Southern Islands & Sea of Japan

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.

A day at sea aboard the Diamond Princess offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Begin your morning with a rejuvenating treatment at the Lotus Spa® or an invigorating workout at the Fitness Center, while young travellers dive into the excitement of Camp Discovery. Spend your afternoon lounging by one of the inviting pools, soaking in a tranquil hot tub, or enjoying a delectable lunch at one of the ship’s outstanding dining venues. As the day transitions to evening, embrace the magic of Movies Under the Stars®, followed by an elegant dinner at Sabatini’s or Kai Sushi, where every bite is a delight. Cap off your evening with a handcrafted cocktail at Good Spirits at Sea, a dazzling performance at the Princess Theater, or an exhilarating night at Skywalkers Nightclub. If you're feeling lucky, try your hand at the Grand Casino. Each moment aboard the Diamond Princess is an invitation to create unforgettable memories at sea.

The oldest Chinese reference to Taiwan dates back to the Han Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. However, it wasn't until the 17th century A.D. that Chinese Hakka traders first settled on the island. These bold merchants were soon followed by European and Asian adventurers seeking to control and colonize the strategic island. The most famous migration of all occurred in 1948, when the government of the Republic of China fled the mainland. Taipei is one of the world's most important commercial centers. Despite its turbulent history, Taiwan today boasts an economy that is the envy of the world. Modern Taiwan is a world leader in the production of bicycles, computer chips, plastics, chemicals and computer notebooks. Taipei is a sophisticated modern metropolis that has not forgotten its rich traditional past. The port of Keelung is your gateway to Taiwan. Visit the bustling city of Taipei and other interesting areas surrounding on this fascinating island in the East China Sea.

This well-kept seaside secret is your gateway to the beating heart of Taiwan, a vibrant island nation that stole the spotlight with the ousting from China of Nationalist, Chiang Kai-shek. Its serene beauty belies the continuing conflict with mainland China and welcomes you with open arms. Imagine a truly unspoiled place - Taroko Gorge National Park - a must for any nature and wildlife enthusiast where mineral hot springs offer rejuvenation and bliss. Traditional Chinese and Japanese temples with their unique architecture and magnificent landscape design, awaken the senses and transport you to a world of grace and timeless heritage.

The balmy, subtropical climate draws countless visitors to its sandy shores, but Ishigaki offers much more than your typical island getaway. It is the cultural, political and economic center of the Yaeyama Islands, originally founded in 1908 as Yaeyama Village and becoming Ishigaki Town in 1926. Ishigaki was elevated to city status on July 10, 1947. A hilltop Shinto shrine which dates back to 1614 is the perfect place to start your exploration of this lovely town. Noted for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to which snorkelers flock for a glimpse of the island's famed manta rays, Ishigaki Island offers many opportunities to commune with nature. Ishigaki has palm forests, mangrove-lined rivers suited for kayaking, and jungle-covered mountains perfect for hiking adventures. Amidst such natural beauty, you'll find an abundance of cultural sites with ties to the island's rich history. The Yaeyama Museum displays historic artifacts as well as traditional cultural items, and a visit to the well-preserved Miyara Dunchi, built in 1819, is a rare example of a samurai-style residence. Be sure to leave time in your busy day to sample some of the sweet island pineapple and to shop for the island's famed black pearls, a most special souvenir. Note: Ishigaki is an anchorage port. Transportation from ship to shore is via the ship's tender service.

The largest island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Okinawa has been a center of trade and a source for conflict through its history. The island has been an independent kingdom, the feudal possession of a Japanese daimyo and a prefecture of Japan following the Meiji Restoration of 1866. Okinawa was the scene of bitter fighting during the closing days of World War II. Over 100,000 civilians perished and the island was left in ruins. A US military possession, Okinawa returned to Japanese rule in 1972. Naha is the island's largest city and the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. One of the world's most popular martial arts, karate is a fusion of Chinese kung fu and traditional island martial arts.

A day at sea aboard the Diamond Princess offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Begin your morning with a rejuvenating treatment at the Lotus Spa® or an invigorating workout at the Fitness Center, while young travellers dive into the excitement of Camp Discovery. Spend your afternoon lounging by one of the inviting pools, soaking in a tranquil hot tub, or enjoying a delectable lunch at one of the ship’s outstanding dining venues. As the day transitions to evening, embrace the magic of Movies Under the Stars®, followed by an elegant dinner at Sabatini’s or Kai Sushi, where every bite is a delight. Cap off your evening with a handcrafted cocktail at Good Spirits at Sea, a dazzling performance at the Princess Theater, or an exhilarating night at Skywalkers Nightclub. If you're feeling lucky, try your hand at the Grand Casino. Each moment aboard the Diamond Princess is an invitation to create unforgettable memories at sea.

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.

