The Chairman’s Voyage: Japan’s Southern Islands & Cultural Heritage

Your ultra-luxury exploration of Japan’s southern islands begins today in the historical Taiwanese city of Keelung (Taipei). Be warmly greeted on board Scenic Eclipse II with a glass of Champagne. Then, take some time to settle into your luxurious verandah suite. Our butler will be on hand to assist you if you have any questions. Join Scenic Group Chairman and Founder Glen Moroney, his family and your fellow guests and crew for a sail away cocktail event.    Please book your flight to arrive into Taipei prior to 02:00 PM.

This morning, wake-up to find Ishigaki Island beckoning from your balcony in a dazzling spectrum of blue-green hues. Part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, the island is home to Japan’s southernmost city and is the gateway to the captivating Yaeyama Islands. You may choose to revel in the sun, sea and vibrant coral reef of the island’s southern coastline, take a gentle hike to the north-east Hirakubo Peninsula, or stroll the fascinating city centre. Back on board, relax at the Scenic Bar and Lounge then choose from up to 10 dining experiences.

Rich with tradition and fascinating history, Okinawa will delight. Known as a "Blue Zone" - a place recognised for its long-lived and health-conscious residents, the island has a captivating heritage enhanced by its breathtaking Pacific Island beauty. Explore the prefectural capital of Naha to discover this former epicentre of the Ryukyu Kingdom. You may visit Kokusai Street to shop for mementos and absorb the vibrant local culture, or perhaps learn more about the Shuri Castle and the historic precinct. Alternatively, enjoy a swim in the shimmering ocean before retreating to your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht.

After a restorative night of rest in your luxurious suite and signature Scenic Slumber Bed, wake on your own timetable. The day is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps ask the butler to bring your breakfast in bed or join your new friends at the Yacht Club. Today, discover Naha further, immersing yourself in its vibrant ambience, especially along Kokusai Dori, known as the "international street," and the charming Makishi Public Market, where you can find an array of vibrant fish, local delicacies, and aromatic spices.

Awaken to watch the sun dance across the crystalline waters of World Heritage-listed site Amami Oshima. The largest island in the Satsunan chain, Amami Oshima is an unspoiled haven for a diverse eco-system of endemic flora and fauna. Stroll the soft-sand beaches and swim in the temperate waters of this natural gem. Uncover the immaculate beauty of the protected Kuroshio-no-Mori Mangrove Park. Be sure to take the opportunity to sample the local specialty of Keihan chicken rice, a dish whose origins can be traced back to the Edo period.

Relish a morning coffee on your private verandah as you admire the dramatic landscape of Kagoshima. At the southern tip of Kyushu, the Mount Sakurajima volcano rises sharply from the ocean, keeping watch over Kagoshima and painting a handsome and attention-stealing backdrop. Unearth the feudal history and explore the palm-lined streets of Kagoshima or opt to spend the day on board, appreciating the stunning aspects of Sakurajima from the elegant Sky Bar. Take in the sun in a secluded cabana, revive with a dip in the Vitality Pool and sip your favourite cocktail from the bar.

Arrive early at the beautiful city of Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu. The second site to suffer the catastrophic effects of the atomic bomb in World War II, the city has been rebuilt with resilience and optimism. Unravel that journey of rebirth at one of the many moving museums and memorials, such as Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park, and National Peace Memorial Hall. Explore a deeper past at the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture and the Suwa-jinja shrine. This evening, enjoy views from the Sky Deck or Observation Deck as we sail under the glittering lights of the Megami Bridge.

Today your journey unveils the magnetic beauty of Jeju Island. A destination sure to pique the interest of nature-lovers, this is the largest island in South Korea and well-loved in the region for its enchanting sunrises and sunsets, magical coastlines, idyllic waterfalls and the majestic Hallasan Mountain. Immerse yourself within the shimmering shallows of the turquoise ocean or explore the local culture at one of the many museums.

