Journey toJapan

DESTINATION

Journey to Japan – Spring 2024

Luxury Expedition Cruise

DURATION

14 Days

COST

From $21,495 per person

Please contact our Boston Travel Agency TRAVELLUSTRE at hello@travellustre.com for questions or booking inquiries

Wonders of Japan Cruise 2024

Experience the wonders of Japan as you capture all the magic with help from a professional photographer. Spanning five islands, this all-encompassing cruise explores Japan’s culturally rich coastline with a pre-cruise stay in Osaka and shore excursions throughout, including a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, the Adachi Museum of Art and its gardens, and Kanazawa’s historic district.

Experiences

Witness private performances by the world-renowned Kodo taiko drummers, Kabuki warriors and geishas

Immerse yourself in mesmerizing Japanese gardens, perhaps visiting the gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art

Visit Gyeongju, South Korea, ancient dynastic capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Reflect on Japan’s turbulent history and witness its miraculous resurgence in Hiroshima

Enjoy fascinating onboard lectures and presentations led by our enrichment specialists on Japanese history, culture and gardens

On our March departure, experience the magical atmosphere of cherry blossom season

1/9

Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE OSAKA, JAPAN

Upon arrival, transfer to The Ritz-Carlton Osaka.

Day 2

OSAKA | CULTURAL WONDERS

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.

Day 3

OSAKA | THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

Enjoy the morning at leisure in your hotel, or perhaps join a panoramic tour of Osaka’s Dotonbori district and Osaka Castle. This afternoon, transfer to your luxurious expedition cruiser.

Day 4

TAKAMATSU | EXPLORE YOUR WAY

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 Benesse House and a museum dedicated to Tadao Ando’s architecture.

Day 5

HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA | MEMORIALS & SHRINES

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 storyteller of the World War II atom bomb attack, or head to Miyajima to hike scenic Mount Misen.

Day 6

UWAJIMA | SEASIDE SPLENDOR

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.

Day 7

KARATSU | ANCIENT TRADING POST

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.

Day 8

GYEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA | KOREAN CAPITAL

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.

Day 9

MATSUE, JAPAN | VERDANT GARDENS

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 savor a traditional lunch at a ryokan (inn) and visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art of Japanese papermaking.

Day 10

KANAZAWA | IMMERSION INTO THE ARTS

Visit the thriving art center 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 the Shogawa River valley. This evening, enjoy an exclusive geisha performance.

Day 11

SADO-GA-SHIMA | KODO TAIKO DRUMMERS

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.

Day 12

AT SEA | CRUISING TO HOKKAIDO ISLAND

Enjoy a relaxing day while cruising toward Hokkaido, Japan’s largest and northernmost island.

Day 13

OTARU | HISTORIC CANALS

Arrive in Otaru, a port city known for its canals, sake distilleries, architecture and views of Mount Tengu. Here, you might tour the city and visit a sake distillery. Alternately, you might spend the day discovering nearby Sapporo’s parks, landmarks and market.

Day 14

DEPART SAPPORO

Disembark your vessel in Otaru and transfer to the airport in Sapporo for your homebound flight.

Please contact our Boston Travel Agency TRAVELLUSTRE at hello@travellustre.com for questions or booking inquiries