Itinerary
- Day 1
Osaka
You'll arrive in Japan and get transferred to your hotel in Osaka for check-in. Your three-night stay begins here. This evening, you'll meet your Tour Director for a briefing and welcome dinner to kick things off.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Dinner)
Included Activities
- Welcome Dinner
- Day 2
Osaka
Start your exploration in Osaka by walking through Shinsaibashi-suji shopping avenue and checking out Kuromon Ichiba Market for local food and goods. Next, head to the Museum of History and Osaka Castle to see the 16th-century Edo-era architecture. After some free time, you'll go up to Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory at 170 metres for 360-degree night views, then have dinner with those same spectacular sights around you.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at Umeda Sky Building with 360-degree skyline views)
Included Activities
- Tour of Shinsaibashi-suji shopping avenue
- Visit to Kuromon Ichiba Market
- Visit to Museum of History
- Visit to Osaka Castle
- Floating Garden Observatory at Umeda Sky Building
- Dinner at Umeda Sky Building with skyline views
Landmarks Shinsaibashi-suji Kuromon Ichiba Market Museum of History (Osaka) Osaka Castle Umeda Sky Building - Day 3
Osaka - Kehaya-za - Dotonbori
Drive to Tondabayashi to see a restored Edo-era Merchant House, then continue to Kehaya-za for an exclusive Sumo Museum visit with a private wrestler demonstration. Later, take the Osaka Metro to Dotonbori, the lively entertainment area, and walk through Hozenji Yokocho food alley to explore local dining options and atmosphere.
Included Activities
- Visit to restored Edo era Merchant House in Tondabayashi
- Private visit to Sumo Museum in Kehaya-za
- Sumo wrestler welcome ceremony and demonstration
- Jinku demonstration
- Observation of wrestlers in action in the dohyo
- Exploration of Dotonbori and Hozenji Yokocho food alley
Landmarks Kehaya-za Sumo Museum Dotonbori Hozenji Yokocho - Day 4
Osaka to Hiroshima
Board Japan's iconic Shinkansen bullet train heading to Hiroshima. Once you arrive, spend time at Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum to reflect on the city's history. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, try okonomiyaki, a Japanese-style savoury pancake that's a regional specialty here.
- Meals
- Dinner (Okonomiyaki, a Japanese-style savoury pancake and regional specialty)
Included Activities
- Visit to Peace Memorial Park
- Visit to Atomic Bomb Museum
- Okonomiyaki dinner
Landmarks Peace Memorial Park Atomic Bomb Museum 
- Day 5
Hiroshima to Miyajima Island
Take the ferry to Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Bay. Visit Daisho-in Temple and see the famous floating Torii Gate at Itsukushima Shrine, which sits right over the water. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the island at your own pace and discover more of what it has to offer.
Included Activities
- Ferry to Miyajima Island
- Visit to Daisho-in Temple
- Visit to Torii Gate at Itsukushima Shrine
Landmarks Miyajima Island Daisho-in Temple Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate - Day 6
Hiroshima to Himeji to Kyoto
Travel by Shinkansen to Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most important castles and one of the few original feudal castles still standing. From there, continue to Kyoto, which served as Japan's imperial capital for over a thousand years. Check into your hotel for your included stay. If you're interested, a ryokan upgrade is available at extra cost and needs to be pre-booked.
Included Activities
- Visit to Himeji Castle
Optional Activities
- Ryokan upgrade for the night (traditional Japanese Inn with tatami mat flooring, futon beds, sliding shoji paper doors, dinner and breakfast included - must be pre-booked before departure, additional cost)
Landmarks Himeji Castle - Day 7
Kyoto to Nara to Kyoto
Travel to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital established in 710 A.D. Visit Todaiji Temple, the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples founded in the eighth century. Walk through Nara Park where deer roam freely, then head back to Kyoto. On the way, stop at a sake brewery and museum to taste and learn about Japan's famous brew.
