DETAILS
Discover a Japan that few visitors see—from the bustle of Tokyo to the tranquil historic quarters of Kanazawa and the island worlds of Miyajima and Sado. Excursions highlight modern art and architecture as well as the ancient traditions of Japan, with visits to sacred temples and shrines, celebrated gardens and castles, and cultural performances.
- Pricing from
- $9,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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May 14, 2024 - May 25, 2024
Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 passengers in her spacious and stylish interior. All cabins offer living and sleeping areas with a king or two single beds, flat screen entertainment system, ample storage, a writing desk, and a modern en-suite bathroom. Public spaces and open decks abound, including two separate bar and lounge areas featuring 180-degree views and the open-topped Observation Deck for 360-degree views. Delectable meals are served in the gourmet restaurant on Deck 4 and in the indoor/outdoor bistro on Deck 6, with both dining options offering plenty of seating and large picture windows. On Deck 7, enjoy the open-air saltwater pool that can be heated or chilled and is surrounded by sun loungers, a hot tub encased in glass for all-weather use, a dry-heat Finnish sauna, a European steam room, and a well equipped gym. Other onboard facilities include a gift shop, well-stocked library, and a wellness center offering facials and massages.
O P T I O N A L E X T E N S I O N S
MAY 11-15, 2024
KAMAKURA AND HAKONE WITH A TWO-NIGHT STAY AT A LUXURY RYOKAN
Take an overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan, and transfer to the centrally-located Hotel New Otani. On the morning of May 13, travel to the hot springs resort of Hakone for a two-night stay at a luxurious ryokan, (traditional Japanese inn), with a private openair hot springs tub on your balcony overlooking the mountains or valley and 2 large communal onsen baths, offering mineral-rich waters and epic views. En route to Hakone, visit the historic center of Kamakura, home to Zen temples and a famous giant bronze statue of Buddha, Daibutsu. Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, including its Picasso Pavilion and over 120 world-class modern sculptures, and then enjoy a short pleasure cruise on picturesque Lake Ashinoko. Weather permitting, take a gondola to the summit of Mt. Komagatake for spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and to see the geothermal crater there with its active sulfur vents, bubbling pools, and hot springs. Return to Tokyo and admire panoramic views of the city from the observation decks of the Tokyo Skytree tower and enjoy free time to explore and shop in the vibrant
and historic Asakusa district. Don’t miss the iconic Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most colorful and popular temples (and its oldest).
HOTEL NEW OTANI, HAKONE KOWAKIEN TEN-YU (3B/3L/2D)
MAY 25-28, 2024
KYOTO AND NARA
WITH A THREE-NIGHT STAY IN KYOTO AND A VISIT TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF NARA
Spend three additional nights based out of Kyoto, a picturesque city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. After disembarking, begin the post-tour extension with an exploration of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring the vast array of marine life found in the Pacific Rim. It is organized into 15 zones, including a massive central tank that is home to several whale sharks! Continue to the ancient capital of Nara for a visit to the National Museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Todai-ji, one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples and home of Daibutsu (the Great Buddha). Spend the remainder of the extension in Kyoto. Explore the historic and charming alley called Pontocho, known for its lively nightlife. At the Zen Temple of Tenru-ji, stroll through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Marvel at the Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousands of red torii gates, and visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage-designated Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion. Tour the Miho Museum, known for its stunning architectural design by I.M. Pei and its exceptional collection of ancient and traditional art and artifacts. Finally, explore the vibrant and bustling Nishiki Market, with its diverse mix of food stalls and shops. This itinerary allows for ample free time to explore the city’s culture and history and to savor regional delicacies. The Farewell Dinner will be in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district.
KYOTO HOTEL OKURA (2B/2L/2D)
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. Payments are 100% refundable if written notice of cancellation.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1
Depart U.S.
Overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan.
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day 2
Tokyo, Japan
Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel New Otani nestled within a 10-acre Japanese garden in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is free to rest, recover, and explore independently.
