ITINERARY

Day 1      Arrive Japan
Day 2      Kobe (Embarkation point for your cruise)
Day 3      Uno
Day 4      Hiroshima
Day 5      Uwajima
Day 6      Nagasaki
Day 7      Busan (South Korea)
Day 8      Sakai
Day 9      Kanazawa
Day 10    Sado Island
Day 11    At sea
Day 12    Aomori (Disembarkation point for your cruise)/Tokyo
Day 13    Depart Japan

FULL ITINERARY

DAY 1 ARRIVE JAPAN
Transfer from Kansai International Airport (Osaka) to Kobe where you’ll spend the night at the lovely Kobe Okura Hotel.

DAY 2 KOBE (Embark on your cruise)
Enjoy the attractions of this attractive port city at leisure. Kobe was one of the first cities in Japan to begin accepting foreign traders following Japan's two and a half centuries of isolation. Board your luxury, small cruise ship, the Orion II early afternoon and embark on your wonderful cruise.

Kobe | Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado |Aomori

DAY 3 UNO
Uno is a small coastal port that provides the gateway to the towns of Okayama and Kurashiki. Okayama is the home to Korakuen - a 17th century formal garden encompassing 28 acres of walking trails and a classic teahouse and is one of the most important gardens of Japan, with Okayama castle towering high above it. Kurashiki is a historic city of 400,000 people, located further to the west of Okayama sitting on the Takahashi River, on the coast of the Inland Sea. Before the days of modern port facilities, rice and other goods were offloaded onto small boats from ships anchored offshore, which would travel into the centre of Kurishiki via the river and then further offload their goods into store houses lining the river banks. In recent times these abandoned storehouses have been converted to museums, galleries, cafes and boutiques. With the scenic river & cobblestone streets adding to the atmosphere, Kurashiki has a unique charm to it. Leaving Uno mid-afternoon gives us a chance to enjoy some daylight cruising in the Seto Inland Sea.

Included Excursions
Visit beautiful Korakuen Gardens, the Ōhara Museum of Art and enjoy a formal Japanese lunch in Kurushiki.

Kobe | Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado |Aomori

DAY 4 HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima is an resilient city. Having suffered in recent history from atomic bomb destruction and severe typhoons, Hiroshima is now the centre for international peace representations and a major automotive industry. During the 1870’s Hiroshima had one of only seven English speaking schools in Japan. Hiroshima is now rated as one of the best cities in the world to live given its short commuting times and low cost of living.

Included Excursions
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic-Bomb Dome.

Kobe | Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado |Aomori

DAY 5 UWAJIMA
Uwajima (on Shikoku Island) is a window into Japan’s rural past. The coast line around Uwajima is dotted with pearl farms and the hill sides full of terraced gardens. Uwajima town area has a gourmet shopping district highlighting local produce as well as stores showcasing local pearls. The city is the host to the “Sumo of the Bulls”. Unlike Spanish bull fights, the Uwajima tradition treats bulls with great respect in keeping with the respect shown to Ushioni (the Bull Demon). Two bulls pit their intuition against each other, locking horns until one of the bulls is brought to its knees which signals the end of the bout.

Included Excursions
Enjoy a Sumo of the Bulls experience and visit the Flying Squirrel Temple, the Date Museum and gardens.

Kobe | Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado |Aomori

DAY 6 NAGASAKI
Nagasaki is both a city and the name of the prefecture which consists of 971 islands. It has the dubious honour of being the site of the second atomic bomb explosion, after Hiroshima. The Nagasaki Peace Park has been established beside "ground zero" to remind the world of the horrors of atomic weapons and to encourage future peace. Nagasaki has had a long history of European contact with missionaries arriving as early as 1542. St Francis Xavier is believed to visited the area in 1549. As such it is essentially the centre of Japanese Christianity. The Ouru Church of 26 Japanese martyrs (built by the French in 1864) commemorates the killing of 26 missionaries in 1596 by the Shogun at the time. Portuguese and later Dutch and British traders have had a long intertwined with the city.

Included Excursions
Visit the Nagasaki Peace Park, the Glover Garden andthe Ouru Catholic Church of the 26 Martyrs.

