Tokyo to Incheon

05 Aug 27

Arriving at Tokyo International Airport, where you are met by your local Silversea representative and transferred to the hotel in Tokyo. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner this evening is on your own account.

Overnight at the Mesm Tokyo Hotel

The standard check-in time at the hotel is 3:00 PM. If your flight arrives very early in the morning, please inquire about rates to guarantee your room for immediate occupancy upon arrival.

06 Aug 27

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, you will spend the day exploring one of the oldest parts of Tokyo, Shibamata, where the charm of old Edo still thrives. Stroll down Sando Shopping Street, a traditional pathway leading to the historic Shibamata Taishakuten Temple, lined with charming shops. 

Next, immerse yourself in Japan’s rich art and history at the country’s oldest and largest museum. Located in Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum houses an extensive collection of over 110,000 artifacts, including ancient pottery, samurai armor, traditional paintings, and historical treasures from across the country and nearby regions. 

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then visit Hamarikyu Garden, the only surviving seaside garden from Japan’s Edo Period, once a feudal lord’s residence and Tokugawa hunting ground. 

Return to the hotel later in the afternoon for some rest and relaxation before indulging in a delicious Teppan-yaki (Japanese style BBQ) for dinner. 

Overnight at the Mesm Tokyo Hotel

07 Aug 27

After breakfast at the hotel, today's adventure will take you outside the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and into the surrounding area of Mt. Fuji. 

Ride a ropeway to Fujimidai and take in the panoramic views from the observation deck, which sits more than 1000 meters above sea level. Next, enjoy a lake cruise on beautiful Lake Kawaguchi. On sunny days, the best seats are on the second level, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the lake and get the best possible spots to see Mt. Fuji. 

  *The Ropeway gets very crowded during peak seasons, and may be substituted with a visit to Oishi Park, which also offers great views of Mt. Fuji.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant before your transfer to the Mt. Fuji 5th station. The 5th Station is the highest accessible point by vehicle to see Mt. Fuji and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Fuji Five Lakes area. 

*There may be road closures to Kawaguchi Lake due to adverse weather conditions. As an alternative, guests will be taken to the Hakone area to experience Mt. Fuji. 

*Please note that clouds and poor visibility may block the view of Mount Fuji, and views of the mountain cannot be guaranteed.

Enjoy a scenic ride back to the hotel (approximately 2 hours), where the remainder of the day and dinner is at your leisure.

Overnight at the Mesm Tokyo Hotel

08 Aug 27

On your final day in Tokyo, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Tokyo City View, an observation deck on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. From here, marvel at sweeping views of Tokyo’s skyline, including Tokyo City View and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. Next, visit Hie Jinja Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine in central Tokyo renowned for its ties to the Imperial Palace and government district. 

Afterwards, transfer to the port where your Silversea staff and crew are waiting to welcome you onboard.

08 Aug 27
00:00 - 19:00

Dense and delightful, there's nowhere else like Japan's kinetic capital - a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with a relentless pursuit for the future's sharpest edge. See the city from above, as elevators rocket you up to towering viewing platforms, from which you can survey a vast urban ocean, interspersed with sky-scraping needles. Look out as far as the distant loom of Mount Fuji's cone on clear days. Futuristic - second-accurate - transport seamlessly links Tokyo's 14 districts, while the glow of flashing advertisement boards, clinking of arcade machines, and waves of humanity flowing along its streets, adds to the sense of mesmerizing, dizzying, and glorious sensory overload. One of Tokyo's most iconic sights, don't miss the flood of people scrambling to cross Shibuya's famous intersection. Join the choreographed dance, as crowds of briefcase-carrying commuters are given the green light to cross at the same time - all bathed in the light of massive neon advertisements. The culture is immensely rich and deep, with 7th-century, lantern-decorated temples, stunning palaces, and tranquil scarlet shrines waiting below cloaks of incense and nestling between soaring skyscrapers. Restaurants serve up precisely prepared sushi, and wafer-thin seafood slivers, offering a unique taste of the country's refined cuisine. Settle into traditional teahouses, to witness intricate ceremonies, or join the locals as they fill out karaoke bars to sing the night away. In the spring, cherry blossom paints a delicate pink sheen over the city's innumerable parks and gardens.

