Spirit of Japan: Kobe, Aomori & Tokyo Immersion (Azamara Pursuit)
Indulge in aboard the refined Azamara Pursuit, departing 11 March 2027 on a truly immersive 14-night Japan Intensive cruise.
Sail through Japan at an unhurried, intimate pace, from the cultural sophistication of Kobe to the serene northern beauty of Aomori, concluding in the dazzling energy of Tokyo. Discover lantern-lit streets, timeless temples, hidden local neighbourhoods, and the flavours of authentic Japanese cuisine. With Azamara’s longer stays and overnight ports, you will experience Japan beyond the surface—rich, refined, and deeply memorable.
This is not just a cruise—it’s an elegant exploration where luxury meets culture, and every moment is designed to delight. 🌸🚢✨
Kobe ► Hiroshima ► Beppu► Kitakyushu ► Sasebo► Busan (South Korea) ► Sakaiminato ► Kanazawa ► Niigata ► Akita ► Aomori ► Tokyo
11 – 25 March 2027, Kobe to Tokyo, Japan
- Interior Stateroom from $10,179 pp twin share / $15,879 pp sole use *
- Oceanview Stateroom from $10,559 pp twin share / $17,619 pp sole use *
- Veranda Stateroom from $11,149 pp twin share / $18,629 pp sole use *
- Veranda Plus Stateroom from $12,039 pp twin share / $20,149 pp sole use *
- Continent Suite from $16,019 pp twin share / $37,079 pp sole use *
- Spa Suite from $26,999 pp twin share / $53,639 pp sole use *
- Ocean Suite from $30,209 pp twin share / $60,089 pp sole use *
- World Owner’s Suite from $33,839 pp twin share / $67,389 pp sole use *
*Please note: Advertised fares are available until allocation is exhausted, and prices may fluctuate without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – 2: Kobe, Japan
Famous for the beef that bears its name, the port city of Kobe is also a short bullet train ride from Kyoto, the ancient capital renowned for its numerous temples, shrines, and castles, including those of shoguns and emperors.
Day 3: Hiroshima, Japan
With the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima honors its tragic past as the first-ever target of an atomic bomb, but it has since become a vibrant city, filled with shops, restaurants and the beauty of Miyajima.
Day 4: Beppu, Japan
Beppu, Japan, is a renowned hot spring town located on the island of Kyushu, famous for its therapeutic and unique geothermal experiences. The city is home to the famous “Hells of Beppu” (Jigoku), a collection of dramatic hot springs with distinct features and colors, each offering its own spectacle, such as the bright-blue sea water of the Umi Jigoku or the bubbling, mud-filled Chinoike Jigoku. Visitors can also enjoy relaxing in traditional onsen (hot spring baths) at places like the Beppu Park and take part in sand baths, where you’re buried in warm sand for a rejuvenating experience. Beppu’s mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wellness activities make it a must-visit for those seeking relaxation and a unique look at Japan’s geothermal wonders.
Day 5: Kitakyushu, Japan
Narrowly avoiding destruction during WWII, Kitakyushu is all about embracing its past while looking forward to the future.
Day 6: Sasebo, Japan
An inviting stop on a Japan cruise, Sasebo charms with emerald islands and a vibrant harbor. Cruise the scenic Kujukushima Islands, savor fresh seafood, and explore a city that beautifully blends Japanese tradition with global influences.
Day 7: Busan, South Korea
The dynamic city of Busan is not only the fifth largest port in the world, but it’s also filled with temples, pagodas, superb beaches, hot springs and mountains ideal for hiking and spectacular views.
Day 8: Sakaiminato, Japan
A seafood paradise best known for its crab, hon-maguro, and prized Bluefin tuna, Sakaiminato is a small port town nestled into a surreal landscape of mountains, vistas and ocean views.
Day 9: Kanazawa, Japan
A golden city with a rich past, Kanazawa boasts beautiful temples, a fine collection of museums, and handsomely preserved samurai and geisha districts.
Day 10: Niigata, Japan
On the coast of the Sea of Japan, Niigata seamlessly blends old and new. Discover its ancient traditions, vibrant city life, and famed rice and sake.