Kobe | Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado |Aomori

DAY 7 BUSAN
Busan in South Korea is located on the south-easternmost tip of the Korean Peninsula, and faces the Korea Strait. In the 15th century, the Korean government designated Busan as a trading port with the Japanese. To this day, Busan continues to be one of busiest seaports in the world. Jagalchi Market is one of the best known areas famousfor its fish market. Nearby crowded Haeundae beach has to be seen to be believed as thousands of beach goers flock here every day in summer.

Included Excursions
Visit Tongdosa Temple, Haeundae beach, the UN Memorial Cemetery and the Jalgachi Fish Market.

Kobe | Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado |Aomori

DAY 8 SAKAI
Sakai is a port in Miho Bay, serving the city of Sakaiminato and further into Shimane prefecture. Sakaiminato, once known as the land of gods, is now a mixture of new city, lush mountainous parks, quaint harbours and shrines. The city has over 100 bronze statues dedicated to cartoon characters from a long running Japanese animated cartoon series Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro, the author of which is one of the city's "favourite" sons. Further west is Matsue City’s Matsue Castle, the city’s best known symbol, built as a working fortress-watchtower in the 17th century. The city was also home to Lafcadio Hearn, best known for his books about Japan.

Included Excursions
Visit the Adachi Museum of Art and its beautiful gardens, the writer Lafcadio Hearn’s house and a sake brewery for some sampling.

Kobe | Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado |Aomori

DAY 9 KANAZAWA
Kanazawa literally “marsh of gold” derives its name from the legend of a peasant who washed gold dust from potatoes into a well. The city is famous for silk-making and for tea with added flakes of gold leaf which is considered by the Japanese people to be good for health and vitality. Gold leaf plays a prominent part in the city’s cultural crafts and today even soft serve ice cream is served with flecks of gold leaf. The beautiful Kenrokuen Garden was originally built as the outer garden of Ishikawa Castle and considered another of the “three most beautiful gardens in Japan.” Kanazawa has a 100 year old former geisha house, retaining the look and feel of 19th century Japan and is one of the few places where the geisha culture is still alive in Japan.

Included Excursions
Explore the traditional geisha area and take part in a geisha experience and visit the extensive Kenrokuen Gardens.

Kobe | Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado |Aomori

DAY 10 SADO ISLAND
Sado island is a great summer getaway with rugged coastlines, mountainous interior green hills and quaint fishing ports. The island is famous for Japanese traditional Taiko drumming and serves as a base for arguably Japan's best Taiko drum troupe "Kodo". Sado is also home to a unique form of traditional fishing boat, the taraibune. These round barrel boats were traditionally used to collect abalone and other molluscs from narrow coves formed by earthquakes. Their small size and unique shape were perfect for getting in and out of these narrow rock crevices.

Included Excursions
Visit the Kodo's Taiko Drumming Centre, take a boat ride, make soba noodles (and then eat them!).

Kobe | Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado |Aomori

DAY 11 AT SEA
The day is yours to enjoy at leisure onboard as we sail the Sea of Japan.

DAY 12 AOMORI (Disembark from your cruise)
Aomori is most northerly city on Japan’s main island known for its onsen (hot springs) and fine seafood.  You’ll disembark here and transfer by local then superb Bullet train to Tokyo – Japan’s buzzing capital city. Spend one night in Tokyo at the superb Prince Park Tower Hotel.

Kobe | Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado |Aomori

DAY 13 DEPART JAPAN
Depart from Narita Airport (Tokyo).

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

Excursions: Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado

DAY 3: Uno, Okayama and Kurashiki
From the port we will travel by coach to Okayama and Kurashiki. In Okayama we will spend time exploring the world famous Korakuen gardens, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and have a green  tea experience in the gardens. In Kurashiki we will visit a traditional family house dating back to the 17th century and also visit the Ōhara Museum of Art established in 1930. The museum houses works by El Greco, Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, and Renoir. The collection also presents fine examples of Asian and contemporary art. We will have free time in Kurashiki to explore the cobblestone streets and the boutique shops lining the river. Today's inclusive tour also includes a formal Japanese lunch in Kurushiki.

