Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Then enjoy some time at your leisure.
Begin your adventure in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. The day’s excursions may include a visit to the Golden Pavilion and an exploration of Zen Buddhism, a journey to Nara revealing Japan’s oldest temple, or a scenic drive amid Uju’s iconic cherry trees. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner, complete with a Kabuki performance.
Enjoy the morning at leisure in your hotel, or perhaps join a panoramic tour of Osaka’s Dotonbori district and Osaka Castle. Later, you might choose to stroll the wandering paths of Taiko-en Garden, admiring its ponds and stone bridges. This afternoon, transfer to your luxurious expedition cruiser.
Wake up in the charming port of Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku Island. Your day might feature a boat ride to Shodoshima, the heart of Japan’s olive-growing industry; a visit to the gardens of Shikoku Island’s Ritsurin Park and an exploration of traditional bonsai horticulture in Takamatsu’s Kinashi area; or a ferry ride to Naoshima Island to tour the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House.
Today, explore Hiroshima, renowned for its Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park. You might arise to split your day between Hiroshima and Miyajima, site of the iconic Torii Gate. Alternatively, you might spend an immersive day in Hiroshima and meet a survivor of the World War II atom bomb attack, or head to Miyajima to hike scenic Mount Misen.
Spend the day in Uwajima, home to Japan’s pearl industry. The day’s excursions may include a visit to a local pearl farm and the samurai-era gardens of Tensha-en, an exploration of Nanraku-en Garden or a stroll down a cherry tree-lined lane to Yoshida’s old town.
This afternoon, arrive in the port of Karatsu, once an early trading post between Japan and mainland Asia. Once ashore, visit Karatsu Castle, or perhaps head to the city of Imari to tour its celebrated porcelain works and the Mifuneyama Rakuen garden.
Disembark in Ulsan and transfer to Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. Today, you might explore Gyeongju’s excavated temples, tombs and pagodas; tour the National Museum; and enjoy a lunch of Korean delicacies accompanied by a traditional dance performance. A visit to the Hyundai factory might also be arranged.
Explore Matsue, a city renowned for its idyllic countryside. The day’s excursions may include visits to Yuushien Garden and Matsue Castle, or a tour of the Adachi Museum of Art. Later, you might also savour a traditional lunch at a ryokan (inn) and visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art of Japanese papermaking.
Visit the thriving art centre of Kanazawa, known for its pottery and gold-leaf workmanship. Here, you might stroll Kenrokuen Garden, wander Omicho Market and tour the Higashi Chaya-gai district’s well-preserved historic geisha houses. Alternatively, you might hike Kakusenkei Gorge and soak in a soothing onsen (hot spring), visit Kanazawa’s Oumi market and cook with a local chef, or explore of the Shogawa River valley. This evening, enjoy an exclusive geisha performance.
Arrive amid Sado Island’s rice paddies, bamboo groves and surf-pounded seacoasts. Today may include an exclusive private performance by the Kodo taiko drummers or tours of Hakusanmaru Exhibition Hall and Ogi Folk Museum.
Enjoy a relaxing day while cruising toward Hokkaido, Japan’s largest and northernmost island.
Arrive in Otaru, a port city known for its canals, sake distilleries, architecture and views of Mount Tengu. Here, you might tour the city, visit a sake distillery, and learn about Japanese whisky at Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. Alternately, you might spend the day discovering nearby Sapporo’s parks, landmarks, market and Hokkaido Museum.
Disembark your vessel in Otaru and transfer to the airport in Sapporo for your homebound flight.
*Please note that sample itineraries are just that, and therefore any actual itinerary recommendations made based on your specific needs and desires and available products may be different from the suggestions found on this site.
