Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximize the guest experience. Below are the highlight destinations of your voyage.
Shimizu Island
Shimizu, translating to ‘pure water’ in Japanese, is one of Japan’s most scenic ports, with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji. This is the entry port into Japan. From here, visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center, constructed to commemorate the mountain’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The center boasts a viewing deck and a variety of exhibitions pertaining to the volcano’s seismology, history, and cultural significance. The building has an inverted conical form that reflects in the pond outside to reveal the shape of the iconic mountain. Afterwards, enjoy self-exploration to discover the city, including street markets and local food. Also enjoy a visit to the nearby Fujisan Sengen Shrine.
In the afternoon, visit the Obuchisasaba Tea Plantation area. Take a walk between sites to enjoy local tea and a short presentation on the long history of this famous tea plantation with spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
Shingu
Guests visit important shrines located in Shingu City on the southeast coast of the Kii Peninsula: Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.
For keen walkers, the 4-hour Daimon-Zaka trail can be traversed through tall cedar forests. This is an impressive cobblestone staircase slope that 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 to Osaka / Kyoto
Today, choose to explore Osaka or Kyoto for the day.
Osaka: Immerse yourself in colorful, bustling Osaka, the food capital of Japan, where ancient and modern architecture collide. 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 the Umeda Sky Building.
Kyoto: Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a blend of modern and traditional, famous for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. Learn of the rich history of this area as you visit these places, as well as the local street market, Nishiki Market, well-known for its fantastic takeaway food.
Tokushima
The region has particularly fertile soil and produces many different types of vegetables and fruit shipped to the mainland, including Naruto sweet potatoes, the citrus fruit "sudachi," lotus roots, and strawberries. Tokushima is most famous for the Awa Odori Festival, which celebrates Awa Japanese traditional dance.
Start the expedition with a quick stop to enjoy the picturesque 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, which houses 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
One of the first islands born to the gods in the creation myth of Japan, Shodoshima translates to 'small bean island,’ a fitting name for an island where traditionally soybean crops were processed into soy sauce, though it is better known more recently for its olive plantations.
Learn about this time-honored condiment with a 400-year-old history at the Marukin Soy Sauce Historical Museum. Experience the making of the famous Japanese 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
Forever linked to the World War II tragedy that saw an atomic bomb dropped on the city in 1945, 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 1600s, 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 surroundings. Enjoy a guided tour of the A-bomb area, park, and museum. You may wish to enjoy free time in the city.
Miyajima
The famed Itsukujima shrine is one of Japan’s most recognizable symbols, with its Shinto shrine and red torii gate seemingly floating upon the Seto Inland Sea. Itsukujima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national treasure.
Other important sites are Daisho-in, a temple of Shingon Buddhism, and Reikado Hall, located on Mt. Misen, the highest peak on Miyajima. Walking paths link Miyajima’s cultural sites and Maple Valley, providing the ideal pace with which to absorb centuries-old customs. Stroll around the island on either a guided or self-walk tour with a map, amongst the deer that wander the same sites, and take in the beauty of the island.
Matsuyama
High on Mount Katsuyama, Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s twelve original castles and stands at the heart of the city of Matsuyama. Constructed in the early 1600s, the original tower collapsed after being struck by lightning. A three-story tower was added to the site two hundred years later. Use the cable car or hike up to Matsuyama Castle, where you can 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 a 200-meter-long tunnel that houses Buddhist statues, carvings, and drawings. Or, enjoy free time at Dogo township, known for its hot spring onsen.
Karatsu
This trading hub is known for its safe harbor and close proximity to other foreign trading ports. Explore the island’s many idyllic surrounds, including the Nanatsugama limestone caves, the bustling city area and markets, climbing to historic Karatsu Castle, and one of Japan’s top waterfalls, Mikaeri Falls.
Tsushima
Roughly halfway between the Japanese mainland and the Korean Peninsula, Tsushima was once a single island before a canal divided the island in two in the 1600s, then into three islands in the 1900s with a second canal constructed. Though in reality, there are approximately 100 islands that collectively make up Tsushima with its abundance of natural beauty and untouched forests. Discover native flora and fauna as you hike up Mt. Shimizu to visit the ancient Banshoin Temple, one of Japan’s three great graves, built in 1615.
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, which has interesting artifacts dating back to the 14th century.
Jeju (South Korea)
Jeju Island’s Manjanggul lava tubes are regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere in the world and are recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark site for their unique geological features and volcanic landforms.
Today guests have the option to walk for 60 minutes to Seongsan Sunrise Peak (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with ocean and island views.
Dine for lunch at a local restaurant before heading off to explore the Manjang Lava Caves.
Sasebo Islands
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 of Japan, with its 'secret ingredient’ kaolin, the essential mineral required to make fine porcelain.
Spend a relaxed afternoon visiting the well-known viewpoint over what is known as the 99 Islands, visit the Arita township with shops to purchase local items, or enjoy free time at the local shopping area near the port (within walking distance).
Aokata and Nakadori Islands
The Goto Islands are best known for Christianity; while religion was banned, the ‘hidden Christians’ settled here and continued practicing their faith in secret until the ban was lifted in the 1870s. Goto Island translates into English as the ‘five island chain,’ with Nakadori and Aokata Islands being two of the most populated. Visit the Kashiragashima village and church, the beautiful Yagotame Park, and Narao Shrine.
Fukue Island
Also a member of the Goto Islands, Fukue Island is the largest of the group, with hilly terrain, temples, and churches.
Either hike Mt. Onidake, a dormant volcano that offers excellent views of the area, or choose the shorter hike option followed by a visit to Dozaki Church.
