Japan

Upon arrival in Osaka, transfer to Kyoto and check in to our hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is free to rest, recover, and explore independently.

Today explore Tenryu-ji Temple and its lovely gardens and learn about Zen Buddhism. Then stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove with its dense stands of tall green bamboo. This evening, enjoy a specially arranged presentation by a former geisha and a maiko (apprentice geisha) followed by a festive welcome reception and dinner.

Travel this morning to the Miho Museum, built into a mountain slope near Shigaraki in Shiga Prefecture and considered one of the master achievements of famed American architect I.M. Pei with its innovative skylights and windows that create a shifting pattern of light and shadow. Return to Kyoto for an afternoon visit to the Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion). Marvel at the shimmering central pavilion covered in bright gold leaf.

Today head for historic Nara, capital of Japan for only 74 years (710–784), but during a significant time when Buddhism became firmly established within Japan. Some of the country’s most magnificent temples and works of art were built and created here. Visit Todai-ji, famous for its monolithic seated bronze statue of the Great Buddha. Also explore the Nara National Museum with its world-class collection of Buddhist art before continuing to Osaka. Enjoy an independent lunch and exploration of Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest aquariums, before embarking the ship.

This morning, visit Naoshima Island, a mecca for innovative art and contemporary architecture. Tour its two world-class museums, Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House Museum, both designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Enjoy lunch on the island and explore the Art House Project, a growing body of interactive art installations and outdoor sculptures.

Call at Hiroshima this morning and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum for education, reflection, and remembrance of the atomic bombing during World War II. Present paper cranes at the Children’s Peace Monument and stroll through Shukukeien Garden. After lunch aboard the ship, cruise to neighboring Miyajima Island, anchoring offshore and boarding Zodiacs to access the island. Visit the 6th-century Itsukushima Shinto Shrine with its iconic vermilion torii (gateway) that appears to float on the sea at high tide.

Learn about Japan’s medieval heritage with today’s stop in Hagi, home to well-preserved samurai and merchant quarters. Visit the kiln of a master artisan to learn how the highly acclaimed Hagiyaki ceramics are made. Then walk the grounds of Toko-ji, where hundreds of moss-covered stone lanterns guard the historic graves of five Mori lords. Return to our ship and cruise across the Korea Strait overnight to South Korea.

From the South Korean port of Ulsan, drive inland to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, which lasted for more than 1,000 years (57 BCE–935 CE). Explore the royal tombs in Tumuli Park and visit the Gyeongju National Museum, devoted largely to Silla artifacts. After a lunch of Korean specialties, visit Bulguksa, one of South Korea’s most beautiful Buddhist temples, with intricate paintings inside and out and a pair of 6th-century pagodas.

After a morning cruise back across the Korea Strait, arrive at the port of Sakaiminato and drive to nearby Matsue for lunch. Opt to visit one of the few surviving castles in Japan, built in the early 1600s, or choose a stroll through Matsue’s historic samurai quarter with a visit to the Lafcadio Hearn Museum, named after a beloved 19th-century author from Ireland who wrote many books about Japan. Later, drive through lush countryside to visit the Adachi Museum of Art with its collection of contemporary Japanese works set in exquisite, highly manicured traditional gardens.

Today call at the artistic center of Kanazawa to see Kenroku-en Garden, considered one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens. The name means “garden combining six” and reflects the six themes of a perfect garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, abundant water, and panoramic views. Enjoy tea during a classic teahouse ceremony, then spend time at leisure exploring Kanazawa’s historic neighborhoods. Peruse the artisan shops and museums dedicated to the city’s renowned cultural pursuits, including silk dyeing, ceramics, and the production of gold leaf and lacquerware.

This morning visit remote Sado Island, home base for the taiko drumming group, Kodo (“heartbeat”). Attend a drumming workshop, a short performance by several of the resident drummers, and a guest lecture on this ancient art form. Also take a guided walking tour through the picturesque fishing village of Shukunegi, where more than 100 traditional Edo-period houses line the narrow streets. Experience a tarai bune (“tub boat”) ride and explore cultural artifacts at the Ogi Folk Museum, housed in a former school from the 1920s with a full-size replica of a wooden freight ship.

Dock this morning in Niigata and take the bullet train to Tokyo for flights home.