Among the many appeals of travelling Japan are the coming together of ancient traditions and modernity, contrasting architecture and festivals, as well as spectacular natural phenomena.

Viking’s brand new 15-day Japan Discovery voyage roundtrip from Tokyo in 2028 circumnavigates the country and also dips into the Korean peninsula on a crossing of the Sea of Japan.

Included are visits to Niigata, Hakata, Sapporo and Shimizu, where there’s an overnight stop. These are, as a Viking spokesperson explains, “cultural enclaves that reveal the country’s spiritual and architectural heritage”.

There is also a day in port in Busan, South Korea, with its 17 centuries of history, and an array of markets, museums and beautiful parks.

Viking includes a shore excursion in every port of call, as well as a range of optional excursions, which include a geisha performance and dinner in the historic Furumachi district in Niigata City.

There are four Japan Discovery departure dates in 2028: August 15 and 29, and September 12 and 26.

The cruise is priced from $12,995 per person in a Veranda Stateroom (August 15, 2028).

With Viking’s flexible deposits, eligible guests can cancel their booking before the final payment due date and receive their deposit back in the form of a future cruise voucher, less a $100 per person cancellation fee. The deposit policy is for new bookings only and ends on June 30, 2026.

More information at viking.com.au or consult a travel adviser.