Yes, I dream of Italy but I also dream of seeing the world and Japan has always been on my bucket list! I am here now and seeing this incredible country via a cruise – one of my favorite ways to travel. Here is my current view as I write this email:
Japanet is a well-known brand in Japan, they made their name in selling electronics on TV and now also offer luxury cruises throughout Japan, this season on the stunning Viking ship Yi Dun. The lovely folks at Japanet knew of my great passion for Italy and wondered what I might think of Japan if I had the chance to experience it…
This is my first time to Asia and this trip has BLOWN me away, both the Japanese culture and this special luxury cruise experience. You can follow my trip at my new IG account (for things other than Italy and Europe) @kathymccabedreams and see my cruise tour itinerary here. Where do I start? Here are a few highlights and observations so far:
- I didn’t realize the Japanese drive (and walk) on the left!
- Yes, the efficiency and cleanliness and just all around peaceful feeling of Japan are lovely and a relief to be honest, with so much tension in the world. You can tell I have spent too much time in Italy when I am amazed at how well everything is organized and on-time!
- I seem to notice the way we connect (or don’t) to each other more and more these days. The slight bow the Japanese make when greeting you or saying goodbye has really touched me in a way I didn’t expect. Just a simple yet powerful sign of kindness and respect.
- This cruise visits places many travelers miss and I feel like I’m being let in on a secret almost everyday. Yesterday we stopped at the port of Shimonoseki and it was one of my favorite days so far…with stops at a breathtaking bridge (see below), a shrine with rows and rows of torri gates along the Sea of Japan (see above) and Akiyoshido National Park which included caves and a gorgeous forest.
- I don’t think I expected there to be SO MUCH natural beauty especially from the unique vantage of a cruise ship and the sea. What a magical world.
- I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I am extremely claustrophobic and not crazy about being underground and overcame my fears yesterday to visit these otherworldly caves. I’m also not a big seafood eater but hey, I’m in Japan so stretching my taste buds.
- This ship is gorgeous, with the most relaxing and beautiful public spaces, and has an international feeling which I love. Every morning I have Norwegian waffles at Mamsem’s – the restaurant that uses the home recipes of the mother of the founder of Viking.
- Like anywhere in the world, tour guides can make or break a trip. I swear we have the two BEST tour guides in all of Japan: Dori and Miwako. Yes, I’ve learned a lot from them but also have laughed a lot and connected. When we passed a place in Kamakura that offered palm readings, I asked Dori to come with me to translate and we had a funny, bonding experience.
- I’m just relishing in the chance to experience Japanese culture – from the morning calisthenics that so many of the Japanese passengers partake in to the traditional entertainment (dragon and geisha dancing in Nagasaki) and customs (drinking matcha tea in a bamboo forest).
- We even made a stop in South Korea – Jeju Island – where we ate Korean barbecue and viewed a lush, seaside landscape that reminded me of something out of Jurassic Park.
- Visiting some very special Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples has me reading up on religion and spirituality in Japan.
There’s more to come (including a post-tour in Tokyo) and you can follow my adventures in the coming days @kathymccabedreams and check out the Japanet 2026 itineraries if you are dreaming of Japan. I’m tempted to return next year! It definitely is a place that captures one’s heart. — Kathy McCabe
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