Excursions: Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado

DAY 4: Hiroshima
Our visit to Hiroshima revolves around the Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic-Bomb Dome. The Peace Park, and the A-Bomb dome (being one of the only buildings to survive the horrific blast), stand in peaceful contrast to the images displayed inside the museum. No visit to Japan is truly complete without visiting the Peace Museum, which is quite an emotional experience for most. The Atomic detonation at Hiroshima forever changed the psyche of the Japanese people and the history of the entire world. One of the few remaining survivors of the actual bombing will talk to us about their personal experiences that day and their life since the bombing in Hiroshima (the lecture will be translated into English).

Excursions: Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado

DAY 5: Uwajima
After our dockside welcome we will proceed to the city for a unique Sumo of the Bulls experience. We’ll also visit the Flying Squirrel Temple (the Flying Squirrels are nocturnal, so we are unlikely to be able to see them although video and photographs of the squirrels "in action" are on show). The Temple’s beautiful gardens contains an eclectic collections of all kinds of things including hundreds of cameras and the priest and his late father are known all over the world for their unusual inventions. We will also have an opportunity to visit one of the top pearl producers in Japan where we can view the pearl farm and showrooms. We move on to the Date Museum and the nearby gardens which exemplify classical Japan. Uwajima Castle perched high above the city can be reached following  a reasonably strenuous walk. A shuttle bus to the main shopping area, the gourmet centre and the pearl pavilion will be available throughout the day. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different time throughout the day).

Excursions: Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado

DAY 6: Nagasaki
Today we will use the local street cars to transport us to the Nagasaki Peace Park and Ground Zero and also to Dejima. During Japan's self imposed period of isolation, Dejima was created as a man-made island to "contain" Portuguese traders in 1634. From 1641 to 1851 it became a Dutch trading base until it was integrated into the rest of the city as the isolationist period came to an end. Today we also visit the Glover Garden, the one time home of Thomas Glover, a Scottish business man who helped to establish ship building and other industries in Nagasaki. As the house and its surroundings are reminiscent of the setting for Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly, it is also known as the Madame Butterfly House. We’ll also visit the Ouru Catholic Church of the 26 Martyrs. A complimentary shuttle into the city area will also be available today. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different time throughout the day).

Excursions: Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado

Day 7: Busan
A shuttle bus from the port to the central shopping area and fish markets will be available all day in Busan as well as an included expedition visiting several local attractions. The inclusive tour will visit Tongdosa Temple, a colourful Korean Buddhist temple where we can participate in a Korean tea ceremony with the Monks. We will briefly stop at Haeundae beach to witness the spectacle of colour and sound as thousands of Koreans pack themselves onto the beach strip. We then progress to the UN Memorial Cemetery to pay our respects to those who served and lost their lives during the Korean War. As no visit to Busan is complete without a visit to the Jalgachi Fish Market, arguably the best of its kind in the world, where every kind of edible sea creature is on sale, the inclusive tour will also visit here. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different time throughout the day)

Excursions: Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado

Day 8: Sakai
The Adachi Museum of Art holds a stunning array of Japanese art covering many eras and is also to home to one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, regularly voted as the best in Japan. Travelling further west we will take a boat ride on the moat surrounding the imposing Matsue Castle. We will also visit the house of the writer Lafcadio Hearn. Back closer to the port we can get a feel for Japan's love of animation with a walk along the main street of Sakaiminato with hundreds of bronze statues depicting the "monsters" of the Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro animated cartoon series. Finish with a visit to Sakai's Sake brewery for some sampling of their fine product. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different times throughout the day)

Excursions: Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado

Day 9: Kanazawa, Geisha and Gardens
Explore the traditional geisha area and take part in a geisha experience. Also included is the opportunity to visit the extensive bnd take part in a traditional tea ceremony.

Kenrokuen is an old private garden developed between the 1620s to 1840s by the Maeda clan who ruled the former Kaga Domain. Local volunteer guides will show us through Kanazawa's traditional Samurai residences today as well. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different times throughout the day)

Excursions: Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado

Day 10: Sado
Included in today's expeditions is a visit to Kodo's Taiko Drumming Centre for an interactive traditional drumming experience. Learn about the Taiko tradition, hear members of Kodo play the drums, experience for yourself the power of Taiko. After the drumming experience we will also have the chance to experience a short traditional boat ride in the waters off Sado in a taraibune "barrel" boats. The experience continues at a nearby small traditional village which has some fine examples of traditional Japanese architecture in its narrow and twisting lanes. The other half of today's visit to Sado will consist of some more interactive experiences with the chance to learn to make soba noodles (and then eat them!) and a visit to a local Sake brewery where you can try various grades of sake and numerous other local products. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different times throughout the day).

