Circle Japan Cherry Blossoms

HomeSearchCircle Japan Cherry Blossoms – Sapphire Princess – Princess Cruises – 2027-04-08

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Your itinerary

Tokyo, Japan
Miyako, Japan
Hakodate
Aomori
Akita, Japan
Niigata
Kanazawa
Sakaiminato, Japan
Busan
Nagasaki
Shimizu
Tokyo, Japan

Day 1

8th Apr '27

Tokyo, Japan

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Arrive

0:00

Depart

16:00

Day 2

9th Apr '27

At Sea

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0:00

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0:00

Day 3

10th Apr '27

Miyako, Japan

A pretty prefecture located on the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Miyako, Iwate, is situated along the Pacific coast surrounded by stunning scenery of Sanriku Fukko National Park and a sandy coastline defined by dramatic rock formations carved by the pounding surf. This iconic landscape invokes images of the ‘Pure Land,’ a Buddhist concept of paradise, and is best appreciated from the deck of a cruise boat on the waters of Jodogahama. The city’s natural wonders are woven within its cultural highlights, and a visit to Kamaishi Daikannon Statue, a towering statue of the Buddhist ‘Goddess of Mercy,’ showcases sparkling Kamaishi Bay, while the historic Rokando Cave, is home to “the waterfall of the heavenly cave,” an underground cascade. No visit to Miyako’s shores would be complete without paying reverence to the tragedy that occurred on March 11, 2011, when a powerful earthquake triggered a devastating 17-meterhigh tsunami. The Taro Kanko Hotel Tsunami Remains is a testament to the power of the community’s resiliency and serves as commemorative site, an important destination for those lucky enough to visit the island as it blooms with renewal. More

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Arrive

7:00

Depart

17:00

Day 4

11th Apr '27

Hakodate

It took Commodore Perry and American gunboat diplomacy to open Japan to the outside world after two centuries of self-imposed isolation. In 1859, the port of Hakodate became the first Japanese city fully opened to Westerners under the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Foreigners soon flocked to Hakodate, and today visitors wandering the cobblestone streets of the city’s Motomachi District can view their Western-style frame houses. Hakodate, once a fishing port famed for its high quality fish and shellfish, quickly became Hokkaido’s largest city and one of Japan’s most important ports. The Great Hakodate Fire of 1934 dealt the city a near fatal blow – a blow from which Hakodate was slow to recover. Today the city is Hokkaido’s third largest – surpassed by Sapporo and Asahikawa – but retains its foremost position as the finest Japanese producer of sushi’s raw product: the high quality seafood caught in Hokkaido’s cold waters. It may not compare to Tokyo’s Tsukiji’s Fish Market, but at Hakodate’s four-block-long Morning Market, vendors offer a stunning array of fresh fish and shellfish prized for sushi including salmon roe, sea urchin, scallops and crab. Restaurants and food stands prepare a wide arrange of dishes including domburi topped with fresh seafood. More

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Arrive

8:00

Depart

22:00

Day 5

12th Apr '27

Aomori

The capital of the Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, Aomori derives much of its beauty from the apple orchards and cherry blossoms that encompass its landscape and the snow-covered Hakkoda Mountains that look on from a distance. Throughout its history, the city has been stricken with misfortune time and time again – in 1910, a fire destroyed Aomori, and during World War II, the city was left in ruins following an air raid – yet it always prevails. Aomori is cherished by many who believe a local legend that the grave of Jesus Christ lies within the southern part of Aomori prefecture. However, Aomori is perhaps best known for its renowned Nebuta Festival, an elaborate yearly event in which participants illuminate giant paper representations of samurai warriors, animals, and popular cartoon characters while parading them through the streets. More

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Arrive

7:00

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17:00

Day 6

13th Apr '27

Akita, Japan

There is a celebratory air in Akita, where year round festivals and street parades are colorfully integrated into daily life. A key city in the Tohoku region since medieval times, Akita was once a castle town of the Satake clan, but today is a vibrant, prosperous city that seamlessly honors its past but embraces its young energetic spirit. Noted for its burgeoning art community, there are several fine museums to explore including The Hirano Masakichi Art Musuem housing a collection of work by Western and Japanese artists, the Akita City Folklore Museum and the Kakunodate Samurai District, a living museum that showcases the samurai way of life. In the neighboring Oga Peninsula, the region’s most famous icon, the terrifying Namahage, has it’s won cultural center and festival ritual performed in his name. Surrounding the city, fertile farmland and rice fields produce some of the best sake in the country and nature lovers won’t know which way to turn – to the west is the picturesque Sea of Japan and to the north, south and east, majestic mountain ranges including the UNESCO World Heritage sight of Shirakami-Sanchi proudly stand. A trip to the revolving observation center Mt. Kanpuzan Observatory solves the dilemma. More

