Wonders of Japan Cruise: Cherry Blossom Season – 14 Days

Wonders of Japan Cruise: Cherry Blossom Season 2023

14 days from $22,695 per person

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

Experience fascinating Japan during springtime with a chance to witness the country’s iconic cherry blossoms alongside a professional photographer. Spanning five islands, this all-encompassing cruise explores Japan’s culturally rich coastline with a pre-cruise stay in Osaka and included 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

Itinerary

DAY1: Arrive Osaka, Japan

Meet your A&K representative and transfer to your ideally located hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka or similar.

DAY2: Osaka | Cultural Wonders

Begin your adventure with a full-day excursion to Kyoto, where you visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple), attend a talk about Zen Buddhism at Tenryuji Temple and explore Nijo Castle. Alternatively, you can enjoy a historic journey to Nara, the first Japanese capital, and a visit to Horyu-ji, the country’s oldest temple. For an incredible overview, take a scenic drive to Uji, possibly enjoying the sight of cherry trees blossoming along Uji River. Gather with fellow guests this evening for a welcome reception and dinner, complete with a Kabuki performance.

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY3: Osaka | The Adventure Begins

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy the morning at leisure or join a panoramic tour of Osaka that includes a visit to the Dotonbori district and the imposing Osaka Castle. Enjoy lunch followed by a stroll through the wandering paths of Taiko-en Garden, admiring its ponds and stone bridges. This afternoon, transfer to Kobe, where you board your luxurious expedition cruiser and home for the next 11 nights.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY4: Takamatsu | Explore Your Way

Wake up in charming Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku Island. Opt for a boat ride to Shodoshima, the heart of Japan’s olive-growing industry, for a full-day tour. You may otherwise remain on Shikoku Island. Here, your day starts with a visit to picture-perfect Ritsurin Park, one of Japan’s finest gardens. Next, explore the Kinashi area of Takamatsu, among the country’s main bonsai production centers, where you learn about traditional methods of growing and caring for these meticulously cultivated little trees. A few others may travel to Naoshima Island by ferry for a full-day excursion, celebrating its architecture and art museums. Visit the hillside Chichu Art Museum and stop at Benesse House, a complex featuring unique work by both Japanese and international artists.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY5: Hiroshima & Miyajima | Memorials & Shrines

Vibrant and full of historical significance, Hiroshima is home to magnificent memorials and shrines. Start the day with a visit to the beautiful Peace Park and Museum, with its somber cenotaph containing names of atomic bomb victims. Then, take a speedboat ride to Miyajima Island, site of the iconic Torii Gate and the Daisho-in Buddhist temple. Or enjoy a full-day excursion through Hiroshima, visiting the Hiroshima Castle and namesake Peace Park and Museum, where you attend a private talk with an atomic bomb survivor. If you prefer a day in nature, head out to the tranquil island of Miyajima. Ascend Mount Misen by cable car for a hike, admiring the Shinto shrine and Torii Gate from above.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY6: Uwajima | Seaside Splendor

Spend the day in Uwajima, situated on the west coast of Shikoku and home to Japan’s main producers of pearls, for a glimpse of small-town living. While there, learn the process of cultivating and sorting pearls during a visit to a pearl farm. Continue to the samurai-era gardens of Tensha-en, with their spectacular mountain backdrop. Alternatively, explore Nanraku-en Garden, the largest on Shikoku, and enjoy a scenic hike in picturesque Yakushidani Canyon. Another option is a historic stroll to Yoshida along a cherry tree-lined lane, followed by an old town visit that includes a historic Kabuki theater. Return to the ship for a relaxing evening on board.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY7: Karatsu | Ancient Trading Post

This afternoon, your luxury expedition vessel arrives at the port of Karatsu. Once an early trading post between Japan and mainland Asia, Karatsu still maintains its medieval heritage. Visit Karatsu Castle, known as the “flying crane castle.” Tour the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, which houses the floats and artifacts used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi autumn festival. Alternatively, head to the city of Imari to visit its celebrated porcelain pottery kilns and the Mifuneyama Rakuen garden.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY8: Gyeongju, South Korea | Korean Capital

Disembark in Ulsan and spend a full day exploring Gyeongju, South Korea, the ancient UNESCO-designated capital of the Silla Dynasty. Gyeongju’s heritage dates back to the first millennium. Witness its excavated temples, tombs and pagodas; view the exceptional collection of jewelry, weapons and pottery at the National Museum; and sit down to a lunch of Korean delicacies and a traditional dance performance. Alternatively, pay a shorter visit to Gyeongju as well as a visit to the Hyundai factory.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY9: Matsue, Japan | Verdant Gardens

Return to Japan and disembark at Sakaiminato to visit Matsue, the “town of water.” Explore the countryside, pausing to wander through the picturesque Yuushien Garden. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting historic Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining medieval castles, built in original wooden form. Art lovers can visit the Adachi Museum of Art, which melds the founders’ passions for art and garden design. After a traditional lunch at a ryokan (inn), visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art of Japanese paper making.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY10: Kanazawa | Immersion into the Arts

Spend the day in the thriving art center of Kanazawa, known for its Kutani-style pottery and gold-leaf workmanship, followed by a visit to Edo-period Kenrokuen Garden, among the best in Japan. Wander Omicho Market with its fresh flowers and fish, and then stroll in the Higashi Chaya-gai district with its well-preserved historic geisha houses. Other options include a hike in Kakusenkei Gorge followed by a soothing onsen (hot spring) experience, a visit to Kanazawa’s Oumi market with a cooking demonstration, or a visit to the countryside to the Shogawa River valley. This evening, enjoy an exclusive geisha performance.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY11: Sado-ga-Shima | Kodo Taiko Drummers

Arrive at pastoral Sado Island, with its rice paddies, bamboo groves and surf-pounded seacoasts. Political exiles and deposed emperors were once “banished” to live on this beautiful isle. Enjoy an exclusive private performance by the Kodo taiko drummers, and then visit the Hakusanmaru Exhibition Hall and Ogi Folk Museum, followed by a farmer’s talk at the rice paddies.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY12: At Sea | Hokkaido Island Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day on board while cruising toward Hokkaido. Share stories and photographs with newfound friends and take advantage of the ship facilities, including the panoramic fitness room and sauna.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY13: Otaru | Historic Canals

Arrive in Otaru, your gateway to Hokkaido, Japan’s largest and northernmost island. Visit the city known for its canals, sake distilleries, architecture and views of Mount Tengu. Opt for a historical and cultural tour of the city, once a prosperous fishing village and visit a sake distillery, where you may sample the rice wine. Alternately, choose to spend the day in Sapporo, discovering its parks and landmarks, and visiting its colorful market and Hokkaido museum.

‘Le Soleal’ or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY14: Depart Sapporo

Disembark luxury ‘Le Soleal’ in Otaru. Transfer to the airport in Sapporo and board your homebound flight or continue on the Tokyo post-tour extension.

Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED WITH THIS LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISE
  • An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by 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
  • 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 A&K On-Call Support

Accommodation Plan:

  • The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
  • ‘Le Soleal’
price per person in DBL or TRPL room22695$