Explorer, 11 Nights Scenic Landscapes, Vibrant Cities ex Tokyo Return

Seven Seas Explorer® took luxury cruising to the next level, from the palatial Regent Suite to the hand-picked art accentuating her halls.

Sendai, Japan
Nature, cuisine, samurai history, this city has a little bit of everything. Stroll down Jozenji-dori Avenue, a tree-lined street which perfectly symbolizes Sendai's nickname: The City of Trees. Visit the giant Daikannon Statue, this Goddess of Mercy is one of the world’s tallest. Find groups of temples behind Sendai Station along ShinderaStreet, as well as in Kitayama. Find relaxation and peace at the shrines of Osaki Hachimangu and Rinno-ji Temple. Sendai is also famous for its cold Chinese noodles, miso and traditional sweets, visit the Asaichi Street Market to savor the flavors.

Miyako, Japan
An important fishing port known for its salmon, trout, and mackerel, Miyako’s position on the estuary of the Hei River facing Miyako Bay and the Pacific meant it took a ferocious hit during the 2011 tsunami. The Taro Kanko Hotel, which had its lower two floors washed away but remained standing, is today preserved as a symbol of Miyako’s resilience and strength. Sample the region’s rich culinary delicacies that include creamy sea urchin and a unique cookie called ika senbei made with squid extract. A jagged promontory of white rocks along Jodogahama Beach is a picturesque must-see.

Kushiro, Japan
A major fishing port on the eastern side of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Kushiro boasts vast marshlands that are home to an iconic – and endangered – national icon. Tall, slim and long-legged, the elegant tancho (Red-crowned Crane) is a fabled symbol of long life that was considered extinct until 1920, when a few dozen were discovered in the Kushiro Marsh. A national park since 1987, the marsh teems with a variety of plant and animal life and today provides sanctuary for over 1,700 cranes. Admire local artwork at Hokkaido Kushiro Art Museum before tasting freshly caught local cuisine at Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf.

Muroran, Japan
Called the ‘City of Steel’ since the late 19th century, this industrial town on the eastern tip of Hokkaido’s Uchiura Bay also boasts nine miles of sheer, picturesque cliffs and a nearby UNESCO Global Geopark. At Chikyu Misaki (Cape Earth), ring the Bell of Happiness as you take in sweeping views beside a shimmering white lighthouse. Ride a ropeway to the summit of Mount Usu, a unique showcase of active volcanism on the Pacific Rim, before delving into local indigenous culture at the National Ainu Museum. Afterwards, try some savory Muroran yakitori (grilled skewers), a Hokkaido specialty favored by the city’s generations of steel workers.

Busan, South Korea
Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula just two-and-a-half hours from Seoul, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city. With its deep harbor, it’s also one of the largest commercial ports in the world. Often referred to as “the summer capital of South Korea,” Busan is known for its exceptional beaches, scenic cliffs and ancient temples high in the mountains.

Shimizu, Japan
On a clear day, you can see magnificent Mount Fuji from the lively Port of Shimizu. Visit The S-Pulse Dream Plaza to tour the Shimizu Sushi Museum with informative displays and models that show the history and variations of Japan’s most famous fare. Stroll through the Kashi-no-Ichi Market, where some of the port's fresh seafood is sold and be sure to enjoy a delicious cup of tea.