Enjoy a relaxed and delicious breakfast in the privacy of your suite or share the inspiring views with your fellow guests at the Yacht Club. Arrive into the port of Kitakyushu this afternoon. The northernmost city of Kyushu, Kitakyushu has long been a significant hub of international trade. An enthralling medley of traditional culture and industry, the city is an important gateway between the islands of Kyushu and Honshu.

Your day may begin with a moment of reflection on the sombre history of Hiroshima. Another city ravaged by the atomic bomb during World War II, it has risen to become a living symbol of peace and rebirth. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and World Heritage listed Atomic Bomb Dome, where you can admire the city’s determination to endure and overcome. Enjoy lunch on board as you journey toward the small island of Miyajima this afternoon. Miyajima (which translates to ‘Shrine Island’ in Japanese) is famous for its Itsukushima shrine and enormous torii gate, which, at high tide, appears to float above the water.

Choose to salute the sun as it rises over the water this morning during a yoga class at PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio. Then spend the day discovering the beauty of mountainous Matsuyama on the island of Shikoku. Set on the edge of the gentle Seto Inland Sea, this city is a historic delight, crowned by the hilltop Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle. One of Japan’s 12 original surviving castles, visitors may ascend Mount Katsuyama via chairlift to admire the complex that includes two keeps, multiple turrets and cherry blossom-fringed grounds.

Take advantage of Scenic Eclipses unique open bridge policy to appreciate the sunrise alongside the crew, enjoying unrivalled access to the ships ultimate viewing area. A place to unearth traditional Japanese culture, the small city of Kochi is a path less travelled for many, making it ripe for your discovery. Walk the streets downtown to observe daily life, explore Kochi Castle, visit Chikurinji Temple at Godaisan Mountain, or perhaps stroll the promenade at Katsurahama Beach.

Arrive this morning in the harbour city of Kobe on the island of Honshu. Compact and condensed between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe has a long history of maritime trade. Despite this, beautiful Kobe is a modern-looking city, having been completely rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1995. You may choose to explore on your own to learn more about this event at the Earthquake Museum. If you prefer to spend the afternoon in the ultra-luxury of your Discovery Yacht, retreat for a touch of tranquillity at the expansive Senses Spa.

Lushly canopied, traversed with rivers, and proliferated with hiking trails and religious sites, Shingu offers both active adventure and cultural immersion. Here, you’ll find the must-visit World Heritage-Listed Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine, one of the three Kumano Sanzan Shrines connected by pilgrimage routes and identifiable by their rich-red hue and traditional silhouettes. Return to your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht for an evening of leisure. Delight in 6-star culinary experiences before joining fellow guests for a musical performance in the state-of-the-art theatre.

Awaken today in the pretty, pearlescent Toba on the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture. This small city is enrobed by the Ise-Shima National Park and rotates through a seasonal spectrum of colours from the soft pink of cherry blossoms in spring, to the vivid greens of summer, and the red-and-gold hues of autumn. Toba is perhaps best-known for its oyster and pearling industries, particularly its female pearl divers, or ‘ama’. Discover more about this tradition on Mikimoto Pearl Island, where you can learn all about the cultivation of pearls in the museum, watch ama demonstrations, and shop for exquisite mementos.

Backdropped by the majesty of Mount Fuji, you’ll soon understand why Shimizu is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful ports. With a history dating back to the Nara Period of the 8th century and endowed with stunning natural scenery, Shimizu is brimming with inspiring sights. Discover rich Japanese culture and history at nearby shrines, stroll the centre of town to immerse in local life, and admire the World Heritage-Listed vistas of the mighty Mount Fuji. Return to your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht to dine with new friends and toast to new memories as you celebrate your last night on Scenic Eclipse II.

Today youll arrive in the fascinating and futuristic city of Tokyo. The final day of your exceptional journey demands a sense of occasion, so why not treat yourself to a Champagne breakfast served in your suite? Disembark after breakfast as you farewell the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise. Please book your flight to depart out of Tokyo after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.