11 night cruise on the Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Take a Journey around Japan on this luxurious cruise, through stunning landscapes.
The sakura of Japan are well known around the world for their radiant, delicate and transient beauty, but they are more than simply beautiful cherry blossom trees. Sakura are tied to Japan’s history, culture and identity.
With flowers emerging after a cold winter, spring represents “new beginnings” in Japan. The first sakura, or cherry blossom, appears in the southern islands, and the phenomenon moves its way northwards. There are over 600 types of sakura trees across the country with varying shades of pink. Petals gradually unfold outwards until reaching their peak mankai (full bloom) for a mere few days.
The architecture of Japan blends history and modernization, with ancient landmarks coexisting alongside futuristic skyscrapers. Many temples and shrines date back over a thousand years, whilst high-rises continuously emerge with innovative designs.
Itinerary
DAY 1 – Tokyo, Japan
Once the modest fishing village of Edo, modern Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis of extraordinary neighborhoods that is the sum of its seemingly endless parts: The tiny bars of Shinjuku’s Golden Gai. The culinary delights of Nihombashi. Akihabara’s electronic gadgets and manga culture. The pottery shops of Asakusa. Nihombashi’s shopping meccas. Choose from museums covering every aspect of Japanese history and culture – don’t miss the treasures of the Tokyo National Museum. Visit the glorious Imperial Palace and Senso-ji temple in the ancient district of Asakusa. Dive into an unrivaled urban food scene that rewards the intrepid. And, of course, snap a selfie in Shibuya Crossing.
DAY 2 – Shimizu, Japan
On a clear day, you can see magnificent Mount Fuji from the lively Port of Shimizu. Visit The S-Pulse Dream Plaza to tour the Shimizu Sushi Museum with informative displays and models that show the history and variations of Japan’s most famous fare. Stroll through the Kashi-no-Ichi Market, where some of the port’s fresh seafood is sold and be sure to enjoy a delicious cup of tea.
DAY 3 – Kyoto (Kobe), Japan
Visit breathtaking temples and shrines of Kyoto, Japan’s old imperial capital, or visit ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples. Stroll through Nara Park, famed for its deer and impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine and tour Osaka where you will witness its imposing castle. From Kobe, bring home exotic mementos such as silks, ceramic teapots, paper parasols, superb artworks and pottery among other beautiful objects. Enjoy traditional Japanese fare or indulge in a wonderful dinner of Kobe beef. Everything will be exquisitely prepared and served.
DAY 4 – Kyoto (Kobe), Japan
Visit breathtaking temples and shrines of Kyoto, Japan’s old imperial capital, or visit ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples. Stroll through Nara Park, famed for its deer and impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine and tour Osaka where you will witness its imposing castle. From Kobe, bring home exotic mementos such as silks, ceramic teapots, paper parasols, superb artworks and pottery among other beautiful objects. Enjoy traditional Japanese fare or indulge in a wonderful dinner of Kobe beef. Everything will be exquisitely prepared and served.
DAY 5 – Kochi, Japan
Kochi boasts beautiful and abundant natural landscapes, from an expansive coastline running with the Kuroshio Current to the clear Shimanto River and the deep green forests that surround it. Located in the south of Shikoku, Kochi is ringed by rugged mountains to the north, and its arc-like southern coastline traces the outline of Tosa Bay. To the east is Cape Muroto, and to the west, Cape Ashizuri, with gently undulating sandy beaches stretching between these two extreme points. The prefecture also boasts the mystical limestone caves of Ryu-ga-do, and the beautiful sands and green pines of Katsura-hama Beach.
DAY 6 – Hiroshima, Japan
Surrounded by dense forests and enticing hot springs, cosmopolitan Hiroshima is a symbol of rebirth and resilience. Moving memorials to the world’s first atomic bomb attack of August 6, 1945 include the Peace Memorial Park and its Atomic Bomb Dome, a haunting symbol of the bomb’s devastation and a World Heritage site since 1996, and Children’s Peace Monument. Take a ferry to the Island of Itsukushima, a holy place of Shintoism that’s Cultural Heritage-listed and site of the iconic ‘floating’ torii gate. After walking the wide boulevards of this vibrant city, sample the delicious, savory, street-food classic, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
DAY 7 – Beppu, Japan
Lovers of hot spring resorts, rejoice. Perched hillside on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, Beppu bubbles with life thanks to a preponderance of onsen (hot springs). Enjoy a variety of rejuvenating bath types, from heated sand to traditional steam to hot mud. As one of the country’s most popular spots for enjoying a long, hot soak, most visitors find Beppu to be a delightful opportunity to absorb the more relaxed side of Japan’s vibrant culture.
DAY 8 – Busan, South Korea
Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula just two-and-a-half hours from Seoul, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city. With its deep harbor, it’s also one of the largest commercial ports in the world. Often referred to as “the summer capital of South Korea,” Busan is known for its exceptional beaches, scenic cliffs and ancient temples high in the mountains.
DAY 9 – Nagasaki, Japan
Japan’s early gateway to trade with the West, Nagasaki boasts stately European-style homes, a bustling harbor and fusion cuisine (be sure to try Nagasaki’s version of Castella sponge cake, introduced by Portuguese missionaries). The vibrant city is also synonymous with the dropping of the second atomic bomb, making a visit to Nagasaki’s Peace Park a necessary, and deeply moving, experience. Admire the city’s natural beauty atop Mount Inasayama. Drive through splendid countryside to browse the galleries of Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Back in Nagasaki, wander Japan’s oldest Chinatown, trying Chinese food reinterpreted for Japanese tastes.
DAY 10 – Kagoshima, Japan
Kagoshima is Japan’s southernmost major city, and is nicknamed the “Naples of the Eastern World,” based on its caldera bay location, hot climate, and volcano. The majestic view of Mt Sakurajima, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, dominates the city’s landscape, towering over the beautiful Kinko Bay. The city abounds in historic sightseeing spots such as the memorial site of St. Francisco Xavier, who landed in Kagoshima and first introduced Christianity to Japan.
DAY 11 – Cruising the Pacific Ocean
DAY 12 – Tokyo, Japan
Once the modest fishing village of Edo, modern Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis of extraordinary neighborhoods that is the sum of its seemingly endless parts: The tiny bars of Shinjuku’s Golden Gai. The culinary delights of Nihombashi. Akihabara’s electronic gadgets and manga culture. The pottery shops of Asakusa. Nihombashi’s shopping meccas. Choose from museums covering every aspect of Japanese history and culture – don’t miss the treasures of the Tokyo National Museum. Visit the glorious Imperial Palace and Senso-ji temple in the ancient district of Asakusa. Dive into an unrivaled urban food scene that rewards the intrepid. And, of course, snap a selfie in Shibuya Crossing.
Pricing & Details
- Rates from $9699 per person
For Additional Information or to Book, please contact:
Kim Cochrane 321-473-4175 or Kim@TesoroTravel.com
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Reserve your spot now, space is limited.