Call us free on 0800 023 1273
Mobiles / International call 0203 371 7641
9th May 2028 | 17 nights | Princess | Diamond Princess
Why do we love this holiday? Japan feels especially magical during wisteria season, when cascading floral displays drape parks and gardens in vibrant shades of purple, pink and white. We’ve included immersive tours designed to showcase a different side of Japan, from Kyoto’s peaceful bamboo groves and timeless traditions to Tokyo’s electric neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks. You’ll travel between the two aboard the famous bullet train, giving you plenty of time to experience the thrill of fast rail travel. The journey continues with a premium cruise on Diamond Princess, revealing more of Japan — and even South Korea — port by port. What makes this holiday feel especially good value is everything already included, from return international flights and handpicked hotel stays to guided touring throughout, plus a bonus Mount Fuji and Hakone experience by Shinkansen for balcony and suite guests.
What's included?
Want to go all-inclusive? Ask our team about the onboard packages available with Princess Cruises.
Wisteria blossom season - Please note that the blooming of wisteria blooms is a natural occurrence and is subject to environmental conditions. While we make every effort to ensure the best possible viewing experience, the timing and abundance of blooms cannot be guaranteed.
You will need to be in good physical condition to attend the Bamboo, Tokyo and Mount Fuji tours.
Please note these excursions are not wheelchair accessible.
Whilst every attempt is going to be made to provide the exact tours specified in the itinerary, please note we may need to provide alternatives due to availability.
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 6 point charter:
Wisteria Dreams | Springtime in Japan With Kyoto, Tokyo & Bamboo Grove
23rd Apr 28 | 14 nights
Princess | Diamond Princess
from £3699.00
View PackageToday your Japan adventure begins with an outbound flight to Osaka.
Welcome to Japan! On arrival be transferred from the airport to your hotel in Kyoto.
Check-in to your 4* hotel for a 2-night stay.
Discover the best of Kyoto in one day with this comprehensive bus tour that will take you through the city’s most iconic and charming destinations. Enjoy the cultural richness and natural landscapes that have made Kyoto a jewel of Japan as you explore its famous landmarks.
Spend a day at leisure exploring this charming city.
Today your board the world-famous bullet train and take the journey to the dazzling city of Tokyo.
Welcome to Tokyo! Check-in to your 4* hotel for a 4-night stay in this dazzling city.
Discover the beauty of Japan's spring blooms on this one-day tour from Tokyo. Begin at Hitachi Seaside Park, home to over 4.5 million vibrant nemophila flowers, where you can stroll among gentle hills with views of the Pacific Ocean. Next, visit the iconic Kamiiso Torii Gate, a stunning shrine overlooking the ocean. As night falls, immerse yourself in Ashikaga Flower Park’s illuminated wisteria tunnels, featuring the majestic Great Wisteria tree. This tour offers a serene escape into nature, perfect for flower enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
Enjoy the nighlife of Tokyo after your day of blooms.
Explore Tokyo's top landmarks in a single unforgettable day. Begin with the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest intersections, then find calm at the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a lush forest. Capture photos of the majestic Imperial Palace. Experience the vibrant district of Akihabara, visit the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, and end with panoramic views from the iconic Tokyo Skytree. A complete Tokyo adventure awaits!
A full day sightseeing tour warrants a good night's rest.
Exclusively for guests booking a balcony cabin or suite, today you venture out of the city and witness the iconic Mount Fuji on an English-speaking guided tour. Experience one of Japan’s most iconic journeys on a day tour from Tokyo to Mount Fuji by bullet train, combining speed, comfort, and unforgettable scenery. This seamless excursion lets you escape the city and enjoy breathtaking views of Japan’s most famous landmark, with time to explore the surrounding area before returning to Tokyo the same day.
Last night before the cruise.
