The Islands of China & Japan

Dates: 
2007
Clipper Odyssey
April 18

Price starting from: $7,260 $6,260

Chart a course for adventure, discovering the tranquil beauty and poignant history of the East China Sea during this intriguing voyage aboard the comfortably elegant Clipper Odyssey. Sailing with fewer than 130 guests, explore the wealth of “hidden” islands that stretch from China’s cosmopolitan Hong Kong to tiny Miyajima in Japan. Along the cruise route, call at such fascinating places as Taiwan; Okinawa and the seldom-visited Ryukyu Islands; the secluded Kerama Islands; Kyushu, southernmost of Japan’s chief islands; and Honshu — often considered the Japanese “mainland.”

You’ll not only marvel at the region’s natural wonders and delve into it’s unique cultural legacy, but also visit significant cites leading up to and during the American invasion of Okinawa — the Pacific’s largest and last amphibious assault, a critical turning point that essentially ended World War II.

Aboard the Clipper Odyssey, delight in complete comfort paired with the intimate ambience found only on a small ship. And, throughout the expedition, travel in the company of distinguished historians and naturalists, whose knowledge and expertise will enhance your appreciation of this legendary part of our world.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 — Depart the U.S.A. / Cross the International Date Line

Day 2 — Hong Kong, China (Embark)
Once Asia’s premier outpost of capitalism, Hong Kong boasts a history that continues to be rewritten with the return of Chinese governance. You’ll have plenty of time this afternoon to settle into your cabin before the Clipper Odyssey sets sail.

Day 3 — Cruising the Taiwan Strait
Take advantage of the ship’s many fine amenities during your first full day at sea. Onboard experts will be available to answer questions and preview what lies ahead during the voyage.

Day 4 — Keelung, Taiwan
Keelung is your starting point for an excursion to T’aipei, the cultural and political capital of the island, situated in northern Taiwan. Visit the National Palace Museum, with its more than half a million Chinese art objects dating back to the Song Dynasty (A.D. 906-1279), before continuing to the National Revolutionary Martyrs Shrine, modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City and dedicated to Nationalist Chinese war heroes. Also see the traditional Ming-style Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and take in a bit of shopping before returning to the Clipper Odyssey.

Day 5 — Iriomote Jima, Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Boasting a dark and serene beauty, with mangrove forests and winding waterways, Iriomote Jima could easily be mistaken for Japan’s “last frontier.” Explore it today via Zodiac or local river vessel, following along the Urauchigawa River to refreshing Mariudo Falls. Hiking and swimming opportunities abound in this natural environment, also

Day 6-7 — Naha, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands
Relax on board this morning while cruising the East China Sea toward legendary Okinawa — site of one of World War II’s bloodiest battles, claiming more lives than all those killed during the atomic bombings of Japan that followed. Upon arrival in the colorful capital of Naha, visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where you’ll see the Cornerstone of Peace monument that lists the names of all who died here during World War II.

With two nights here, you’ll have ample time to learn more about this historic Ryukyu port. Other Naha sightseeing includes exploration of the underground Japanese naval headquarters; an opportunity to browse Heiwa-dori shopping arcade, a fine example of a modern Asian marketplace; and a stop at Tsuboya Pottery Centre, renowned for its ceramics since 1682.

Day 8 — Kume Shima / Ie Shima, Ryukyu Islands
Arrive early this morning in the Kerama Islands, a subtropical chain just off Okinawa’s western coast, for a full day of Zodiac cruising. Captured by American forces in 1945, these remote islands served as a staging area for the assault on Okinawa. Today, surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches, they simply invite relaxation, discovery, and fun in the sun. Experience traditional Japanese culture and nature at its finest while visiting Kume Shima and Ie Shima, also site of the Japanese sniper attack on American war correspondent Ernie Pyle.

Day 9 — Cruising the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Laze away the day admiring the lovely Ryukyu seascapes from the beckoning sun deck or, perhaps, by curling up with a good book in one of the Clipper Odyssey’s comfortable lounges. Our onboard experts are also available for lively discussion and conversation.

Day 10 — Kagoshima, Japan
During a full-day tour, walk the grounds once trod by the lord of the Shimazu clan as you visit the villa he built in the 17th century. Then trade the villa’s lush Iso and nearby Kyokusui gardens for a ferry ride to the still-active volcanic island of Sakurajima, where hot springs bubble and hardened lava fields surround the base of the mountain. After lunch, visit the old samurai houses in venerable Chiran, a castle town during Japan’s feudal Edo period and later home base for the feared kamikaze pilots of World War II. Also make a brief stop at the Chiran Peace Museum.

Day 11 — Nagasaki, Japan
Modern Nagasaki is one of Japan’s most charming destinations. Many reminders of the fateful events that have shaped its illustrious history are mirrored throughout the city as revealed on a morning tour that visits the six-story, steel Atomic Bomb Museum. Continue to Oura Catholic Church, Japan’s oldest Gothic-style wooden church and the only Western artifact to be designated a national treasure. And, at Glover Garden — on a hillside overlooking Nagasaki port — take in the picturesque setting for Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly. Your afternoon is free for independent discovery.

Day 12 — Shimonoseki / Cruising the Inland Sea, Japan
Early today, reach Shimonoseki along Kanmon Strait, which narrowly separates Japan’s “mainland,” Honshu, from the smaller island of Kyushu. Because of its strategic location during World War II, the city’s waterways were the targets of massive bombing. Today, however, Shimonoseki is better known for its production of fugu (the Japanese delicacy, blowfish). While here, enjoy a panoramic tour and visit the fortress of Kokura, spared destruction by atomic bomb due to overcast skies on August 9, 1945; Nagasaki, unfortunately, was the secondary target that day. Later this afternoon, set sail through Japan’s beautiful and scenic Inland Sea.

Day 13 — Hiroshima / Miyajima Island, Japan
Dock in Hiroshima today for an excursion to the city’s Peace Memorial Museum; see a historical display of this poignant city both before and after World War II. Then return to the ship for a short afternoon cruise to Miyajima Island.

Approaching by Zodiac from the sea, you will be greeted by the famous O-torii, a sacred cedarwood gateway towering more than 50 feet above the water. Once ashore, explore the island’s shrines, temples, five-story pagoda, quiet streets, and secluded gardens — all of which make this one of Japan’s most serene and beautiful places.

Day 14 — Kope, Japan (Disembark) / Return to the U.S.A.
After breakfast, disembark the Clipper Odyssey and transfer to the airport in Osaka for your return flight to the United States.

What's Included:

• 12 nights aboard the Clipper Odyssey in fully air-conditioned, outside staterooms with lower beds, individual temperature controls, and private bathroom facilities
• All meals during the cruise, prepared to order and served at single leisurely seatings
• All excursions and shoreside exploration
• All port charges
• All onboard gratuities
• All airport/ship transfers for Clipper~Air passengers traveling on scheduled dates of departure and return
• Distinguished onboard experts enhance your understanding and enjoyment
• Captain’s welcome aboard and farewell receptions and dinners
• Physician on board throughout the voyage

What's Not Included:

• Airfare is not included.

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.