7 Night Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea with Smithsonian Journeys Cruise from Maizuru

Located on the western coast of Honshu island, in the province of Kyoto, the charming town of Maizuru boasts one of Japan's most exquisite closed bays. A climb to the observatory allows to appreciate the splendour of this inlet scattered with tiny wild islands. Visitors can also admire the treasures of traditional architecture by visiting the temple of Enryu-ji or the Tanabe-jo castle. The town also bears traces of a rich military past, which you can see in the old arsenals of the navy, red brick buildings that today house a museum.

Located on the south-west coast of Honshu Island, the busy fishing port of Sakaiminato celebrates the comic writer and artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born here. As well as a museum a dedicated tourist route leads through streets and squares that feature 134 bronze statues representing his beloved characters. This isn't the only thing Sakaiminato has to offer; try some local seafood specialities and enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Daisen and the Yumigahama Peninsula.

With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the second-largest metropolis in South Korea, after Seoul. This dynamic harbour city, located in the south-east surrounded by the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, benefits from a mild, pleasant climate. You'll find delightful simply to stroll around the lively streets and explore the city's outstanding cultural heritage of art galleries, museums, and Buddhist sites, such as the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which elegantly sits on the waterfront. Rich too in magnificent beaches and superlative natural landscapes, Busan's peaceful atmosphere will win you over, as will its inhabitants, whom you'll have the pleasure of meeting.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Located on the island of Honshu and bathed by the waters of the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is a port marked by history. Under the predominance of the Maeda clan in the Meiji era, the city came under multiple political and cultural influences that shaped its landscape. Throughout the town, you'll discover many signs of its rich past: Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en, one of the most beautiful and famous gardens in Japan, and the old geisha district, Higashi Chayagai. Omicho Ichiba market in the town centre is well worth a visit, particularly for freshly cooked seafood.

The small town of Ogi on Sado Island's south coast is best-known for its tarai-bune, small round boats that were originally used for harvesting seaweed and shells. You can take a trip in one at Ogi Port and nearby Yajima and Kyojima islands. Shukunegi village, about four kilometers from Ogi, is a fascinating place to visit; some of the houses in the former shipbuilding center were built with wood salvaged from boats. Other points of interest include Sado History Museum and the old gold mines; and every year the island hosts Earth Celebration, a music festival.

Nestling on the shores of the Sea of Japan, in the Tohoku region in the north of the island of Honshu, Sakata will enchant you with its folkloric atmosphere and its authentic and traditional architecture. This emblematic city has retained the scents, flavors, and certain traditions of the time of kitamaebune, a shipping route along which Japanese merchants travelled in the 18th century, extending from Otaru to Osaka. The succession of Sankyo Soko warehouses where rice was once stored stands as a testament to that time and is now the symbol of a strong industrial heritage.

Located opposite the straits of Tsugaru, for a long time Hakodate was the only entry point to the island of Hokkaido in the north of Japanese archipelago. Because of its age-old trading activity with other countries, the town has an unusual architectural landscape, combining traditional Japanese buildings with more Western constructions. You can take a pleasant stroll along the bay to check out the many boutiques and restaurants, while taking a foodie break to eat a bowl of ramen noodles. Mount Hakodate towers above the town; hike or take the cable car to the summit for fantastic views.