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day 3
Tokyo
Attend a welcome orientation and lecture followed by a choice of two excursions: Opt to visit the Mejii Shrine Complex, located in a 175-acre forest; the Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art; and the modern architecture of Tokyo’s Aoyama district. Or stroll through the Hamarikyu Gardens, a public garden park with tidal ponds; cruise along the Sumida River; and visit Shunkaen Bonsai Gardens and Museum to learn about the ancient art of bonsai. Gather this evening for a festive welcome dinner featuring local entertainment.
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day 4
TOKYO/NIIGATA (EMBARK)
Choose between two morning excursions: Either visit the Tsukiji fish market and the Kappabashi culinary district, a street almost entirely populated by shops catering to the restaurant trade; or enjoy a guided tour through the Ginza district, Tokyo’s most glamorous shopping district, including a visit to the iconic 12-story Ginza Mitsukoshi department store. This afternoon board the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train, for Niigata and embark on Heritage Adventurer, our home for the next eight nights.
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day 5
SADO ISLAND
Visit remote Sado Island, home base for the famous taiko drumming group, Kodo (meaning “heartbeat”). Experience a private performance by some of the resident drummers, along with an interactive lesson and lecture on this ancient art form. Explore historic Shukunegi, a picturesque fishing village of wooden houses, narrow alleys, and canals. Tour the renowned Hokusetsu Sake Brewery to learn how Japanese rice wine is made and sample different types. This evening attend the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner aboard ship.
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day 6
KANAZAWA
Call at the refined artistic center of Kanazawa for a morning visit to Kenroku-en, considered by many to be one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony at a classic Japanese teahouse with time afterward to explore Kanazawa’s historic neighborhoods. Reboard for a relaxing afternoon of cruising with time for lectures.
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day 7
MATSUE
Drive through lush countryside to the Adachi Museum of Art to explore its collection of modern Japanese works, set in exquisite, highly manicured gardens. Continue to charming Matsue and visit one of the few surviving castles in Japan, built in 1611. Enjoy free time to stroll through Matsue’s historic samurai quarter.
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day 8
ULSAN, SOUTH KOREA
From the South Korean port of Ulsan, drive inland to the city of Gyongju, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital of the Shilla kingdom that ruled for 1,000 years. See the famous Flying Horse Tomb, one of the royal burial mounds, and enjoy a guided tour of the National Museum’s highlights. After a traditional Korean lunch, explore Bulguksa Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea’s most beautiful Buddhist temples, known for its intricate paintings and two original 6th-century pagodas.
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day 9
MIYAJIMA
After a relaxing morning of cruising, anchor off the coast of Miyajima Island and Zodiac ashore. Visit the 6th-century Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its iconic brilliant red torii, a grand wooden gateway that appears to float on the sea at high tide. Enjoy free time to visit tiny temples, stroll through the picturesque streets, and ride the gondola up Mount Meisen for spectacular 360-degree views of Japan’s Inland Sea.
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day 10
HIROSHIMA
This morning call at Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a place of remembrance, reflection, and education. Begin with a walk through the museum, a poignant tribute to the devastating impact of the atomic bombing during World War II and the subsequent efforts toward peace and nuclear disarmament. See the Atomic Bomb Dome, the only building left standing after the explosion, and present paper cranes at the Children’s Peace Monument. Later this afternoon, relax and admire the scenery as we cruise through Japan’s Inland Sea, dotted with small islands.
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day 11
NAOSHIMA
Visit captivating Naoshima Island, a mecca for innovative art and contemporary architecture, and tour its two world-class museums, Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House Museum, both designed by reknown Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Also visit a growing body of interactive, unique art installations and outdoor sculptures known as the Art House Project. Gather this evening for the captain’s farewell dinner aboard ship.
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day 12
OSAKA (DISEMBARK)/HOME
Disembark Heritage Adventurer in Osaka and take a group transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for flights home or begin the optional post-trip extension.
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