09 Aug 27
08:00 - 15:30

Without doubt one of Japan's most beautiful ports, Shimizu offers a stunning gift on arrival — the iconic symmetrical cone of Mount Fuji rising majestically. The ultimate Japanese view, it’s a breathtaking vision of grace and volcanic power, with the snow-capped peak soaring larger than life. Beyond the drama of Fuji, Shimizu's scenic coastline and UNESCO World Heritage landscapes are layered with traditional beauty. Historic Shinto shrines stand amid pine groves, while green tea fields ripple across nearby hills. The port is also a gateway to some of Japan's finest sushi, prepared with dedicated artistry. Shimizu invites you to explore at your own pace, experiencing the soul of Japan through landscapes, cuisine, and tradition.

10 Aug 27
13:00 - 00:00

The Japanese city of Kobe needs no introduction. The name is synonymous with its homegrown superstar. We are not talking of its stunning shrines, cherry trees laden with blossom during sakura, or effervescent city, buzzing with life 24/7. We are of course talking of a much more grass roots hero - its eponymous beef. The delicacy might have put the city on the map, but there is far more to Kobe than its meat. Naturally, Kobe wears its cuisine as a badge of honor. Its port history has given it a gastronomy that is quite different from its neighbors. Seafood and sushi is naturally some of the freshest and most diverse you can find, but Kobe's multi-cultural nature (the city is home to 98 different nationalities) means that it has one of the most diverse gastronomic cultures in Japan. Bread and bakeries are also an (unexpected) delicacy. Additionally, Sake is taken very seriously - Kobe even has its own museum dedicated to the national spirit. Historically, Kobe has always been a key city for Japan. Renamed in 1889, it was known as Owada no Tomari during the Nara Period (710-784 C.E.). Kobe's location on the calm Inland Sea between Osaka and Kyoto has proven to be pivotal in Japanese history; it is mentioned in famous literary works such as The Tale of Genji (from approximately the late 9th century) and the Taiheiki (14th century). The city and region are home to many attractions including the Himeji Castle (widely considered to be Japan's most beautiful feudal castle), a short ride away.

11 Aug 27
00:00 - 22:00

The Japanese city of Kobe needs no introduction. The name is synonymous with its homegrown superstar. We are not talking of its stunning shrines, cherry trees laden with blossom during sakura, or effervescent city, buzzing with life 24/7. We are of course talking of a much more grass roots hero - its eponymous beef. The delicacy might have put the city on the map, but there is far more to Kobe than its meat. Naturally, Kobe wears its cuisine as a badge of honor. Its port history has given it a gastronomy that is quite different from its neighbors. Seafood and sushi is naturally some of the freshest and most diverse you can find, but Kobe's multi-cultural nature (the city is home to 98 different nationalities) means that it has one of the most diverse gastronomic cultures in Japan. Bread and bakeries are also an (unexpected) delicacy. Additionally, Sake is taken very seriously - Kobe even has its own museum dedicated to the national spirit. Historically, Kobe has always been a key city for Japan. Renamed in 1889, it was known as Owada no Tomari during the Nara Period (710-784 C.E.). Kobe's location on the calm Inland Sea between Osaka and Kyoto has proven to be pivotal in Japanese history; it is mentioned in famous literary works such as The Tale of Genji (from approximately the late 9th century) and the Taiheiki (14th century). The city and region are home to many attractions including the Himeji Castle (widely considered to be Japan's most beautiful feudal castle), a short ride away.

12 Aug 27
08:00 - 23:59

Once a humble fishing village with just a few locals who grew their own rice and vegetables to eat with the fish they’d caught that day, Komatsushima was remote and rarely visited by others. It can be found in the Tokushima Prefecture, where it sits on the vast and clear cerulean waters of Komatsushima Bay on the east coast of Shikoku, and it sits next to Tokushima to the north and west. In 1899 a port was built which enabled the village to grow as a commercial centre, then in 1913 a ferry service was established between major cities on Honshu Island making it accessible to many more people. In 1923 a large spinning mill was opened and slowly but surely people began to settle down and build houses and live there. In 1951 Komatsushima officially became a city and became known as a popular tourist destination for Japanese visitors. It’s still relatively unknown in the West but you’ll be glad to discover this hidden gem. As well as dining on fish so fresh it has been caught, you’ll be greeted by charming locals who’ll help you decide which gastronomic delights you want to sample. You’ll be spoilt for choice if you want to visit a selection of three different temples and there’s also a shrine.