There is no way to adequately prepare for Tokyo. The sprawling modern metropolis is a dizzying kaleidoscope of flashing neon lights, pachinko (gaming) parlours, karaoke joints, standing sushi restaurants, robot hotels, maid cafes, tiny bars and basement noodle restaurants dotting its busy streets. But quiet spots do exist throughout the city. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are great spots to stop and think about all you've seen, and there are a number of city centre parks where you can find a secluded area. But don't wander too far afield -- you'll likely hit a high-end and name-brand shop before you see the next peaceful oasis. The Japanese take shopping very seriously, dedicating entire districts to it, like high-end Ginza or electronic-centric Akihabara. And their malls aren't just places to buy things; you'll find some of the best restaurants there, like Skytree Town at the foot of the 2,080-foot Skytree Tower -- as well as an aquarium and planetarium. The good thing is that Tokyo is an amazingly easy city to get around. The massive metro and train system covers nearly every inch of the city, and though few people speak English, they will do their best to help if you just ask.
Hakodate is a city of about 280,000, located on the southern tip of Japan's northernmost major island, Hokkaido. The city was Japan's first modern international trading port, opening in 1859. Today, it is known for its morning market, with more than 250 shops, including many selling local seafood. Hakodate is particularly famous as a squid-fishing port, and you can even find squid-ink ice cream cones here. In addition, you can see interesting evidence of outside influence around town, including houses that combine Japanese and Western elements, foreign churches, brick warehouses, a Trapistine convent, a star fort -- and even yoshoku, the Japanese take on Western food, including items like deep-fried hamburgers or omu rice, an omelet stuffed with ketchup-seasoned rice. Outside of the city are mountains and parks, including Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which has a lake, hot spring and smoking volcano.
Niigata, on Japan's coast, offers a blend of modern city life and traditional culture. Known for its rice, sake, and beautiful gardens, Niigata provides visitors with a taste of authentic Japanese life, from exploring historical sites to enjoying delicious local cuisine.
Sail into the Port of Shimizu and you will understand why it is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful ports. The sight of Mount Fuji soaring above the surrounding area belies the fact that Shimizu is not only a scenic area, but a culturally significant one as well. A collection of historic buildings in the vicinity, such as Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sumpu Castle Park, and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, offer a fascinating insight into the area's rich history.
There is no way to adequately prepare for Tokyo. The sprawling modern metropolis is a dizzying kaleidoscope of flashing neon lights, pachinko (gaming) parlours, karaoke joints, standing sushi restaurants, robot hotels, maid cafes, tiny bars and basement noodle restaurants dotting its busy streets. But quiet spots do exist throughout the city. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are great spots to stop and think about all you've seen, and there are a number of city centre parks where you can find a secluded area. But don't wander too far afield -- you'll likely hit a high-end and name-brand shop before you see the next peaceful oasis. The Japanese take shopping very seriously, dedicating entire districts to it, like high-end Ginza or electronic-centric Akihabara. And their malls aren't just places to buy things; you'll find some of the best restaurants there, like Skytree Town at the foot of the 2,080-foot Skytree Tower -- as well as an aquarium and planetarium. The good thing is that Tokyo is an amazingly easy city to get around. The massive metro and train system covers nearly every inch of the city, and though few people speak English, they will do their best to help if you just ask.
This morning your holiday comes to an end as you disembark the ship. At the scheduled time take your return overnight flight to the UK.
Diamond Princess combines the traditional Princess Cruises experience with distinctive Japanese influences, reflecting her strong connection to the region. Carrying up to 2,706 guests and supported by 1,100 crew, she offers a wide choice of restaurants, entertainment venues and leisure facilities across 18 decks. A standout feature is the Izumi Japanese Bath, the largest Japanese bath of its kind at sea, where you can enjoy a traditional onsen-inspired experience with indoor and outdoor bathing areas.
The ship's central Piazza provides a lively social hub, with cafés, bars, shops and street performers creating a welcoming atmosphere. Elsewhere, you can relax beside the pool, enjoy panoramic views from the upper decks or spend time in one of the many lounges. With a choice of dining experiences, entertainment and wellness facilities, Diamond Princess offers plenty to enjoy throughout your time onboard.
There is a varied programme of entertainment, with the Princess Theatre hosting lavish production shows, musical performances and visiting entertainers. The Piazza is another focal point, with street performers and live entertainment, while Club Fusion and Skywalkers Nightclub provide places to dance into the evening. You can also enjoy films, concerts and sporting events on the outdoor Movies Under the Stars screen, or try your luck in the casino.
