Tour Director: Renata Stuebner

Japan is a symbiosis of past and present, and this voyage aims to prove it. Sailing on the Silversea Muse luxury cruise, we'll embark on an extraordinary journey to experience the remarkable country of Japan that combines a captivating culture, dizzying modernity and unparalleled elegance.

We'll begin our journey by immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of Tokyo, a city where centuries-old temples stand alongside futuristic skyscrapers and where we can indulge in the finest sushi and savor the art of tea ceremony. From Tokyo, we’ll venture to Osaka, renowned for its culinary delights and the iconic Osaka Castle. Then, we’ll continue to the historic Hiroshima, where we can pay homage to the resilience of its people and marvel at the Peace Memorial Park. From there, we’ll sail to the vibrant city of Fukuoka, known for its bustling food stalls and ancient temples. As we venture beyond Japanese shores, we’ll set course for Busan, South Korea to marvel at the fusion of tradition and modernity, as we stroll through colorful markets, feast on delectable Korean cuisine, and discover serene Buddhist temples. The city's vibrant energy and scenic coastal views make it a captivating bonus destination on this extraordinary journey. Continuing on our voyage, we'll arrive in Kanazawa with two days to explore this enchanting town that escaped destruction during World War II. Wander the preserved old districts and traditional shops, and be sure to visit Kenrokuen, "One of the Three Gardens of Japan." Next we arrive in picturesque Aomori, with its spectacular mountain scenery, soaring temples, and castles surrounded by pink blooms. From here we continue to Hakodate (Hokkaido) , home to Mount Hakodate which allows for a dazzling view of the city and its bustling port. This panoramic view at sunset is certainly one of Japan's most spectacular sights. As the cruise returns to Tokyo, we’ll revel in the memories of the culinary delights, vibrant markets, and poignant history we will have encountered on this once in a lifetime voyage.

A luxury Japan Silversea cruise provides a harmonious blend of cultural immersion and refined luxury, leaving us with unforgettable experiences and a deeper appreciation for the remarkable sights visited along the way and the unique culture of Japan. Throughout our voyage, Silversea will ensure a luxurious experience with spacious suites, impeccable service, and world-class amenities, where we can delight in sumptuous dining, unwind at the onboard spa, and savor panoramic views of Japan's picturesque coastline. This harmonious fusion of cultural immersion and refined luxury promises unforgettable memories of this mesmerizing destination.

With the Japan Silversea Muse luxury cruise, we are continuing the newest chapter for Sights and Soul Travels: luxury cruises for destinations that lend themselves to touring from the sea. We can't help but be excited about this offering! It will allow a select and very fortunate group of women to embark on this door-to-door luxury cruise that will immerse us in the captivating culture and unparalleled elegance of Japan.

Your luxury experience will begin as soon as you leave your home. Silversea's executive private transfer service will pick you up from your doorstep and transfer you to your nearest airport. Your international flight to Tokyo, Japan is included in the tour's price (major airports only, otherwise an air credit and economy class only, otherwise an air credit). On arrival in Tokyo, you will be met by a uniformed chauffeur for your private transfer to one of the city's top hotels. Here, you will meet your Tour Director and the rest of the Sights and Soul tour group for a festive welcome gathering. The next day, we will board the Silversea Muse luxury cruise ship and settle into our suites.

The high quality service onboard Silversea Muse imparts an all-encompassing sense of well-being from the moment we board and set sail. This is relaxation at its most distilled: we will be welcomed into the supreme luxury by a team of butlers, trained to very high standards, who will guide each of us through every aspect of our cruise. They are there to ensure that all our needs are taken care of before we even need to ask. A polite, professional, and friendly butler makes the difference between a great cruise and an amazing one. From unpacking your suitcase at the beginning of your voyage to shining your shoes and making your restaurant reservations, your butler will be happy to serve you. He or she will make sure that your room is always in pristine condition, provide white tablecloth in-suite service, and guarantee that your customized, in-suite bar is always full. From drawing a scented bath to ensuring that your every desire is fulfilled, the Silversea butler service can't be beat. But perhaps the greatest gift of the butler service is knowing that they are always there when you need them and mysteriously disappear when you don’t.

Throughout the cruise, we will enjoy the 24-hour gourmet dining options inclusive of all alcoholic beverages, classy entertainment, and lectures on the history, culture, and of this unique country, and several shore excursions every day. It simply doesn’t get any better than this. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty and culture of Japan. Indulge in a glass or a bottle of champagne, wine, beer, or spirits on the house. Your butler will also ensure that you have enough water, juices, and soft drinks in the public bars as well as in your suite. Silversea promises to keep your mini-bar full of your favorite drinks and alcoholic beverages. Your butler will replenish them daily, but if you want a little extra, just ask! No wish is too big or too small. You’ll wonder how you ever managed before! 

We'll enjoy our meals as a group in one of the eight fine dining restaurants onboard or you can choose to have any meal in the comfort of your own suite. The Silversea Muse's restaurant menus are curated to be a deep-dive gourmet immersion beyond anything you have ever experienced aboard a cruise ship. Each gourmet dining option offers unforgettable food and atmosphere, creating long-lasting culinary memories.

Setting sail on Silversea promises peace of mind from start to finish. That means no worrying about tipping the butlers or staff. The Silversea Muse's crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1 ensures flawless service without ever needing to think about who should get a tip, how much, or when. It’s all included! Yes, really. Silversea believes that not having to deal with tipping helps make your luxury cruise even more stress-free.

With the Silversea Muse and this carefully curated itinerary, we will have the fullest experience of visiting Japan. Added to that are superlative service, extreme comfort, gourmet dining, and of course the wonderful company of other like-minded, intelligent, and funny women traveling companions. We guarantee that this is the one adventure that you will never forget.

Tokyo | Kyoto | Geishas | Kimono | Ryokan (Japanese Inn) | Ikebana | Bonsai | Tea Ceremony | Cuisine | Shopping | Books & Movies 
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