Discover firsthand the allure of Japan’s small ports and historic landmarks during this 12-day cruise featuring scenic explorations of the Seto Inland Sea and additional stops in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Spend a day exploring Japan’s iconic temples and an entire evening sampling Japanese cuisine and succulent Kobe beef during an overnight port stay in Kyoto. Lose yourself among old fishing relics and weathered Funaya, vintage fisherman buildings, in the small, picturesque port of Tomonoura, a rustic backdrop for international films and blockbuster movies. Learn about the protected, thousand-year-old cedars of Yakushima and their contributions to famous temples and formidable Japanese sailing ships. Stroll picturesque pebbled beaches or canoe nearby mangroves among the natural splendors of the Amami Islands. Slurp hot noodles while bathed in the neon glow of a Taipei night food market, surrounded by the rich aromas of spices and grilled meats and the din of clattering cooking pans and boisterous vendors.

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.

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.

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.

Famous for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, Miyakojima is considered by many to have the most beautiful beaches in Japan. Visit the town of Hirara where you will see the 16th century tomb of samurai hero Nakasone Tuyumya. Other highlights include Taragawa Awamori Sake Brewery, Utopia Farm and the amazing view of Higashi Henna Cape.

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.

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.

Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.

This picturesque port city is one of Windstar’s iconic hidden harbors.  Tomonoura is part of the Setonanikai National Park and features an endearing old-fashioned townscape. One of its thriving industries is the production of “homeishu,” a medicinal liquor with 16 different herbs in it, said to promote longevity.

The sparsely traveled Inland Sea separates 3 of the 4 main islands of Japan and is considered one of the most fascinating and little known parts of Japan. Its sheltered coasts include more than 700 islands and islets and is full of picturesque water towns, beautiful bicycling routes and many old-fashioned bathhouses. It is a unique blend of old and new Japan experienced by few people.

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.

There are as many Tokyos to discover as there are interests. Cuisine? It has more Michelin stars than any other city. Culture? Kabuki theater and sumo wrestling are just the beginning. Shopping? The posh boutiques of Ginza lie on one end of the spectrum, workshops that hand-craft samurai swords at the other