Excursions: Uno | Hiroshima |Uwajima | Nagasaki | Busan | Sakai | Kanazawa | Sado

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Naoshima Artists Paradise | Ikebana Class | Uwajima Snorkel & Kayak
Unzen & Shimabara Explorer | Goban Bento Lunch | Interactive Kanazawa Culture

DAY 3 NAOSHIMA - ARTISTS PARADISE
The small island of Naoshima in the Inland Sea has in recent years, been transformed from essentially an industrial wasteland to a private millionaires playground, showcasing both Japanese and global art forms. Numerous museums and galleries can be found on the island. The Chichu Art Museum houses a number of installations by James Turrell, Walter De Maria and paintings by Claude Monet. Designed by Tadao Ando, it is located on one of the highest points of the island, and various exhibits and facets of the museum's architecture take advantage of its commanding view. Another contemporary museum (and hotel) is Benesse House, also designed by Ando. Virtually every space on the island seems to house some form of artistic expression. Sculpture is everywhere and even the local fishing village has become part of the experience with local homes becoming unique art works in their own right. A full day experience on Naoshima, including an incredible lunch experience at Benesse House, is available as an option today. Vehicle ferries will carry you and your coach transport from Uno Ko to Naoshima across the inland sea. (this full day experience will preclude you from participating in the inclusive experiences)

Price: To be confirmed

Naoshima Artists Paradise | Ikebana Class | Uwajima Snorkel & Kayak
Unzen & Shimabara Explorer | Goban Bento Lunch | Interactive Kanazawa Culture

DAY 4: TRADITIONAL FLOWER ARRANGING
An optional half day experience in Hiroshima is to take part in an ikebana session (traditional flower arranging) with local experts. Learn about the Japanese techniques of flower arranging and participate in a class using these techniques. English speaking guides will accompany this tour. (This activity will preclude you from participating in the inclusive program in Hiroshima)

Price: To be confirmed

Naoshima Artists Paradise | Ikebana Class | Uwajima Snorkel & Kayak
Unzen & Shimabara Explorer | Goban Bento Lunch | Interactive Kanazawa Culture

DAY 5: UWAJIMA SNORKEL & SEA KAYAK
A half day tour which includes about an hour of sea kayaking followed by an hour of snorkelling over a great little reef system in the inland sea is available as an option today. All essential equipment is provided. (Wet suits are not available but the water is warm in summer) English speaking guides will accompany the tour. (This tour will preclude you from several of the inclusive experiences today)

Price: To be confirmed

Naoshima Artists Paradise | Ikebana Class | Uwajima Snorkel & Kayak
Unzen & Shimabara Explorer | Goban Bento Lunch | Interactive Kanazawa Culture

DAY 6: UNZEN PARK & SHIMABARA EXPLORER (Full day with lunch)
Drive inland from Nagasaki through the mountains to Unzen National Park, stopping along the way at a roadside "station" famous for Castella (Portuguese sponge cakes, introduced by the first European sailors). The Unzen National Park has numerous walking trails through the hot spring areas. Further on you will reach Shimabara and its castle dating back to the 1600's. The Samural residences of Shimabara, which will also be visited have waterways filled with colourful Koi Carp. This tour includes a Japanese lunch at a local hotel. English speaking guides will accompany the tour. (This tour will preclude you from undertaking the inclusive experiences today).

Price: To be confirmed

Naoshima Artists Paradise | Ikebana Class | Uwajima Snorkel & Kayak
Unzen & Shimabara Explorer | Goban Bento Lunch | Interactive Kanazawa Culture

DAY 9: GOBAN BENTO LUNCH
An option is available to purchase a traditional Kanazawa style Goban Bento style lunch served in an elaborate tiered wooden box. Transfers to/from the hotel are included.

