Japan Explorer Cherry Blossoms Cruise

Day 1 - Tokyo

Arrive: Thu 09 March 2028 / Depart: Thu 09 March 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."

Day 2 - Nagoya

Arrive: Fri 10 March 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 10 March 2028 at 15:00

Nagoya, capital of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, is a manufacturing and shipping hub in central Honshu. The city’s Naka ward is home to museums and pachinko (gambling machine) parlors. Naka also includes the Sakae entertainment district, with attractions like the Sky-Boat Ferris wheel, which is attached to a mall.

Day 3 - Kochi (Cochin), India

Arrive: Sat 11 March 2028 at 10:00 / Depart: Sat 11 March 2028 at 18:00

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 4 - Miyazaki

Arrive: Sun 12 March 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 12 March 2028 at 17:00

Boasting the second warmest temperatures in Japan, Miyazaki offers a playground of outdoor activities that take full advantage of its balmy breezes and aquamarine waters. A resort atmosphere permeates Miyazaki, fragranced by blooms from local botanical gardens. Emerald green golf courses, some of the best surfing in Japan, and a zoo with the largest number of flamingos in captivity in all of Japan add to the festive atmosphere. A Peace Tower, built with stones from throughout Asia anchors the city and Heiwadai Park and is one of the most noted landmarks. Visit Haniwa Gardens where over 400 replica haniwa (burial statues) make for wonderful photo opportunities, and see Miyazaki's history and culture on display at The Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History, located on the same grounds as the picturesque Miyazaki Shrine. For a change of pace, stop into the Miyazaki Science Center where an animatronics "Dr. Cosmo" welcomes you to this hands-on museum. Looking for a little adventure? Try a side trip to Aoshima, a small island just off the coast of Miyazaki City, and enjoy the charming Aoshima Shrine and over 400 species of subtropical plants. The options are endless in Miyazaki to soak up local color…or just soak up the sun!

Day 5 - Hiroshima

Arrive: Mon 13 March 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 13 March 2028 at 19:00

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 6 - Kanmon Straits Scenic Cruising

Day 7 - Busan, South Korea

Arrive: Wed 15 March 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 15 March 2028 at 15:00

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 8 - Yatsushiro

Arrive: Thu 16 March 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 16 March 2028 at 17:00

Yatsushiro city was developed around a beautiful Shinto shrine, built during the Heian era (794–1185). Situated along the delta of the Kuma River, facing Yatsushiro Bay, this castle town and its ruins still showcase the spirit of the city. A visit to the ruins of Yatsushiro Castle (now part of a Shinto shrine) is a good place to begin your day. Another fun and scenic landmark is the flight of 777 stairs cut into the nearby mountains. Visitors are rewarded with panoramic views from the top – there are benches to rest on along the way! Yatsushiro is famous for its 16th century pottery designed with a distinctive blue-gray crackled glaze with white inlay. Craft enthusiast and collectors can visit three Kodayaki kilns in the area. Shopping enthusiasts will also enjoy the honmachi, a covered arcade that runs the length of several city blocks, and adventurous foodies can partake in some of the city's most exotic local fare, including Basashi, raw horse meat served with soy and garlic, a delicacy of the area. For those with a more traditional palate, the light green Rush ice cream is a treat, as is the banpeiyu fruit, the largest citrus fruit in Japan which is in season from December to January.

Day 9 - Kagoshima

Arrive: Fri 17 March 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 17 March 2028 at 16:00

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 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - Tokyo

Arrive: Sun 19 March 2028 at 06:00 / Depart: Sun 19 March 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."