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    Itinerary

    A&K expedition – Wonders of Japan

    Enquire
    The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer
    Bethan Leyland

    Escorted Tours Travel Consultant

    01242 386 483

    01242 386 483

    Globe
    Best Time To Go

    May

    Calendar
    Holiday Length

    13 nights

    Label
    Price guide

    From £13,996pp

    The price shown is a guide - based on two people sharing, excluding international flights. There are many factors that can influence the price such as class of flight, number of people travelling and trip extensions. Ask your travel specialist for more information.
    map marker
    Holiday type

    Cruise

    Highlights

    A&K expedition – Wonders of Japan

    Experience the scenic side of Japan, visiting unique ports and tranquil wilderness on board exclusively chartered Le Soleal. Listen to A&K's award-winning expedition team’s talks and choose from a variety of exciting experiences en route.

    Dates (2019)    Price per person from 

    30 May

    2 June

    		    £13,966

    Trip details

    Here's a taste of your next A&K holiday
    Day 1
    Arrive Osaka, Japan
    Day 2
    Kyoto | Cultural Epicentre
    Day 3
    Osaka | The Adventure Begins
    Day 4
    Takamatsu | Explore Your Way
    Day 5
    Hiroshima/Miyajima | Hiroshima & the Iconic Torii Gate
    Day 6
    Karatsu | Ancient Trading Post
    Day 7
    Gyeongju, South Korea | Ancient Korean Capital
    Day 8
    Matsue, Japan | Verdant Gardens
    Days 9 - 10
    Kanazawa | Epicentre for the Arts
    Day 11
    Sado-ga-shima | Kodo Drummers
    Day 12
    Noshiro/Aomori | Ancient Caldera Lake
    Day 13
    Otaru | Historic Canal
    Day 14
    Depart Sapporo
    Click for day-by-day details >

    Arrive Osaka, Japan

    Arrive at Osaka’s Kansai International Airport. After clearing customs and immigration, meet your A&K representative and transfer to your hotel in Kyoto, situated in the historic area of Higashiyama Shichijo. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and getting used to your new surroundings, or alternately, set out to explore Kyoto with a guide. This culturally rich former capital features over 2,000 temples and shrines, 17 of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Because the city largely avoided bombing during WWII, its historic feel remains intact.

    Kyoto | Cultural Epicentre

    Enjoy an informative tour of Kyoto, stopping by Nijo Castle and the Golden Pavilion, and at Tenryuji Temple there’s a fascinating talk about Zen Buddhism. Then it’s lunch at a local restaurant. Continue on to the Heian Shrine in the afternoon before coming back to your hotel. This evening, there’s a welcome reception and dinner with fellow clients, your A&K guides and the local guides who’ll be accompanying you on your voyage.

    Osaka | The Adventure Begins

    After breakfast, a guided tour of local temples and lunch, transfer from Kyoto to Osaka to board Le Soleal, your floating home for the next 11 nights. With 132 cabins and suites for 264 passengers and 140 crew members, you have both privacy and the opportunity to enjoy social time. Le Soleal has two restaurants, a pool, an internet station, a Wii games area, a library, a panoramic lounge and a theatre. She’s also equipped with a beauty centre with fitness equipment and a spa.

    Takamatsu | Explore Your Way

    Arrive in Takamatsu, gateway to Shikoku Island, and choose from a wide array of excursions revolving around nature, gastronomy, arts or culture. Travel to Naoshima Island by ferry to explore its architecture and art museums. Alternately, board a high-speed boat to Shodoshima, the heart of Japan’s olive-growing industry, for a full-day tour. Otherwise, remain on Shikoku Island to experience the highlights of Takamatsu – a visit to Ritsurin Park (one of Japan’s finest gardens), an udon noodle-making demonstration, or exploring the shops and enjoying the lively atmosphere at your own pace.

    Hiroshima/Miyajima | Hiroshima & the Iconic Torii Gate

    Arrive in Hiroshima, where you can visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum. Then either take a tour and explore Hiroshima Castle or take a speedboat ride to Miyajima Island to see the scarlet torii gate at the entrance to the sacred Shinto Shrine, and Itsukushima-Jinja Shrine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure. You can also ascend Mount Misen by cable car before returning to the ship to sail on through the Kamnon Strait en route to the Korea Strait. 