For relaxation, the Conservatory offers an enclosed, climate-controlled pool area with a freshwater swimming pool, two hot tubs and comfortable loungers. The Lotus Spa provides a range of treatments, including massages and facials, alongside a thermal suite and beauty salon. The fitness centre has modern equipment and offers classes such as yoga, Pilates and cycling, while The Sanctuary provides an adults-only retreat. A particular highlight is the Izumi Japanese Bath, with separate indoor and outdoor bathing facilities for men and women, including steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs overlooking the ocean.
Diamond Princess offers a choice of included and speciality dining, with a particularly strong selection of Japanese-inspired options. The main dining rooms serve a changing menu of international dishes, with traditional, flexible and walk-in dining arrangements. World Fresh Marketplace provides buffet-style choices, while Prego Pizzeria serves freshly made Neapolitan-style pizza. You can also enjoy burgers, hot dogs and other grilled favourites at Trident Grill, which transforms into a barbecue-style smokehouse in the evenings.
For something different, Kai Sushi offers freshly prepared Japanese dishes, while Sabatini's Italian Trattoria serves traditional Italian cuisine. Other speciality experiences include the Churrascaria Brazilian Grill, with freshly carved meats served at the table, and the Chef's Table multi-course dining experience. La Patisserie is ideal for speciality coffees and pastries, while Swirls Ice Cream Bar offers sweet treats on the top deck. Afternoon tea is another option, with finger sandwiches, cakes and a choice of tea or coffee.
Diamond Princess offers a choice of accommodation, from comfortable Interior and Oceanview staterooms to Balcony cabins, Mini-Suites and Suites. Interior staterooms provide a practical retreat with a queen-size bed or twin configuration, while Oceanview cabins add a picture window or porthole. Balcony staterooms give you your own private outdoor space, with seating and views of the surrounding scenery.
For more room, Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with a sofa bed, two televisions and a larger bathroom with a bath and shower. Suites offer additional living space, a separate seating area and enhanced benefits, which can include priority disembarkation, complimentary laundry and a mini-bar set-up. Diamond Princess also offers Two Bedroom Family Suites, accommodating up to eight guests with two bathrooms and a private balcony. Across the accommodation categories, you'll find a private bathroom, television, refrigerator, wardrobe and 24-hour room service.
Couples and multigenerational families more interested in destination-intensive itineraries than activity-packed ships
Energetic families, couples and groups who want a spirited vacation, or those looking for active shipboard pursuits
Princess Cruises attracts a wide passenger base, but the majority are North Americans. There are real differences depending on ships and itineraries, but the bulk of Princess' passengers are 40-plus, although with new family offerings, the line is catering to a more diverse age range, particularly in Alaska and the Caribbean. If you sail on the larger Princess ships, you'll meet a range of passengers from solo travelers to big multigenerational family groups. The smaller Princess ships cater to more mature travelers who want longer, more exotic itineraries and need fewer family-friendly elements.
Princess is fairly traditional in dress. Depending on the length of the cruise, there are a varying number of formal nights, where women wear evening gowns and cocktail dresses and men wear tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits with a tie to dinner. On Smart Casual evenings, the line advises passengers to dress similarly to what they would wear to a nice restaurant at home. Pool or beach attire, shorts, baseball caps and casual jeans are out for the dining rooms, and diners must wear shoes even in the buffet.
No. Fares for a Princess cruise include complimentary dining in a few venues, room service, water, tea, coffee, and select juices. Various theater productions, Movies Under the Stars and deck parties are also complimentary, and there is no fee for youth and teen activities, except for late-night group babysitting. Enrichment lectures, classes and presentations are also free with a few exceptions. Specialty restaurants, gratuities, spa and salon services, internet access (MedallionNet), laundry, alcoholic drinks and soda, and shore excursions cost extra.
The types of activities available vary from ship to ship. Still, cruisers typically gather around the pools daily and hang out day and night in the Piazza to enjoy spontaneous performances, live music and dancing. The line's signature Movies Under the Stars is also popular. On select ships, Broadway-style productions draw a crowd in the evening. Most of the ship also turns out for deck parties and activities like stargazing at sea.
Interior
Obstructed Ocean View
Balcony
Mini-Suite
