Exploring the Wonders of East Asia: A 14-Day Japan & South Korea Discovery

The Westerdam sets sail from Yokohama for a 14-day voyage that balances iconic cityscapes with hidden coastal gems. While many travelers stick to the "Golden Route" of stops on Honshu - Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc. this itinerary offers a rare chance to step off the typical track and into the authentic heart of Japan’s southern islands and South Korea’s vibrant shores.

Itinerary

Day	Date	Port / Activity	Arrival	Departure
SUN	Mar 15	Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan	--	5:00 PM
TUE	Mar 17	Kochi, Japan	7:00 AM	4:00 PM
WED	Mar 18	Kagoshima, Japan	8:00 AM	6:00 PM
THU	Mar 19	Nagasaki, Japan	8:00 AM	6:00 PM
SAT	Mar 21	Incheon (Seoul), South Korea	8:00 AM	Overnight
SUN	Mar 22	Incheon (Seoul), South Korea	--	11:00 PM
MON	Mar 23	Sea Day (Replaces Jeju City)	--	--
TUE	Mar 24	Busan (Pusan), South Korea	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
WED	Mar 25	Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan	8:00 AM	11:00 PM
FRI	Mar 27	Kobe, Japan	8:00 AM	11:00 PM
SUN	Mar 29	Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan	7:00 AM	--

Arrival and Sightseeing - Tokyo

• Entry Requirements: Each traveler must have their own individual QR code for immigration, even if you have selected the "traveling together" option.

• Backup Plan: It is a good idea to complete the physical arrival cards on the plane just in case there are issues with the digital system.

Transit & Payment (Suica Card)

• Value: The Suica card is highly recommended. You can travel extensively around areas like Shibuya and Tokyo for approximately $15 AUD.

• Refunds: You can receive a 500-yen deposit refund when returning the card.

  • Note: You cannot return the card at the airport if you are on the Keikyu Line; returns must be processed at a JR Office.

• Leftover Balance: If you have money left on the card at the end of your trip, you can spend the remaining balance at airport convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Lawson.

Luggage Storage

• Timing: Lockers fill up quickly. On a Saturday, lockers were easily available at 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM (2 large lockers for 1,000 yen each), but they are very difficult to find by lunchtime.

• Strategy: If lockers are full, you can check different stations or look for designated "storage counters."

• Location Tip: If you are transiting to Yokohama, using lockers at Shibuya Station is often more convenient than going to Tokyo Station.

Cash & Currency

• ATM Fees: Be aware that some ATMs charge a fee (e.g., 660 yen) per transaction.

• Wise Card: You get two free ATM withdrawals per month (up to $350 AUD total).

• Exchange Machines: While convenient and widely available, automated exchange machines generally offer poorer rates (e.g., 96 yen to the dollar when the market rate was 114). Use these only if necessary for convenience.

Sightseeing Highlights

• Shinjuku: Visit the Tourist Centre and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free city lookout. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji. There are separate elevators for the North and South towers.

• Harajuku: Great for exploring the Meiji Shrine, walking the themed streets, or visiting a pet cafe.

• Shibuya: Known as the "Times Square of Japan," the crossing is a must-see. You can often spot people doing the Mario Kart-style go-kart tours here.

Sightseeing - Yokohama, Japan

Accommodation: Super Hotel (Yokohama)

• Location: This is an ideal spot for cruisers as it is very close to Nihon-odori Station, which is the nearest station to the cruise port.

• Amenities: The stay includes a daily breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a "welcome drink" service.

• Hot Tip: Be sure to specifically book a non-smoking room. Based on previous experience, the smoking rooms have a very strong, lingering odor.

If you have time before embarkation, these attractions are all within walking distance of the port area:

• Cup Noodles Museum: A fun, interactive stop where you can learn about the history of ramen.

• Cosmo World: Take a ride on the iconic giant Ferris wheel for great views of the harbor.

• Red Brick Warehouse: A historic shopping and dining complex. It often hosts special events, we were fortunate when we were there to see the Porsche exhibition.

Sightseeing - Kochi, Japan

Transport Strategy

• Taxis: A taxi from the port to Kochi Castle takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately 3,400 yen. This is the best option if you are time-constrained.

• MY-YU Bus: This tourist bus stops at major sightseeing spots for 1,300 yen.

  • Savings Tip: Buy the bus pass before visiting Kochi Castle to receive a discount on your entry fee.

  • Note: While the bus is cost-effective, it may not be ideal for a single-day cruise stop if you are on a tight schedule.

Top Sights & Activities

• Kochi Castle (Kochi-jo): One of only 12 "original" castles left in Japan, dating back to the 1600s. Unlike many others rebuilt with concrete, this is the "real deal."

