You will need casual shipboard attire for day wear and evening wear. For casual nights on board, you will need a sports shirt and slacks and equivalent for the ladies. Informal nights require a jacket and tie for the gentlemen and equivalent for the ladies. For formal nights: Evening gown, cocktail dress or pantsuits for ladies; suit, combination or dinner jackets for gentlemen. The self-service restaurants are casual.
About a third of people on the cruise will be travelling alone. We will match people in twin-share cabins when available, saving you the single supplement. You won’t be left alone; the Travelrite tour manager will be looking after you. There will be group activities every day.
DECK
PLANS
The Diamond Princess is a premium quality cruise ship with every convenience and comfort built in. It is one of the largest, most innovative ships, featuring state-of-the art amenities and an abundance of balcony staterooms. There are eight restaurants and cafés (featuring “anytime dining”), four pools, nine whirlpool spas, and a range of bars and lounges. There is plenty of space to relax on this big ship with a small ship feel, as it is so spacious. There are poolside tables where you can dine and a huge selection of choices including traditional fine dining, 24 hour room service, a delicious Pizzeria, sumptuous buffet selections and the specialty restaurant – Trattoria Sabatini. Enjoy Broadway-style productions in the evenings, the scholarship at sea lectures during the day, or just relax in your luxurious stateroom. A voyage on the Diamond Princess is an experience to be savoured and remembered!
The Hillbilly Goats have been Raisin’ a Ruckus for the past 12 years. They use the traditional tunes and tools of old-time Appalachian music but apply their own zany, modern twist. Undoubtedly one of Australia’s most colourful and popular country music acts. Kick Yer Shoes off, Put Yer Hoe Down and Hang on to Yer Britches!
Since 1995 John has led many successful music tours of Ireland, Scotland, Europe, the U.S., New Zealand, and the Australian outback. He has also led many successful music cruises. John is a musician and former secondary school music teacher. He and his twin brother, Graeme, perform as The Howie Brothers, one of Australia’s leading country music / easy listening / vocal harmony acts.
As long as we have at least 30 people book on the Japan Music Cruise/Tour Bryce & Mahney’s fiddle player will join us.
Japan cruises are very popular, and the thing that usually limits how many people we have on our music cruises is the availability of cabins. Cabins book out quickly, particularly the most popular cabin categories. So, my advice... book early! – John Howie.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Monday 31 March, 2025 Departure
This morning, we board our flight from Sydney on Japan Airlines to Osaka, on Japan’s main island (Honshu). We will arrive late on the same day and stay at the Osaka airport hotel for the night.
DAY 2 Tuesday 1 April, 2025 Kyoto, Japan
We meet our guide and transfer to the city of Kyoto. For
over 1,000 years Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Kyoto is famous for its numerous classical Buddhist
temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It’s
also known for formal traditions such as kaiseki dining (consisting of multiple courses of precise
dishes), and geisha (traditional female entertainers). Visit the Philosopher’s Path, a pleasant stone
path through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal, lined
with hundreds of cherry trees (cherry trees bloom in April). Also, visit the Golden Pavilion, a Zen
temple in northern Kyoto. We then visit the Ryoanji Temple, the site of Japan’s most famous rock
garden. Later we visit Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. It is filled with shops, restaurants
and ochaya (teahouses), where geisha and maiko (geisha apprentices) entertain. Evening: Enjoy
Commencement of Tour Dinner, including a few informal songs from Bryce & Mahney. Overnight:
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo. (B,D)
DAY 3 Wednesday 2 April, 2025 Kyoto
Today we will visit Ginkakuji and Nanzenji temples. Ginkakuji (meaning Silver Pavilion) is a Zen
temple in Kyoto’s eastern mountains. It consists of the Silver Pavilion, half a dozen other temple
buildings, a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. Nanzenji Temple, located at
the base of Kyoto’s forested Higashiyama mountains, is one of the most important Zen temples in
Japan. The history of Nanzenji dates back to the mid-13th century, when the Emperor Kameyama
built his retirement villa there and later converted it into a Zen temple. Later we visit the Imperial
Palace, which was the residence of the Imperial family until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1869.
