Hidden Islands Of Japan Cruise
Departures on 30th September & 20 October 2008

Join us for an unforgettable cruise as we explore the beautiful islands of Japan. Discover castle towns, age-old samurai dwellings, primeval forests and the lovely inland sea on this 11-night trip.

Starting in the historic city of Kobe, we cruise to the ancient castle town of Okayama – home to Korakuen Gardens - one of Japan’s three most famous gardens. We sail on to sacred Miyajima and pay a moving visit to Hiroshima, a thriving city now devoted to peace. A leisurely day at sea sailing through Saikai National Park and Kujukushima (“Ninety-Nine” islands) follows. Then on to Yakushima – a UNESCO World Heritage Site blanketed in nearly 2,000 species of Japanese cedars, home to a Jumon-sugi tree estimated to be 7,000 years old. We also visit Nagasaki and tour the gardens of the famous Glover Mansion. Other ports include the pottery town of Hagi and Kyongju (in South Korea).

Itinerary

Day 1 – LONDON-KANSAI AIRPORT (OSAKA)
Fly by scheduled direct flight.

Day 2- ARRIVE IN JAPAN
Transfer from Kansai airport to Kobe where you’ll spend the night at the lovely Kobe Okura Hotel.

Day 3- KOBE
Enjoy historic attractions of this port city, one of the first to begin accepting foreign traders following Japan’s two and a half centuries of isolation. The highlight of your visit: a trip to spectatular white Himeji Castle. Board the Spirit of Oceanus, and sail in the early evening.

Day 4- OKAYAMA/KURASHIKI
Indulge yourself in Zen perfection as you tour Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most famous. Visit the Ohara Museum, which hosts an eclectic mix of classical European, Chinese, and Japanese folk art. Stroll the charming lanes of Kurashiki, along canals crisscrossed by humpbacked stone bridges and bordered by willow trees.

Day 5- MIYAJIMA/HIROSHIMA
Itsukushima is one of the most important Shinto shrines. View the famous red torii gates as we anchor just offshore, and tour the shrine with a Shinto priest. In Hiroshima, a city now devoted to peace, tour the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Museum.

Day 6- DAY AT SEA
Leisurely cruise through Saikai National Park and the Kujukushima Islands (literally the “Ninety-Nine Islands”) off the west coast of Kyushu. This beautiful, and rarely explored part of Japan offers many beautiful sights.

Day 7- YAKUSHIMA
Yakushima Island became Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, and its natural wonders will astound you. Yakushima has a particularly diverse flora, with some 1,900 species and subspecies, including ancient specimens of the sugi (Japanese cedar). It also contains a remnant of a warm-temperate ancient forest that is unique in this region. We spend our time here on nature walks and taking in the sublime Japanese beauty.

Day 8- KAGOSHIMA
Kagoshima is Kyushu’s southernmost, major city and the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture. The city is often compared with its Italian sister city Naples due to a similarly mild climate, palm tree lined streets, and Sakurajima, Kagoshima’s Vesuvius. Kagoshima is best known for its Satsuma ware and silk.

Day 9- NAGASAKI
In this second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II, tour the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden (built by an enterprising Scotsman who helped overthrow the shogunate).

Day 10 ULSAN/KYONGJU
Step into the world of Korea’s Shilla dynasty in the ruins of Kyongju. A thousand years ago, this open-air museum was their capital, sparkling with palaces and gardens. Today, the ruins and burial mounds bring to life memories of a 900-year rule that lasted from the time of Julius Caesar to Charlemagne.

Day 11- HAGI
Japan’s revolution began here in Jokamachi¹s old samurai residential quarter, where you¹ll tour a samurai’s home. Yoshida Shrine is a monument to one of the last of the samurai, killed by the shogun for attempting to ensure Japan¹s survival by opening up to the West. Also visit Daisho Temple, the resting place of the two first Mori daimyo and all the even-numbered daimyo (odd-numbered daimyo were laid to rest on the
other side of the Matsumoto river).

Day 12- TAKAMATSU/CRUISING THE INLAND SEA
Ritsurin Koen was designed at the bequest of an early 17th century feudal lord, who envisioned a fantastic garden set against the beautiful backdrop of Mt. Shiun. Shikokumura Village gives you a glimpse into peasant life in the Edo period. Spend the afternoon cruising the Inland Sea. Designated a national park, the Inland Sea is an area of great natural beauty with its emerald green waters dotted with thousands of islands.

Day 13– KOBE-LONDON
After a short tour of Kobe, transfer to Kansai International Airport for your return flight home.

Prices Per Person

BOOK BEFORE 7 NOVEMBER AND SAVE £400 PER PERSON

Price includes: Economy class scheduled air travel; 10 nights aboard The Spirit of Oceanus on a full board basis, 1 night accommodation in Kobe, shore excursions, transfers, gratuities, tour manager and port taxes.

Not included: Travel insurance

Spirit of Oceanus

This small cruise ship is uniquely suited for exploring the intricate island nation of Japan. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of an extended stay in a floating, boutique hotel. With a maximum capacity of 120 passengers, this ship accommodates all guests in comfortable outside suites, each with a marble bathroom and lounge area. Every suite also has a sliding door, picture window or porthole.

NB. Ports subject to change and local weather conditions. All special offers are
subject to availability

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