Included Activities
- Visit to Todaiji Temple
- Visit to Nara Park to see free-roaming deer
- Sake brewery and museum visit with tasting and learning experience
Landmarks Todaiji Temple Nara Park 
- Day 8
Kyoto
Start early at Fushimi Inari Shrine, which has thousands of vermilion torii gates. Travel by traditional rickshaw through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then explore Tenryu-ji Temple with its World Heritage status. After lunch, visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, also called the Golden Pavilion because it's completely covered in gold leaf. This evening, you'll have a private group dinner hosted by a Geisha or Maiko where you can learn about their life and Japanese hospitality.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Private group dinner hosted by a Geisha or Maiko)
Included Activities
- Early morning visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Rickshaw ride through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Visit to Tenryu-ji Temple
- Visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
- Private group dinner hosted by a Geisha or Maiko
Landmarks Fushimi Inari Shrine Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Tenryu-ji Temple Kinkaku-ji Temple - Day 9
Kyoto to Shizuoka
Board the Shinkansen to Shizuoka. Head to Nihondaira Yume Terrace for 360-degree views of sacred Mt. Fuji. Take the ropeway from Nihondaira Plateau to Toshogu Shrine on Mt. Kuno, surrounded by forest with ornate carvings and gold leaf details honouring Tokugawa Ieyasu. This evening, you'll create your own sushi dinner with hands-on cooking, then stay at your hotel with views of Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka.
- Meals
- Dinner (Hands-on sushi cooking experience and dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit to Nihondaira Yume Terrace for Mt. Fuji panoramic views
- Ropeway ride from Nihondaira Plateau to Toshogu Shrine
- Visit to Toshogu Shrine on Mt. Kuno
- Hands-on sushi cooking experience with dinner
Landmarks Nihondaira Yume Terrace Toshogu Shrine Mt. Fuji - Day 10
Shizuoka to Hakone
Visit a charming tea farm and factory, then grab street food lunch at Omiya Yokocho. Drive to the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre before heading to Hakone. Walk through Hakone Chokokuno Mori Open-Air Museum, which was Japan's first outdoor museum established in 1969, to see striking artworks and sculptures. Check into your hotel for your included stay.
- Meals
- Lunch (Street food lunch at Omiya Yokocho)
Included Activities
- Visit to tea farm and factory
- Street food lunch at Omiya Yokocho
- Visit to Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre
- Visit to Hakone Chokokuno Mori Open-Air Museum
Landmarks Omiya Yokocho Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre Hakone Chokokuno Mori Open-Air Museum 
- Day 11
Hakone to Tokyo
You'll take a boat cruise on Lake Ashinoko with views of Mt. Fuji across the water. Then drive to Tokyo and explore the Asakusa district, Tokyo's oldest Geisha area with Senso-ji, the city's oldest Buddhist temple. Check out the Nakamise shopping area with traditional shops nearby. Check into your hotel for three nights. This evening, you have free time or can join an optional excursion if interested.
Included Activities
- Boat cruise on Lake Ashinoko
- Exploration of Asakusa district
- Visit to Senso-ji Temple
Optional Activities
- DiscoverMORE: Dine at Gonpachi Nishiazabu, made famous in the film 'Kill Bill' (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Traditional Japanese evening Izakaya bar scene, serving Yaki-tori and Kushiyaki with Tour Director (extra expense)
Landmarks Lake Ashinoko Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Nakamise 
- Day 12
Tokyo
Start your day at teamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum where artworks move and interact without boundaries. Make a brief stop at the Imperial Palace East National Gardens, then wander through Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens. Later, see the Shinjuku entertainment district come alive at dusk and spend free time taking in the buzzing sights and sounds.
Included Activities
- Visit to teamLab Borderless immersive digital art museum
- Stop at Imperial Palace East National Gardens
- Visit to Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens
- Exploration of Shinjuku entertainment district
Landmarks teamLab Borderless Imperial Palace East National Gardens Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens Shinjuku - Day 13
Tokyo
Visit the Imperial Meiji Shrine, Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Walk across Shibuya's world-famous pedestrian crossing. The afternoon is yours to spend in Shibuya exploring Harajuku and Omotesando, two popular shopping districts. This evening, take a traditional yakatabune houseboat dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay with free-flow drinks to see Tokyo's bright lights and say goodbye to the city.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner cruise on a traditional yakatabune with free-flow drinks on Tokyo Bay)
Included Activities
- Visit to Imperial Meiji Shrine
- Walk across Shibuya Crossing
- Exploration of Harajuku and Omotesando shopping districts
- Farewell dinner cruise on a traditional yakatabune with free-flow drinks on Tokyo Bay
Landmarks Meiji Shrine Shibuya Crossing Harajuku Omotesando - Day 14
Tokyo to Ho Chi Minh City
Say goodbye to Japan and fly south to Vietnam. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. After arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in downtown District 1 for a two-night stay. Check in, then spend the afternoon exploring the dynamic city. This evening, meet your Vietnamese Tour Director for a welcome briefing and dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner at a local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner at a local restaurant with Tour Director briefing
Landmarks Ho Chi Minh City - Day 15
Ho Chi Minh City
Drive from Ho Chi Minh City through rice paddies and villages typical of southern Vietnam to reach Cu Chi Tunnels. Spend about two hours walking around the grounds with a local guide learning about the tunnel system and its history. When you return to Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy a Pho noodle soup lunch. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to explore or join optional excursions.
