Essence of Japan and Coastal Discovery

Arrive in Osaka where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet with your Tour Director in the hotel lobby for your Insider Experience.   

Insider Experience – Welcome Dinner

Enjoy a sumptuous Welcome Dinner at a local Japanese restaurant, where you'll get to know your fellow travellers and celebrate the start of your adventure in Japan.

After breakfast, journey to Arashiyama to explore Tenryuji Temple, enshrined by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In addition to its temple buildings, there are beautiful gardens with walking paths. Next, discover Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves. Bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, and mats at local workshops for centuries. Arrive at Nonomiya Shrine, a Shinto shrine that is referenced in numerous works of literature, most notably in the world’s first novel; The Tale of Genji.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Kinkakuji Temple, recognised by UNESCO as as World Heritage site. Also known as the Golden Pavillion, Kinkakuji is a stunning Zen temple that features a golden exterior, serene gardens and imbued with historical significance.

Afterwards, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha, this shrine is known for the thousands of red torii gates that meander through the sacred forest of Mount Inari. The site has been voted by visitors to Kyoto as the number one must-see spot. Afterwards, return to your hotel in Osaka for an evening at leisure.

This morning, depart for Osaka Expo '70 Commemorative Park, one of the biggest green areas in the Kansai region, named after the Universal Exposition held in Osaka in 1970 — the first world fair held in Asia. In spring, the park is filled with people enjoying the spectacular cherry blossoms that adorn the 5,000 trees planted after the 1970 expo.

Next stop is the Floating Garden Observatory. This open-air observatory provides an unobstructed 360-degree view of Osaka, the bay and even surrounding cities. Then, visit Osaka Castle, the largest castle in Japan when first built in 1583. This alluring castle is surrounded by impressive stone walls and moats, and sits in Osaka Castle Park, covering an area of two square kilometres.

Following cruise registration, be transferred to your premium expedition ship, Heritage Adventurer, your home for the next nine nights. Get to know your fellow travellers at a relaxed dinner on board this evening.

Visit Shikoku Mura, an open-air museum located at the base of Yashima, showcasing traditional buildings and structures relocated from across Shikoku Island. Set within a scenic hillside park, the museum features Edo- and Meiji-period farmhouses, storehouses, and workshops that once produced goods like sugar and soy sauce.

Continue to Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s largest and most celebrated historic strolling gardens, dating back over 400 years. Originally created during the Edo period for the pleasure of feudal lords, the garden is now considered a national treasure. Set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Shiun, it features six serene ponds, arched timber bridges, a traditional teahouse, and seasonal plantings, including cherry blossoms and maple trees that offer year-round colour and beauty.

Board your coach and drive to poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, commemorating the victims of the atomic bomb that was dropped on the city in 1945. Afterwards, you'll visit the Peace Memorial Museum, designed by renowned architect Tange Kenzo, to learn about the history of Hiroshima before and after the bombing, through a fascinating display of photos and films. Return to the ship for lunch on board.

Later, board your Zodiac for a short ride to Miyajima Island, renowned for its harmonious blend of nature and culture and considered a sacred by many Japanese. Venture on a scenic walk to Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of the three most scenic spots in all ofJapan. Discover the intricacies of this Shinto shrine, from the iconic red "floating" Otorii gate, set against a mountainous backdrop, to the delicate details of the Honden (main hall). Spring is marked by an explosion of cherry blossoms, while Autumn foliage dazzles with crimson and burnished tones. Miyajima Island delights visitors with seasonal splendour throughout the year.

The vibrant world of Beppu’s hot springs unfolds, first with a visit to Chinoike Jigoku, or “Blood Pond Hell.” This striking geothermal site is named for its vivid crimson waters, coloured by iron oxide and other natural minerals bubbling up from deep underground. Historically, the area was used to extract red clay for dyes and ointments, and today it remains one of Japan’s most visually dramatic hot springs. 

Your next onsen is Umi Jigoku, or “Sea Hell,” a steaming cobalt-blue pool created by a volcanic explosion over a millennium ago. Despite its serene colour, the spring reaches near-boiling temperatures, releasing thick clouds of steam. The perfectly manicured garden surrounding the spring includes a glasshouse heated by geothermal energy and features lotus plants with leaves strong enough to support a child. 

A short drive leads to Kannawa Village, a historic hot spring district, developed by the Buddhist monk Ippen Shonin as a place of healing, and where steam dramatically rises between old timber buildings and narrow alleyways to create a serene atmosphere. Enjoy the opportunity to experience 'Jigoku Mushi', a traditional cooking method, where ingredients are placed in stacked bamboo baskets and cooked by geothermal heat from the local hot springs - a practice rooted in local culinary tradition. 

