DETAILS
Sail aboard the 59-cabin Island Sky in April, the height of springtime—when cherry blossoms and fresh greenery enhance temples, shrines, gardens, and castles. Excursions reveal Japan’s rich traditions alongside its modern achievements, design innovations, and culinary delights. To avoid crowds and keep a relaxed pace, the journey begins in Kanazawa, a tranquil and artistic city seldom visited by travelers. At each port, options include sacred temples, celebrated gardens, contemporary sites, and hands-on cultural activities.
- Pricing from
- $9,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
-
Apr 10, 2027 - Apr 20, 2027
The all-suite Island Sky offers sea views in every generously sized cabin, marble-appointed bathrooms, a dining room, two lounges, library, observation deck, and elevator service. International cuisine is served at a single seating, complemented by service from a crew-to-passenger ratio better than 1:2.
Enhance your trip with a 2-night pre-extension to Tokyo—or a 3-night post-extension to Nara and Kyoto.
Pre-Trip Extension to Tokyo-April 8–11, 2o27
| DAY | OVERNIGHT | HOTEL | ACTIVITIES | ||
| April 8
Thu
|
Depart U.S.
|
|
Overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan. | ||
|
April 9 Fri
|
Tokyo, Japan |
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
|
Arrive Tokyo (NRT or HND); Individual meet-and-greets at airport and group transfers to hotel. | ||
| April 10
Sat |
Tokyo | The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
|
Tour the Tokyo National Museum; then explore Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple at leisure. BL | ||
| April 11
Sun |
Kanazawa | Morning excursion to Tsukiji fish market and Kappabashi culinary district; bullet train to Kanazawa; main tour begins. BL | |||
Post-Trip Extension to Nara and Kyoto –April 20–23, 2027
After disembarking the ship in Kobe, travel to the historic city of Nara, known for its temples and artistic heritage. Tour the Nara National Museum and see the Great Buddha before continuing to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, for a three-night stay at the elegant Westin Miyako Kyoto with onsite onsen. Visit many iconic sites plus enjoy free time to explore this unique and beautiful city. 3B/2L/2D
POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY OUTLINE
| DAY | OVERNIGHT | HOTEL | ACTIVITIES | |||
| April 20
Tue
|
Kyoto | Westin Miyako Kyoto | Depart Kobe port by coach; then on to Nara to visit the Nara National Museum and Todai-ji Temple with Daibutsu (Great Buddha); continue to Kyoto and check in to hotel; dinner at local restaurant. LD | |||
| April 21
Wed |
Kyoto | Westin Miyako Kyoto | Visit Tenryu-ji Zen Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; walk through iconic red/orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto shrine; afternoon visit to Miho Museum; evening free. BL | |||
| April 22
Thu |
Kyoto |
Westin Miyako Kyoto
|
Visit UNESCO World Heritage site Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and its gardens; explore vibrant pedestrian-only Nishiki Food Market; lunch and afternoon free; festive farewell dinner at local restaurant in Gion geisha district. BD | |||
| April 23
Fri |
Return to U.S. | Morning group transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for flights home. B | ||||
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the
National Trust Tours nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
-
day 1 & 2
Depart U.S. for Komatsu
Arrive Komatsu (KMQ); Individual meet-and-greets at airport and group transfers to hotel. Gather for welcome orientation and dinner at hotel.
-
day 3
Kanazawa
Choice of FD excursion: UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirikawa-go with thatched-roof dwellings; OR Yamanaka Onsen along the Kakusenkei Gorge, both including traditional Japanese lunch. Embark the ship in late afternoon; Captain’s welcome reception and dinner. Overnight in port.
-
day 4
Kanazawa
Lecture #1: Visit Kenroku-en garden, one of Japan’s top three; samurai district with free time for lunch ashore or return to ship. Afternoon traditional tea ceremony and 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art; OR wagashi Japanese sweet workshop and traditional arts and crafts. Early evening departure.
-
day 5
Sakaiminato for Matsue
Arrive Matsue for choice of morning excursions: visit Adachi Museum of Art with its exceptional garden; OR Matsue Castle with free time in the Samurai Quarter; afternoon at sea with lectures #2 and #3.
-
day 6
Ulsan, South Korea
Full day in South Korea: Flying Horse Tomb, National Museum, and UNESCO Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju with Korean lunch and entertainment. Lecture #4.
-
day 7
Nagasaki, Japan
Lecture #5 Morning arrival into Nagasaki with visits to Museum of History and Culture; local noodle lunch; afternoon Glover Garden or Dejima Island.
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day 8
Shimonoseki
Lecture #6 Morning tour of the TOTO Museum and Mojiko Retro Area; Choice of afternoon excursion options: visit Kokura Castle and its gardens OR explore Akiyoshido limestone cave. Lecture #7.
-
day 9
Hiroshima / Miyajima
Morning visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum; see Atomic Bomb Dome; leave paper cranes at the Children’s Peace Monument; lunch on board; afternoon zodiac transfer to Miyajima; Itsukushima Shinto Shrine with free time. Evening cruise of Inland Sea.
-
day 10
Naoshima
Morning on Naoshima Island to tour Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum, and Naoshima New Museum of Art. Guest lecture by author Pico Iyer; Afternoon Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
-
day 11
Kobe/Return to the U.S.
Disembark in Kobe; group transfer(s) to Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) in Osaka for flights home (OR Optional Extension to Nara and Kyoto).
Everything you need to know about the tour
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Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
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