Westerdam: 14-Night from Tokyo - September 27, 2026

With 12 hours hours in Osaka (Kyoto and Nara), Japan - from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. Osaka Castle is a stunning historic landmark surrounded by gardens and stone walls.

The Westerdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Kochi, Japan are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Kochi Castle is one of the few original castles in Japan, rising above the city with views of rooftops, mountains, and sea beyond.

Your ship arrives in Hiroshima, Japan at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. The Peace Memorial Park is the emotional heart of Hiroshima and an essential visit.

You'll have 10 hours hours to explore Busan (Kyongju), South Korea, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Nearby restaurants prepare simple, fresh dishes on the spot, making it an ideal place to taste the city's coastal flavors while soaking in local life.

The Westerdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Sakaiminato, Japan are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Stroll along this playful street filled with bronze y?kai statues, themed shops, and museums celebrating the works of the famous manga artist.

Your ship arrives in Tsuruga, Japan at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Explore the historic Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse complex, where local shops, cafes, and exhibitions showcase the city's heritage and vibrant maritime past.

You'll have 10 hours hours to explore Toyama, Japan, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. The Toyama Bay area is famous for stunning reflections of the Tateyama Mountain Range, while the city itself offers historic temples, modern art museums, and bustling markets.

The Westerdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Sakata, Japan are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. The Sankyo Soko historic warehouses showcase Sakata's maritime and trade history.

Your ship arrives in Aomori, Japan at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Many attractions are within walking distance, including museums, markets, and the waterfront.

You'll have 9 hours hours to explore Hakodate, Japan, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Cruise ships dock close to the city, making Hakodate easy to explore independently.

Your cruise ends in Tokyo, Japan, where the Westerdam is scheduled to dock at 8:00 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Stroll through the famous Tsukiji Outer Market to savor fresh seafood, sushi, and local delicacies while observing the lively market atmosphere and bustling vendors.