• Pro Tip: It is the only castle in Japan where both the original donjon (keep) and the lord’s residence remain intact. Be prepared for very steep wooden stairs if you climb to the top!

• Hirome Market: Located just a 5-minute walk from the castle. This legendary indoor food hall is perfect for eating like a local at communal tables.

• Must-Eat: Katsuo no Tataki (Seared Bonito). You can watch them sear the fish over massive straw fires.

• Harimayabashi (The Red Bridge): A quick, iconic photo spot located near the shopping district.

• Makino Botanical Garden & Mount Godaisan Observatory: A good way to spend extra time on the way back to the ship.

• Katsurahama Beach: If time permits, visit this scenic beach to see the famous bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryoma.

Sightseeing - Kagoshima, Japan

Transport Logistics

• Port to Ferry Terminal: A taxi from the cruise terminal to the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around 3,400 yen each way.

• City Navigation: Use the City View Bus to move between the ferry terminal, the Tenmonkan shopping district, and the Shiroyama Observatory.

The Sakurajima Volcano Experience

• The Ferry: Ferries depart every 15 minutes for a quick 15-minute crossing to the volcano.

• "Ferry Udon" Legend: For a unique lunch, order a bowl of Yabukin Udon on the ship’s deck. It is a local Kagoshima staple—fast, hot, and delicious, enjoyed with a direct view of the smoking crater.

Exploring the City

• Tenmonkan District: This is the main hub for shopping and dining.

• Visibility Check: Visit the observatory on Level 15 near the information center. If the volcano views are clear, proceed to Shiroyama. If it is cloudy or raining, stay in Tenmonkan for the afternoon to shop.

• Local Treat: If you have 30 minutes to spare, stop here to grab local snacks or a famous "Shirokuma" (Polar Bear) shaved ice.

• Shiroyama Observatory: Take the City View Bus up to this viewpoint for the iconic "over-the-city" photo of the volcano.

• Historical Alternative: If you prefer history over city views, consider visiting the Chiran Peace Museum, which is dedicated to the history of kamikaze pilots.

Sightseeing - Nagasaki, Japan

Morning: The Path of Peace

• The Journey North: From the ship, take a short walk to the Ourakaigan-dori tram stop. Use Line 5 (Green) to Shinchi Chinatown, then transfer to Line 1 (Blue) and get off at the Peace Park stop.

• Peace Park & Hypocenter: Begin at the iconic Peace Statue. From there, take a brief walk downhill to Hypocenter Park, where a black monolith marks the exact location of the atomic bomb explosion.

• Atomic Bomb Museum: A deeply moving and essential experience.

  • Tip: Admission is approximately 200 JPY; it is recommended to set aside about 90 minutes for a thorough visit.

Lunch: A Taste of History

• Dining Options: Take the tram back toward the port area. You can stop at Shinchi Chinatown for local street food or head to Dejima to eat at one of the terrace cafes overlooking the harbor.

Afternoon: Colonial Heritage

• Dejima: Explore this restored Dutch trading post, which served as the only gateway for Westerners in Japan for centuries. There is a 500-yen entry fee, or you can enjoy the historic architecture from the outside.

• Glover Garden & Oura Church: These attractions are located right next to the cruise terminal, making them perfect final stops before you re-board.

  • Glover Garden: Use the "Sky Road" (an outdoor elevator) to reach the 19th-century mansions and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the harbor. Admission is approximately 1,300 JPY.

  • Oura Church: Situated at the foot of Glover Garden, this is the oldest Christian church in Japan.

Quick Logistic Tips

• Tram Pass: Purchase a digital 1-Day Tram Pass (600 yen) at the tourist desk inside the cruise terminal for unlimited travel.

• Connectivity: Use the excellent free Wi-Fi available at the terminal to download your offline maps before heading into the city.

• Departure Safety: By saving the Glover Garden area for last, you ensure you are within walking distance of the ship as the "all aboard" time approaches.

Sightseeing - Incheon (Seoul), South Korea

Port Logistics & Transport (Incheon)

• Shuttle Service: A free shuttle runs between the cruise port and the Hyundai Premium Outlets (Technopark Station). It takes about 30 mins. The first shuttle is at 9:00 AM and the last is at 8:00 PM. A taxi back from the outlets costs approximately 13,000 KRW.

• Port Curfew: The terminal and immigration office close at 10:00 PM, so the gangway closes then and does not reopen until 7:00 AM.

• Arrival Documents: While a Q-Code is usually done 3 days prior, cruise passengers generally clear immigration directly off the boat without needing to fill out extra forms.