Price: To be confirmed

Naoshima Artists Paradise | Ikebana Class | Uwajima Snorkel & Kayak
Unzen & Shimabara Explorer | Goban Bento Lunch | Interactive Kanazawa Culture

DAY 9: INTERACTIVE KANAZAWA CULTURE
An option is available to take part in a class teaching the traditional techniques of decorating with Gold Leaf. A follow on class teaches you how to make traditional Japanese sweets. From there the tour includes a visit to a centuries old family pottery kiln and workshop, and finally to the Kimono Museum where as well as an elaborate array of Kimonos you can participate in applying the artwork to silk in the traditional style. English speaking guides will accompany the tour. (This tour will preclude you from participating in some of the inclusive)

Price: To be confirmed

Naoshima Artists Paradise | Ikebana Class | Uwajima Snorkel & Kayak
Unzen & Shimabara Explorer | Goban Bento Lunch | Interactive Kanazawa Culture

 

Your ship - the Orion II

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built in Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was re-launched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of an extended stay in a floating, boutique hotel. With a maximum capacity of 100 passengers, this ship accommodates all guests in outside suites.

Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 officers and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Accommodation (See Deck Plan below)
Every room offers you ocean views and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds and marble bathrooms. All rooms offer conveniences such as ample storage space, complementary 24-hour room service, a flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, internet connectivity, air conditioning, a personal safe, hairdryer and a mini-refrigerator continuously stocked with complimentary bottled water.

Penthouse Suite
Orion II's four spacious Penthouse Suites are the only suites located on Deck 6. These 260sq ft suites have private balconies, window and sitting area.

Balcony Suite
The twelve luxurious Balcony Suites are on Deck 5 with sitting area and a private balcony allowing you to take in the sea breeze.

Deluxe Suite
The two Deluxe Suites occupy up to 285 sq ft* in area on Deck 5. Forward windows and a sitting area lets you relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean view after a day of exploration.

Junior Suite
On deck 4 there are ten Junior Suites. These 235sq ft suites have a window and sitting area.

AA Ocean Suite
These nicely appointed Ocean Suites are situated on deck 3. The average room size is 225 sq ft*, all with windows and a comfortable sitting area.

A Ocean Suite
The A Ocean Suites are located on Deck 3 with portholes and a generous average area of 275sq ft*.

B Ocean Suite
The B Ocean Suites are located on Deck 4 windows and sitting area. The average area is 215sq ft*.

* Average area of room size.

Owners Suite Lounge	Owners Suite Bedroom
Category A Ocean Suite	Balcony Suite

Deck plan

Facilities:

• Boutique Lounge
• Elevator
• Library
• Internet
• Jacuzzi
• Sun Deck
• Health Spa
• Lecture Hall
• Gymnasium
• Outdoor Café
• Restaurant
• Marina Deck Platform
• Hair and Beauty Salon
• Hospital & Infirmary

Booking Details

Price includes:

• 10 nights aboard the Orion II 
• All meals onboard
• All included excursions
• 24-hour room service
• Entertainment and educational programme onboard
• Bullet train ticket post-cruise from Aomori to Tokyo
• 1 night accommodation pre-cruise at the Okura Hotel Kobe on a bed & breakfast basis
• 1 night accommodation post-cruise at the Prince Park Tower Hotel (Tokyo) on a bed & breakfast basis
• Port taxes & handling charges, government fees & taxes

Not included:

• Sundry items
• Travel insurance

Hidden Splendour of Japan Cruise Prices
INCLUDES 2 FREE HOTEL NIGHTS AND A FREE BULLET TRAIN TICKET POST-CRUISE TO TOKYO!

Category	Type		£ (UK Pounds)
	B	Stateroom	4,650
	A	Stateroom	5,360
	AA	Ocean Suite	5,850
	JS	Junior Suite	6,450
	DS	Deluxe Suite	7,350
	BS	Balcony Suite	8,250
	OS	Owners Suite	9,050

Prices per person (Based on double occupancy)

• To make a booking, a deposit of 10% per person is required.
• The balance of the price of the trip must be made 12 weeks prior to departure.
• Full terms and Conditions

All price estimates are based on current rates of exchange and are subject to availability.

TO BOOK NOW CALL 020 7766 5267
OR EMAIL info@japanjourneys.co.uk

NB. Ports subject to change and local weather conditions.