Layer after layer, Japan’s story unfolds...
...In Edo-period gardens with their perfectly sculpted karikomi. In Chiran’s exquisitely preserved samurai homes. In the peace memorials of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
And time after time you struggle to describe unforgettable moments, from your first view of Mount Fuji to the fluttering paper cranes of peace at Hiroshima’s Atomic Dome.
Embark on a Windstar voyage from Tokyo to Kobe, where the sea whispers tales of ancient samurai and serene temples. As you sail past the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji, the sun’s golden rays dance on the tranquil waters. Each port reveals a new chapter of Japan’s rich tapestry—from the peaceful gardens of Shimizu to the poignant memorials of Hiroshima. The gentle sway of the ship lulls you into a dreamlike state, where the flavors of okonomiyaki and the sight of fluttering paper cranes at Nagasaki’s Peace Park etch unforgettable memories. This journey is a poetic symphony of culture, history, and natural beauty, leaving you enchanted at every turn.
And time after time you struggle to describe unforgettable moments, from your first view of Mount Fuji to the fluttering paper cranes of peace at Hiroshima’s Atomic Dome.
Embark on a Windstar voyage from Tokyo to Kobe, where the sea whispers tales of ancient samurai and serene temples. As you sail past the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji, the sun’s golden rays dance on the tranquil waters. Each port reveals a new chapter of Japan’s rich tapestry—from the peaceful gardens of Shimizu to the poignant memorials of Hiroshima. The gentle sway of the ship lulls you into a dreamlike state, where the flavors of okonomiyaki and the sight of fluttering paper cranes at Nagasaki’s Peace Park etch unforgettable memories. This journey is a poetic symphony of culture, history, and natural beauty, leaving you enchanted at every turn.
GRAND JAPAN
10 Nights onboard Star Seeker by Windstar Cruises from Tokyo to Kobe
10 Nights onboard Star Seeker by Windstar Cruises from Tokyo to Kobe
Departing Tokyo on September 16th, 2026
The Voyage
See Japan from the Windstar perspective: Serving just over 200 guests, Star Seeker gives you unparalleled access to this breathtaking destination. Enjoy scenic cruising through the gorgeous Inland Sea and visit smaller ports like Takamatsu and Karatsu — homes to a famous Japanese garden and the awe-inspiring Karatsu Castle.
See Japan from the Windstar perspective: Serving just over 200 guests, Star Seeker gives you unparalleled access to this breathtaking destination. Enjoy scenic cruising through the gorgeous Inland Sea and visit smaller ports like Takamatsu and Karatsu — homes to a famous Japanese garden and the awe-inspiring Karatsu Castle.
DAY 1: TOKYO - Wed Sep 16There are as many Tokyos to discover as there are interests. Cuisine? It has more Michelin stars than any other city. Culture? Kabuki theater and sumo wrestling are just the beginning. Shopping? The posh boutiques of Ginza lie on one end of the spectrum, workshops that hand-craft samurai swords at the other.
Departure: 5:00pm |
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DAY 2: SHIMIZU - Thurs Sep 17Most notably known as the city you can see the UNESCO site of Mount Fuji from. This small port city considered one of the three most beautiful ports in Japan has many historical building like Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sumpugo Park, and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine. The 65-foot Shiraito Waterfall, located near Mount Fuji looks like it could be silk. Enjoy tuna from Japan’s largest fishery here or a cup of maccha, a Japanese green tea.
Arrival: 8:00am - Departure: 5:00pm |
DAY 3: SHINGU - Fri Sep 18For over 1,000 years pilgrims have traveled to the Kumano Region to pray at the three Sacred Kumano Shrines. In Shingu you can see the Hayatama Shrine and the Kamikura Shrine. Both of these shrines are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Sacred Sites of Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The Kamikura Shrine sits on Mount Kamikurayama and requires climbing 538 steps to reach it.
Arrival: 8:00am - Departure: 5:00pm |
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DAY 4: AT SEA - Sat Sep 19A sea day on a Windstar Cruises off the coast of Japan is serene and luxurious. Sail through the tranquil waters, and enjoy panoramic views of the Japanese coastline.
