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Overview

An awe-inspiring journey

With dramatic coastlines dotted with sacred temples, celebrated gardens, and cutting-edge architecture, the island nation of Japan is wonderfully suited for exploration by small ship. Aboard the intimate Heritage Adventurer, visit Japan, crossing the Korea Strait to spend a day exploring the tombs and temples of South Korea’s ancient capital, Gyeongju.

Venture beyond Japan’s major cities to call upon a fascinating variety of less-visited locales, including historic towns, famous art centers, and remote islands. Throughout our journey, learn about traditional crafts and customs, from Hagi ceramics to taiko drumming and the Japanese tea ceremony. Extend your journey with an optional post-trip extension to Kamakura and Hakone.

Dates

May 6–18, 2024

Duration

13 days

Price

From $12,795 per person

Trip size

40 participants

Minimum age

18 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Thomas Fingar

Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies

Thomas Fingar draws upon his experience as a senior U.S. government official and on his recent books and courses concerning Japan's relations with its neighbors and the United States to illuminate Japan's past and present.

Extremely knowledgeable and an excellent communicator, Tom was always willing to share his knowledge and insights—both informally as well as in his lectures.

—Chuck Sieloff, MA ’66, PhD ’71

Itinerary

A springtime cruise to the Land of the Rising Sun

Wander through magnificent gardens, temples, and shrines in Kyoto, Nara, Miyajima, and Kanazawa. Sail across the Korea Strait to the ancient capital of Gyeongju in South Korea. Special highlights include our visits to I.M. Pei’s famed Miho Museum, the contemporary art museums of Naoshima Island, and lesser-visited jewels, such as Matsue’s Lafcadio Hearn Museum and Adachi Museum of Art.

  • Osaka, Japan / Kyoto

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Okura Kyoto

  • Kyoto

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Okura Kyoto

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Kyoto and Miho Museum (Shiga Prefecture)

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Okura Kyoto

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Embarkation

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Heritage Adventurer

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • Naoshima

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Heritage Adventurer

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Hiroshima / Miyajima

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Heritage Adventurer

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Hagi

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Heritage Adventurer

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Ulsan and Gyeongju, 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.

    Accommodations:

    Heritage Adventurer

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Matsue

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Heritage Adventurer

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Kanazawa

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Heritage Adventurer

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Sado Island

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Heritage Adventurer

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Niigata / Tokyo

    Dock this morning in Niigata and take the bullet train to Tokyo for an afternoon at leisure with more time to explore the city.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel New Otani

    Included meal: Breakfast
  • Tokyo / Home

    After breakfast, transfer to either Haneda or Narita airports for flights home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Make the most of your trip

Want more time to explore? Get the most out of your stay in this region when you sign up for an optional trip extension.

Post-trip Extension: Kamakura and Hakone

Travel from Tokyo to Kamakura to see Japan’s second-largest bronze Buddha before continuing to the hot springs resort town of Hakone for a two-night stay at an elegant and modern ryokan—an updated take on a traditional Japanese inn—where each room features a balcony with a private hot springs tub overlooking the mountains or forest valley. Wander the ryokan’s peaceful garden, take a hot foot bath, or soak in the two large communal onsen hot spring baths, which offer restorative mineral-rich waters and epic views. Then spend one last night in Tokyo before returning home.

Dates

May 18–21, 2024

Duration

4 days
  • Tokyo / Kamakura / Hakone

    This morning, drive to Kamakura, which briefly served as a former capital between the 12th and 13th centuries. See the Kotokuin Temple with its iconic and enormous Daibutsu (The Great Buddha), Japan’s second-largest bronze Buddha statue and a beloved national icon, and the 1,000-year-old Shinto Shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. After lunch, continue to Hakone, located in the mountainous Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, south of Mt. Fuji.

    Accommodations:

    Hakone Kowakien Ten-Yu

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Hakone

    Take time to enjoy the ryokan setting and then explore the treasures of Hakone and its surroundings. Weather permitting, ride by cable car on the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani, a geothermal valley and crater with active sulfur vents, bubbling pools, and hot springs that was formed by a volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago. We also enjoy a scenic cruise on picturesque Lake Ashi, taking in views of Mt. Fuji if the weather is clear. Back at the inn, experience a Kaiseki dinner, an exquisitely crafted multi-course meal that showcases the artistry of Japanese cuisine through its seasonal ingredients, meticulous presentation, and harmonious flavors. 

    Accommodations:

    Hakone Kowakien Ten-Yu

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • Hakone / Tokyo

    After departing the ryokan, stop at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which features 120 world-class modern sculptures set in landscaped grounds with lovely views across the mountains. The Picasso Pavilion includes over 300 of Picasso’s works, including oil paintings, prints, sculptures, and ceramics. Continue to Tokyo for time at leisure before gathering for a festive farewell dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel New Otani

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • Tokyo / Home

    Transfer to either airport on our own today.  

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Category C

Single-occupancy cabins on Deck 3 featuring two porthole windows, a king bed, ample storage, writing desk, comfortable lounge, flat-screen entertainment system, and private en-suite bathroom with shower. (235 sq. ft.)

  • Single: $13,995 per person

Category B

Superior cabins on Deck 4 featuring panoramic windows, flexible bedding (a king or two twin beds), ample storage, writing desk, comfortable lounge, flat-screen entertainment system, and private en-suite bathroom with shower. (235 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $12,795 per person

Category A

Superior cabins on Deck 5 featuring panoramic windows, flexible bedding (a king or two twin beds), ample storage, writing desk, comfortable lounge, flat-screen entertainment system, and private en-suite bathroom with shower. (235 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $13,795 per person
    Single: $15,995 per person

Worsley

Worsley suites on Deck 6 featuring panoramic windows, flexible bedding (a king or two twin beds), ample storage, writing desk, comfortable lounge, flat-screen entertainment system, and private en-suite bathroom with shower. Worsley suites come with complimentary in-room dining and a minibar that is replenished daily. (235 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $15,695 per person

Heritage

Heritage suites on Deck 6 featuring double panoramic windows; a king bed; large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs; a marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub, and shower; a writing desk; floor-to-ceiling cabinets for storage; and a flat-screen entertainment system. Heritage suites come with a spa credit, complimentary in-room dining and laundry, and a minibar that is replenished daily. (475 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $18,695 per person

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