Day 11: Akita, Japan
Bring your appetite to Akita. With its prime location adjacent to the Sea of Japan, seafood lovers will be in heaven. The region is famous for its rice production and the high-quality sake brewed from it. Once you’re full, take advantage of the city’s outdoor offerings by visiting the Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or relax at the Nyuto Hot Springs.
Day 12: Aomori, Japan
Sunny and refreshingly cool in the summer, lively and bustling during festival season and enjoyably sleepy in the way only the best seaside locations can be, this lovely city is worth a closer look.
Day 13: At Sea
Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.
Day 14 – 15: Tokyo, Japan
As the largest metropolitan area in the world, Tokyo is an exciting city where a seemingly unlimited choice of shops, restaurants, and museums sits in contrast with an array of temples, shrines, and gardens.
Please note the itinerary might change without prior notice.
Highlights
- 14-night voyage from Kobe to Tokyo, designed for immersive discovery.
- Cruising paired with Japan’s rich culture, flavors, and traditions.
- Exclusive group privileges like, cocktail party, specialty dining and many more!
Indulge in aboard the refined Azamara Pursuit, departing 11 March 2027 on a truly immersive 14-night Japan Intensive cruise.
Sail through Japan at an unhurried, intimate pace, from the cultural sophistication of Kobe to the serene northern beauty of Aomori, concluding in the dazzling energy of Tokyo. Discover lantern-lit streets, timeless temples, hidden local neighbourhoods, and the flavours of authentic Japanese cuisine. With Azamara’s longer stays and overnight ports, you will experience Japan beyond the surface—rich, refined, and deeply memorable.
This is not just a cruise—it’s an elegant exploration where luxury meets culture, and every moment is designed to delight. 🌸🚢✨
Kobe ► Hiroshima ► Beppu► Kitakyushu ► Sasebo► Busan (South Korea) ► Sakaiminato ► Kanazawa ► Niigata ► Akita ► Aomori ► Tokyo
Inclusions
ALWAYS INCLUDED
- Variety of Dining Venues & 24-hour Room Service
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits All Day & Night
- Signature AzAmazing Evenings
- Unlimited Self-Service Laundry
- Onboard Gratuities
Exclusions
- Airfares & Travel Insurance
- Shore excursions
FAQs
The Azamara Pursuit is a mid-sized, luxury cruise ship in the Azamara Cruises fleet, known for destination-focused, longer itineraries, allowing guests to explore ports bigger ships can’t reach, featuring diverse dining (specialty restaurants like Aqualina & Prime C), a spa, pools, and an intimate atmosphere for its 702 guests, having joined the fleet in 2018 after a refurbishment.
Interior Stateroom – Explore the world in comfort and luxury in this stylish, elegant stateroom featuring all the amenities of a boutique hotel at sea. Relax with plush cotton robes, 24-hour room service, and more.
Stateroom Features include:
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen-size bed
- Flat-screen television
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 158 sq. ft. (14.7 sq. m.)
Oceanview Stateroom – Revel in the polished style and stellar service of your own private retreat, boasting a modern and contemporary décor. Enjoy picturesque ocean views outside your window, and all the finer touches included in every stateroom.
Stateroom Features include:
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen-size bed
- Some staterooms feature a sofa bed
- Flat-screen TV
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- 143 sq. ft. (13.3 sq m)
Verandah Stateroom – Refreshing sea breezes and stunning destination views come standard in our staterooms that offer your own private veranda. Greet the day with room service on your balcony, or toast to another stunning sunset. Polished touches and professional service perfectly complement the warm, friendly attention you’ll receive from our staff and crew.
Stateroom Features include:
- Veranda
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen-size bed
- Sitting area with flat-screen TV
- Refrigerator with mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 175 sq. ft. (16.3 sq. m..) | Veranda: 40 sq. ft. (3.7 sq. m.)
Verandah Plus Stateroom – Introducing a new way to see the world with Azamara®. With our Veranda Plus Staterooms, enjoy spectacular ocean and destination views, plus a host of guest-favourite amenities—all at a great value. Everything you love about our Veranda Staterooms is included, plus extra perks and amenities to elevate your time on board.
