Temples & Gardens of Ancient Japan

Dates: 
2007
Clipper Odyssey
May 1, 11*, 23
* Denotes Reverse Itinerary

Price starting from: $8,175

Immerse yourself in the myth and mystique of Japan and the serene beauty of South Korea on this incredible voyage aboard the comfortably elegant Clipper Odyssey. Sailing with fewer than 130 fellow passengers, discover Japan’s cultural legacy embodied in elegant gardens, ancient castles, and opulent temples and shrines. Explore historically significant places along Japan’s legendary Inland Sea that are set amidst beautiful, natural landscapes. In South Korea, discover Kyongju - the “museum without walls,” where history comes to life among tombs, temples, shrines, and pleasure gardens.

Throughout this unique voyage, travel in the company of a distinguished group of onboard historians and naturalists, whose knowledge of the extraordinary places you visit will enhance your enjoyment.

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Itinerary:

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

Day 2 — Osaka (Kansai Airport) / Kobe (Embark), Japan
Arrive at Osaka’s Kansai Airport and transfer to Kobe, where you will embark the Clipper Odyssey late this evening.

Day 3 — Uno Ko (for Okayama), Japan / Cruising the Inland Sea
Uno Ko is your starting point for a tour of Okayama. Visit Okayama Castle, also called "crow castle" because of its black exterior; and Koraku-en, one of Japan’s finest gardens, renowned for its beautifully landscaped lawns, attractive ponds, rice paddies, tiny tea plantation, and small buildings where poetry contests were once held. Stop at the Hayashibara Museum to see its splendid collection of Oriental furniture, swords, and costumes. This afternoon, set sail through Japan’s beautiful Inland Sea.

Day 4 — Hiroshima / Miyajima Island, Japan
Dock this morning in Hiroshima, where you may join an excursion to the Peace Memorial Museum, which houses a historical display of the city both before and after World War II. Return to the ship for a short cruise to Miyajima Island. Enter the harbor near the famous O-torii gateway, which stands in the sea and is unique for its height and cedarwood construction. Once ashore, you may join a walking tour through the quiet streets adorned with secluded gardens; temples; a five-story pagoda; and beautiful shrines, including Itsukushima Shrine, named a World Cultural Heritage Site and an outstanding architectural representation of Japan’s unique culture.

Day 5 — Uwajima, Japan
Enjoy a morning tour of Uwajima, including the Doi Pearl Farm; Tensha-en, a traditional Japanese garden; and Dairakuji Temple. Relax on deck this afternoon as you sail to Nagasaki.

Day 6 — Nagasaki, Japan
One of Japan’s most charming cities, cosmopolitan Nagasaki embodies many reminders of the fateful events that have shaped its history. Enjoy a city tour that includes a stop at the visibly moving Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover House, the setting for Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly. This afternoon is free for independent exploration.

Day 7 — Pusan (for Kyongju), South Korea
Pusan is known for its lovely parks and ancient temples tucked away in forested hills. You can explore the city on a tour that visits the National Museum, the United Nations cemetery, and the open-air fish market, or you may join a full-day excursion to South Korea’s famous Kyongju. Capital of the Shilla dynasty for more than 1,000 years, modern Kyongju is virtually an open-air museum exhibiting shrines, tombs, castles, temples, palace ruins, pleasure gardens, Buddhist statuary, and even an ancient observatory. Visit Tumuli Park, the National Museum, and exquisite Pulguksa Temple — the crowning glory of Shilla temple architecture.

Day 8 — Hagi, Japan
Hagi was the castle town of the feudal Mori family. Its old samurai residences are still occupied and townspeople still make use of water flowing through channels that irrigate rice paddies. A tour takes you to the famous Shoin Shrine, dedicated to the memory of the renowned philosopher and teacher, Yoshida Shoin. The shrine contains a replica of the small village school where Shoin taught. Contrast the simplicity of this village shrine with the stately Kikuya residence, built during the Edo period by a rich merchant. Continue to Daisho-in, the family temple of the powerful Mori family, famous for the hundreds of stone lanterns carved to honor the memory of former clan lords.

Day 9 — Sakai Ko (for Matsue), Japan
Straddling the Ohash-gawa River, the quaint town of Matsue is noted for its authenticity. A full-day tour takes you first to Matsue Castle, an authentic 17th-century feudal castle constructed wholly from wood and exhibiting beautifully fashioned interiors and numerous displays of weapons, armor, and art objects. Next, visit the Adachi Museum of Art, well known for its Japanese gardens and contemporary paintings. Continue on to Buke Yashiki, the home of a high-ranking samurai, and to the Lafcadio Hearn residence, home of the celebrated British author who lived in Matsue and whose works introduced Japan to the West around the turn of the 20th century.

Day 10 — Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa is a green oasis whose charm and gentle atmosphere have earned it the soubriquet “Jewel of the Sea of Japan.” Join a tour to the world-renowned Kenroku-en Garden. Completed over a span of two centuries during the samurai period, it was the private garden of the powerful Maeda clan. Continue to the lovely Gyokusen-en Garden before concluding your tour at the 300-year-old Omicho Market - also known as “Kanazawa Kitchen” - a maze of shops selling every kind of produce and seafood.

Day 11 — Sado Island, Japan
Made up of two parallel mountain ranges joined by a low, fertile plain, Sado Island was originally a penal colony for exiled intellectuals and political dissenters, and home to two prominent figures in Japanese history - Zeami, the 15th-century playwright and creator of Noh theatre; and the dissident priest Nichiren (1222-82), who founded a still vibrant Buddhist sect. During your time here, savor the distinctive pleasures of this isolated island with a visit to Myosenji Temple, with its unique five-story pagoda; a visit to a gold mine; and a stop at a soba (noodle-making) plant.

Day 12 — Aomori, Japan
Dock in the bustling town of Aomori, and board a ferry for an afternoon excursion to 17th-century Hirosaki Castle. Housing a small museum of samurai weaponry and garments, the castle lies in the midst of a beautiful park. From the castle, continue to Nebatanosato Village, where you may see the huge and colorful floats called neputa, which are used during the Aomori festival.

Return to the ship and sail late this evening for Hakodate.

Day 13 — Hakodate (Disembark) / Tokyo, Japan
Disembark the Clipper Odyssey after breakfast this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a tour of this vibrant Asian metropolis. Tokyo remains a dazzling example of the “miracle” of post-World War II Japan, where the urgent rhythms of a vibrant consumer culture collide with quieter legacies from an older tradition. Following your tour, check in at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo and enjoy an evening at leisure. Explore on your own, perhaps encountering some of Tokyo’s more traditional sights - an ancient wooden house, a Japanese inn, an old woman in a kimono sweeping the pavement outside her home.

Day 14 — Tokyo / Return to the U.S.A.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Narita Airport for your return flight to the U.S.A.

What's Included:

• 11 nights aboard the Clipper Odyssey in fully air-conditioned, outside staterooms with lower beds, individual temperature controls, and private bathroom facilities

• Air transportation from Hakodate to Tokyo

• One postcruise night at a deluxe hotel in Tokyo, including one lunch, one breakfast, Tokyo city tour, and all taxes and service charges

• All meals during the cruise, prepared to order and served at single leisurely seatings

• All sightseeing and shore excursions throughout the journey

• All port charges and onboard gratuities

• All airport/ship/hotel 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.