Alternatively, visit Kitsuki Castle Town, also known as 'Little Kyoto of Kyushu,' with its historic samurai streets and homes from the Edo period, and where locals often still don traditional kimonos. Afterwards, enjoy a guided hike to in the forested hills of Usuki to see the Kumano Magaibutsu, Japan’s largest stone Buddhas, carved into volcanic cliffs.

From the pier, drive to Shizuki Park and the ruins of Hagi Castle, designated as a National Historic Site. Built in 1604, Hagi Castle served as the political and cultural centre of the Mori Clan for over 250 years. Although the main structures were dismantled during the Meiji Restoration, the original stone walls and moats remain intact. Shizuki Park, located on the castle grounds, offers a tranquil setting for a gentle stroll, with seasonal blooms including cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.

Afterwards, we continue to the Yoshiga Taibi Museum, dedicated to the influential painter after which the museum is named. Yoshiga Taibi was famous for combining traditional Japanese aesthetics using Western techniques. The museum’s collection includes a variety of his paintings and sketches, reflecting both his artistic evolution and the broader cultural shifts of his time. The building’s architecture fittingly blends modern design with local stylistic elements that reflect Hagi’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Transfer to Busan, South Korea's second largest city, and enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace. Known for its stunning coastline and beaches, Busan's powdery Haeundae Beach is perfect for a swim or stroll, where you can relax in the many cafes and restaurants stretched along the beach promenade. Alternatively, discover the vast array of fresh local seafood at Jagalchi, South Korea’s largest seafood market. Photographers might venture to Gamcheon Culture Village to capture the narrow alleyways and colourful houses.

Delve into the history of Japan with a visit to Matsue Castle, one of the 12 original castles of the feudal era, meaning that it survived the various fires, earthquakes and anti-feudal demolitions of the Meiji Period. It's also known as the "black castle" for the dark-coloured stone used for its construction.

Afterwards, enjoy a short walk to nearby Matsue History Museum, set alongside the moat below Matsue Castle. Designed to resemble a samurai residence, with an Edo exterior and a modern interior, the museum offers an in-depth view of the history and culture of the 400-year castle and the town that formed around it.

Take a scenic drive along the rugged coastline of Kyoto Prefecture to view Tateiwa Rock, a striking 20-metre monolith formed from ancient magma and shaped by centuries of wind and waves. Enjoy a gentle coastal walk with panoramic views of the Sea of Japan before continuing inland to Yosano town. Here, visit the Tango Silk Historical Museum, which showcases the art of Tango chirimen, a crimped silk fabric highly prized by traditional kimono makers since the 18th century. Explore historic garments, antique looms, and observe live demonstrations by skilled artisans preserving this elegant and centuries-old Japanese weaving tradition.

Start your day with a visit to Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's most celebrated landscape gardens. Established in the 17th century by the Maeda clan, Kenroku-en is renowned for its perfect combination of six essential garden attributes: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and broad views. Wander through the meticulously maintained grounds, admiring the tranquil ponds, flowing streams, scenic bridges, and seasonal flora that make this garden a true masterpiece of Japanese horticulture. 

You'll then visit nearby Kanazawa Castle. Originally built in the late 16th century, Kanazawa Castle was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, one of the wealthiest and most powerful families during feudal era. While the original structures of the castle have undergone several reconstructions due to fire and natural disasters, its impressive gates, watchtowers and expansive grounds reflect the grandeur of its historical significance. Keep an eye out for Ishikawa-mon Gate and Gojukken Nagaya storehouse. They're particularly noteworthy for their architectural beauty and historical value. 

Your excursion ends with a visit to the Nagamachi Samurai District. This well-preserved area offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the samurai during the Edo period. Enjoy a sense of nostalgia as you stroll through the winding alleyways, admiring the traditional samurai residences, earthen walls and narrow canals that define the district's unique character.  

Bid farewell to the ship as you commence the next leg of your adventure. Begin with a smooth transfer to Kanazawa Station and an easy walk to the platform to embark on your Insider Experience. Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be transferred to your hotel. 

Insider Experience - Bullet Train Journey

Glide effortlessly to Tokyo aboard your bullet train (or Shinkansen). En route, savour a delectable lunch box, showcasing the culinary delights of the region. The high-speed journey to the capital city provides breathtaking views of Japan's unique landscape.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Tokyo with a visit to Meiji-jingu Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Then, continue to the Imperial Palace, located on the former site of Edo Castle. Nestled in a large park area in the centre of Tokyo and surrounded by moats and enormous stone walls, it's the residence of Japan's current royal family.  

Venture to Asakusa, a historic neighbourhood that is home to Tokyo’s Old Town. Visit ancient Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest, built in 628 AD. Stroll along atmospheric Nakamise-dori, lit up at night with traditional paper lanterns, and lined with historic shops that have providied temple visitors with a variety of traditional local snacks and souvenirs for centuries. 

Head back to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, savour a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.