|  |
Day 1: Tokyo, Japan Dense and delightful, there’s nowhere else like Japan’s kinetic capital, a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with a relentless pursuit of the future’s sharpest edge. Before boarding the ship, you will be able to explore Tokyo. You can see the city from above, as elevators rocket you up to towering viewing platforms, from which you can survey a vast urban ocean, interspersed with sky-scraping needles and see as far as the distant loom of Mount Fuji on clear days. Futuristic transport seamlessly links Tokyo’s 14 districts, while the glow of flashing advertisement boards, clanks of arcade machines, and waves of humanity flowing along its streets, adds to the sense of mesmerizing, dizzying, and glorious sensory overload. In the evening, we'll board our luxury cruise ship, the Silver Moon, and set sail on our ultimate Japanese adventure. Day 2: Day at Sea Today, we'll spend the day at sea sailing to our next destination, Osaka. A day at sea on a Silversea luxury cruise ship in Japan is a dreamy escape filled with relaxation and indulgence. As the ship glides through the tranquil waters, we'll immerse ourselves in serenity and unwind in the lap of luxury aboard the Silver Moon. We can lounge by the pool, basking in the warm sun and enjoying refreshing drinks served by attentive staff. As the ship sails towards our next destination, we'll take advantage of the panoramic views from the deck, capturing breathtaking vistas of the vast ocean and distant islands. Throughout the day, we'll be able to indulge in gourmet dining experiences, as we savor delectable cuisine prepared by world-class chefs and paired with exquisite wines. Days 3 : Osaka, Japan In the morning, we’ll arrive in Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka. From there, we’ll embark on a half-day excursion beginning with Shitenno-ji, Japan’s oldest state-built temple, founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku. We’ll walk through the temple grounds, see the Gokuraku-jodo Garden, the five-storey pagoda, and the Main Hall with its statue of Kannon. Next, we’ll continue to the Umeda Sky Building, a striking twin-tower landmark joined at the top by bridges and a floating Sky Walk, where we’ll take in sweeping 360-degree views over Osaka. In the afternoon, we’ll re-board our ship to sail toward our next destination. NOTE: Other excursions can be booked through Silversea website. Days 4: Osaka, Japan Today, we'll continue exploring Osaka. We’ll set out on a half-day excursion beginning with a scenic drive to Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Originally constructed in the late 16th century, the castle has been rebuilt several times and now stands as a symbol of Osaka’s rich history and resilience. Inside, we’ll explore exhibits showcasing samurai armor, weapons, and historical artifacts, before ascending to the eighth floor for panoramic views of the city and castle grounds. Next, we’ll continue to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Dating back to the 3rd century, it serves as the head shrine for more than 2,000 Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan. We’ll stroll among the four sanctuaries built in the traditional Sumiyoshi-zukuri architectural style, admire over 600 stone lanterns, and cross the graceful red arched bridge spanning the pond, an especially scenic photo stop, before returning to our ship in the afternoon. Day 5: Day at Sea, International Waters Today, we'll have the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, or catching up on your reading. The Sea of Japan, located between Japan and the eastern coast of the Asian continent, is a captivating body of water known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. As we navigate its deep blue waters, we'll be surrounded by a picturesque panorama of rugged coastal cliffs, idyllic beaches, and lush green islands dotting the horizon. The Sea of Japan is also home to diverse marine life, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. On our voyage, we may have the opportunity to witness dolphins gracefully gliding alongside the ship or catch glimpses of majestic whales breaching the surface. Day 6: Hiroshima, Japan Today, we'll arrive in the resilient city of Hiroshima. In the morning, we'll visit the heart of the city, stopping to view the skeletal remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The hall's hollowed dome, appropriately called the Atomic Bomb Dome, was intentionally left in ruins as a stark visual reminder of the bomb's destruction. It was the only building that was left standing close to the hypocenter of the bomb's blast. The beautifully landscaped grounds are full of heart-wrenching memorials that pay tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing. The Cenotaph stands as a solemn reminder, while the Peace Flame burns brightly, symbolizing our collective hope for a peaceful world. We'll also explore the museum which exhibits the history of Hiroshima and the day of the nuclear bomb. NOTE: Other excursions can be booked through Silversea website. Day 7: Fukuoka (Kyushu Island) Afrer sailing even further south, we’ll arrive at the dynamic city of Fukuoka, located on the northern shore of Kyushu. A harmonious blend of ancient tradition and modern charm, Fukuoka offers vibrant city life, historical treasures, and stunning coastal