Japan Cruise

with david & adina lebor

With Golden Tours On the Holland America Westerdam

November 8-22, 2026

East Asia Cruise to Japan, South Korea and China

A once in a lifetime

experience

The highlights

15 days, 14 nights

INCREDIBLE TOURS FEATURING:

7 Days in Japan – Iconic ports, culture, and history

Japan in November – Autumn colors and some of the country’s most scenic landscapes

2 Days in South Korea – Vibrant cities and coastal scenery

2 Days in Shanghai, China – Modern China and Jewish heritage

Concluding in Hong Kong – Time to explore independently

Holland America Westerdam - Just completed drydock refurbishing

Optional 7 day "Pre-Tour of Japan" add-on

Optional "Shabbat Before the Cruise" add-on

THE Journey

Explore Japan, South Korea, China & Hong Kong

Set sail on an unforgettable Glatt Kosher cruise aboard the Holland America Westerdam, journeying through the heart of East Asia on a route rich in history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Discover Japan’s remarkable blend of tradition and modern life with visits to iconic ports such as Osaka, Hiroshima, Kochi, and scenic Shimizu, with views of Mount Fuji.

Continue on to South Korea, exploring the vibrant coastal city of Busan and the natural beauty of Jeju Island. The journey then brings us to China, with two immersive days in Shanghai—highlighting both its global importance and its extraordinary Jewish history—before concluding in dazzling Hong Kong, where East meets West amid one of the world’s most iconic skylines.

This thoughtfully curated voyage combines meaningful destinations, cultural depth, and the comfort and elegance of a fully Glatt Kosher cruise experience.

THE Group Leaders

David and Adina Lebor will lead our tour with over two decades of experience leading Jewish groups all over the world.

David and Adina will personally accompany you on the cruise and on the guided tours at each port of call, ensuring you make the most of every destination.

Golden tours Cruises

Golden Tours is Israel’s premier travel agency specializing in luxury kosher cruise experiences around the world. With decades of expertise, they offer meticulously curated cruise packages that combine top-tier amenities with a rich and authentic Jewish experience on board. Their cruises feature gourmet Glatt Kosher cuisine prepared fresh daily on the ship under strict Rabbinical supervision.

We are thrilled to partner with Golden Tours on select high-end cruises, bringing our guests world-class itineraries that span the globe. Together, we are proud to deliver unforgettable journeys that blend comfort, kashrut, and meaningful Jewish life at sea.

THE CUISINE

Glatt Kosher Gourmet Meals prepared by Golden Tours and Holland America Master Chefs

Enjoy three delicious Glatt Kosher meals a day, plus complimentary drinks, tea, coffee, and more—as offered by the cruise line—all under the highest standards of kashrut.

THE KASHRUT

The kashrut is Mehadrin Glatt Kosher, Cholov Yisrael, and Pat Yisrael under the strictest rabbinical supervision of GOK – Global Orthodox Kosher, Rav Oren Duvdevani, Shlita.
At least Two Full-Time Mashgichim for the entire trip.

The Ship

The Holland America Westerdam
The Holland America Westerdam is a comfortable and well-designed ship, just finished a drydock refurbishing in January 2026. It’s always been known for its spacious decks, inviting public areas, and attentive service. Its relaxed and pleasant onboard atmosphere provides an excellent setting for enjoying both the journey and the destinations.

Destinations

Japan

Japan combines deep tradition with modern city life, with a strong emphasis on courtesy, order, and respect. Daily life is calm and structured, even in busy cities. Dress is generally neat and modest, with comfortable, well-put-together casual clothing fitting in everywhere.

South Korea

South Korea is vibrant and contemporary, especially in its major cities. The culture is energetic and forward-looking, while still valuing respect and tradition. Clothing tends to be stylish yet conservative, and smart casual attire is appropriate throughout.

