Cruise Japan with MSC Cruises

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and one of its 47 prefectures. It is located on the eastern side of the main island Honshū and includes the Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands. Tokyo is a huge metropolis spanning the city, mountains to the west and subtropical islands to the south. It is made up of central Tokyo, Old Tokyo, 23 central special wards, 26 more cities, five towns and eight villages. The metropolis blends high-tech industries, many exciting tourist attractions and cultural heritage sights that have been preserved in a variety of forms including beautiful temples, nature reserves, and parks. On the agenda of most visitors are the temples of Asakusa, the gardens of the Imperial Palace (in Chiyoda) and the Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, in Harajuku). There are many unique areas to visit such as as dazzling Shinjuku, youthful Shibuya and upmarket Ginza. Akihabara, Tokyo's Electric Town, is now also the unquestioned center of its otaku community, and the stores along Chuo-dori are packed to the rafters with anime (animation) and manga (comics). Another popular district for all things manga/anime is the Nakano ward and its Broadway Shopping arkade.

At Sea

Jeju Island (formerly Cheju island) is an island off the southern coast of South Korea. Its capital is Jeju City. It is best known as a top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds and a popular vacation spot. The island offers visitors beautiful beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, cliffs and caves and a lovely mild climate. Attractions include the Manjanggul Lava-tube, a 7 km cave, of which only a 1 km part can be accessed by the public. The tube is up to 23 m high and has been created by lava streams running through. Another popular attraction is Halla Mountain and the 360 smaller cones around the island. This is Jeju's most distinctive landmark, and South Korea's highest peak. Furthermore, it is one of Jeju's three UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. Things to See & Do * Manjanggul Lava-tube * Seongsan Ilchubong * Halla Mountain * Cheonjiyeon Waterfall * Samseonghyeol holes

Yatsushiro/Kumamoto, Japan

Kagoshima is the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture at the southwestern tip of the Kyūshū island of Japan, and the largest city in the prefecture. With a history of around 670 years, it has been called the 'Naples of the Orient', because of its magnificent scenery that features the active volcano of Sakurajima. Sakurajima can be reached by ferry in a matter of minutes. It regularly emits ash, leaving visitors looking grey. Yunohira Lookout is a two hours hike or 15 minutes drive from Sakurajima harbor and gives you a good view both to Kagoshima harbor and Sakurajima volcano. The city of Kagoshima features large shopping districts and malls, is served by trams, and has many restaurants featuring Satsuma Province regional cuisine. A large, modern aquarium has been installed on the old docks overlooking the volcano. The Sengan-en (Isoteien) Japanese garden is just outside the city. Things to See & Do * Sakurajima Volcano * Tsurumaru Castle * Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Culture * Ishibashi Park * Kagoshima Botanical Garden

At Sea

Tokyo, Japan