11-Day Asia from Tokyo to Taipei on Norwegian Sun (Osaka, Nagoya & Mt. Fuji)

If Asia has been calling your name, this one-way itinerary is a smart, compact way to see a lot, well. Norwegian Cruise Line’s 11-day “Asia: Osaka, Nagoya & Mt. Fuji” voyage sails from Tokyo to Taipei (Keelung) on the Norwegian Sun, packing marquee cities, coastal culture, and island time into a single, easy-to-plan trip. A handy late-autumn departure (currently listed for 25 November 2025) makes it an appealing shoulder-season escape.

The itinerary at a glance

• Tokyo (embark) → Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji) → Nagoya → Osaka (for Kyoto/Nara day trips) → Naha, Okinawa → Kaohsiung, Taiwan → Hong Kong → Keelung (Taipei, disembark)Expect 7 port days and 3 days at sea, giving a good rhythm of exploration and downtime. 

Why these ports work together

• Shimizu (Mt. Fuji): One of Japan’s best vantage points for Fuji-san - on clear days you’ll see that perfect cone from the harbor itself, with easy excursions to the Fuji Five Lakes. 

• Nagoya: Underrated and fascinating, home to craft traditions and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology. (Excursions typically available.) 

• Osaka: Food-obsessed and well-connected; it’s a launchpad for Kyoto or Nara day trips if you want temples and tea alongside takoyaki. 

• Naha (Okinawa): A different side of Japan with subtropical beaches, Ryukyuan heritage, and a slower pace.

• Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s southern charmer with Lotus Pond temples, laid-back waterfronts, and fantastic night markets. 

• Hong Kong: Skyline drama, tram rides, and dim sum, an urban interlude before you glide to Taiwan. (Some Sun sailings advertise extended calls here.)

• Keelung (Taipei): Disembark in Taiwan’s gateway port with quick rail links to Taipei for bubble tea, bao, and the National Palace Museum. NCL’s Taipei port page lists this route among its featured calls.

This cruise suits first-timers to Japan/Taiwan who’d rather unpack once and let logistics take care of themselves, as well as culture-and-cuisine travellers who want big-ticket sights (Mt. Fuji, Hong Kong skyline) without skipping the local flavors (Osaka street food; Taiwanese night markets).

The sailing also comes at the perfect time in Late November which often brings cooler, clearer air in much of Japan, great for city walking and Fuji views.

Between port days, Norwegian Sun keeps things easy with flexible Freestyle Dining, specialty options like Los Lobos, the Mandara Spa, multiple lounges, and a relaxed, mid-size atmosphere that’s less sprawling than mega-ships but big enough for variety. 

Practical notes

• Visas & entry: Requirements vary by nationality and can change. Check official government advisories for Japan, Hong Kong (China), and Taiwan well before sailing.

• Luggage & transfers: This is a one-way itinerary; plan flights into Tokyo and out of Taipei (TPE).

• Weather & packing: Expect cool-to-mild temps in late November/early December; pack layers and a compact rain shell for coastal microclimates.

• Mobility & time ashore: Sea-day spacing gives recovery between city days; Hong Kong and Taipei have excellent public transport for DIY exploring if you skip excursions.

How to book

Follow the link to NCL’s website here. The sailing is currently priced at €1.312pp, down from €1.900, making this a fabulous deal to snag as quick as possible!

As a neat, one-way slice through Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, this 11-day Tokyo-to-Taipei sailing hits the high notes without the faff. Fuji on day two, Osaka’s kitchens on day four, Okinawa sun mid-way, and a finish line in noodle-rich Taipei - just enough sea days to breathe, and just enough ports to feel you’ve truly gone somewhere. For late-autumn adventuring with meals and logistics wrapped, it’s an excellent play.