China (Shanghai & Hong Kong)

Shanghai and Hong Kong reflect two sides of modern China. Shanghai feels fast-paced and business-oriented, while Hong Kong blends Eastern and Western influences in a more international setting. Practical, modest, and comfortable clothing is suitable in both cities.

From Our Guests Galapagos

From Our Guests African Safari

From Our Guests Rhine River Cruise

From Our Guests

Gail and Mendy Saidlower

Chaya Fisher

Lebor Tours – From our guests 3 & 4

Lebor Tours – From our guests 5 & 6

Lebor Tours – From our guests 2

Lebor Tours – From our guests 1

I am home and everyone is asking about my trip and I have been raving. Gorgeous scenery, fabulous food, beautiful accommodations, lovely fellow travelers, excellent tour leaders. Truly the trip of a lifetime!

Ilana Glickman

Teaneck, New Jersey

Such a fun and exciting trip. Thank you Adina and David for showing us Hashems’ magnificent gifts to mankind.

Carol and Daniel Metzger

Teaneck, NJ

The trip was perfect- Gorgeous sites and magnificent hotels. We loved everything and had fun with all of you. R. Dovid and Adina— you sure know how to run a great tour! We loved Iceland and this trip was just as amazing. Thank you. 🇦🇷 🇦🇷 🇦🇷

Rhonda and Brian Rosen

West Hempstead, NY

What an incredible experience. The trip was beautifully planned with impeccable attention to detail, allowing us to fully enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Argentina. The wonderful company, seamless logistics, and meaningful atmosphere made it truly special. A huge thank you to David and Adina for making this journey so memorable.
Looking forward to seeing our new friends in Israel.

Myrna and William Strapp

Jerusalem, Israel

We had a wonderful time. Great hotels and enjoyable activities were arranged perfectly due to David and Adina’s attention to detail. Such a wonderful group to travel with and hope we see many of our new friends on future tours with the Lebor’s.

Cheryl and Arnie Yagoda

Jerusalem, Israel

… reflecting on our amazing trip. With hakorat hatov to R.David and Adina and their wonderful smiles, it was a real pleasure and privilege to travel with all of you and share the magnificence of Argentina in an atmosphere of yidishkeit and kashrut that left nothing lacking.

Joanne and Charlie Bacall

Jerusalem, Israel

Sari & I thoroughly enjoyed traveling and getting to meet so many wonderful people in beautiful Argentina. Kol Hakavod to David and Adina and their team for such a well-executed trip. Looking forward to seeing you all on future adventures.

Stu and Sari Braunstein

Hewlett, NY

Adina and David’s attention to detail – like providing snacks every two hours – felt almost parental. The delight on their faces when they saw our enjoyment of both the natural and the hotel/food sights, was palpable. They are very giving people and very spiritual. We look forward to traveling with them – and you all – again, iyH.

Barbara and Allen Kessel

Jerusalem, Israel

This was truly a trip of a lifetime and right up there with the glaciers and falls were David and Adina and all the amazing people that we met. What an amazing group. Can’t wait to see you all again.

Jeff and Mara Shanes

Jerusalem, Israel

Thank You, David, Adina, and the staff for all your efforts in putting together this incredible experience.
We met so many wonderful, fun, and interesting people who were all part of making this trip so special.

Anne & Herb Pasternak

Woodmere, NY

[To] reinforce what incredible people the Lebors are.

What makes the Lebors so special? The word לב- heart- is contained in the name Lebor-ליבור- everything the Lebors did to ensure the success of this trip and to make us all happy was done בלב שלם- with a full heart. On behalf of all of us, we say תודה רבה and Thank You from the bottom of our Argentinian “hearts.”

…may we all meet in ירושלים הבנויה on a future Lebor trip!

❤️❤️Paula and Ira Spodek

Brooklyn, NY

Dear David and Adina,

What a wonderful adventure! We never could have done this on our own. Our thanks for this great experience and wonderful memories.

Yes, the attention to detail, the scenery, and – of course – the food was outstanding, but what made the trip special was you: patient and outwardly calm at all times, and overall wonderful mentschen.

