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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. After breakfast, we'll be able to further 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. And if the weather cooperates, we'll be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms as they paint a delicate pink sheen over the city’s innumerable parks and gardens. In the evening, we'll board our luxury cruise ship, the Silver Muse, 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 Muse. 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. Day 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 to the photogenic Katsuo-ji Temple, an historic temple founded in 727 A.D. which has come to be known as the ‘winning temple’ because its faithful came here to pray for success or victory in their endeavors. Katsuo-ji is also called the ‘Winning Daruma Doll Temple’. A ‘Daruma’ is a round doll with no eyes. Followers purchase them, make a wish, and draw one eye on their dolls. When their wish comes true, they draw the other eye on their dolls and return them to the temple. We’ll also receive a complimentary Daruma doll. In the afternoon, we'll transfer back to Osaka and board our ship to sail to our next destination. Day 4: 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 5: 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. If we are lucky, our visit may fall during the unpredictable and short-lived Sakura (cherry blossom) season, and we may witness the extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom floating across the water to the red gate. Day 6: Fukuoka (Kyushu Island) As we sail further south, we'll stop at the captivating city of Fukuoka, nestled on the northern shore of the island of Kyushu. Fukuoka offers a delightful blend of modern urban life, cultural heritage, and local cuisine. We'll visit the ancient Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of learning, and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Commemorating the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a scholar of the Heian Period, this Shinto deity of education is popular among students. We'll also visit the Kyushu National Museum which showcases the region's rich cultural heritage through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits throughout different eras of Japanese history. Day 7: Busan, South Korea After crossing the Sea of Japan, we'll arrive in Busan, South Korea. A tapestry of kaleidoscopic colors, intense seafood flavors, and urban beach bliss, Busan rolls across a glorious natural setting on the Korean Peninsula's south-east. We’ll depart in the morning for a drive through Busan City to the 14th-century Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched atop a huge rock emerging from the ocean. This spectacular site houses numerous temples along the shoreline, along with dozens of statues and sculptures, while the sound of the ocean waves from the East Sea and melody of sutra chanting from the temple combine to create a magical effect, and further enhance the appeal of this stunning architectural marvel. Walking down 108 steps, you can get close to the water's edge with scenic views towards the main temple building. Afterward, we’ll continue to Ananti Cove, a large, remarkable luxury resort town on the edge of the secluded bay in Gijang, Busan. We’ll have some free time, before stopping at the lush Ahopsan Forest for a guided stroll through a bamboo, red pine, hinoki cypress, and oak habitats. We’ll arrive back at our ship right in time for dinner. Day 8: 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 9: 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 in good shape. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Silver Muse Luxury Ship Day 10: Kanazawa, Japan Today, we’ll further explore Kanazawa, starting with its Omicho Market, a bustling culinary haven where we can immerse in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of local seafood, fresh produce, and traditional delicacies, showcasing the rich gastronomic heritage of the region. Afterwards, we’ll continue to a Wagashi Making Class. Wagashi, the exquisite Japanese confectionery, are another traditional product that Kanazawa is famous for. Joining a wagashi making class will provide us with an immersive cultural experience, allowing us to learn the delicate art of crafting traditional Japanese sweets from expert instructors while gaining insight into the country's culinary traditions and aesthetics. In the afternoon, we’ll re-board our coach and a short drive back to the pier.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Silver Muse Luxury Ship 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: Aomori, Japan From fiery festivals to spectacular mountain scenery, soaring temples to castles surrounded by cherry blossom blooms, Aomori is one of Japan’s most enchanting destinations. Framed by dark peaks clad with dense forestry, the city enjoys a picturesque location on Japan’s main island Honshu. There are gorgeous pink tinted parks, tiered castles and towering Buddha statues, but today, we’ll explore the area’s crafts and traditions. Our first stop will be at the Tsugaru Kanayama-yaki Kiln, which was founded in 1985 and is part of the folk art movement. The kiln produces simple yet beautiful pottery that is made from local clay and pine trees, with design and production influenced by ancient Japanese pottery-making methods. The internationally-renowned works produced here are displayed at galleries all over the world. Next, we’ll proceed to Goshogawara's Tachi-Neputa House, home to the Neputa Festival, one of the largest, most popular and brilliant local festivals in Japan. The main event consists of a parade of enormous lantern works, flanked by large taiko drums, musicians and dancers. We’ll be able to view the huge, 75-foot tall, 21-ton Neputa work depicting a mythical god and made of paper and wire frame that was used in the previous Neputa Festival. Day 13: 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, famous for its cherry blossoms 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, Fort, 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Silver Muse Luxury Ship 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 Muse 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 |