Japan's Golden Route and Coastal Discovery

Welcome to Tokyo, the energetic and cosmopolitan capital of Japan. Marrying ancient traditions with modern innovations, Tokyo offers a sensory overload of neon lights, vibrant street fashion and exquisite cuisine. Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. This evening, your Insider Experience awaits .

Insider Experience - Welcome Dinner

Indulge in a sumptuous welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll get to know your fellow travellers and to celebrate the start of your adventure in Japan.

Begin your discovery of Tokyo with a visit to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Continue to nearby Asakusa, the centre of Tokyo’s old town, and experience a glimpse of Tokyo during the Edo period. A highlight of Asakusa is a visit to Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple built in the 7th century.

Your excursion ends with a visit to the Imperial Palace, home to Japan's royal family. Located in a large park in the centre of the city, the palace is surrounded by moats and impressive, imposing stone walls. The inner grounds of the palace are not open to the public. However, a guided stroll around the outer grounds provides a delightful glimpse into Japan's rich imperial history. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon at leisure, or join the guided city tour (additional expense).

Enhance Your Journey - Tokyo City Tour

Visit Shibuya, a vibrant and fashionable neighbourhood where many of Japan's trends are born, and home to the famous five-way “scramble crossing”, the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Continue to neighbouring Shinjuku to visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, one of Tokyo’s tallest and most distinctive skyscrapers, offering breathtaking views of the world's largest metropolis. On clear days, you can spot famous landmarks including Mount Fuji, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Dome.

After breakfast, journey to Hakone to visit the picturesque Hakone Shri known for its iconic red torii gate standing on the shores of Lake Ashi. Hidden in lush with Mount Fuji in the distance, the shrine was revered by samurai during the 12th century. After a visit to the shrine, savour authentic flavours with lunch at a local restaurant, before heading to Hakonemachi to board a boat to Togendai. Hakonemachi and Togendai are ports located on the shores of Lake Ashi, an enormous volcanic crater created by an eruption over 3,000 years ago. From Togendai, continue your journey by Ropeway (cable car) towards Owakudani, offering walking trails that lead to fumaroles and steaming pools surrounding this active volcano. Afterwards, drive back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Transfer to Tokyo station for a high-speed bullet train (Shinkansen) bound for Kyoto, before continuing to the nearby town of Arashiyama.

Discover Tenryuji temple, a historic Zen temple known for its beautiful garden and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. It exemplifies traditional Japanese architecture and serene natural surroundings. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll in the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, one of the most photographed sights in Japan. Hear the forest sing as you meander through the towering bamboo grove.

Visit Nonomiya Shrine where, in ancient times, unmarried imperial princesses were exiled for a year or more to purify themselves. The shrine is referenced in numerous literary works, most notably in The Tale of Genji, generally considered to be the world's first novel.

Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Kyoto, visiting the former imperial capital's most famous landmarks including Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), with its shimmering gold leaf pagoda mirrored in the reflection pond, and surrounded by lush forest. Afterwards, embark on your Insider Experience before indulging in lunch at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, or experience more of Kyoto's rich culture and history on a optional guided excursion (additional expense).

Insider Experience — Japanese Tea Ceremony

Delve into traditional Japanese culture at a special tea ceremony. Learn about the multitude of tea varieties and the importance of adhering to the precise steps in making and serving tea to guests in Japan.

Enhance your journey - Kyoto City Tour

Visit Nijo Castle, built by the first shogun of the Edo period as his Kyoto residence, featuring the unique 'nightingale floors', which squeak when stepped upon to deter intruders. Continue to Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street lined more than 100 shops selling fresh seafood, vegetables, pickles and Japanese sweets; giving it the moniker “Kyoto’s Kitchen”.

After breakfast, travel to Fushimi to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which was featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. The shrine is known for its profusion of red torii gates that run through the sacred forest of Mount Inari and has been repeatedly voted by visitors as Kyoto's number one must-see attraction.

Afterwards, head to Nara, Japan’s capital during the eighth century and home to many delightful temples and shrines built during that period. Visit Todaiji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home to Japan’s largest Buddha. The park surrounding the temple is called Nara Park but is referred to by many as “Deer Park” due to the large population of deer that are free to roam the streets and that are famously known to bow their heads in exchange for a treat. 

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha. Established in the year 768, the striking red and white shrine is dedicated to the deity tasked with the protection of the city and is famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns that have been gifted by worshippers over the years.

Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, travel to Osaka, considered by locals to be Japan's food capital. Embark on a walking tour of the Dotonbori, a popular shopping, entertainment and food district. Then be guided by your tastebuds during your Insider Experience as you explore a market established during the Edo Period.  

Insider Experience - Kuromon Market

Sample a selection of Osaka's most famous local snacks as you stroll around the atmospheric Kuromon Market, and discover traders selling product like fish, meats, traditional sweets and homeware items. Afterwards, you'll be transferred to your premium expedition ship, Heritage Adventurer, your home for the next nine nights. This evening, meet the crew and get to know your fellow travellers at a relaxed dinner on board.

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 your home of the last week as we commence the next leg of your adventure. Begin with a transfer to Kanazawa Station, followed by an easy walk to the train platform. As your train arrives exactly on time, embark on a thrilling experience as you board the iconic bullet train (Shinkansen) from Kanazawa to Tokyo, a fitting way to end your journey. En route, savour a delectable lunch immaculately presented in a bento box, showcasing the culinary delights of the region. The high-speed train journey provides breathtaking views of the Japanese landscape speeding past. Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be transferred to the airport or your Tokyo hotel.