We feel privileged to have met you and spent time together.

We look forward to joining you again in the near future.

Barbara and Richard Etra

Forest Hills, NY

Thank you for another amazing Lebor trip
We made great new friends and reacquainted with great old friends
Thank you all for making it such a memorable experience
Love

Sheri and Richie Hagler

Lawrence, NY

Thank you David and Adeena for a wonderful, memorable trip. Food was amazing and we’re having withdrawal already. Hoping to travel together in the future.

Helene and Herb Wallenstein

Oceanside, NY

We decided to take (a different tour with a different company) this past summer. The only problem was it couldn’t compare to a Lebor program. We found ourselves comparing the way it was run to your program. Hands down Lebor wins.

Jodie Littwin

Lebor Tours trip to Iceland this summer was absolutely amazing! David and Adina are experienced, passionate, energetic tour guides, who love to share their passion of enjoying Hashem’s world with others. Icelands’s numerous landscapes and sights- from waterfalls, geysers, mudpots, lagoons, fjords, rock formations, coastlines, and mountains, were all beyond description. The delicious, abundant, generous food that was served every day would satisfy any type of eater and was beyond delicious! All of us on the tour became one, with a real sense of camaraderie. Some of the attendees sharing their life experiences with us was one of the highlights of Shabbos. David and Adina are organized, enthusiastic, tour guides, who know what it takes to make a successful tour! It will take a long time for us to come down from this incredible high experience!

Shari & Howie Borenstein

Chicago

Dear Adina and Rabbi Lebor, עמו”ש

How does one begin to thank you for the most amazing trip? From the moment we arrived, your warmth enveloped us. You made each and every one special in your unique ways. Thank You!

We will always treasure the special group of people we have met.

Yankie and Miriam Rosenberg

Flatbush, NY

We wanted to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for our wonderful experience in Iceland. The tours were organized and beautiful, the food was amazing and the service was superb! When we were planning our trip to Iceland Rabbi Lebor went above and beyond his obligations to work with us in order to for us to be able to make the trip happen.

It was truly an amazing week!

Shmuel and Chanie Klein

Boro Park, NY

We had a wonderful time and appreciated that everything was thought of in advance.

Victor and Yona Shine.

From $7200

per person

To see all the room prices click on BOOK NOW

price includes

First-class accomodations on the Holland America Westerdam

3 Gourmet meals a day on the ship

Complimentary drinks and more—as offered by the cruise line

Music performances and on-board entertainment provided by the cruise ship

Lectures and Shiurim on the ship specifically for the Golden Tours Group

price does not include

International Flights to and from Asia

Travel Insurance

Health Insurance

The Shore Excursions

Golden Tours Shore Excursions in the itinerary are optional and available at an additional cost of $1400 per person.

Tips - $17 per person per day

Kashrut Staff Gratuities - $70 per person per voyage

"Shabbat Before the tour" Optional add-on

7 day "Japan Pre-tour" Optional add-on

THE ITINERARY

Suggested Flights

Suggested Flights (From New York)

To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey in line with the cruise schedule and time differences, we recommend the following:

Outbound (New York → Tokyo):
We recommend departing on Wednesday, November 4, on one of the many non-stop flights from New York to Tokyo, arriving on Thursday. While it is technically possible to arrive on Friday, this is not advisable due to the risk of delays so close to Shabbat. For peace of mind, you should plan to arrive sometime during the day on Thursday.
Return (Hong Kong → New York):
The cruise ends on Sunday in Hong Kong. There are several non-stop flight options that day; the most convenient is the Cathay Pacific afternoon departure (approximately 4:30 PM), arriving at JFK at around 7:05 PM the same day, allowing for a smooth and efficient return.

Day 1 - Sunday, November 8

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is the largest city on earth and packed with some of the world’s best shops, museums and restaurants, big and small. While the bright neon lights and the bustle of contemporary Tokyo may be what comes to mind when you think of the city, there is another side.