Stateroom Features include:
- Veranda
- Two lower beds convertible to one Queen-size bed
- Sitting area with flat-screen TV
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hairdryer
- USB ports under bedside reading lamps
- Stateroom: 175 sq. ft. (16.3 sq. m.) | Veranda: 46–64 sq. ft. (4.3-6 sq. m.)
Continent Suite Stateroom – Spacious and comfortable, our Continent Suites feature fresh new décor inspired by natural elements. With two beds convertible to a queen, a cozy sitting area, a breezy balcony and a refreshed bathroom with a bathtub or shower, this is your wonderful, refined home away from home.
Stateroom Features include:
- Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed
- Spacious and comfortable sitting area
- Flat-screen television in the sitting area
- Roomy bathroom with a shower. Some also feature a tub.
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Veranda
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 266 sq. ft. (24.7 sq. m.) Veranda: 60 sq. ft. (5.6 sq. m.)
World Owner’s Suite Stateroom – Our largest suites have been transformed with contemporary design elements that are both elegant and organic, with a design that draws inspiration from nature—a sandy cliff, flowing river beds, exquisite white sand beaches, and rustling grasses. Enjoy a spacious living room, separate bedroom and all the amenities that come with our most luxurious suite.
Stateroom Features include:
- Spacious living room with a separate master bedroom
- Master bedroom with one queen-size bed and a flat-screen television
- Flat-screen television in the living room
- Marble master bathroom with a shower. Journey, Onward, and Quest suites feature a tub.
- Dressing room with vanity and ample closet space
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in the living room and master bedroom
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 560 sq. ft. (52 sq. m.) Veranda: 233 sq. ft. (21.7 sq. m.)
Spa Suite Stateroom – Located next to the tranquil Sanctum Spa, our newest suites are the ultimate in contemporary design, comfort and pampering. With easy access to the Spa, open decks, swimming pool and our great restaurants, the Spa Suites surround you with organic, elegant décor, and the finest, most soothing amenities. Suites feature a comfortable sitting area, daily delivery of healthy snacks, Frette plush robes, and in-room spa music. For the ultimate in serene surroundings, the spacious glass-enclosed spa soaking tub and separate rain shower bring the outside in, with views to the endless seas beyond.
Stateroom Features include:
- Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed
- Spacious glass-enclosed bathtub
- Separate rain shower
- Comfortable sitting area
- Flat-screen television in the sitting area
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Veranda
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 414 sq. ft. (38.5 sq. m.) Veranda: 40 sq. ft. (3.7 sq. m.)
Ocean Suite Stateroom – With a large living room and a separate bedroom—plus your own private veranda—your suite offers a restful retreat after your immersive experiences on land. Enjoy elegant, contemporary décor and rich marble touches. You’ll be spoiled by the attention to detail in these beautiful suites, and of course, all the pampering too.
Stateroom Features include:
- Spacious living room with a separate master bedroom
- Master bedroom with one queen-size bed with a flat-screen television
- Flat-screen television in the living room
- Marble master bathroom with a shower. Journey and Quest suites feature a tub.
- Dressing room with vanity and ample closet space
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in the living room and master bedroom
- Mini-bar
- Thermostat-controlled air conditioner
- Direct-dial telephone with voice mail
- Writing desk
- In-room safe
- Hand-held hair dryer
- Stateroom: 440–501 sq. ft. (40.9-46.5 sq. m.) Veranda: 233 sq. ft. (21.7 sq. m.)
✅ What to Check / Prepare Before Booking / Traveling
- Passport & travel docs: You are responsible for having a valid passport and any visa (or entry permission) required for Japan (and any other countries on the itinerary) before travel. iCruise+1
- Itinerary timing & flight arrangements: Cruise fare only covers the ship portion — flights to Japan (Kobe or nearby) and from Tokyo after disembarkation are separate. iCruise+1
- Shore excursions vs independent visits: While the cruise line offers shore excursions, many travellers on cruises like this say you can explore independently but need to manage your own transport and ensure you return to the ship on time. For example, on other cruises, some passengers report that they “do their own thing” rather than buy the often‑expensive tours. Reddit+1
- Ship services & optional costs: Spa treatments, specialty dining, premium drinks — all are likely optional extra costs. Budget for these to avoid surprises
Fine Print
Please note: Minimum numbers required on this cruise to get the special inclusions*
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.