Experience fascinating Japan during springtime with a chance to witness the country’s iconic cherry blossoms alongside a professional photographer. Spanning five islands, this all-encompassing cruise explores Japan’s culturally rich coastline with a pre-cruise stay in Osaka and included shore excursions throughout, including a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, the Adachi Museum of Art and its gardens, and Kanazawa’s historic district.
MAR 29
MAR 30
MAR 31
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MAR 29
Meet your A&K representative and transfer to your ideally located hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
MAR 30
Begin your adventure with a full-day excursion to Kyoto, where you visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple), attend a talk about Zen Buddhism at Tenryuji Temple and explore Nijo Castle. Alternatively, you can enjoy a historic journey to Nara, the first Japanese capital, and a visit to Horyu-ji, the country’s oldest temple. For an incredible overview, take a scenic drive to Uji, possibly enjoying the sight of cherry trees blossoming along Uji River. Gather with fellow guests this evening for a welcome reception and dinner, complete with a Kabuki performance.
The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MAR 31
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy the morning at leisure or join a panoramic tour of Osaka that includes a visit to the Dotonbori district and the imposing Osaka Castle. Enjoy lunch followed by a stroll through the wandering paths of Taiko-en Garden, admiring its ponds and stone bridges. This afternoon, transfer to Kobe, where you board your luxurious expedition cruiser and home for the next 11 nights.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 1
Wake up in charming Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku Island. Opt for a boat ride to Shodoshima, the heart of Japan’s olive-growing industry, for a full-day tour. You may otherwise remain on Shikoku Island. Here, your day starts with a visit to picture-perfect Ritsurin Park, one of Japan’s finest gardens. Next, explore the Kinashi area of Takamatsu, among the country’s main bonsai production centers, where you learn about traditional methods of growing and caring for these meticulously cultivated little trees. A few others may travel to Naoshima Island by ferry for a full-day excursion, celebrating its architecture and art museums. Visit the hillside Chichu Art Museum and stop at Benesse House, a complex featuring unique work by both Japanese and international artists.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 2
Vibrant and full of historical significance, Hiroshima is home to magnificent memorials and shrines. Start the day with a visit to the beautiful Peace Park and Museum, with its somber cenotaph containing names of atomic bomb victims. Then, take a speedboat ride to Miyajima Island, site of the iconic Torii Gate and the Daisho-in Buddhist temple. Or enjoy a full-day excursion through Hiroshima, visiting the Hiroshima Castle and namesake Peace Park and Museum, where you attend a private talk with an atomic bomb survivor. If you prefer a day in nature, head out to the tranquil island of Miyajima. Ascend Mount Misen by cable car for a hike, admiring the Shinto shrine and Torii Gate from above.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 3
Spend the day in Uwajima, situated on the west coast of Shikoku and home to Japan’s main producers of pearls, for a glimpse of small-town living. While there, learn the process of cultivating and sorting pearls during a visit to a pearl farm. Continue to the samurai-era gardens of Tensha-en, with their spectacular mountain backdrop. Alternatively, explore Nanraku-en Garden, the largest on Shikoku, and enjoy a scenic hike in picturesque Yakushidani Canyon. Another option is a historic stroll to Yoshida along a cherry tree-lined lane, followed by an old town visit that includes a historic Kabuki theater. Return to the ship for a relaxing evening on board.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 4
This afternoon, your luxury expedition vessel arrives at the port of Karatsu. Once an early trading post between Japan and mainland Asia, Karatsu still maintains its medieval heritage. Visit Karatsu Castle, known as the “flying crane castle.” Tour the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, which houses the floats and artifacts used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi autumn festival. Alternatively, head to the city of Imari to visit its celebrated porcelain pottery kilns and the Mifuneyama Rakuen garden.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 5
Disembark in Ulsan and spend a full day exploring Gyeongju, South Korea, the ancient UNESCO-designated capital of the Silla Dynasty. Gyeongju’s heritage dates back to the first millennium. Witness its excavated temples, tombs and pagodas; view the exceptional collection of jewelry, weapons and pottery at the National Museum; and sit down to a lunch of Korean delicacies and a traditional dance performance. Alternatively, pay a shorter visit to Gyeongju as well as a visit to the Hyundai factory.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 6