Evening: Explore Kyoto’s excellent live music/entertainment scene, with Bryce & Mahney and John
Howie. You may like to attend a traditional music, song, and dance performance, perhaps performed
by geiko (as geisha are called, in Kyoto) and maiko. Such a performance might include Kyomai, the
elegant style of Japanese dance developed in the teahouse parlors of Kyoto. John Howie will advise
everybody on entertainment options for this evening. All entertainment tonight, own expense. (B)
DAY 4 Thursday 3 April, 2025 Tokyo, Japan
This morning we are transferred to the railway station for our exciting “Bullet train ride” on the
famous Shinkansen train to Tokyo, travelling at up to 270 kmph. On the way we pass Mt Fuji and
if the weather is clear we will see it. Upon arrival in Tokyo we have an orientation tour of the city
and see the famous fish market and the Asakusa district, well-known as a region of old Tokyo. See
the Asakusa Kannon Temple, a Buddhist temple also known as ‘Sensoji’. The temple was built in
645 A.D. Evening: Visit outstanding bluegrass venue, Rocky Top, in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Bluegrass
music is very popular in Japan, and there are many outstanding local banjo/fiddle/mandolin,
etc., players. Rocky Top has been operating since the 1970s, & many famous American bluegrass/
country musicians have played there, including Del McCoury, Tony Rice & John Denver. Tonight’s
entertainment, own expense. Overnight: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro. (B)
DAY 5 Friday 4 April, 2025 Tokyo
Morning: Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Visit the famous Ginza shopping district, renowned
as the most expensive real estate in the world. Then visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens, which is part of the Royal residence, and a superb example of traditional Japanese landscape design.
Evening: Explore Tokyo’s excellent live music/entertainment scene, with Bryce & Mahney and John
Howie. You may like to visit one of Tokyo’s excellent jazz clubs, or a blues bar (e.g., Apollo blues
bar), or a country music venue (e.g., Western Banjo country music bar). Tonight’s entertainment,
own expense. (B)
DAY 6 Saturday 5 April, 2025 Embarkation
Morning: Free time for individual sightseeing and shopping. Afternoon: Transfer to the port of
Yokohama to board Diamond Princess. Be up on deck as Diamond Princess slips her moorings and
we start our cruise around Japan. Every evening, on board, enjoy high quality Diamond Princess
entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, comedy shows, etc. (B,D[OnTheShip])
DAY 7 Sunday 6 April, 2025 At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Today will be an excellent opportunity for you to explore the ship’s
fantastic facilities and many activities. Morning: Enjoy our 1st exclusive on-board concert,
featuring Bryce & Mahney, from The Hillbilly Goats. Afternoon: Music Industry Forum (Question
& Answer session). Your chance to ask Bryce & Mahney about their music careers and the music
industry in general. Evening: Enjoy a Welcome Aboard Drinks Party, where you will be officially
introduced to Bryce & Mahney and John Howie. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 Monday 7 April, 2025 Nagasaki, Japan
Today we arrive in the city of Nagasaki. Best known as the site of the second nuclear attack on
Japan during WW2, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, that was for 200 years Japan’s port to the
outside world. See the Nagasaki Peace Park, located near Ground Zero, the centre of the blast,
which is home to a beautiful memorial fountain and the 9 metre-high Peace Statue. Afternoon:
Visit Glover Garden, where we see early European settlers’ houses, surrounded by attractive
gardens. Early evening: Back on board, enjoy our 1st exclusive Pre-Dinner Drinks music session,
with entertainment by Bryce & Mahney. (B,D)
DAY 9 Tuesday 8 April, 2025 Busan, South Korea
Call into the port of Busan, South Korea, where we have a sightseeing tour. Visit the ancient capital,
Gyeongju, a place UNESCO designated as one of the world’s top 10 historic sites. Explore the royal
tombs at Tumuli Park and then experience the serenity of an 8th-century Bulguksa Temple. Back
on board, enjoy our 2nd exclusive Pre-Dinner Drinks music session, with entertainment by our tour
manager, John Howie. (B,D)
DAY 10 Wednesday 9 April, 2025 Sakaiminato, Japan
Today we visit the port city of Sakaiminato, and the nearby city of Matsue, on the northwest coast
of Japan’s main island. On the outskirts of Matsue, visit the Adachi Museum of Art, with captivating
displays of traditional paintings and ceramics. Wander through its famed gardens, hailed as
Japan’s most exquisite. Visit historic Matsue Castle, a majestic fortress steeped in 500 years of
history. Conclude our tour of the region with a visit to Mizuki Shigeru Road. Shigeru Mizuki was a
Japanese manga (cartooning/comics/animation) writer and he was one of Japan’s most renowned
comic artists. Mizuki Shigeru Road has over 150 statues of his most famous comic characters.