- Meals
- Lunch (Pho (noodle soup) lunch)
Included Activities
- Visit to Cu Chi Tunnels with local guide
- Pho lunch
Optional Activities
- DiscoverMORE: Evening Saigon Street Food walking tour (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Saigon After Dark by Vintage Jeep (extra expense)
Landmarks Cu Chi Tunnels - Day 16
Ho Chi Minh City to Saigon River
After checkout, take a guided city tour visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, and Town Hall. Next, see the Reunification Palace before heading to the port to board Emerald Harmony. You'll be welcomed aboard by the captain and crew, then set sail down the Saigon River to Cho Gao canal where you'll anchor for the night. Have your first dinner on board with fellow travellers and hear from your Cruise Director about upcoming activities.
- Meals
- Dinner (First dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Ho Chi Minh City
- Visit to Notre Dame Cathedral
- Visit to Opera House
- Visit to Town Hall
- Visit to Reunification Palace
- Embarkation on Emerald Harmony
- Captain and crew welcome
- First dinner on board with port talk briefing
Landmarks Notre Dame Cathedral (Ho Chi Minh City) Saigon Opera House Town Hall (Ho Chi Minh City) Reunification Palace Saigon River - Day 17
Cho Gao Canal to Ben Tre
This morning, cruise through the bustling Cho Gao canal, a major waterway connecting Tien Giang Province with Ho Chi Minh City, watching commercial traffic where over 1,800 vessels pass daily. Move onto the Mekong River and visit the Tan My Floating community followed by a ride through local plantations. Stop at a mushroom farm, a fruit farm where you can sample, and a honey farm to try local sweets. Then sail to Sa Đéc, a hidden gem in the Mekong Delta.
Included Activities
- Cruise through Cho Gao canal
- Visit to Tan My Floating community
- Ride through local plantations
- Visit to mushroom farm
- Visit to fruit farm with sampling
- Visit to honey farm with local sweets
- Visit to Thoi Binh hamlet and its farming and fishing communities
Landmarks Cho Gao Canal Mekong River Tan My Floating Community Thoi Binh Hamlet Sa Ðéc - Day 18
Sa Ðéc to My An Hung
Take a short sampan ride to Sa Đéc and enjoy a walking tour visiting the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras' novel 'L'Amant', and the town's central market. Head back to Emerald Harmony by sampan, then sail to My An Hung Island, a small rural village known for cultivating red-hot chillies and peppers. Listen to local folk singing during your visit as part of the EmeraldPLUS experience.
Included Activities
- Sampan ride to Sa Ðéc
- Walking tour of Sa Ðéc
- Visit to home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le
- Visit to Sa Ðéc central market
- Sampan return to Emerald Harmony
- Visit to My An Hung Island
- Local folk singing performance
Landmarks Sa Ðéc Sa Ðéc Central Market My An Hung Island - Day 19
Gieng Island
Explore Cu Lao Gieng, known as Mango Island, a scenic island along the upper Mekong River largely untouched by tourism. Travel by local motorcycle rickshaw through village areas to visit families working in mango farming, boat building, and incense stick production. The afternoon is yours to relax on board. Later, watch a traditional Lion Dance performance on board as part of the EmeraldPLUS experience.
Included Activities
- Motorcycle rickshaw tour through Gieng Island villages
- Visit to local mango farming families
- Visit to boat building operations
- Visit to incense stick factory
- Lion Dance performance on board
Landmarks Cu Lao Gieng (Mango Island) - Day 20
Tan Chau to Vietnam/Cambodia Border
Take a sampan ride to Evergreen Island and walk through a local village to see how the farming community lives. Return to Tan Chau and visit the local Cao Dai Temple, a syncretic religion established in 1926, learning about this fascinating belief system as part of the EmeraldPLUS experience. Ride a Xe Loi (local cyclo) back to your sampan and return to Emerald Harmony. The ship then sails toward the Vietnam-Cambodia border.
