Docking in Sandnes puts you just minutes from the heart of Stavanger, a city that traces its roots to the 12th century as one of the oldest communities in Norway. With one of the few urban centers in the region not destroyed by fires or World War II, Stavanger has retained a wealth of historic treasures to explore. With its plentiful music venues, international festivals and museums featuring everything from Vikings to sardines, the city is also a vibrant cultural hub.

The port city of Sasebo is adjacent to Kujukushima, an archipelago of more than 200 scenic islets in Saikai National Park. Boat trips exploring this remarkable scenery depart from Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, which also features an aquarium and the chance to harvest your own pearls. Multiple observatories and overlooks offer views of the seascape from land. On another nearby island, Kuroshima Catholic Church stands as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site protecting the legacy of Japanese Christians who were persecuted during the Edo period.

Beppu’s renowned hot springs are so numerous that you may see plumes of mist rising from the city as you approach. Resort spas and public baths offer opportunities to soak in the soothing waters, often with views of the surrounding mountains or coastline. Bathing in mud, sand or steam warmed by the geothermal heat is also a relaxing, rejuvenating pastime. While the city’s most famous springs are too hot for bathing, they certainly merit a visit.

The revered peak of Mount Fuji rises as a stately backdrop just northeast of Shimizu, one of Japan’s most beautiful ports. Take in iconic views of the mountain from the beach at Miho no Matsubara, lined by thousands of palm trees including the 200-year-old Hagoromo no Matsu tree that features in ancient legend. The entire area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fujisan that recognizes the sacred landscapes of Mount Fuji, a pilgrimage destination and source of artistic inspiration for centuries.

On the edge of a peninsula on the island of Okinawa, the town of Motobu offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions within minutes of the port. You easily spend an entire day exploring the expansive Ocean Expo Park that stretches along the coast. Here the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is renowned for its enormous Kuroshio Sea tank where you can observe whale sharks and manta rays up close. The park also includes tropical botanical gardens and arboretums, a re-creation of a native Okinawan village from the Ryukyu kingdom era, and the white sands of Emerald Beach.