Ship departs at 7:00 PM

Day 2 - Monday, November 9

Shimizu, Japan

One of Japan’s most scenic ports, Shimizu offers magnificent views of Mount Fuji and the Miho-no-Matsubara pine forest (UNESCO World Heritage sites). Rich in history and culture, the area features important Edo-period landmarks and is also famous for its coastal scenery, tea plantations, and outstanding local seafood—especially Japan’s renowned tuna catch.

Ship Arrives - 7:00 am

Ship Departs - 3:00 pm

Day 3 - Tuesday, November 10

Osaka, Japan

Bold, energetic, and unapologetically lively, Osaka is Japan’s fun-loving commercial capital—famous for its loud laughs, big personalities, and nonstop street life. A modern city rebuilt after WWII, it buzzes with neon-lit shopping streets, busy markets, and a proud local culture all its own. Just under an hour away lie the historic treasures of Kyoto and Nara, making Osaka the perfect gateway to both contemporary Japan and its ancient past.
8:00 AM - Ship Arrives
8:00 PM - Ship Departs

Day 4 - Wednesday, November 11

Kochi, Japan

Located on Japan’s Pacific coast, Kochi is known for its unspoiled scenery, relaxed pace, and strong samurai heritage. The city’s centerpiece is Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles, surrounded by historic streets and scenic rivers. With its blend of history, nature, and traditional atmosphere, Kochi offers a refreshing and authentic glimpse into Japan beyond the major cities.
8:00 AM - Ship Arrives
5:00 PM - Ship Departs

Day 5 - Thursday, November 12

Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima is a city of profound history and renewal. Best known for the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, it stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope. Beyond its moving historical sites, Hiroshima is a modern, welcoming city with scenic rivers, elegant boulevards, and easy access to some of Japan’s most iconic cultural landmarks.
8:00 AM - Ship Arrives
11:59 PM - Ship Departs

Day 6 - Friday, November 13

Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait

The Kanmon Strait is a narrow and historic waterway separating Japan’s main islands of Honshu and Kyushu, linking the Sea of Japan with the Inland Sea. Long vital to maritime trade and transportation, it connects the port cities of Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu by ferries, bridges, and tunnels. The strait also played a key role in 19th-century history during the Shimonoseki Campaign, which helped open Japan to the West. Today, it is known for its scenic views, historic ports, and one of Japan’s most spectacular annual fireworks displays, launched from both sides of the strait.

Day 7 - Shabbat, November 14

Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan

We will stay on board on Shabbat, enjoying beautiful Shabbat meals, davening, shiurim, and relaxing.
7:00 PM - Ship Arrives
6:00 PM - Ship Departs

Day 8 - Sunday, November 15

Busan (Pusan), South Korea

South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan sits along the southeastern coast and blends big-city energy with a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Often compared to San Francisco for its hills and scenic neighborhoods, Busan offers sandy beaches, dramatic coastal views, and nearby mountains with hiking trails. Highlights include the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village, the striking Haedong Yonggungsa Temple perched on seaside cliffs, vibrant arts districts, and waterfront promenades that showcase the city’s dynamic yet laid-back character.
8:00 - Ship Arrives
5:00 - Ship Departs

Day 9 - Monday, November 16

Jeju (Cheju) City, South Korea

Often referred to as the “Hawaii of Korea,” Jeju is South Korea’s largest island and a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its volcanic landscapes and mild subtropical climate. Dominated by Hallasan, the country’s highest peak, the island offers dramatic coastlines, lava formations, and scenic walking trails. Rich in legend and tradition, Jeju is famed as the “Island of Gods” and is also known for the remarkable haenyeo women divers and the possibility of whale sightings offshore.
8:00 AM - Ship Arrives
5:00 PM - Ship Departs

Day 10 - Tuesday, November 17

Days At Sea

Enjoy relaxing days at sea as we sail in comfort aboard the elegant Westerdam. These unhurried days are perfect for unwinding and enjoying the ship’s amenities—spacious decks, comfortable lounges, enrichment programs, and tranquil ocean views—while preparing for the exciting destinations ahead.

