Maple season to mangrove coast: Asia by luxury cruise

Late November is prime Tokyo: ginkgo avenues turned gold, crisp mornings, steam rising from ramen counters. After a night in a hand-selected, centrally located hotel, board Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer, a ship of just 373 suites, each with its own private balcony, and sail south. Port by port the seasons run in reverse, from autumn Honshu through Japan’s southern coral islands to two humid harbour cities. Pack a coat for the first week and swimmers for the second.

Autumn Honshu

The voyage’s first full port, Shimizu, sits in sight of Mount Fuji, and the cold, clear air of late autumn gives the best chance of a full view, snow usually settled on the summit by now. Nearby, the Miho pine grove shelters a Japanese black pine 650 years old, the mountain framed across the bay. Around Kobe, the maples are at their deepest red, the famous marbled beef is eaten in its home city, and Kyoto’s temples are within reach for the day. Kochi holds one of only 12 original castles left in Japan, with Katsurahama Beach, a moon-viewing spot for centuries, curving below.

The turning point

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Seven Seas Explorer stays alongside in Kagoshima until 8pm, so there’s time to watch dusk settle over Sakurajima, the active volcano across the bay, and still eat dinner with it in view. A full day crossing the East China Sea follows, and by the far side the air is noticeably warmer. Take breakfast out on the balcony, swim before lunch, then book a table at one of the specialty restaurants, fine wines and premium spirits poured through the evening.

Japan’s own tropics

The bullet train network stops short of Japan’s far southwest, so these islands see fewer crowds than Kyoto. Miyakojima has more than 100 kilometres of coastline fringed with reef, and the water stays warm into late November, with snorkelling straight off the beach. Ishigaki, hub of the Yaeyama Islands, has Shiraho reef, home to one of the world’s largest colonies of rare blue coral, and a mangrove-lined river on the Hirakubo Peninsula. Green turtles feed over both reefs, so keep your eyes open while you swim. Or pack goggles.

Towers and tides

The ship calls at Keelung for Taipei, where Taipei 101 held the world’s-tallest-building title for six years and still towers over the city, incense drifts through Longshan Temple, and Ximending’s street-food stalls trade late. After one final crossing, the Taiwan Strait this time, Seven Seas Explorer reaches Hong Kong at 7am with the skyline in view from the balcony on the way in. Two hotel nights here mean you can ride the Peak tram, eat dim sum and shop the night markets, no coat necessary.

SPECIAL OFFER EXCLUSIVE TO SUNDAY LIFE READERS

Sail the seasons in reverse, from Tokyo’s golden avenues to Hong Kong’s harbour lights, with flights and city stays either side. Your deal includes:

• Return full-service economy flights to Tokyo, returning from Hong Kong
• One-night stay in a hand-selected, centrally located Tokyo hotel with daily breakfast
• 10-night all-inclusive luxury cruise from Tokyo to Hong Kong aboard Seven Seas Explorer
• All-inclusive onboard dining and beverages
• Onboard activities and entertainment
• Up to 34 included shore excursions*
• Unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the voyage
• Valet laundry services
• Two-night stay in a hand-selected, centrally located Hong Kong hotel with daily breakfast

Book by September 30, 2026 to secure your booking.

Call 1300 692 784 or visit MyCruises.com.au for more info. Terms and conditions apply.