Grand Japan

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1

Kobe, Japan

Kobe is the 6th largest city in Japan and famous for its signature marbled beef. The Ikuta Shrine there is among Japan’s oldest shrines, dating back to the 3rd century. Kobe is also the gateway to Mount Rokko, accessible by antique cable cars, and the outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen. Other sites include the Sake Breweries, the Earthquake Museum, and Sorakuen Garden.

Day 2

Takamatsu

The main gateway to Shikoku Island and an important focal point for the island’s rail and road transit systems, Takamatsu, on Japan’s scenic Inland Sea, has been a political and economic center since the Edo period. Among the attractions here is Ritsurin Garden, created during the Edo period, and especially popular during spring for the cherry blossoms and autumn for the fall foliage. Takamatsu Symbol tower has several observation decks providing panoramic views of the sea and landscapes.

Day 3

Takamatsu

Day 4

SCENIC CRUISING SETO INLAND SEA

The Inland Sea of Japan, known as the Setonaikai or Seto Inland Sea, is a beautiful National Park dotted with hundreds of islands, small coastal towns, and the occasional large modern bridge. We’ll take advantage of our small size to traverse the more narrow routes of the inland sea during the daytime, allowing guests to experience the scenic beauty of this area.

Day 5

Tomonoura

This picturesque port city is one of Windstar’s iconic hidden harbors. Tomonoura is part of the Setonanikai National Park and features an endearing old-fashioned townscape. One of its thriving industries is the production of “homeishu,” a medicinal liquor with 16 different herbs in it, said to promote longevity.

Day 6

Hiroshima

Fold a paper crane to leave at the Atomic Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Hiroshima Castle to see three trees that survived the bombing that destroyed the castle itself. Or head to Miyajima, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, for a look at the vermillion Itsukushima Shrine floating in the sea — yet another World Heritage Site.

Day 7

Karatsu

Located on the island of Kyushu, Karatsu is one of the closest Japanese cities to the Korean Peninsula. Karatsu Castle is the main attraction here. Built in 1608, it houses a museum of the castle’s history and Karatsu ceramics. Karatsu is also known for its pottery which can be viewed at the Karatsu-yaki Pottery Gallery. Also worth visiting is the Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall which displays the 14 floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi Festival in November.

Day 8

Busan

The second largest city in South Korea is a popular leisure destination due to the nearby hot springs. It is home to many famous beaches that lure visitors from around the world and the UNESCO site of Gyeongju an outdoor museum that was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom and holds many architectural points of interest including ornate temples. Also of interest is South Korea’s largest temple, Tongdosa Temple, renowned for having no outdoor statues.

Day 9

Scenic Cruising Hashima Island, Japan

Cruise around the island of Hashima, abandoned over 50 years ago when the coal mining that flourished there suddenly ran out. The mining company shut the mine down and the island has been a ghost town ever since.

Day 10

Nagasaki

Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.

Day 11

Kagoshima

The seaside city of Kagoshima is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano facing Kinko Bay. Take a tour to the Shiroyama Observatory or to the peaceful Edo-period Sengamen Japanese Garden. Visit the Ishibashi Park and the three Edo-period stone bridges or travel to the nearby village of Chiran to see the well-preserved Samurai Houses and the Chiran Peace Museum, exploring the background of kamikaze pilots.

Ship

Your cruise ship

About this ship

Star Seeker

Launching in late 2025, Star Seeker is the latest addition to Windstar Cruises’ all-suite fleet, setting a new standard for small-ship luxury. Designed to carry just 224 guests, the vessel preserves the line’s hallmark intimacy while introducing expanded space, modern elegance, and enhanced amenities. This purpose-built yacht-style ship will offer immersive journeys across Alaska, Japan, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia, beginning with its inaugural sailing from Málaga to Miami.

Star Seeker’s design reflects a contemporary interpretation of yachting luxury, with generous outdoor spaces, open deck plans, and interiors inspired by the natural elements of sea, sky, and land. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, combining Windstar’s understated elegance with a fresh, coastal aesthetic.

Accommodations aboard Star Seeker are exceptionally well appointed. All 112 suites face the ocean, offering either traditional private verandas, panoramic windows, or the innovative “infinity balcony” concept, where the window can lower to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Among the suite categories are two expansive Horizon Owner’s Suites, which provide wrap-around balconies and spacious interiors ideal for entertaining or traveling as a family. Every suite is outfitted with thoughtful details including marble bathrooms, walk-in showers, fresh fruit, luxury robes and slippers, and bespoke amenities. Higher-category suites include additional comforts such as Illy espresso machines, canapés, and fresh flowers.

Public spaces have been designed for a refined yet casual onboard lifestyle. Dining will be a centerpiece of the experience, with multiple venues including Amphora, the main dining room, which features a rotating menu with contributions from Windstar’s James Beard Foundation culinary program. A new specialty restaurant, Basil + Bamboo, will showcase a creative fusion of Italian and Asian cuisines. Additional casual and al fresco dining options, such as the Star Grill and the Yacht Club café, offer variety and flexibility throughout the day.

Wellness and leisure facilities are equally well considered. The two-story spa and fitness center provides an environment for both relaxation and renewal. The reimagined watersports platform connects guests directly to the sea, offering a swim-out style design and easy access for kayaking, paddle-boarding, and snorkeling. Additional spaces include a forward-facing whirlpool, multiple lounges and bars, and open-air decks perfect for scenic cruising and socializing.

Technologically advanced and environmentally conscious, Star Seeker is built with modern sustainability in mind. It features Tier III emissions-reducing engines, shore power connectivity, and advanced navigation systems that allow it to visit more remote ports while minimizing environmental impact. The ship’s maneuverability and compact size make it especially well-suited for exploring lesser-visited destinations with a sense of closeness to nature and culture.

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