Day 11 - Wednesday, November 18

Shanghai, China

8:00 AM - Arrival in Shanghai – two full days docked in this vibrant city
Visit to the Shanghai Museum – renowned for its design and outstanding collections of bronze, jade, ceramics, calligraphy, and traditional costumes
Stroll through the historic Yu Garden, featuring pavilions, bridges, ponds, and traditional landscaping
Exploration of the former Jewish Ghetto of Shanghai from the WWII era when thousands found safe haven here, and visit key sites that reflect the city’s unique role in Jewish history. It is a moving and meaningful look at resilience, community, and survival in one of Asia’s most unexpected Jewish centers.
Visit to the historic synagogue and Jewish Refugees Museum
Stop at the nearby memorial with Hebrew inscriptions honoring Jewish war refugees
Walk along the iconic The Bund, lined with 19th- and early-20th-century historic buildings
Free time on Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s famous pedestrian shopping street
Return to the ship for an overnight stay in port
Overnight: Ship docked in Shanghai

Day 12 - Thursday, November 19

Shanghai, China

Morning departure for Zhujiajiao, the historic water town known as the “Venice of China”
Canal boat ride through the town, with traditional homes dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties
Return to Shanghai
Visit to the elegant Former French Concession, once under French rule (1849–1943)
Time to enjoy the district’s European architecture, tree-lined streets, and cultural atmosphere
Final sightseeing in Shanghai
Return to the ship and continue the voyage
11:00 PM - Ship Departs

Day 13 - Friday, November 20

Days At Sea

Enjoy relaxing days at sea as we sail in comfort aboard the elegant Westerdam. These unhurried days are perfect for unwinding and enjoying the ship’s amenities—spacious decks, comfortable lounges, enrichment programs, and tranquil ocean views—while preparing for the exciting destinations ahead.

Day 14 - Shabbat, November 21

Days At Sea

We will stay on board on Shabbat, enjoying beautiful Shabbat meals, davening, shiurim, and relaxing.

Day 15 - Sunday, November 22

Disembark - Hong Kong, China

One of the world’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, Hong Kong sits on China’s southern coast at the gateway to the Pearl River Delta. A striking blend of soaring skyscrapers, historic neighborhoods, and natural harbors, the city combines a global financial hub with a distinct identity shaped by 156 years of British rule and its unique status as a Special Administrative Region. With its iconic skyline, bustling harbor, and rich cultural mix of East and West, Hong Kong is an ideal city to explore before or after a cruise.
6:30 AM - Ship Arrives

Optional Extensions

Pre-Cruise Tours and Programs

Friday November 6 - Sunday, November 8

Shabbat Program - Before the Cruise

Price: $1300 per person

What’s included in the price:

2 nights in a 4-star Tokyo hotel
2 breakfasts (Shabbat morning + Sunday morning)
Lunch on Shabbat
2 dinners – Friday night + Saturday night

What’s not included in the price:

Transfers from and to the hotel
Any Excursions
Tips for hotel staff

For every extra night in Tokyo before Friday, the cost will be 400$ per person, including a kosher dinner, a kosher breakfast, and self-made sandwiches for lunch.

Monday, Novebmer 2 - Sunday, November 22

Pre-Cruise Tour Package (Optional)

A special price for those choosing the Pre-Cruise tour and all the excursions of the entire journey (Pre-Tour and Cruise).

Cost: 3,500$ per person.

What’s included in the price:

6 nights in a 4-star Tokyo hotel, including breakfast.
Lunch on Shabbat + self-preparation of sandwiches every day.
6 dinners – Monday night till Saturday night
All the excursions of the entire journey (Pre-Tour and Cruise)

What’s not included in the price:

Transfers from and to the hotel.
Tips to guide (130$ per person).
Tips to the kosher staff (130$ per person).

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