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Arrive

8:00

Depart

18:00

Day 7

14th Apr '27

Niigata

Traditionally famous for rice making and sake production, Niigata is the place for gourmet aficionados. It is also well known for the seafood caught from the Sea of Japan. With this variety of the commodity produced locally, Niigata developed from the wealth gained through shipping and trade by Kitamae-bune, which were cargo ships operated along the Sea of Japan between Hokkaido and Osaka from mid-18th century to the end of the 19th century. To the south of Niigata is the Tsubame-Sanjo area famous today for metalworking. This derives from the production of Japanese nails used for Japanese traditional architecture. To discover Japanese craftsmanship, you will have the chance to visit the Suwada Open Factory. Also nearby is the religious center of Niigata in Yahiko. The Yahiko Shrine has gathered the devotion of the locals for more than a millennium. More

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Arrive

7:00

Depart

16:00

Day 8

15th Apr '27

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, on Japan’s central Honshu Island. It’s known for well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums and regional handicrafts. Kenrokuen Garden, begun in the 17th century, is celebrated for its classic landscape designs incorporating ponds and streams. More

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Arrive

8:00

Depart

17:00

Day 9

16th Apr '27

Sakaiminato, Japan

Wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood. Here, the Sea of Japan yields up both crab and hon-maguro, the prized Bluefin tuna esteemed by gourmets around the world. Sakaiminato is also your gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. This area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan’s Bronze Age. The town of Matsue boasts the celebrated “Black Castle,” a six-story, black-walled castle that home to a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. And to the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen, considered one of the four most scenic mountains in all Japan. More

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Arrive

7:00

Depart

17:00

Day 10

17th Apr '27

Busan

The second largest city in South Korea, Busan is your gateway to a fascinating land whose culture is a unique amalgam of old and new. Modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples. The city’s bustling business district offers a stark contrast to the serene grounds of Yongdusan Park. In short, Busan is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose startling economic success often obscures one of Asia’s most sophisticated and venerable cultures. Busan was the scene of bitter fighting during the Korean War. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery marks the final resting place for the troops from 16 nations who gave their lives during the conflict. More

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Arrive

7:00

Depart

16:00

Day 11

18th Apr '27

Nagasaki

For most travelers, Nagasaki is a symbol of the horror and the inhumanity of war. An estimated 75,000 people perished in 1945 when the city became the second target of a nuclear attack. Today, Nagasaki’s Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world. But this beautiful city on Kyushu offers other sights. Often described as the San Francisco of Japan, the city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. For three centuries, Nagasaki was Japan’s sole window on the world. The city is also celebrated as the setting for Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly.” More

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7:00

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16:00

Day 12

19th Apr '27

At Sea

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Day 13

20th Apr '27

Shimizu

A mesmerizing landscape, a revered cultural history, and Japan’s most sacred volcano are just a few of the many delights beckoning you to come and explore this ancient city. While Shimizu may have the reputation as being bustling and modern, its cultural and spiritual side is on display in the form of ancient and enthralling shrines. Of course, it may be the sacred and snow-capped Mount Fuji that garners the most attention. Towering over the region at approximately 12,388 feet above sea level, the active volcano, designated a “place and source of artistic inspiration” by UNESCO is just one of the many unforgettable adventures Shimizu inspires. More

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Arrive

10:00

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17:00

Day 14

21st Apr '27

Tokyo, Japan

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6:00

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0:00

Your ship - The Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess

Alfredos

Art

Chefs

Fresh

Princess

Skywalkers

Sterling

Traditional

Vegas

Just

Live

mini-golf

outdoor

Main

entertainment-shows

Rod

The

Entertainers

pool-woman-splash

The

Onboard

Wifi

dining

Lotus

choreography-dance-show

Cocktail

Comedy

massage

crooners-bar-lounge

Games

dance

Deal

Destination-themed

Umai

Ocean

entertainment-shows

Marketplace

fitness-center

360_dining

fitness-classes

Main

International

Description Food and Drink Entertainment Relaxation Fitness Recreational Technology Other