• Technopark Metro Access: The shuttle drops off at the Technopark Station (Incheon Subway Line 1), which is directly adjacent to the Hyundai Outlets, allowing for easy exploration of the Songdo area or further travel into Seoul.

• Getting to Downtown Seoul from Incheon: Metro Route & Transfers: From the Technopark Metro Station (accessible via the free shuttle from the cruise terminal), take the Incheon Line 1 (towards Gyeyang) to Bupyeong Station. At Bupyeong, transfer to Seoul Subway Line 1 (the dark blue line) to reach major downtown hubs like Seoul Station, Yongsan, or City Hall. Travel Time: The total journey from Technopark to central Seoul typically takes between 75 and 85 minutes, including the transfer time.

Transit Cards & Trains

• T-money vs. Climate Card: * T-money: Best for most travelers. It works everywhere (Incheon and Seoul) and functions like the Suica card in Japan.

  • Climate Card: Only works within Seoul. It does not cover Incheon (the port area).

• Transit Strategy: If you use a Climate Card, you must buy a separate single-use ticket (cash required) to get from Incheon to the outskirts of Seoul, then switch to the Climate Card.

• The "Blue Line" Trap: When heading back to Incheon Port on the Blue Line, be careful—the line splits. If you accidentally take a train toward Gasan Digital Complex, you must transfer to Line 7 to Onsu to get back on the correct path toward Incheon (adds 30+ mins).

DMZ & Specialist Tours

• Logistics: The DMZ is about an hour from the port. A taxi from Incheon is roughly $100 AUD each way.

• JSA/Border: Access to the Joint Security Area (JSA) is inconsistent and often closed. Most tours now focus on observatories near Paju where you can see across the border.

• Daily Limits: Popular spots like the Infiltration Tunnels have daily ticket limits. Arrive early to ensure entry.

Day 1: History & Markets

• The Commute: 2 hours each way to downtown Seoul. (Note: Some passengers stay overnight in Seoul to avoid the 4-hour round trip).

• Korean War Memorial: A detailed look at Korea's history and the 1950s civil war.

• N Seoul Tower & Namsangol Hanok Village: Iconic city views followed by a traditional village right next door.

• Myeongdong Night Market: The best spot for street food and skincare shopping.

• Incheon Option: If staying local, the G Tower at Central Park (Incheon) is free to enter (1:00 PM – 9:00 PM) for harbor views.

Day 2: Palaces & Modern Seoul

• Gyeongbokgung Palace:

  • 10:30 AM & 2:00 PM: Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (Sumunjang).

  • 3:00 PM: Weapons Inspection Ceremony.

• Bukchon Hanok Village: Exit the palace near the Folk Art Museum and walk 10 mins east to this hillside neighborhood of traditional houses.

• Gwangjang Market: A 5-minute taxi from the palace area. Famous for Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and Mayak Gimbap.

• Gangnam & Lotte World Tower:

• Take the Green Line to Jamsil Station.

• Lotte World Tower: 31,000 KRW at the gate, but only 25,000 KRW (~$25 AUD) if bought online. Digital tickets usually arrive via email within 10 minutes.

• Check out the nearby World Trade Center stop (Samseong) for the famous Gangnam sculptures.

Sightseeing - Busan, South Korea

Morning: Culture & Seafood

• Gamcheon Culture Village: Start your day here for the best photos of Busan’s famous colorful hillsides. It is a convenient 15-minute taxi ride from the port.

• Jagalchi Fish Market: Explore Korea's largest seafood market. Visit the first floor to see the live catch and head to the second floor if you want to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch.

Afternoon: Markets & Fashion

• BIFF Square: Located just across the street from the fish market. This is the heart of Busan’s film culture and the best place to try Ssiat Hotteok (sweet seed-filled pancakes) and browse trendy shops.

• Gukje & Kkangtong Markets: Dive into a maze of traditional alleys. You’ll find a huge variety of goods ranging from vintage clothing and textiles to kitchenware and hidden treasures.

• Gwangbok-ro Fashion Street: Known as the "Myeong-dong of Busan," this area features major global brands, Korean cosmetics, and numerous cafes.

Evening: Views & Final Stops

• Lotte Department Store (Gwangbok): An excellent final stop for upscale shopping. Be sure to check out the indoor musical fountain show.

• City Lookouts:

  • Option A: Visit Yongdusan Park and the Busan Tower for the highest vantage point.

  • Option B: Go to the rooftop of the Lotte Department Store. While not as high as the tower, it offers a fantastic (and free) view of the park, the tower, and the surrounding city skyline before you head back to the ship.

Quick Logistics

• Proximity: Most of these locations (Jagalchi, BIFF, Gukje, and Gwangbok-ro) are within walking distance of one another, making it easy to navigate the afternoon on foot.

