Wonders of Japan Cruise – 14 Days

Wonders of Japan Cruise 2024

14 days from $21,195 per person.

Special Offer: Private Tour, You can pick the date freely and we will arrange for you based on it.

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.

Advantages

  • Private Tour, You can pick the date freely and we will arrange for you based on it.
  • PRIVATE TOUR
  • 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

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE OSAKA, JAPAN

Upon arrival, transfer to The Ritz-Carlton Osaka.

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka or similar.

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.

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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. 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.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 and a scenic hike in Yakushidani Canyon, or a stroll down a cherry tree-lined lane to Yoshida’s old town.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: SEA OF JAPAN | HOKKAIDO ISLAND CRUISING

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

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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, 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.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14: DEPART SAPPORO

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

Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED WITH THIS LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISE
  • An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by our Team and Local Guides
  • Pre- and/or Post-Cruise Stays at Stylish, Ideally Located Hotels and Excursions
  • Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers
  • Private Balcony with Every Onboard Accommodation and Butler Service with Every Suite
  • Maximum Personnel-to-Guest Ratio of 1 to 1.3 and ship occupancy limited to 80 percent
  • Culinary Program Featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, Including House Drinks, Afternoon Tea and Pastries
  • 24-Hour Room Service and Breakfast in Bed on board
  • Choice of Curated, All-Inclusive Shore Excursions
  • Enrichment program, lectures and presentations
  • Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service on board
  • All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
  • Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, Including an Accredited Physician
  • 24/7 On-Call Support

Accommodation Plan:

  • Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
  • Park Hyatt Busan
  • Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
price per person in DBL or TRPL room21195$