shore Excursions – Tokyo Panorama
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy a scenic drive as you set out on a tour of Japan’s center of education and culture, and economic hub. This thriving city offers excitement with its changing skyline, yet remnants of its tranquil past endure. Board your motor coach and drive over Rainbow Bridge. This 2,620-foot suspension bridge is an engineering marvel. See the Odaiba Fuji TV building with its sphere-shaped observatory, and drive past Tokyo Tower—Japan’s second-tallest building. Pass the opulent State Guest Houses and stately House of Parliament before arriving at the Imperial Palace. Take time to enjoy a short stroll through the pine grove–lined plaza and pass the bronze statue of the 14th-century samurai. Drive through the Ginza district and pass the Kabuki-za Theater before returning to your ship.

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