Included Activities
- Sampan ride to Evergreen Island
- Walk through local village on Evergreen Island
- Visit to Cao Dai Temple in Tan Chau
- Xe Loi (cyclo) ride back to sampan
Landmarks Evergreen Island Tan Chau Cao Dai Temple - Day 21
Phnom Penh
Wake up in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital known as the Pearl of Asia. Learn about Cambodia's difficult history under the Khmer Rouge. Visit the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek to walk through the grounds and see the memorial. Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school that became the Khmer Rouge's main prison. Your afternoon is free to explore optional excursions, visit the Central Market, or relax on board. Later, take a remork (local tuk-tuk) tour through Phnom Penh to see the city lights as part of the EmeraldPLUS experience.
Included Activities
- Visit to Killing Fields at Choeung Ek
- Visit to memorial at Killing Fields
- Visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
- Remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour through Phnom Penh at night
Optional Activities
- Visit to Central Market in Phnom Penh
- DiscoverMORE: Silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Samai Distillery (extra expense)
Landmarks Killing Fields at Choeung Ek Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Central Market (Phnom Penh) Phnom Penh - Day 22
Oudong to Rokar Koang
Head north of Phnom Penh to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital until 1866. Visit the Oudong Monastery and Temples with burial sites of Khmer kings and religious artefacts over a century old. Receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from monks in the main temple as part of the EmeraldPLUS experience. Next, see the majestic Royal Palace with French-inspired gardens and the Silver Pagoda. Back on board, watch a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children's Organisation. The ship then sails past illuminated Phnom Penh at night toward Rokar Koang.
Included Activities
- Visit to Oudong Monastery and Temples
- View of burial sites of Khmer kings
- Traditional Buddhist Monk blessing
- Visit to Royal Palace
- Exploration of French-inspired gardens
- Visit to Silver Pagoda
- Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children's Organisation
Landmarks Oudong Monastery Oudong Temples Royal Palace (Phnom Penh) Silver Pagoda Rokar Koang - Day 23
Rokar Koang to Siem Reap
Disembark Emerald Harmony in the morning and travel by road to Siem Reap for your three-night stay. Check into your deluxe boutique hotel that honours local aesthetics and the environment. This evening, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where acrobatics, music and dance tell a uniquely Cambodian story as part of the EmeraldPLUS experience. Enjoy a special Emerald DiscoverMORE dinner while at the circus to support Phare's work.
Included Activities
- Phare Cambodian Circus performance
Optional Activities
- DiscoverMORE: Evening - Local Fare dinner at Phare Circus (extra expense)
Landmarks Phare Cambodian Circus - Day 24
Siem Reap
Start at Angkor Thom, not a single temple but one of the most remarkable royal cities from the Angkor Period and an architectural wonder. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it housed priests, palace officials, military and administrative buildings. Visit Ta Prohm Temple where jungle roots have reclaimed the structure in wild vegetation, creating the backdrop for many Hollywood films. This evening is free to visit Pub Street or try a DiscoverMORE option.
Included Activities
- Visit to Angkor Thom
- Visit to Ta Prohm Temple
Optional Activities
- DiscoverMORE: Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Evening - Gondola Boat ride at Banyon with drinks (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Evening - Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Evening - Local Fare at Phare Circus (extra expense)
Landmarks Angkor Thom Ta Prohm Temple Pub Street (Siem Reap) - Day 25
Siem Reap
Wake early to see the sun rise over Angkor Wat, then walk through this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricate carvings. The afternoon is yours to explore the town or join a DiscoverMORE excursion. Later, experience an immersive evening with a farewell dinner and Apsara dance performance as part of the EmeraldPLUS experience.
- Meals
- Dinner (Apsara dance performance and farewell dinner show)
Included Activities
- Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat
- Walking tour of Angkor Wat
- Apsara dance performance and farewell dinner show
Optional Activities
- DiscoverMORE: Siem Reap Countryside by Vespa (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Banteay Srei Temple and APOPO (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Tonlé Sap and Lotus Workshop (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Khmer Cooking Class (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE: Senteurs d'Angkor Workshop (extra expense)
Landmarks Angkor Wat - Day 26
Siem Reap Departure
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Siem Reap airport for your onward or homebound flight.
- Meals
- Breakfast