    Karatsu | Ancient Trading Post

    This afternoon, Le Soleal makes her inaugural visit to the port of Karatsu, an early trading post between Japan and mainland Asia which still maintains its heritage. Visit Karatsu Castle and the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, which houses the floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi autumn festival. The Ningyo Joruri (puppet theatre) and the Nakazato Taroemon Kiln, a ceramic studio that’s been active since the 16th century, are also well worth a visit. Alternatively, meet green tea farmers and pick your own tea leaves in the Kitahata Shige region.

    Gyeongju, South Korea | Ancient Korean Capital

    Spend a full day exploring Gyeongju, South Korea, the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness its excavated monuments, temples, tombs and pagodas, gaining insight from a cultural historian. Then, unearth the treasures of the National Museum, which houses an exceptional collection of gold jewellery, metal weapons and distinctive pottery. Sit down to a lunch of Korean delicacies and witness a traditional dance performance.

    Matsue, Japan | Verdant Gardens

    Disembark at Sakaiminato to visit Matsue, the “town of water”, which sits between a scenic lake and a large lagoon. Visit the Peonies Village to wander through its picturesque Yuushien Garden, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining medieval castles that retains its wooden form. Alternately, see the Adachi Museum of Art, which combines Japanese fine art and garden design. Following a traditional meal at a ryokan, visit Yakumo-mura Village to learn about the art of paper-making.

    Kanazawa | Epicentre for the Arts

    Spend the next two days exploring the thriving art centre of Kanazawa. View traditional houses, museums and galleries, as well as a geisha performance at Higashi Chaia geisha district. Later, enjoy a tea ceremony and discover the sophisticated Kenroku-en Garden, known for its contemplative botanical designs. Or, choose a more active excursion that includes a hike in Kakusenkei Gorge; lunch at a local restaurant; and an onsen experience in the Yamanaka Onsen district, or a visit to scenic Shirakawa-go and the Shogawa River Valley.

    Sado-ga-shima | Kodo Drummers

    Go off the beaten track at Sado Island, a picturesque location decorated with rice paddies, bamboo groves and dramatic, surf-pounded coasts. Political exiles, deposed emperors and intellectuals were once banished to live in this beautiful but harsh setting. Today, you can enjoy an exclusive performance by the legendary Kodo Taiko drummers, an exhilarating experience, followed by a rare opportunity to meet the world-famous troupe. Return to the ship and set sail for the west coast of Japan’s mainland.  

    Noshiro/Aomori | Ancient Caldera Lake

    Disembark in Noshiro and head to Towada-Hachimantai National Park, passing through the panoramic mountain-plateau region of Hachimantai, part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Stop at Great Drum House to see the drums used in the Tsuzureko Shrine Festival, before a boat ride on the ancient caldera of Lake Towada. For a more in-depth experience, you can also take a trekking excursion to Juniko Lake alongside an A&K naturalist and a national park nature guide. Later this afternoon, re-board the ship in Aomori.

    Otaru | Historic Canal

    Arrive in Otaru, on the island of Hokkaido, a picturesque city known for its historic canal, well-preserved architecture, and stunning views of Mount Tengu. At the impressive “Herring Mansion”, learn the history of the Aoyama family. Then try samples at a sake distillery and end the day with a stroll up the canal. Alternatively, explore Mount Tengu by gondola, looking out for the 100-year-old cherry tree, and visit Tengu House where nearly 700 goblin masks are exhibited. After your descent back to the city, partake in a hands-on glass-making workshop.

    Depart Sapporo

    On at least one day of your cruise, you should get up early to watch the sun rise over the ocean – a once in a lifetime sight. Enjoy breakfast with your crewmates and fellow clients, laden with pictures, stories and memories of all the tastes and scents you experienced throughout Japan. Then savour your final moments here as you transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight, or else, if you can’t tear yourself away, continue onward with your travels independently.

    Asia & Australasia team

    From Tokyo's sacred shrines to the snow-capped mountains of New Zealand, our well-travelled team will craft the right itinerary for you
    Meet the team

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