Kyoto & East Asia Dreams Cruise Tour
 
Halong Bay (Hanoi) to Osaka
Mon Mar 1, 2027 - Sat Mar 13, 2027,
 12 days
 on Star Seeker
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Starting from $7,099 USD
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ITINERARY AND SHORE EXCURSIONS

The best on land brought to you by the best at sea. Get to the heart of local cultures with Windstar shore excursions. You don't want to just dip a toe in local culture, you want to dive into the deep end, and that's exactly what Windstar shore excursions are designed to do. All of our excursion are created to provide authentic local experience - the kind travelers like you are looking for. And with more than 2,500 excursions to choose from, you can experience your destination in whatever way is most meaningful to you. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff, or someone who loves to get to know the faces behind the many places we travel.

Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
Marina
Shore
Excursions
Expand
Mon Mar 1
Halong Bay (Hanoi)
Arrive:
Depart:4:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Halong Bay is our gateway to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam about 3.5 hours away but well worth the visit. Hanoi boasts a fascinating blend of East and West with lots of Chinese influences and French design. Highlights include the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Thirty-Six Streets District in Old Town Hanoi, and Hoa Lo Prison, known widely as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Explore the mystical landscape of Halong Bay by charming traditional fishing junk.
Mon Mar 1
CRUISING HALONG BAY
Arrive:4:30 PM
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Cruising through Halong Bay offers a mesmerizing experience, as you glide past its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and lush islands, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. For a closer view of the limestone formations and to visit some of the islands, take a shore excursion on a junk boat during your stay in Halong Bay.
Mon Mar 1
Halong Bay (Hanoi)
Arrive:
Depart:6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Halong Bay is our gateway to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam about 3.5 hours away but well worth the visit. Hanoi boasts a fascinating blend of East and West with lots of Chinese influences and French design. Highlights include the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Thirty-Six Streets District in Old Town Hanoi, and Hoa Lo Prison, known widely as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Explore the mystical landscape of Halong Bay by charming traditional fishing junk.
Tue Mar 2
AT SEA
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Wed Mar 3
Hong Kong
Arrive:9:00 AM
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong’s harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.
Thu Mar 4
Hong Kong
Arrive:
Depart:1:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong’s harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.
Fri Mar 5
AT SEA
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Mar 6
Keelung (Taipei)
Arrive:8:00 AM
Depart:6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
4 Available
+_
The modern metropolis and capital city of Taiwan is an interesting mix of Japanese, Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures. The skyline is dominated by the 1,671-foot, 101-storied, bamboo-shaped skyscraper, Taipei 101. Other highlights of Taipei include the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, Martyrs’ Shrine which is an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture, and the Confucius Temple.
4 Shore Excursions Available
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Taipei, Essential Taipei Dining | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration8 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$179
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Taipei, Taipei Lifestyle Refreshments | Culture | Walking | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$149
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Taipei, Northern Coast Outdoors | Walking | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelStrenuous
$99
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Taipei, Taipei Old & New Culture | Walking | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$129
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Sun Mar 7
Ishigaki Island
Arrive:8:00 AM
Depart:1:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
3 Available
+_
Ishigaki City is the southernmost Japanese city located closer to Taiwan than the main islands of Japan. Well known by Japanese tourists for the clear waters and coral reefs, the island is ringed by beaches offering excellent snorkeling, swimming and diving. The emerald-green water of Kabira Bay, a top sightseeing spot famous for the cultivation of black pearls is here, which you can view on a glass bottom boat trip as swimming is not allowed.
3 Shore Excursions Available
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Ishigaki Island, Highlights of Ishigaki Outdoors | Walking | Boating
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$169
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Ishigaki Island, Panoramic Ishigaki Outdoors | Refreshments | Culture
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$159
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Ishigaki Island, Taketomishima Outdoors | Culture | Boating
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$199
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Mon Mar 8
Okinawa (Naha)
Arrive:9:00 AM
Depart:5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
5 Available
+_
Renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history and unique Chinese, Japanese and Korean culture, Okinawa is famous for its ceramic wares. Tsuboya Potter Museum is the place to visit to learn about this beautiful artform. You’ll also want to see Shuri Castle & Shureimon Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kokusai Street, the main shopping area.