As you set your sights on the wonders of the world, let Sapphire Princess indulge your every whim. Over 700 balconies, world-class gourmet dining and dazzling entertainment options are just the beginn... of your sea-going adventure. Dance the night away, enjoy casino gaming or relax and rejuvenate body and mind at the Lotus Spa. More Less

alfredo’s pizzeria
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chef’s table experience
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churrascaria brazilian grill
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crab shack
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crooners
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good spirits® at sea
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horizon court
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international café
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main dining room
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oceannow® delivery
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prego pizzeria
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reserve collection dining
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sabatini’s℠ italian trattoria
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swirls ice cream bar
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trident grill
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ultimate balcony dining
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vines wines bar
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wheelhouse bar
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fine arts gallery
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movies under the stars®
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music & dancing
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pools & hot tubs
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princess theater
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skywalkers nightclub
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the piazza
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vegas style casino
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conservatory
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lotus spa®
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the princess® luxury bed
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the sanctuary
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truly luxurious accommodations at sea
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lotus spa® fitness center
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family
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just for kids 3-7
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just for kids 8-12
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just for teens 13-17
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medallionnet® & medallionnet® max
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truly luxurious accommodations at sea
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Staterooms

balcony

Approximately 237 to 277 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a pr ... ivate balcony. This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast. Balcony with 2 chairs and table. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Flat-panel television. Private bathroom with shower. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Spacious closet. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & bathroom amenities. Digital security safe.

inside

The Interior stateroom is Approximately 168 sq. ft., this well appointed interior stateroom provide ... s fine amenities. These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Flat-panel television. Private bathroom with shower. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Spacious closet. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & bathroom amenities. Digital security safe.

suite

Approximately 613 sq. ft. including balcony, the Two Bedroom Family Suite features 2 bedrooms to ac ... commodate up to 6 passengers. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony* includes all the amenities of a Reserve Collection Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more. Luxury balcony furniture including 2 loungers, 4 chairs, table and ottoman 2 floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors Separate sitting area with sofa bed, chair and 2 tables One complimentary mini-bar setup and free daily bottled water Spacious closet Complimentary laundry and professional cleaning services Complimentary Specialty Dining Dinner on embarkation evening^ Priority specialty dining and shore excursion reservation Priority disembarkation at tender ports Comfortable queen or two twin beds Refrigerator Two flat-panel televisions Private bathroom with tub and separate shower 100% cotton, high-thread count linens Complimentary 24-hour room service Desk with chair Hair dryer & fine bathroom amenities Digital security safe

outside

Approximately 183 sq. ft., this well appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstruct ... ed view. Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room. A spacious picture window for memorable views. Comfortable queen or two twin beds. Refrigerator. Flat-panel television. Private bathroom with shower. 100% cotton, high-thread count linens. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Spacious closet. Desk with chair. Hair dryer & bathroom amenities. Digital security safe.

Your itinerary

Day 1

Tokyo, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 2

At Sea

Arrive

Depart

Day 3

Miyako, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 4

Hakodate

Arrive

Depart

Day 5

Aomori

Arrive

Depart

Day 6

Akita, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 7

Niigata

Arrive

Depart

Day 8

Kanazawa

Arrive

Depart

Day 9

Sakaiminato, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Day 10

Busan

Arrive

Depart

Day 11

Nagasaki

Arrive

Depart

Day 12

At Sea

Arrive

Depart

Day 13

Shimizu

Arrive

Depart

Day 14

Tokyo, Japan

Arrive

Depart

Your ship - The Sapphire Princess

alfredo’s pizzeria

chef’s table experience

churrascaria brazilian grill

crab shack

crooners

good spirits® at sea

horizon court

international café

main dining room

oceannow® delivery

prego pizzeria

reserve collection dining

sabatini’s℠ italian trattoria

swirls ice cream bar

trident grill

ultimate balcony dining

vines wines bar

wheelhouse bar

fine arts gallery

movies under the stars®

music & dancing