The yacht’s intimate size allows for a more personalized experience, with gourmet dining options featuring fresh, local ingredients and a variety of onboard activities such as cooking classes and spa treatments. Relax on the deck with a good book, take a dip in the pool, or simply soak in the breathtaking scenery as you glide past picturesque islands and coastal towns. |
DAY 5: KAGOSHIMA - Sun Sep 20The seaside city of Kagoshima is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano facing Kinko Bay. Take a tour to the Shiroyama Observatory or to the peaceful Edo-period Sengamen Japanese Garden. Visit the Ishibashi Park and the three Edo-period stone bridges or travel to the nearby village of Chiran to see the well-preserved Samurai Houses and the Chiran Peace Museum, exploring the background of kamikaze pilots.
Arrival: 8:00am - Departure: 5:00pm |
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DAY 6:
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DAY 6:
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DAY 7: BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA - Tues Sep 22The second largest city in South Korea is a popular leisure destination due to the nearby hot springs. It is home to many famous beaches that lure visitors from around the world and the UNESCO site of Gyeongju an outdoor museum that was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom and holds many architectural points of interest including ornate temples. Also of interest is South Korea’s largest temple, Tongdosa Temple, renowned for having no outdoor statues.
Arrival: 1:00pm - Departure: 9:00pm |
DAY 8: KARATSU - Wed Sep 23Located on the island of Kyushu, Karatsu is one of the closest Japanese cities to the Korean Peninsula. Karatsu Castle is the main attraction here. Built in 1608, it houses a museum of the castle’s history and Karatsu ceramics. Karatsu is also known for its pottery which can be viewed at the Karatsu-yaki Pottery Gallery. Also worth visiting is the Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall which displays the 14 floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi Festival each November.
Arrival: 8:00am - Departure: 4:00pm |
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DAY 9: HIROSHIMA - Thurs Sep 24Fold a paper crane to leave at the Atomic Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Hiroshima Castle to see three trees that survived the bombing that destroyed the castle itself. Or head to Miyajima, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, for a look at the vermillion Itsukushima Shrine floating in the sea — yet another World Heritage Site.
Arrival: 10:00am - Departure: 7:00pm |
DAY 10: TAKAMATSU - Fri Sep 25The main gateway to Shikoku Island and an important focal point for the island’s rail and road transit systems, Takamatsu, on Japan’s scenic Inland Sea, has been a political and economic center since the Edo period. Among the attractions here is Ritsurin Garden, created during the Edo period, and especially popular during spring for the cherry blossoms and autumn for the fall foliage. Takamatsu Symbol tower has several observation decks providing panoramic views of the sea and landscapes.
Arrival: 9:00am - Departure: 5:30pm |
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DAY 11: KOBE - Sat Sep 26Arrive Kobe, Japan and join a transfer to the airport in Osaka for your onward flight home. Alternatively, join us for an extended stay in Japan, visiting the ancient city of Kyoto.
Arrival: 7:00am - Disembarkation: TBD |
Complete your voyage with an optional pre-cruise visit to the Great Wall of China & post-cruise to Kyoto.
Itineraries In Development
Itineraries In Development
STAR SEEKER by |
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Windstar Cruises’ new ship, the Star Seeker, is set to debut in January 2026 and promises to elevate the small-ship cruising experience. This 224-guest vessel will feature 112 spacious suites, with most offering either a private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window. The ship’s design emphasizes tranquility and relaxation, with suites adorned in light wood and soothing colors inspired by the sea and sky. Public spaces and restaurants will feature vibrant hues reflecting sunrises and sunsets, creating a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort throughout the ship.
Star Seeker will boast....
Stylish Accommodations: Nearly all 112 suites on Star Seeker come with a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window for stunning ocean views.
Dining Options: Star Seeker’s culinary offerings include the main restaurant Amphora, our beloved Star Grill, our Yacht Club Café, complimentary 24-hour room service and a specialty restaurant yet to be revealed!