Evening: Back on board, enjoy fabulous Diamond Princess dining, & high quality Diamond Princess
Broadway-style entertainment. (B,D)
DAY 11 Thursday 10 April, 2025 Maizuru, Japan
Today we visit the port city of Maizura. Witness Amanohashidate, one of the prettiest sights in
Japan. It’s a pine covered sandbar that spans the mouth of Miyazu Bay. Viewed from the mountains
at either end of the bay, Amanohashidate (which roughly translates to ‘bridge in heaven’) looks like
a pathway between heaven and earth. Explore the sacred grounds of Motoise Kono Shrine, steeped
in myth and reverence. Ascend to breathtaking heights at Kasamatsu Park via a scenic cable car
ride, providing panoramic views of lush landscapes and the azure sea below. Also visit Ine Town, a
picturesque fishing village renowned for its traditional funaya boat houses. (B,D)
DAY 12 Friday 11 April, 2025 Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa, which means ‘marsh of gold’, draws its name from an old legend in which a Japanese
peasant, digging for potatoes, found flakes of gold in the ground. Today, gold leaf is a major art
form synonymous with the city. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, known for its intricate kaga-nui
embroidery and delicate Kutani porcelain, among other handicrafts, making it a shopper’s paradise.
Once boasting geisha houses and a labyrinthine samurai village, the city was built around Kanazawa
Castle. Fire destroyed all but a few small 16th-centry castle structures, such as the elegant Ishikawa Gate. Just outside the castle park we visit the enchanting Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great
Gardens of Japan, and the home of the country’s oldest fountain. Back on board, enjoy our 3rd
exclusive Pre-Dinner Drinks music event, with entertainment by Bryce & Mahney. (B,D)
DAY 13 Saturday 12 April, 2025 Sakata, Japan
Sakarta is in the far north of Japan’s main island. Today we embark on a captivating journey into
the heart of Mount Haguro, one of Dewa Province’s three sacred mountains. Your day begins at the
awe-inspiring Go-jyu-No-Toh pagoda, a National Treasure created between 931 and 937. Marvel at
its five-tiered splendor. At Sanjin Gosaiden, pay homage to the mountain deities. Explore folklore
at the Chido Museum and find serenity at Zenpoji Temple, a haven beloved by fishermen. (B,D)
DAY 14 Sunday 13 April, 2025 Akita, Japan
This morning we arrive in Akita, where year-round festivals and street parades are colourfully
integrated into daily life. A key city in the Tohoku region since medieval times, Akita was once a
castle town of the Satake clan, but today is a vibrant, prosperous city that seamlessly honours its past
but embraces its young energetic spirit. We take a 50-minute scenic drive to Namahage Museum,
which showcases local history, culture & folklore. We also visit Mt. Kanpu Panorama Observation
Deck, located on top of Mt. Kanpu, on Oga Peninsula. The observation deck rotates and you can view
the Sea of Japan and the surrounding countryside while rotating 360 degrees. Our final stop is a Sake
Brewery, where you can taste the local sake and learn the secrets to its fine flavour. (B,D)
DAY 15 Monday 14 April, 2025 Aomori, Japan
This morning we arrive in Aomori, in the northernmost prefecture on Japan’s main island. On our tour
today we will visit Hirosaki, once the political and cultural capital of the Tsugaru region (the western
section of present-day Aomori Prefecture). The city remains one of the culturally richest cities in the
northern part of Japan’s main island. We visit Hirosaki Castle, built in 1611. Back on board, enjoy our
4th Pre-Dinner Drinks music session, featuring entertainment by Bryce & Mahney. (B,D)
DAY 16 Tuesday 15 April, 2025 At Sea
A relaxing day at sea. Morning: Enjoy our 2nd exclusive on-board concert, featuring Bryce &
Mahney. Afternoon: Enjoy a fun-filled music quiz, with excellent prizes for the winning teams.
