11 Night Kyoto, Fukuoka & Sasebo Cruise

Fukuoka, on the northern shore of Japan's Kyushu Island, is known for ancient temples and beautiful beaches. Explore the 17th-century ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park. Then head to the central Hakata district, home to Tocho-ji Temple, where a 10-meter wooden Buddha sits. Cruise to Fukuoka and dive deeper into history at the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, with displays on daily life in the Meiji and Taisho eras. Slurp ramen noodles in rich tonkotsu broth at one of the city's yatai (outdoor food stalls), then walk it off with a stroll along the winding canals. Pop into Shofukuji Zen temple for some quiet reflection. Or embrace the bustle instead and head to Canal City Hakata, one of Japan's largest shopping complexes.

A busy port in Tottori Prefecture on the Sea of Japan, Sakaiminato is a gateway to some of Japan's best nature and slow-paced, traditional culture. Head to Daisen Oki National Park, where you can hike up volcanic Mount Daisen, stopping for a rest inside Daisen-ji Buddhist temple, which lies halfway to the summit. In Sakaiminato city, walk along Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with statues inspired by Japanese comic legend Shigeru Mizuki's characters — pop into the museum of the same name to see the artist's original comics. Cruise to Sakaiminato and drive out to Matsue Castle — finished in 1611, it's one of the oldest still-standing castles in Japan — and continue on to the ancient Shinto shrine at Izumo Taisha.

The gentle seaside city of Maizuru will win you over with its quaint collection of mountainside temples, pristine beaches and historical museums. Cruise to Kyoto and check out Maizuru Red Brick Park, a series of warehouses that today serve as a museum, and be transported to a Cold War-era spy thriller. See the nearby Amanohashidate sandbar, a 3-kilometer-long isthmus that connects the bay in a picturesque stretch of white sand and pine trees. Or head into central Kyoto, about a 90-minute drive from port — walk among the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, or climb to the top of Kyoto Tower for the area's best views.

Home to the Maeda Clan in the 16th century, Kanazawa used to rival Kyoto and Edo (ancient Tokyo) in culture and prosperity. These days, the city continues to thrive and it's thanks to the business-minded Maeda samurai that almost all the gold leaf in Japan is made by Kanazawa craftsmen. Because most of the original architecture is still preserved, you can expect an eclectic mix of samurai streets, teahouses graced by geisha, thought-provoking modern museums and delectable foodie trends (gold leaf ice cream, anyone?). The crowning jewel of Kanazawa is the sensational Kenrokuen Garden, where locals and tourists visit to soak up the ever-changing seasonal beauty.

Centrally placed in the heart of the Nagasaki prefecture, Sasebo is a quaint, romantic town blessed by nature. Hike up Mount Ishidake to take in the scenery from Ishidake Observatory: In the distance, you'll see tiny emerald green islands nestled in the calm bay surrounded by mountain peaks. Stop by one of many festivals and celebrations that happen here throughout the year: Indulge in flavorful oysters during the winter-long oyster festival at the Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, or dance with the locals in the yearly, city-wide Yosakoi Sasebo festival held in autumn. Cruise to Sasaebo, Japan and don't miss Huis Ten Bosch, a replica Dutch town with Netherlands-inspired theme park rides that reflects the Kyushu region's heritage as a cultural crossroads.