5 Shore Excursions Available
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Okinawa, Sefa-Utaki & Awamori Distillery
Duration4.5 Hours
Activity Level
$199
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Okinawa, Dyed Coral Experience & Shuri Castle Sightseeing | Walking | Culture | Essentials Collection
Duration4.25 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$189
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Okinawa, Bingata Experience Culture | Walking | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$199
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Okinawa, Okinawa War Heritage Tour Culture | Walking | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration4.75 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$159
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Okinawa, Naha Highlight Tour Outdoors | UNESCO | Walking | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$159
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Tue Mar 9
Amami Island
Arrive:9:00 AM
Depart:4:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
4 Available
+_
The tropical small port of Amami Island is well-known in Japan for the top-quality silk and dyes produce the highest-end kimonos. The white-sand beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters of Amami are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Amami is also known for Keihan, its unique chicken rice dish.
4 Shore Excursions Available
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Amami Island, Local Village and Cooking Experience
Duration4 Hours
Activity Level
$269
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Amami Island, Local Experience Sightseeing | Refreshments | Essentials Collection
Duration4.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$249
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Amami Island, Highlights Sightseeing | Culture | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration4.25 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$229
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Amami Island, Mangrove Forest Canoeing Boating | Sightseeing | Wildlife | Essentials Collection
Duration3.75 Hours
Activity LevelStrenuous
$249
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Wed Mar 10
AT SEA
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Thu Mar 11
Osaka
Arrive:12:30 AM
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
2 Available
+_
Osaka is the gateway to Kyoto with great street food, bright lights and delightful night life. Its main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat and many flowering trees. Kyoto is famous for its numerous Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It is also known for formal traditions like kaiseki dining (multiple courses of precise dishes) and geisha entertainers.
2 Shore Excursions Available
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Osaka, Highlights with Transfer to Kansai Intl Airport Culture | Walking | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$149
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Osaka, Highlights with Transfer to Kyoto Hotel Culture | Walking | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$179
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Thu Mar 11
Nara and Transfer to Hotel in Osaka
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Disembark from the yacht and drive to Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts with temples and shrines that pre-date those found in Kyoto. The exquisite city of Nara is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and numerous art and architectural relics classified as National Treasures and Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese Government. See the incredible Todaiji Temple, founded in 752, and best known for its Daibutsu, the world's largest Buddha statue sitting 49 feet tall. The 8th century statue is housed in an all-wood building, the Daibutsu-den, considered the largest wooden building in the world. You will see many deer in Nara Park which covers 1,295 acres of woodland and is home to over 1,000 free roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, Nara's deer are a symbol of the city and are designated a National Natural Monument. Visit the impressive Kasuga Shrine which has 1,800 stone lanterns lining the walkway to its entrance, and another 1,000 bronze lanterns suspended from the eaves of corridors. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, you will be transferred to the hotel in Osaka. On the way, you will be able to see Osaka Castle from the window.

(Includes breakfast, lunch and overnight at a hotel)
Fri Mar 12
Kyoto Full-Day Tour
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
The day starts with a visit to Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun, after his death it became a Buddhist Temple at his request and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. Next Stop will be at Nijo Castle, which was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a 5-story castle keep. After lunch, you will be transferred to a Local Machiya House. The house consists of a workshop in front and living space in the rear which is typical of a large scale kimono wholesaler. In this Machiya house, you will enjoy wearing a Kimono and participating in a Traditional Tea Ceremony. The staff will explain the history of kimonos and the house. After enjoying the kimono experience, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

(Includes overnight at a hotel, breakfast and lunch)

 
Sat Mar 13
Transfer to the Osaka Airport
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
It’s the last day when you return home, so pack up your luggage, gather up your souvenirs and board a motor coach to the airport. It’s not too early to start planning your next trip back to this magical land.

(Includes breakfast)