NEW! Japan Discovery

Discover the natural beaty of Niigata during visits to Fukushima Lagoon and Tsukioka Onsen. Begin with a drive by motor coach to Fukushima Lagoon, a wetland reserve in northern Niigata known for its seasonal birdlife and open landscapes. Visit the observatory overlooking the lagoon, where you can view habitats that support more than 200 species of birds, including migratory waterfowl, along with wetlands rich in native grasses and aquatic plants. After, continue to Tsukioka Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns—it was established in 1915 after mineral-rich waters were discovered during oil drilling. Walk through streets lined with inns, shops and restaurants, and take in the sulfur scent of the springs, long valued for their mineral content and rare emerald-green color. After time to explore, return to your awaiting ship.

Discover Niigata’s long history of sake production at two local breweries, followed by a museum visit. Take a scenic drive by motor coach to the Yamada Brewery, founded in 1891 and known for producing seasonings such as miso, shoyu and other fermented specialties. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste a selection of their offerings, including miso‑zuke pickles, made with Japanese vegetables and seasoned using traditional methods. Continue to the DHC Brewery in Niigata, the spiritual heartland of Japanese sake. Here, you will learn about the brewing process and sample the award‑winning Koshino‑Umesato, crafted from the region’s premium rice. Cap your day with a visit to the Northern Culture Museum, located within the former Ito Estate. This preserved residence showcases landscaped gardens and cultural artifacts that reflect the lifestyle of Niigata’s historic elite.

Journey to the historic Furumachi district, once a thriving center for Geisha arts, and enjoy a Japanese dinner. Geisha entertainment was popular during the Edo period and the tradition continues today in the Furumachi district through local geigi, a regional variation of geisha. Upon arrival, stroll along Nabeyachaya Street to see the old geisha houses that serve as a reminder to the city’s legacy. Step inside the Niigata Saito Villa where you will be greeted with green tea, served in a tranquil setting—a beautifully preserved estate set amid towering pine groves. After, you will head to a traditional ryōtei restaurant for dinner and a geisha performance. Take your seat for dinner, followed by a graceful geisha performance of music and dance that reflects centuries of artistic tradition. There will be time for photos before returning to your ship.

Discover history and culture at two of Niigata’s museums and enjoy time to explore stalls at the local market. Head to the Northern Culture Museum, the former Ito Estate and one of Japan’s earliest private museums. Spread across expansive grounds, the estate features elegant wooden halls, a traditional tea room and curated family heirlooms. The surrounding gardens offer seasonal beauty year‑round, from vibrant autumn foliage to tranquil pond views. Continue to the Niigata City History Museum, located along the Shinano River and designed to echo the architecture of the city’s historic town hall. Through interactive exhibits and preserved buildings from the Meiji period to the early Showa period, learn about the town’s evolution as a major “Water City.” En route back to your ship, stop to shop at the region’s largest roadside market—a vibrant showcase of local crafts and cuisine.

Visit Shibata and its castle ruins, stroll the Shimizu Garden and sample sake at the Gokaibishi Brewery. Journey to Shibata, a former Tokugawa‑domain castle town founded more than 420 years ago. Explore the tranquil Shimizu Garden, a 17th‑century Kyoto‑style landscape centered around a reflective pond and seasonal plantings, and view the nearby Ashigaru Nagaya, once home to the shogunate’s foot soldiers. Continue to the Shibata Castle Ruins, originally built in 1598 and later the seat of the Mizoguchi samurai clan until the Meiji Restoration; its three‑story tower and two turrets have been fully reconstructed, offering a vivid sense of its former power. Cap your excursion with a visit to the historic Gokaibishi Sake Brewery, established in 1790. Learn about the production of its sake from rice and water and enjoy a tasting before returning to your ship.