Windstar Cruises Ocean Cruises: 22 nights from Osaka with Star Seeker
May 6, 2028

Takamatsu

Takamatsu

Tomonoura

Hiroshima

Karatsu

Busan

Busan: Between Beaches, Temples, and Lively Markets

During a stop in Busan, you can visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched on the coast and overlooking the sea, which offers a unique atmosphere of peace and spirituality. Those looking for moments of relaxation can enjoy the famous Haeundae beach, famous for its crystal clear waters and lively local life. For an authentic experience, the Jagalchi Fish Market is a must: here you can taste fresh seafood dishes and observe Korean gastronomic culture in a picturesque and lively setting.

In Busan you have the opportunity to discover the best of South Korea, a city that combines tradition and modernity in a harmonious way.

Nagasaki

Kagoshima

Shimizu

Shimizu (清水町?) is a Japanese town in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Tokyo

Cruises on offer from Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a city that, thanks to the fusion of antiquity and modernity, history and contemporary culture has attracted many tourists in recent years, becoming one of the most fashionable destinations of the moment. Divided into many districts, the city offers attractions of all kinds. For fashion lovers, the Harajuku district is a must-see. Home to the country's streetwear clothing, this area of the city has become one of the reference points for the lively youth fashion culture. Also to stay in the fashion field, if you are looking for the right gift or simply want to do some shopping, Shibuya is the right place for you.

Here you will find a huge quantity of shops where it is impossible not to find something! If shopping has made you feel a certain languor, the city offers a vast quantity of restaurants, bars where you can savor all the typical local dishes. If electronics and technology are your passion, Japan is the place for you! Here you will find everything you are looking for from low-cost electronics to the most cutting-edge technology. Japan is not just technology, modernity and skyscrapers, so, lovers of history and culture, rest assured there is also something for you. Japan has a history of a millennium behind it and the various monuments present in its capital testify to this.

Not only the old imperial residences offer the possibility to go back in time, but in the city there are various unmissable temples and shrines. For example, the temples of Senso-Ji and Bentendo, thanks to the surrounding nature, combine spirituality and biodiversity in a perfect combination. Sit comfortably because I am about to give you news that will leave you speechless: did you know that there is Disneyland in Tokyo? Now you know, so take advantage of it and have a unique experience of its kind! If you want to experience one of these unmissable experiences, choose a cruise that departs or has Tokyo as a stop to experience them firsthand!

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a city rich in history with an urban landscape that leaves all visitors speechless. Its eclecticism offers an extraordinary variety of experiences to its visitors in the various districts of the city. From ultramodern skyscrapers to crowded streets with typical shops and traditional restaurants, Tokyo offers a fascinating mix of culture, history and innovation in which you can immerse yourself during your cruise. If you want to admire the majesty of the cherry blossoms, the best places to see them bloom are one of the many magnificent gardens scattered throughout the city, including Koishikawa Korakuen, Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park. If, on the other hand, you want to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese tradition, Asakusa is one of the least chaotic parts of the capital where it is still possible to meet girls wearing traditional kimonos and numerous rickshaws around the city streets. Also for lovers of history and culture, the narrow streets of Yanaka are a must-see. Here you can visit ancient temples, gardens where peace and silence reign and traditional wooden houses, all surrounded by an atmosphere that seems suspended between past and present. Conversely, if you have a keen interest in technology and modernity, department stores, shopping centers, Shinjuku and Shibuya are what you need. In these two neighborhoods you can meet fashionably dressed people and you will be surprised by the infinite number of shops and restaurants where you can buy souvenirs of all kinds and savor the typical local dishes. You will be spoiled for choice and if you think it will be difficult to understand the menu, don't worry, the shop windows are often full of wax reproductions of the foods that will help you choose. One of the best ways to reach the city is on board a cruise ship. What are you waiting for? Don't miss the opportunity to visit a city so rich in attractions, choose a cruise that starts from Tokyo or that has the city as a stop and enjoy the beauty of its landscape!

Anchorage

Anchorage: the Wild Heart of Alaska

During a stop in Anchorage, you will have the opportunity to explore the most authentic Alaska, between breathtaking landscapes and local culture. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to discover the traditions of the indigenous peoples through exhibitions and traditional dances. Nature lovers can venture along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a scenic route that offers spectacular views of the sea, the surrounding mountains and local fauna, such as moose and eagles. For a unique experience, take a trip to the nearby Chugach National Park, where you can admire glaciers and unspoiled forests.

Embracing the Anchorage Climate

Despite its northern latitude, Anchorage enjoys a surprisingly moderate climate due to its coastal location, with mild summers and cold, snowy winters. This climate allows a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking in the summer to skiing and dog sledding in the winter. The phenomenon of the midnight sun offers extended daylight hours in summer, while winter provides opportunities to witness the spectacular Northern Lights, making Anchorage a unique destination in every season.

Exploring the Best of Anchorage

From the vast, untamed wilderness of Chugach State Park to the bustling streets of downtown, Anchorage is a city of contrasts. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities right from the city's edge. Cultural sites like the Anchorage Museum blend the art, history, and traditions of Alaska into a comprehensive narrative. For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or a flightseeing tour over Denali National Park reveals the state's natural majesty. Anchorage's strategic location makes it a gateway for adventures into the broader Alaskan wilderness.

The Flavors of Anchorage: A Culinary Journey

Anchorage's culinary scene mirrors the city's diversity, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients taking center stage. Seafood, particularly salmon, halibut, and king crab, is a staple, reflecting Alaska's rich marine resources. Indigenous recipes, Russian influences, and the flavors brought by recent immigrants enrich the city's dining landscape. From food trucks serving reindeer sausages to fine dining establishments with mountain views, Anchorage offers a dining experience as varied and vibrant as the city itself.

Setting Sail from Anchorage: The Start of Your Alaskan Adventure

While Anchorage itself is not a cruise port, it serves as a critical hub for travelers heading to cruise departures in nearby Seward or Whittier, just a scenic drive away. Starting your Alaskan cruise with a stay in Anchorage allows for an immersive exploration of Alaska's urban and natural landscapes before embarking on a sea journey. With its unique blend of culture, history, and adventure, Anchorage offers the perfect preamble to the breathtaking cruise experiences that await in the wilds of Alaska.