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Wonders of Japan Cruise: Cherry Blossom Season
Tour Description:
Experience the wonders of Japan alongside
A&K’s award-winning Expedition Team as
you capture all the magic with help from
a professional photographer. Spanning
five islands, this all-encompassing cruise
explores Japan’s culturally rich coastline with
a hotel stay in Osaka and 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.
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Dates & Pricing
| Monday 17 Mar 25 — Sunday 30 Mar 25 | Starting at $24,995 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 30 Mar 25 — Saturday 12 Apr 25 | Starting at $24,995 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - Osaka, Japan
Upon arrival, transfer to The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, where you
gather for a welcome dinner and Noh performance.
Day 2 - Osaka
Begin your adventure in Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city.
The day’s excursions may include a visit to Kyoto's Golden
Pavilion and an exploration of Zen Buddhism, a journey to
Nara revealing Japan’s oldest temple, or a scenic drive amid
Uji’s iconic cherry trees.
Day 3 - Osaka
Enjoy the morning at leisure in your hotel, or perhaps join
a panoramic tour of Osaka Castle. This afternoon, transfer
to your luxurious expedition cruiser.
Day 4 - Takamatsu
Wake up in the charming port of Takamatsu, the gateway
to Shikoku Island. Your day might feature a boat ride to
Shodoshima, the heart of Japan’s olive-growing industry;
a visit to the gardens of Shikoku Island’s Ritsurin Park
and an exploration of traditional bonsai horticulture in
Takamatsu’s Kinashi area; or a ferry ride to Naoshima
Island to tour Benesse House and a museum dedicated
to Tadao Ando’s architecture.
Day 5 - Hiroshima & Miyajima
Today, explore Hiroshima, renowned for its Atomic Bomb
Dome and Peace Park. You might arise to split your day
between Hiroshima and Miyajima, site of the iconic Torii
Gate. Alternatively, spend an immersive day in Hiroshima
and meet a storyteller of the World War II atomic bomb attack,
or head to Miyajima to hike scenic Mount Misen.
Day 6 - Uwajima
Spend the day in Uwajima, home to Japan’s pearl industry.
The day’s excursions may include a visit to a local pearl farm
and the samurai-era gardens of Tensha-en, an exploration of
Nanraku-en Garden, or a stroll down a cherry tree-lined lane
to the old town.
Day 7 - Karatsu
This afternoon, arrive in the port of Karatsu, once an early
trading post between Japan and mainland Asia. Once ashore,
visit Karatsu Castle, or perhaps head to the city of Imari to
tour its celebrated porcelain works.
Day 8 - Busan & Gyeongju, South Korea
Disembark in Busan and transfer to Gyeongju, ancient
capital of the Silla Dynasty. Here, you might explore
Gyeongju’s excavated temples, tombs and pagodas, or visit
the Hyundai factory. Alternatively, stay in Busan to take
in the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the scenic
overlook from Nurimaru APEC House and the colorful
houses of Gamcheon Culture Village. Return to the ship for
a traditional music performance at the pier.
Day 9 - Matsue, Japan
Explore Matsue, a city renowned for its idyllic countryside.
The day’s excursions may include visits to Yuushien Garden
and Matsue Castle, or a tour of the Adachi Museum of Art.
Later, you might also savor a traditional lunch at a ryokan
(inn) and visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art
of Japanese papermaking.
Day 10 - Kanazawa
Visit the thriving art center of Kanazawa, known for its
pottery and gold-leaf workmanship. Here, you might stroll
Kenrokuen Garden, wander Omicho Market and tour the
Higashi Chaya-gai district’s well-preserved historic geisha
houses. Alternatively, you might hike Kakusenkei Gorge
and soak in a soothing onsen (hot spring), visit Kanazawa’s
Oumi market and cook with a local chef, or explore the
Shogawa River valley. This evening, enjoy an exclusive
geisha performance.
Day 11 - Sado-ga-Shima
Arrive amid Sado Island’s rice paddies, bamboo groves and
surf-pounded seacoasts. Today may include an exclusive
private performance by the Kodo taiko drummers or tours
of Hakusanmaru Exhibition Hall and Ogi Folk Museum.
Day 12 - At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day while cruising toward Hokkaido,
Japan’s largest and northernmost island.
Day 13 - Otaru
Arrive in Otaru, a port city known for its canals, sake
distilleries, architecture and views of Mount Tengu. Here,
you might tour the city and visit a sake distillery. Alternately,
you might spend the day discovering nearby Sapporo’s parks,
landmarks and market.
Day 14 - Sapporo
Disembark your vessel in Otaru and transfer to the airport in
Sapporo for your homebound flight.