Welcoming Atmosphere: With a 1:2 staff-to-guest ratio, Star Seeker will deliver the perfect balance of warm, friendly
service and a fun-loving ambiance.
Upgraded Amenities: Guests will have access to a full-service spa with grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility and a fresh take on our iconic Watersports Platform.
Star Seeker will boast....
Stylish Accommodations: Nearly all 112 suites on Star Seeker come with a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window for stunning ocean views.
Dining Options: Star Seeker’s culinary offerings include the main restaurant Amphora, our beloved Star Grill, our Yacht Club Café, complimentary 24-hour room service and a specialty restaurant yet to be revealed!
Welcoming Atmosphere: With a 1:2 staff-to-guest ratio, Star Seeker will deliver the perfect balance of warm, friendly
service and a fun-loving ambiance.
Upgraded Amenities: Guests will have access to a full-service spa with grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility and a fresh take on our iconic Watersports Platform.
STAR SEEKER DECKPLANS
Scroll Down on the Image to see Stateroom and Suite Layouts
PRICING & INFORMATION
Accommodation
Star Seeker by Windstar Cruises
Suite selection at your discretion
Inclusions
- All meals onboard
- 24-hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages available 24 hours per day
- Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes
Group Amenities
- Significant Discount off the Published Fare
- $200 Per Person Onboard Credit
- Complimentary All-In Package (Wi-Fi, Unlimited Beverages & Gratuities) - $890 per person value
Pricing
Per Person Pricing, Including Taxes, Fees & Port Charges
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Oceanview Suite
203 Square Feet Experience the perfect blend of style and functionality in this thoughtfully designed 203-square-foot suite. The well-planned layout creates an ideal retreat with plenty of natural light, a view of the sea, a walk-in mosaic glass shower and an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twins if desired), perfect for unwinding after a day of fun and exploration. Published Fare - $6814 per person
Our Exclusive Pricing - $5523 per person Single Occupancy - $9190 |
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Infinity Suite
280 Square Feet This 280-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window that allows for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Your suite features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired), a walk-in mosaic glass shower and a comfortable living area where you can lounge and enjoy the view. Published Fare - Starting At: $7314 per person
Our Exclusive Pricing - Starting At: $5808 per person Single Occupancy - Starting At: $9688 (Based on Location: Forward/Mid/Aft) |
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Vista Infinity Suite
280 Square Feet Located on deck 7, this 280-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window that allows for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Your suite features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired), a walk-in mosaic glass shower and a comfortable living area where you can lounge and enjoy the view. Published Fare - $7414 per person
Our Exclusive Pricing - $5903 per person Single Occupancy - $9845 |
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Veranda, Premier & *Triple Premier Suites
*Triple Premier Suites are currently Waitlisted 225 Square Feet + Traditional Balcony Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you to this 225-square-foot suite. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets. Published Fare - Starting at $8214 per person
Our Exclusive Pricing - Starting at $6473 per person Single Occupancy - Starting At $10853 (Based on Location: Forward/Mid/Aft) |
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Vista Veranda Suite - WAITLISTED
268 Square Feet + Traditional Balcony Located on deck 7, this 268-square-foot suite welcomes you with stylish comfort and stunning ocean views. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets. Published Fare - $9014 per person
Our Exclusive Pricing - $7233 per person Single Occupancy - $12183 |
Deposit and Final Payments
Deposits are 15% of the selected suite price.
Pre & Post Travel Arrangements
3-Day Pre-Cruise Itinerary from Beijing China to visit the Great Wall - Itinerary in Development
3- Day Post-Cruise Itinerary in Kyoto Japan - Itinerary in Development
Travel Protection
Travel Protection Pricing is based on your total trip price. We can give an accurate quote at time of booking.
Additional Costs
Optional Pre & Post Extensions, Optional Travel Protection and Travel Visas if required.
Shore Excursions, Items of a personal nature, etc...
Cancellation Information
$50 per person cancellation fee is assessed from the time of booking up to 121 days before departure
Confirming your reservation
You may use the "Click to Reserve" button below to initiate your deposit request or simply drop us an email to: [email protected]