Japan Explorer Cherry Blossoms Cruise

Day 1 - Tokyo

Arrive: Sat 25 March 2028 / Depart: Sat 25 March 2028 at 16:00

Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866. Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza - an international shopping mecca - stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the "Eastern Capital," to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the "Western Capital."

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Kagoshima, Japón

Arrive: Mon 27 March 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 27 March 2028 at 18:00

From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai. The symbol of Kagoshima is Sakura Jima - the volcanic island that sits just offshore. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history.

Day 4 - Nagasaki

Arrive: Tue 28 March 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 28 March 2028 at 17:00

For most travelers, Nagasaki is a symbol of the horror and the inhumanity of war. An estimated 75,000 people perished in 1945 when the city became the second target of a nuclear attack. Today, Nagasaki's Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world. But this beautiful city on Kyushu offers other sights. Often described as the San Francisco of Japan, the city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. For three centuries, Nagasaki was Japan's sole window on the world. The city is also celebrated as the setting for Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly."

Day 5 - Busan, South Korea

Arrive: Wed 29 March 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 29 March 2028 at 16:00

The second largest city in South Korea, Busan is your gateway to a fascinating land whose culture is a unique amalgam of old and new. Modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples. The city's bustling business district offers a stark contrast to the serene grounds of Yongdusan Park. In short, Busan is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose startling economic success often obscures one of Asia's most sophisticated and venerable cultures. Busan was the scene of bitter fighting during the Korean War. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery marks the final resting place for the troops from 16 nations who gave their lives during the conflict.

Day 6 - Kanmon Straits Scenic Cruising

Day 7 - Hiroshima

Arrive: Fri 31 March 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 31 March 2028 at 21:00

On August 6, 1945, human history was irrevocably altered when the American bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The bomb was code-named "Little Boy," but its detonation left half the city in ruins and aflame. Today, Hiroshima is a monument not only to the destructive forces harnessed by men but also to the indomitable will of the human spirit to overcome tragedy. At the heart of the city lies Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The gutted walls of the city's old Industry Promotion Hall and the skeletal frame that supported its copper dome, vaporized in the blast, are instantly recognizable symbols of Hiroshima. Travelers to Hiroshima will discover a more serene note at nearby Miyajima Island. One of the top-three scenic spots of Japan, the island is home to ancient Itsukushima Shrine, a designated National Treasure.

Day 8 - Matsuyama

Arrive: Sat 01 April 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 01 April 2028 at 17:00

Matsuyama, Japan, is a peaceful haven where you can indulge in the healing waters of hot springs, satisfy your sweet tooth with amazing Japanese confections, and discover the area's rich literary tradition. The largest city on the island of Shikoku, Matsuyama developed around its celebrated 17th-century castle. Lined with cherry trees, this extensive fortress is a museum of historic relics from weaponry to armor, calligraphy and art. It also offers phenomenal views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea from its hilltop perch. Another city hotspot is Dogo Onsen, Japan's oldest hot springs. Known throughout Japan as a popular setting in the late author Natsume Soseki's famed novel, Botchan, Dogo Onsen features an elegant and inviting public bathhouse where many a visitor renews their spirit. Matsuyama is also the birthplace of Masaoka Shiki, considered the "Father of Modern Japanese Haiku Poetry," and there are several monuments to the haiku located throughout the city. From the hospitality at the hot springs to the renowned Matsuyama tarts and botchan dango (rice dumplings in bean paste), you won't want to leave this port!

Day 9 - Beppu

Arrive: Sun 02 April 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 02 April 2028 at 17:00

Ominous steam rises from the Japanese island of Kyushu where Beppu lies in wait. But not to worry - this legendary tourist town is renowned for its healing geothermal waters and spas. Overlooking Beppu Bay to its east and protected from the west by dramatic mountain peaks, this exotic city is blanketed with misty turquoise waters and elegant Japanese foliage. Its main attraction is the "Hells of Beppu," a collection of nine stunning onsen, or hot springs, some of which feature geysers and colorful waters in shades from white to copper to sapphire. The springs' names, including Kamado-Jigoku (Boiling Hell) and Oniyama-Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell), are somewhat misleading as all of the hot springs are breathtakingly beautiful rather than frightening - though your nose may cower and crinkle at the sulfurous odor they emit!

Day 10 - Kochi (Cochin), India

Arrive: Mon 03 April 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 03 April 2028 at 17:00

Cochin on the Kerala coast is an exotic fable sprung to life. The city has been a major seaport and trading center since before the Roman Empire. Cultures from three continents met here in trade, and their legacy is reflected in the city's rich heritage. Cochin boasts a Portuguese church, a Dutch palace, an exquisite Synagogue with Chinese floor tiles and old godowns (warehouses) still bursting with spices and coir. Cochin is a series of small islands and peninsulas linked by bridges. The city is also your Southern gateway to greater India.

Day 11 - Osaka

Arrive: Tue 04 April 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 04 April 2028 at 23:00

For centuries, Osaka was Japan's cultural and commercial gateway to Asia - the point of entry both for trade goods and, most importantly, cultural influences that shaped Japanese society. From tea to Zen, from art to science and philosophy, Osaka was Japan's contact with the great East Asian cultures that flourished in China and Korea. The city reached its zenith in the late 16th century, when the great feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi made Osaka his capital. Toyotomi was master of Japan, and an immense administrative and commercial center rapidly developed around Osaka Castle. After Toyotomi's death, the nation's seat of power shifted from Osaka to a sleepy little fishing village called Edo - modern Tokyo. While overshadowed by Tokyo, Osaka remains Japan's second largest city and a vital commercial center. Modern Osaka is home to monuments from Japan's past including Toyotomi's immense castle and the Sumiyoshi Shrine. The city is also your gateway to Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital and the nation's cultural and spiritual center.

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Tokyo

Arrive: Thu 06 April 2028 at 06:00 / Depart: Thu 06 April 2028

Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866. Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza - an international shopping mecca - stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the "Eastern Capital," to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the "Western Capital."