A day at sea aboard the Diamond Princess offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Begin your morning with a rejuvenating treatment at the Lotus Spa® or an invigorating workout at the Fitness Center, while young travellers dive into the excitement of Camp Discovery. Spend your afternoon lounging by one of the inviting pools, soaking in a tranquil hot tub, or enjoying a delectable lunch at one of the ship’s outstanding dining venues. As the day transitions to evening, embrace the magic of Movies Under the Stars®, followed by an elegant dinner at Sabatini’s or Kai Sushi, where every bite is a delight. Cap off your evening with a handcrafted cocktail at Good Spirits at Sea, a dazzling performance at the Princess Theater, or an exhilarating night at Skywalkers Nightclub. If you're feeling lucky, try your hand at the Grand Casino. Each moment aboard the Diamond Princess is an invitation to create unforgettable memories at sea.

There is a celebratory air in Akita, where year round festivals and street parades are colorfully integrated into daily life. A key city in the Tohoku region since medieval times, Akita was once a castle town of the Satake clan, but today is a vibrant, prosperous city that seamlessly honors its past but embraces its young energetic spirit. Noted for its burgeoning art community, there are several fine museums to explore including The Hirano Masakichi Art Musuem housing a collection of work by Western and Japanese artists, the Akita City Folklore Museum and the Kakunodate Samurai District, a living museum that showcases the samurai way of life. In the neighboring Oga Peninsula, the region's most famous icon, the terrifying Namahage, has it's won cultural center and festival ritual performed in his name. Surrounding the city, fertile farmland and rice fields produce some of the best sake in the country and nature lovers won't know which way to turn – to the west is the picturesque Sea of Japan and to the north, south and east, majestic mountain ranges including the UNESCO World Heritage sight of Shirakami-Sanchi proudly stand. A trip to the revolving observation center Mt. Kanpuzan Observatory solves the dilemma.

Toyama is a coastal city on Japan’s main island, Honshu. In the center, Toyama Castle Park has a restored castle dating to the 1500s, plus small museums of history and art. The nearby Toyama Glass Art Museum displays striking contemporary works. Rakusui-tei is an art museum in a traditional home with a formal garden.

The serene calm of this largest city in the Wakasa region of Japan is one steeped in culture and poetic tales. The brilliant, wandering, Edo poet Matsua Basho was inspired to write a haiku about the glimmer of the moonlight over Tsuraga Bay, and the plethora of artisan crafts from lacquerware to washi (Japanese paper) keep the traditions of cultural beauty alive today. The area is home to one of the most picturesque pine groves in the country at Kehi-no-Matsubara, where white-sand beaches fringe the fragrant green boughs of the magnificent pines. The area of Mikata-goko is home to five sparkling, small lakes with colors ranging from turquoise blue to jade green, and the region is home to a number of important, brightly painted shrines. The Kehi-jingu Shrine was reared in 702 and a massive, vermillion, wooden torii gate was re-constructed in 1645. Museums abound, and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is popular with families wanting to explore the origins of the prehistoric world, while the moving Port of Humanity Museum honors the humanitarian work of Chiune Sugihara, credited with saving as many as 6,000 souls from the Nazis. Whether your interests lie in natural scenery, authentic experiences or historic sites, a day spent on these captivating shores will have you writing poetry of your own.

Wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood. Here, the Sea of Japan yields up both crab and hon-maguro, the prized Bluefin tuna esteemed by gourmets around the world. Sakaiminato is also your gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. This area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan's Bronze Age. The town of Matsue boasts the celebrated "Black Castle," a six-story, black-walled castle that home to a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. And to the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen, considered one of the four most scenic mountains in all Japan.

The second largest city in South Korea, Busan is your gateway to a fascinating land whose culture is a unique amalgam of old and new. Modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples. The city's bustling business district offers a stark contrast to the serene grounds of Yongdusan Park. In short, Busan is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose startling economic success often obscures one of Asia's most sophisticated and venerable cultures. Busan was the scene of bitter fighting during the Korean War. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery marks the final resting place for the troops from 16 nations who gave their lives during the conflict.

From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai. The symbol of Kagoshima is Sakura Jima - the volcanic island that sits just offshore. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history.

A day at sea aboard the Diamond Princess offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Begin your morning with a rejuvenating treatment at the Lotus Spa® or an invigorating workout at the Fitness Center, while young travellers dive into the excitement of Camp Discovery. Spend your afternoon lounging by one of the inviting pools, soaking in a tranquil hot tub, or enjoying a delectable lunch at one of the ship’s outstanding dining venues. As the day transitions to evening, embrace the magic of Movies Under the Stars®, followed by an elegant dinner at Sabatini’s or Kai Sushi, where every bite is a delight. Cap off your evening with a handcrafted cocktail at Good Spirits at Sea, a dazzling performance at the Princess Theater, or an exhilarating night at Skywalkers Nightclub. If you're feeling lucky, try your hand at the Grand Casino. Each moment aboard the Diamond Princess is an invitation to create unforgettable memories at sea.

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.