Early evening: Enjoy our 5th & final Pre-Dinner Drinks music session, featuring Bryce & Mahney,
John Howie, and some of our talented tour group members. (B,L,D).
DAY 17 Wednesday 16 April, 2025 Tokyo, Japan/Departure
This morning we arrive back into Yokohama and disembark the ship. We travel to Tokyo and visit
Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. The shrine is a
popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. We’ll also visit the famous Tokyo Tower. Inspired
by the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower stands at 333m tall; it’s the second tallest structure in Japan.
Late afternoon: We are transferred to the airport for our flights back to Sydney, Australia. (B)
DAY 18 Thursday 17 April, 2025 Arrive Australia
Tour members arrive back in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.
| Cabin | Description | Deck | Twin Fare Per Person | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IF | Inside | 14 | $8,995 | $12,850 |
| IE | Inside | 9,10,11 | $9,075 | $12,970 |
| ID | Inside | 9,10,11 | $9,150 | $12,995 |
| OW | Ocean view Obstructed | 8 | $9,550 | $13,850 |
| OC | Ocean View | 5 | $9,995 | $14,795 |
| BF | Balcony | 14 | $11,095 | $16,900 |
| BE | Balcony | 10,11 | 11,050 | 17,275 |
| B2 | Balcony | 10 | $12,150 | $19,550 |
| ME | Mini-suite | 9 | $12,450 | $19,595 |
| Air taxes as of 24 April 2024 (will be added to invoice) | $256 | $256 | ||
| Included port and handling charges | $619 | $619 | ||
All cabins are subject to cabin availability. Please call 1800 630 343 for fares and information on other cabin categories.
You can stay longer in the Japan for minimal extra cost. Please contact 1800 630 343 for more information.
Please book early! Cabins book out quickly
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. ACN 005 817 0781 (Travelrite)
is the tour operator.
Tour Costs
The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accomm
odation costs and foreign exchange rate at 1 November 2023. Travelrite reserves
the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger
that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify
arrangements. No alterations to costings will be made within 90 days of departure
from Australia.
Deposit and Payment
A non-refundable deposit of $900 per passenger is
required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 90 days before
departure. A 1.5% administration charge will be added to payment by Visa,
Mastercard and America Express.
Air Taxes
Air taxes are an indication only. If air taxes change due to government
and airport regulations and currency fluctuations Travelrite International reserves
the right to charge additional amounts.
Cancellation Charges: * Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | $900 | 90 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Minimum Tour Numbers
The tour has been costed on the basis of a
minimum number of passengers having booked 120 days prior to departure.
Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies
paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost if the
minimum number is not achieved.
Refunds
The tour is based on arrangements which do not allow for any refunds
in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, airfare or other services not
utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents
All passengers will require a valid passport. If on non
Australian passport, an Australian Re- entry Permit is required.
Baggage
All passengers qualify for the 20kg (44 lb) free baggage allowance.
Tour Participation
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ATAS number A10538) is
the tour organiser. Travelrite acts only as agents in making of arrangements with
carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour. As a result we cannot accept liability
for any act or omission whatsoever, whether negligent or otherwise of those
carriers, hoteliers or other persons providing services in connection with the tour
over whom we have no direct or exclusive control. We do not accept responsibility
for any injury, damage, loss, delay, change of schedule or any other events which
are beyond our direct control, such as, but not limited to, war, flood, fire, civil
disturbance, terrorism, acts of God, acts of government, or any other authorities,
accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action. The passage
contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole
contract between the transportation companies or firms and the purchasers of
these tours and the passengers. Baggage is at own risk throughout the tour. The
contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and
any legal action must be undertaken in Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of
intending tour members with a deposit of $900 to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN
64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing
throughout Australia for over 40 years. It is accredited with IATA. As such it directly
represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international
hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member
of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.mpany which has been
marketing throughout Australia for over 30 years and operating in Victoria for more
than 40 years. It has a fully licensed (ATAS No. 10538) office at Balwyn which is
accredited with IATA. As such we directly represent the major airlines of the world
and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of
Travel Agents – AFTA.
“One of the best tours we have ever done. Great program and lovely people.”
“Well organised tour that ran smoothly. Very impressed with Wayne Horsburgh, intelligent, talented and caring.”
