Japan's Cherry Blossoms 2026 with Oceania

Enjoy included UK airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Tokyo.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Tokyo and enjoy the rest of the day acclimatising to your new surroundings and exploring at your own pace, perhaps taking in sone of the capital's dazzling and diverse districts. Visit Asakusa for bright lights and street fairs, complemented by the sacred Senso-ji Temple, or head to the Tsukiji Market, the largest open-air fish market in the world. While you’re there, be sure to grab some on-the-spot sushi for the freshest taste. Escape to the calm of the Imperial Palace’s East Garden, or spend the evening in the buzzing Ginza District.

Stay: Tokyo hotel accommodation

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and the morning at leisure on your own in Tokyo. Then, early this afternoon, you'll be transferred to the port to board your Oceania cruise ship. The cruise departs the port in the early evening, and dinner is served onboard.

Stay: Regatta

Nagoya today is a centre of modern commerce, but you will still find it steeped in ancient history. This is a place to simultaneously discover age-old shrines and evidence of incredible technological advances.

The castle, located in the town centre, features golden orca statues, a symbol of the city. Discover Nagoya’s contrasting, modern side during a tour of Toyota’s Museum of Technology. If you’re in search of fine china, there are bargains to be had at the Noritake factory. Learn the legacy of the Tokugawa family at the replica of the 17th-century Nagoya Castle, rebuilt after World War II. Alternatively, wander through one of Japan’s largest flower parks at Nabana No Sator to delight in the delicate pinks of the season.

Stay: Regatta

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Stay: Regatta

With two full days in Kyoto, you'll have plenty of time to explore what was once Japan’s old imperial capital, a fact evidenced by a spectacular collection of temples, shrines and gardens, which are at their most beautiful during blossom season. The old town is also a delight, with its traditional wooden buildings and atmospheric lanes. Take it all in on a city tour, or head further afield to explore ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature, and crafts. Here you’ll find shrines and temples that predate even Kyoto’s! Stroll through Nara Park, perhaps spotting its famous deer and definitely setting eyes on the impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine. Travel on to Osaka and its famed castle. In Kobe, visit historic Himeji Castle, a huge edifice built entirely of wood and tile.

Stay: Regatta

Kochi isn’t your typical Japanese city. Small and compact, it has gained renown for its easy-going spirit and delectable local food scene. Kochi Castle, in the city centre, is a well-preserved hilltop castle with grounds bejewelled in blossoms. It’s also where the city was established in 1601. Learn the story of legendary samurai, Sakamoto Ryoma, at a memorial museum. He was born here and created an alliance that eventually brought down the Tokugawa shogunate.

Continue your downtown explorations at one of the city’s many pedestrian shopping arcades. You should be sure to sample Kochi’s most famous dish, katsuo-no-tataki, at a local restaurant; this savoury grilled, ponzu-marinated skipjack tuna or bonito fish is not to be missed.

Stay: Regatta

Hiroshima, like Nagasaki, is known for its sad history as an atomic bomb site in World War II, which means that a lot of the city has been rebuilt. Visit the skeletal A-Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the heart-breaking statue dedicated to the children who died here in 1945.

For something lighter, stroll the beautifully manicured Hiroshima Gardens to simply take in the pretty views. Visit the rebuilt Hiroshima Castle, or journey to the sacred island of Miyajima. Along with being an exquisite island in and of itself, Miyajima is home to the extraordinary Itsukushima Shrine.

Stay: Regatta

Beppu is home to more than 2,000 hot springs, and it is therefore known as Japan’s top hot spring resort city. This makes it an ideal place to rub elbows with Japanese travellers. Backed by steep hills and mountains on the eastern coast of Kyushu Island, this city gives you the chance to explore all sorts of relaxing indulgences: hot springs, mud baths, steam baths, and even traditional Japanese black sand baths. Eight unique hot springs, collectively called Onsen Hells, offer entertainingly distinctive attractions.

You might think you don’t want chilly weather, but it is on these colder days that visitors are treated to an otherworldly view of steam rising throughout this geothermal city. 

Stay: Regatta

Today takes you briefly out of Japan and into South Korea to discover Busan, with its trendy cafes, famous fish markets, sacred temples, and traditional tea ceremonies. Indeed, South Korea’s second-largest city, bursts with flavours and culture. Take a walk in peaceful Yongdusan Park, admiring the various species of trees and view of Busan Tower as you go. At the Hongbeopsa farming temple, discover renowned large Buddha statues while walking along a path lined with water lilies, or experience a traditional Korean tea ceremony conducted by one of their monks.

Stay: Regatta

Discover the highlights of Nagasaki on a panoramic tour today. There are still remnants of old Nagasaki waiting to be discovered alongside the modern city that you see today. Visit the Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum for a sombre look at this aspect of the city’s history. Alternatively, travel to Arita, famous as the home of magnificent Japanese ceramics. Tour the famous Kakiemon Kiln, where a 400-year-old tradition continues today. Finally, you might choose to discover the natural wonders of the Shimabara Peninsula, a chance to experience feudal Japan while simultaneously enjoying volcanic views and relaxing hot-spring soaks.

Stay: Regatta

Kagoshima provides a range of options, both within the city and outside. Visit the stunning Iso-Teien Garden and its villa, which date to 1660, for gorgeous views before a ferry ride to Sakurajima for an unforgettable close-up view of the smoking volcano and its lava fields. Alternatively, journey into the countryside to Chiran to discover well-preserved streets lined with samurai homes. Take in the gorgeous landscape of Lake Ikeda and the staggering vistas of the Satsuma Peninsula.

Stay: Regatta

Enjoy a final relaxing day at sea to ensure that you have experienced everything that Regatta has to offer. 

Stay: Regatta

Your ship docks in Tokyo this morning. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.