13 Aug 27

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

14 Aug 27
08:00 - 17:00

One of Japan's most southerly major cities, Kagoshima is dominated by the imposing Sakurajima volcano's cone - a legendary active volcano that broods, churns, and puffs out ash nearby. A pretty old-time ferry chugs across the still waters to the gently sloping foothills of the volcano's cone, and it's easy to imagine where the comparisons with its sister city Naples materialized, as you sail the glorious sweeping Kinko Bay, below beaming sunshine, towards the immense volcanic spectacle. This is certainly no historic relic, and the volcano remains revered and feared, with the most dramatic recent eruption taking place in 1914, and spewing out a new bridge of land into the sea. Make the most of the geothermal activity in the area by indulging in a stress-simmering black sand bath. Incredibly relaxing, you'll be submerged in the warm sand, as you feel your muscles relaxing in the heat, and rejuvenating blood pumping around your body. Enjoy a privileged view of the iconic volcano's loom from the terraced garden of Senganen Garden. Built in 1658, this elegant, traditional garden has belonged to the Shimadzu family for 350 years. Wander the gardens - which bloom with Japan's renowned cherry tree blossoms and feature tiny bridges looping over ponds and rock pools - before sitting back and sipping a wholesome green matcha latte. Elsewhere, museums offer Feudal Era and Satsuma Province history, as well as insights into the Kamikaze squadrons of World War II. Lake Ikeda is also close by, so be sure to keep an eye out for the legendary Issie monster.

15 Aug 27
08:00 - 18:00

In southern Sasebo, Uragashira Port sits among green hills, its shoreline dotted with Shinto shrines and deeply moving memorials. Within Nagasaki Prefecture, only nearby Nagasaki is larger than Sasebo, and this peaceful city is known for its scenic array of Kujuku Islands scattered nearby. Though the name suggests 99, more than 200 islands actually make up the panorama seen from elevated viewpoints. Long a naval city, the immaculate Uragashira Repatriation Memorial Peace Park remembers the hardships faced by those repatriated after World War II. The U.S. established a base here after the war ended, and in the heart of Sasebo, links with the West are everywhere — not least the legendary Sasebo burger, a local icon loaded with all the trimmings, egg included. Uragashira is also close to a famous theme park — a surreal, life-size recreation of a Dutch city complete with tulips, canals, and windmills, nodding playfully to centuries of Japanese-Dutch trading ties.

16 Aug 27
08:00 - 18:00

Boasting Japan's heady cocktail of hot springs, gourmet food, abundant nature, and spiritual history, Kyushu Island has all the advantages of the mainland, while enjoying its own identity. The island is the third largest of Japan's five island provinces and prides itself on having everything you could expect from the Land of the Rising Sun. The capital of the island, Fukuoka, is Japan in a bite-sized morsel. As one of the country's most strategic ports - it is closer to Seoul than Tokyo - the city has enjoyed a somewhat prestigious status over the years, including two unsuccessful Mongol invasion attempts in the 13th century. Some scholars suggest that the city is also the first place the Imperial Family set foot, although actual proof of this is scarce. What is certain however is that it was once the home of the samurai, with many samurai-related spots found all over the city. A trip to the Kyushu National Museum will allow budding actors to try on traditional costumes and channel their inner feudal lord, while local shrines, tranquil Zen gardens, and castle ruins all offer a chance to relive the city's glory days. The city itself is made up of two smaller towns (Fukuoka and Hakata), and despite unification in 1889, Hakata is still considered the center. A 2018 survey ranked the city number 22 on the "world's most livable cities" list, due to its excellent shopping, outstanding food, excellent transport links, good museums, "feeling of openness", green spaces, and friendly, safe, environment.