Return to Japan and disembark at Sakaiminato to visit Matsue, the “town of water.” Explore the countryside, pausing to wander through the picturesque Yuushien Garden. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting historic Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining medieval castles, built in original wooden form. Art lovers can visit the Adachi Museum of Art, which melds the founders’ passions for art and garden design. After a traditional lunch at a ryokan (inn), visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art of Japanese paper making.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 7
Spend the day in the thriving art center of Kanazawa, known for its Kutani-style pottery and gold-leaf workmanship, followed by a visit to Edo-period Kenrokuen Garden, among the best in Japan. Wander Omicho Market with its fresh flowers and fish, and then stroll in the Higashi Chaya-gai district with its well-preserved historic geisha houses. Other options include a hike in Kakusenkei Gorge followed by a soothing onsen (hot spring) experience, a visit to Kanazawa’s Oumi market with a cooking demonstration, or a visit to the countryside to the Shogawa River valley. This evening, enjoy an exclusive geisha performance.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 8
Arrive at pastoral Sado Island, with its rice paddies, bamboo groves and surf-pounded seacoasts. Political exiles and deposed emperors were once “banished” to live on this beautiful isle. Enjoy an exclusive private performance by the Kodo taiko drummers, and then visit the Hakusanmaru Exhibition Hall and Ogi Folk Museum, followed by a farmer’s talk at the rice paddies.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 9
Enjoy a relaxing day on board while cruising toward Hokkaido. Share stories and photographs with newfound friends and take advantage of the ship facilities, including the panoramic fitness room and sauna.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 10
Arrive in Otaru, your gateway to Hokkaido, Japan’s largest and northernmost island. Visit the city known for its canals, sake distilleries, architecture and views of Mount Tengu. Opt for a historical and cultural tour of the city, once a prosperous fishing village and visit a sake distillery, where you may sample the rice wine. Alternately, choose to spend the day in Sapporo, discovering its parks and landmarks, and visiting its colorful market and Hokkaido museum.
'Le Soleal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 11
Disembark luxury ‘Le Soleal’ in Otaru. Transfer to the airport in Sapporo and board your homebound flight or continue on the Tokyo post-tour extension.
Meals: Breakfast
Discover timeless Kyoto, visiting its temples and gardens, exploring its buzzy districts and witnessing its traditions.
4 days from $4,595 per person
Single Supplement from $2,295 per person
MAR 26
Arrive in Osaka and transfer to Kyoto, cultural and historic capital of Japan. Check into your tranquil hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
MAR 27
Travel through the busy lanes of the Higashiyama district to Kiyomizu Temple. Visit its main hall, a remarkable 17th-century wooden structure set on a steep cliff and offering panoramic views of Kyoto. Take a guided tour of a machiya, a traditional wooden town house, and try on a kimono. After lunch, return to your hotel for time at leisure.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
MAR 28
Set out on an enlightening tour of Kyoto. Visit the iconic rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple, considered a supreme example of an abstract Zen garden, and Arashiyama, where you take in its famed bamboo grove and stroll its Togetsukyo Bridge over the picturesque Katsura River.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
MAR 29
Transfer to Osaka and begin your main Luxury Expedition Cruise program.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Tokyo’s markets and museums, experience hands-on art making, and take a day trip to Hakone.
4 days from $6,395 per person
Single Supplement from $2,495 per person
Sapporo/Tokyo
One-way internal air included
APR 11
Fly to Tokyo. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and check in to your hotel.
Conrad Tokyo
Meals: Lunch
APR 12
Visit one of Tokyo’s exciting markets and Imperial Palace Plaza. Alternately, travel to Hakone, enjoy a boat tour on Lake Ashi and visit Hakone's Open Air Museum, followed by a puzzle box-making experience.
Conrad Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
APR 13
Visit the Asakusa district and Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, or visit the Meiji Shrine and Tokyo National Museum with an Edo-period dyeing experience, or visit a sumo training quarters and the Fukagawa Edo Museum and Kiyosumi Garden. This evening, join fellow guests for a farewell dinner.
Conrad Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
APR 14
Transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight.
Meals: Breakfast
The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
'Le Soleal'