• Port Access: These central Busan attractions are all relatively close to the cruise terminal, allowing for a stress-free return to the ship.

Sightseeing - Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan

Morning: Spiritual Landmarks

• Nanzoin Temple: Home to a massive, 41-meter-long Reclining Buddha.

• Pro-Tip: It is local tradition to rub the soles of the Buddha’s feet for good luck.

• Etiquette: This is a traditional site; please dress modestly and follow all posted temple rules.

• Transport: A taxi from the port costs approximately $70 AUD each way. Alternatively, take a taxi to Hakata Station and catch the train for less than $10 AUD.

History & Shrines (Hakata Area)

• Kushida Shrine: The city’s most important Shinto shrine. You can view a massive, intricately decorated Yamakasa festival float on permanent display.

• Kawabata Shopping Arcade: A 5-minute walk from the shrine. This is the oldest covered shopping street in the city—perfect for traditional crafts and snacks.

• Tochoji Temple: Features one of Japan's largest wooden seated Buddha statues. Don't miss the unique "Heaven and Hell" walk-through experience located behind the statue.

Afternoon: Shopping & Architecture (Tenjin District)

• Tenjin Underground Mall: A sprawling, upscale underground shopping area that offers a great climate-controlled escape from the weather.

• ACROS Fukuoka: An architectural marvel with a massive "Step Garden" on its exterior. You can climb the terrace stairs for a free panoramic view of the city.

Late Afternoon: Parks & Skyline (Chuo Area)

• Ohori Park: A beautiful city park centered around a large lake, located just a 10-minute subway ride from Hakata Station.

• Fukuoka Castle Ruins: Situated right next to Ohori Park. While the main buildings are gone, the original stone walls and gates provide an excellent vantage point for the city skyline.

• Fukuoka Tower (Optional): If time permits, take a bus or taxi to the Seaside Momochi area to see the "Mirror Sail" tower and the nearby beach.

Dinner: The Ramen Capital

• Hakata Ramen Street (JR Hakata City): Head to the 2nd floor of the station for authentic, quick Tonkotsu ramen. For a more formal sit-down experience, visit the "Kooten" dining floor on the 10th level.

Sightseeing - Himeji/Kobe, Japan

Transport: The Shinkansen Experience

• The Fast Route: Take a taxi from the port to the Shinkansen (bullet train) station. A one-way ticket to Himeji costs approximately $30 AUD.

• The Experience: The journey takes only 15 minutes to cover 50km, reaching speeds near 300 km/h. It is highly recommended if you haven't experienced a bullet train before.

• The Budget Route: A standard rapid train is a cost-effective alternative at roughly $9 AUD, though the trip takes about 60 minutes.

Sights: Himeji Castle & Gardens

• Himeji Castle: Often considered Japan's most spectacular preserved feudal castle.

• Tickets: A dual-entry ticket for both the Castle and the Koko-en Gardens costs approximately $26 AUD.

Return Journey & Local Access

• Back to Kobe: Take the rapid train for the return leg to save on costs.

• Port Shuttle: Once back in Kobe, you can catch a free shuttle from the Motomachi shopping district directly back to the cruise terminal.

Logistics Tip

• Using the bullet train for the "outbound" leg ensures you maximize your time at the castle, while the slower rapid train is perfect for a relaxed return to the shopping areas near the port.

Cruising Tips

Embarkation & Boarding (Day 1)

• Arrival at Yokohama: For your departure, the ship is scheduled to sail at 5:00 PM.

• Check-in Window: Holland America generally opens boarding at 12:00 PM.

• All Aboard Time: You must be checked in at least 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time. Since departure is at 5:00 PM, you must be on board no later than 3:30 PM.

Cabin Power & Charging

• USB Ports: Most staterooms on the Westerdam are equipped with integrated USB ports for charging mobile devices.

• When to Bring Adapters: You generally only need a power adapter if you require fast charging capabilities or need to power specific non-USB devices (such as specialized medical equipment or laptops that do not support USB-C charging).

• Portable battery bank: Comes in very handy to charge phone in afternoon when out and about on the go.

Boarding (Generally)

• All Aboard Time: You must on the boat at 30 minutes prior to the published sailing time. All aboard times are available on disembarkation in a port.

Immigration

• Japan: At your last Japanese port before heading to Incheon (Fukuoka), Japanese authorities often conduct an onboard "exit" check. Once you have cleared this and received your departure sticker/stamp, you are typically not allowed to leave the ship again until it sails.

• South Korea: In March 2026, Australian passport holders were exempt from the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) requirement. We were issued a landing permit for tourism and the process was all handled by the cruise ship.