17 Aug 27
07:00 - 18:00

A tapestry of kaleidoscopic colors, intense seafood flavors, and urban beach bliss, Busan rolls across a glorious natural setting on the Korean Peninsula's southeast. One of the biggest and busiest ports in the world, 3.5 million people call South Korea's second city home, and the amiable locals help to lend the city its quirky, offbeat outlook. A spacious, playful, and cosmopolitan place, Busan is a lively, livable city, cradled by lush mountains and endless ocean scenery. Haedong Yonggung Temple nestles on a dramatic cliffside, just above the crumbling rocks and crashing waves of the East Sea. Dating back to 1376, the temple's multi-story pagoda is adorned with lions - each representing a different emotion. Elsewhere, lanterns glitter in the night sky around Mount Geumjeongsan, freshly released from the beautiful Beomeosa Temple, which was established in AD 678. The hillside shantytown of Gamcheon Culture Village has completed an improbable transformation, blossoming from a sea of makeshift homes for Korean war refugees, into a colorful explosion of creativity and curiosity. Local artists have been let loose to create interactive installations, and the entire area is now an expansive canvas for expression. Lose yourself among vibrant alleyways of flamingo-pink, lemon-yellow, and baby-blue painted facades in this unique area. Sample bibimbap, fiery-hot beef, and rice, from street food vendors, before relaxing on one of South Korea's best beaches - Haeundae's banana bend of sand. Metallic skyscrapers offer an unusual backdrop to this pristine expanse of golden powder and are mirrored by elaborate sandcastles and sculptures during the annual sand festival - when spontaneous water fights and firework displays also take place. Gwangalli Beach is another urban option, laying out spectacular views of the reaching Gwangan Bridge - the country's second largest bridge. At night, 16,000 bulbs bathe this "engineering marvel in color."

18 Aug 27
08:00 - 18:00

It’s not surprising that Jeju Island has long been a popular vacation destination for Koreans. A paradise for nature lovers with both beautiful coasts and lush, rural countryside.

A small island but with so many things to see, start early with a dawn trip up Seongsan Illchulbong, otherwise known as Sunrise Peak. An extinct volcano with a huge grassy crater at the top, it is famous for being the perfect spot to capture the first rays of the day in all their colorful glory. Cameras ready!

Discovering the island on foot is easy following the Jeju Olle Trails. A series of well-organized hikes of various lengths with breathtaking views. On your wanderings look out for huge ancient carved statues known as Dol Hareubang (stone grandfather) dotted around the island. Their exact origins are lost in the mists of time but are said to have protective powers.

Wherever you go the bright blue ocean and stunning beaches are never far away. Jungmun Beach, a favorite spot for surfers and sunseekers alike is particularly colorful. Black, white, red and grey sands meet the clear blue waters rolling in.

The island considered a culinary paradise has plenty of restaurants and a vibrant street food scene. Local specialties are succulent black pork unique to the island and the Haenyeo’s catch of the day. Haenyeos are amazing, resilient women who free dive all day, scouring the seashore for shellfish to sell.

End the day on Hyeopjae beach, lie back and enjoy the best view to watch the sun sink over the horizon.

19 Aug 27

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

20 Aug 27
07:00 - 00:00

The bright lights of neighboring big city Seoul might burn brightly but Incheon, just 27 kilometers away, has nothing to be ashamed of. The coastal city was the first to open its borders to the world in 1883, and as such has always enjoyed a special relationship with the west. So much so that it was granted "English Status" in 2007, with many residents priding themselves on their command of the language. The city's love of English has made it a business powerhouse so expect soaring skyscrapers and smart technology as part of the landscape. Incheon was also the first to welcome the Chinese and today the city's Chinatown is one of the most vibrant and welcoming there is. A frenetic and exciting hybrid of Chinese and Korean heritage, it is said that Jjajangmyeon (black soy bean noodles), South Korea's de facto national dish originates from here. Try a steaming bowl from one of the many vendors, then walk it off with the short 15-minute stroll from Chinatown to the traditional Sinpo Market for a different kind of sensational feast. The city is steeped in history, notably in recent times during the Korean War. In 1950, the US general General MacArthur led UN forces behind enemy lines in freeing the city from North Korean pressure. MacArthur's victory is commemorated by a statue in the Jaya (Freedom) Park. The city's history of course goes back much further, with the first historical record dating as far back as 475 CE. At the time the city was called Michuhol, only changing its name to Incheon in 1413