views. We’ll begin with a visit to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan’s most important Tenmangu shrines, dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, a revered scholar of the Heian Period who became the Shinto deity of learning. We'll stroll through its serene grounds, adorned with plum trees and traditional architecture, and explore the nearby shops offering good-luck charms, especially those believed to bring academic success. Next, we’ll head to the Fukuoka Tower, Japan’s tallest seaside tower, standing 234 meters high. Built for the 1989 Yokatopia Expo, the tower’s observation deck offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Fukuoka City, Hakata Bay, and the surrounding landscape. NOTE: Other excursions can be booked through Silversea website. Day 8: Busan, South Korea Overnight, we'll cross the Tsushima Strait, to wake up in South Korea! In the morning, we’ll explore Busan on a half-day tour beginning at the UN Memorial Cemetery, the world’s only UN cemetery, honoring soldiers from 16 nations who fell during the Korean War. This tranquil park, with its memorial halls and monuments, offers a moment of reflection. We’ll then visit the Busan Museum, where artifacts and outdoor exhibits trace the region’s history from prehistoric times to the present. From there, we’ll dive into local life at the lively Jagalchi Fish Market, famous for its fresh seafood, before ending at the bustling Gukje Market. Here, we'll have some free time to browse the stalls before returning to the pier. NOTE: Other excursions can be booked through Silversea website. Day 9: Day at Sea Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side. Day 10: Kanazawa, Japan The capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa once rivalled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) as a town rich in cultural achievements. Kanazawa escaped destruction during World War II and has been able to preserve many of the old districts. We’ll leave in the morning for a scenic drive to the Kenroku-en Garden, the celebrated "Great Garden of Japan," in the shadow of Kanazawa Castle. After admiring the garden, we’ll continue to Higashi Chaya Geisha District. Proceed to Higashi Chaya Geisha District. A Chaya, meaning teahouse, is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance. Here, we’ll enjoy some free time to explore the living tapestry of the district, where the past and present seamlessly intertwine, catching glimpses of elegant geishas gracefully gliding by, their colorful kimonos adding a touch of mystique to the atmosphere. The sight of geishas going about their daily routines, along with the city's atmospheric tea houses and quaint shops showcasing exquisite handicrafts are a true testament to the preservation of Kanazawa's rich cultural traditions. In the afternoon, we'll transfer back to the ship. NOTE: Other excursions can be booked through Silversea website. Day 11: Day at Sea Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side. Day 12: Hakodate (Hokkaido), Japan Hakodate, on the southern tip of Hokkaido island has it all: stunning vistas, rich history, cultural charm, and delectable seafood. Today’s excursion will have us taking in two famous sights that contrast the Trappistine Convent with its Western style garden and the Goryokaku Park. Temples and shrines abound in every Japanese town, but Hakodate is one of the Trappistine Convent, peaceful, quiet, and steeped in history and Catholic culture. We’ll take in the beautiful buildings and surroundings, while learning about the lives of the nuns residing here. Then, we’ll visit the Goryokaku Park, home to the remaining walls of Japan's first Western-style fort. The fort is named Goryokaku or 'Pentagon Fort' due to its star shape. Nothing is left of the citadel, which was constructed by the Togukawa Shogunate to defend Japan and the Magistrate's office against the threats from the north. The Magistrate's Office building was completed in 1864. At Goryokaku Tower, we will ride the elevator up to the Observation Deck of the tower at the park entrance, and take in splendid views of the park, Mt. Hakodate and the downtown area. We’ll enjoy a stroll through the park to the Hakodate Magistrate's Office, which provides a stunning example of traditional Samurai (Edo) architecture. NOTE: Other excursions can be booked through Silversea website. Day 13: Miyako, Iwate, Japan In the morning, we’ll set out along the scenic Sanriku Fukko National Park coastline to Jodogahama, a striking beach of jagged white rocks and deep blue sea, named for its resemblance to the Buddhist paradise of “Pure Land". We’ll then travel inland to Ryusendo Cave, one of Japan’s three great limestone caves to explore its otherworldly chambers with stalagmites and crystal-clear underground lakes before reboarding our coach for the return to the port. Day 14: Day at Sea Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side. Day 15: Tokyo, Japan We end our tour with our arrival in Tokyo. Sadly, this is our last day in Japan and aboard the Silver Moon Luxury Ship. We hope that you are taking home great memories of sights, experiences and new travel friends. Your airport transfer will be arranged in accordance with your scheduled return flight.
Tokyo | Kyoto | Geishas | Kimono | Ryokan (Japanese Inn) | Ikebana | Bonsai | Tea Ceremony | Cuisine | Shopping | Books & Movies |