Japan by Sea (Castles, Temples & Geishas)

with Regent Seven Seas

Author

Ted Blank
August 05, 2026

TED TALKS CRUISES

Today’s Cruise 🚢

⚓ Ted’s Take

  • Ideal for couples, luxury travelers, food lovers, history buffs, and anyone dreaming of exploring Japan without constantly packing and unpacking.

  • 12 luxurious nights sailing roundtrip from Tokyo (Itinerary)

  • Fares from $12,499 (Fares)

  • Sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises aboard the elegant Seven Seas Explorer®, with up to 38 shore excursions included (Ship)

📍Destination: Tokyo → Tokyo

🚨 Ted Talk’s Cruises Exclusive Offer

As a Ted Talk’s Cruises exclusive member, your voyage comes with a treat: Distinctive Voyage including Host, Private Welcome Reception & Exclusive Shore Event

ITINERARY

Japan is one of those places that can feel almost impossible to see in a single trip.

There are ancient temples, peaceful gardens, neon-lit cities, mountain views, historic castles, tiny restaurants, and centuries of tradition hidden around every corner.

This cruise gives you a surprisingly simple way to experience it all.

Your journey begins in Tokyo before carrying you to Nagoya, Kyoto, Kochi, Kagoshima, Shanghai, and Shimizu. Along the way, you can walk through Kyoto’s traditional districts, stand beneath the shadow of Mount Fuji, visit historic Japanese castles, and experience Shanghai’s blend of old-world neighborhoods and futuristic architecture.

Two overnight port stays give you more time to explore Kyoto and Shanghai without rushing back to the ship after only a few hours.

Between destinations, three sea days give you a chance to slow down aboard Seven Seas Explorer®. Enjoy an unhurried dinner, book a spa treatment, attend an enrichment program, or simply find a quiet place to watch the Pacific roll past.

Best of all, Regent makes the experience remarkably easy. Unlimited shore excursions, specialty dining, fine wines, cocktails, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry service, and access to the spa facilities are already included.

You get the adventure of exploring Asia without sacrificing comfort along the way.

Seven Seas Explorer

Voyage dates: March 18, 2027 – March 30, 2027

Day 1: Begin your journey in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Arrive early to explore Tokyo’s colorful neighborhoods, peaceful shrines, incredible restaurants, and famous shopping districts before boarding Seven Seas Explorer®.

Day 2: Nagoya offers a fascinating combination of Japanese history and modern innovation. Visit Nagoya Castle, explore the sacred Atsuta Shrine, or learn about the country’s automotive history at one of the city’s renowned museums.

Days 3: Arrive in Kobe and begin an overnight stay that gives you two days to explore the region. Many travelers will use this stop as their gateway to Kyoto, where golden temples, bamboo forests, traditional gardens, and historic neighborhoods reveal a quieter side of Japan.

Day 4: Enjoy a second full day in Kyoto, Kobe, or the surrounding area. Continue exploring Kyoto’s temples and gardens, visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or stay closer to the ship and discover Kobe’s waterfront, sake breweries, and famous culinary scene.

Ready to Set Sail?

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WELCOME ABOARD!

  • Sail aboard an intimate luxury ship featuring just 373 suites.

  • Enjoy exquisite dining, including every specialty restaurant, at no additional cost.

  • Unlimited fine wines, craft cocktails, specialty coffees, and other beverages are included.

  • Receive unlimited Wi-Fi, prepaid gratuities, valet laundry service, and 24-hour in-suite dining.

  • Relax with unlimited access to the ship’s spa facilities, open bars, elegant lounges, entertainment, and enrichment experiences.

  • Enjoy a customizable in-suite minibar that is replenished daily according to your preferences.

  • Guests in Concierge Suites and above receive a one-night pre-cruise hotel package and priority reservations.

  • Penthouse Suite guests and above enjoy personal butler service and daily canapés.

Inside the Seven Seas Explorer

ARE YOU IN?

This trip is definitely for you if you…

  • Want to experience Japan without changing hotels every few nights.

  • Love historic castles, sacred temples, traditional neighborhoods, and local cuisine.

  • Appreciate the comfort and personal service of a smaller luxury ship.

  • Prefer a cruise where excursions, drinks, dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and laundry are already included.

  • Want more time ashore, including overnight stays in Kyoto and Shanghai.

  • Enjoy a balance of guided exploration and peaceful days at sea.

  • Are traveling as a couple, with close friends, or as part of a small group.

  • Want to visit Asia but feel overwhelmed by planning transportation, hotels, tours, and meals on your own.

The Confident Cruiser Podcast

That’s all for today. For more cruise content, check out The Confident Cruiser Podcast →