Land of the Rising Sun

Cruise Expedition Highlights

• Visit the historic pottery town of Arita, Japan’s first producer of fine porcelain in the 17th century.
• See the iconic red torii gate of the Itsukujima Shinto shrine ‘floating’ in the Seto Inland Sea and visit neighbouring cultural sites to witness centuries-old customs.
• Discover the fusion of Buddhism and Shinto religions in the forests of Kumano Kodo; the ‘Camino de Santiago’ of the East.
• Discover the art of castle construction and warfare at Matsuyama Castle, one Japan’s 12 original remaining castles.
• Explore the red torri gate, vermillion Shinto shrines and cobblestone streets on Miyajima Island
• Uncover World War II history on a visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park.
• Visit Osaka the food capital of Japan, or the historic city of Kyoto where traditional and modern architecture collide.
• Explore UNESCO-listed Global Geopark Manjanggul, a 7.4km long lava tube and cave of South Korea’s Jeju Island.
• Hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong, an extinct volcano on the South Korean island of Jeju
• Visit Shodoshima and hike 2-hours in the breathtaking Kankakei Gorge or  learn the art of noodle-making from local producers in Japan’s oldest areas (over 400 years) for Soy Sauce production.

Sample Cruise Itinerary

*We recommend arriving a few days before to allow time to adjust to the time zone and see more of Tokyo.  Ask our team when you book about adding flights and pre/post cruise arrangements (additional cost)*

Day 1: Tokyo, Japan

Board your cruise at 4:00pm for a 7:00pm departure. Settle into your cabin and relax as you set sail. Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience, below are the highlight destinations of your voyage.

• Shimizu, Japan

Visit the Mt Fuji World Heritage Centre with a viewing deck and a variety of exhibitions about the volcano’s history and cultural significance. Afterwards discover the city at your leisure, you could choose to see street markets and local food. In the afternoon visit the Obuchisasaba Tea Plantation area and walk between sites to enjoy local tea and learn about the long history of this famous plantation with spectacular views of Mt Fuji.

• Shingu, Japan

Visit important Japanese shrines – Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. For keen walkers there is the 4-hour Daimon-zaka trail through tall cedar forests. This impressive cobblestone staircase slope runs from the base of the valley to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi waterfall. Drive through the stunning Dorokyo Gorge stopping for unforgettable photo opportunities.

• Kobe Port – Osaka/Kyoto, Japan

Today, you may choose to explore Osaka or Kyoto for the day. Osaka Option: Immerse yourself in colourful, bustling Osaka, the food capital of Japan. Visit Osaka Castle, join a guided tour of famous Dotonbori Street, stroll through Kuromon Market and take it all in from the observation deck in Umeda Sky Building.

Kyoto Option: Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is famous for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Learn of the rich history of this area as we visit these places as well as Nishiki Market, known for its fantastic takeaway food.

• Tokushima, Japan

Start with a quick stop to enjoy the scenery at Whirlpool Viewpoint on your transfer to a local town. Shop the local establishments or hike along tracks to the viewpoints above the town. In Tokushima, visit the Otsuka Museum of Art, housing hundreds of artwork pieces including massive replicas of the Sistine Chapel. After lunch, walk the streets between temples or visit the famous local Sake Brewery.

• Shodoshima, Japan

Shodoshima translates to ‘small bean island’, a fitting name for an island where traditionally soybean crops were processed into soy sauce. Learn about this time-honoured condiment with a 400-year old history at the Marukin Soy Sauce Historical Museum. Experience the making of the Japanese Somen noodle and try your hand at dividing the noodles with long chopsticks. Hike or cable car in the Kankei Gorge ranked as one of Japan’s most beautiful gorges

• Hiroshima, Japan

Forever linked to the World War II tragedy, Hiroshima has since been rebuilt while retaining some historical heritage with the Peace Memorial Park now the city’s most prominent feature. Shukkeien Garden dates as far back as the 1600’s with its valleys, mountains and forests represented in miniature with tea houses amongst the gardens an ideal spot to take time to enjoy the idyllic surrounds. Enjoy a guided tour of the A-bomb area, park and museum.

• Miyajima, Japan

Itsukujima shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site) is one of Japan’s most recognisable symbols with its red torii gate seemingly floating upon the Seto Inland Sea. Other important sites are Daisho-in, a temple of Shingon Buddhism and Reikado Hall, located on Mt Misen. Walking paths link Miyajima’s cultural sites and Maple Valley. Stroll around the island on either a guided or self-walk tour with a map, amongst the deer and take in the beauty of the island.

• Matsuyama, Japan

Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s twelve original castles and stands at the heart of the city. We have the option to use the cable car or hike up to the castle, where you will enjoy views of the surrounding city. Next visit Ishiteji Temple, where Pilgrims dressed all in white are frequent. An inner temple connects to the main temple grounds via a dimly lit cave and 200m long tunnel that houses Buddhist statues, carvings, and drawings. Or, enjoy free time at Dogo township, known for it’s hot spring onsen.

• Karatsu, Japan

Explore the island’s many idyllic surrounds including the Nanatsugama limestone caves, the bustling city area and markets, climbing to historic Karatsu Castle and Mikaeri Falls.

• Tsushima, Japan

Hike the Mt Shimizu trail above the township to the castle ruins where 360° views are on offer and then down through oak and cedar forests, or take a moderate walk to the first viewpoint with a great view of the township below. For those not wanting to hike, enjoy the beautiful Izuhara traditional township. Visit the local museum with interesting artifacts dating back to the 14th century.

• Jeju Island, South Korea

The Manjanggul Lava Tubes on Jeju are regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves in the world and are recognised by UNESCO as a Global Geopark site for their unique geological features and volcanic landforms. You have the option to walk 60-mins to the Seongsan Sunrise Peak with ocean and island views. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading off to explore the Manjang Lava Caves.

• Sasebo, Japan

Visit the historical pottery town of Arita where Japan’s fine porcelain was first produced around 400 years ago. Arita-yaki pottery is now the most highly regarded pottery across all Japan. Spend a relaxed afternoon where you can visit a viewpoint over what is known as the 99 Islands, visit the Arita township, or enjoy free time at the local shopping area.

• Aokata & Nakadori Islands, Goto Islands, Japan

Goto Island translates into English as the ‘five island chain’, with Nakadori and Aokata Islands being two of the most populated. Here you can visit the Kashiragashima Village and church, beautiful Yagotame Park and Narao Shrine.

• Fukue Island, Goto Islands, Japan

Also a member of the Goto Islands, Fukue is the largest of the group with hilly terrain, temples, and churches. Either hike Mt Onidake, a dormant volcano which offers excellent views or choose the shorter hike option followed by a visit to Dozaki Church.

Day 15: Fukuoka, Japan

Your cruise expedition ends today in the Japanese port of Fukuoka. Disembark at 8:30am. Fukuoka has great shopping, some of the best cuisine and accessibility to nature nearby.