Kyoto & the Zen of Japan Cruise Tour
 
Yokohama (Tokyo) to Kyoto
Thu Sep 21, 2023 - Mon Oct 2, 2023,
 11 days
 on Star Breeze
?All-inclusive from
$6,000
?Cruise Only From
$5,199
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Yokohama (Tokyo) to Kyoto
From the tranquil Zen beauty of Kinkakuji Temple to the vibrant blinking plasma screens and incessant press of pedestrians throughout Tokyo’s Shibuya Station, this 12-day cruise tour throughout Japan combines pristine natural beauty with contemporary and cosmopolitan contrasts. Nibble on freshly caught fish paired with salty soy sauce and fiery wasabi in Shimizu’s world-famous Fish Market. Meander among East Asian relics and prehistoric stone tools in Busan’s museums, ornate temples and royal tombs in Gyeongju, one of South Korea’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sip steamy green tea in the peaceful shade of chestnut trees near the scenic Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu City, or participate in the ancient rituals of a formal tea ceremony. Examine Kyoto’s majestic temples and storied Nijo Castle in detail as part of a 2-night inland stay, or explore the Zen temple of Tenryuji in scenic and peaceful Arashiyama, one of the most popular destinations in the city. It’s a perfect journey for those who love Japan, and adventurous travelers who want to go further inland to explore the distinctive culture and history of Kyoto.
voyage map
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Day 1: Yokohama (Tokyo)
Yokohama, the gateway to Tokyo,  was one of the first Japanese ports open to foreign trade. It contains a large Chinatown with hundreds of Chinese shops and restaurants.  It is also known for its botanical park, Sankei-en Garden, containing preserved Japanese residences from different eras, and for the seaside Minato Mirai District, site of the Landmark Tower, standing 971 feet high.
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Day 2: Shimizu
Most notably known as the city you can see  the UNESCO site of Mount Fuji from.  This small port city considered one of the three most beautiful ports in Japan has many historical building like Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sumpugo Park, and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine. The 65-foot Shiraito Waterfall, located near Mount Fuji looks like it could be silk. Enjoy tuna from Japan’s largest fishery here or a cup of maccha, a Japanese green tea.
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Day 4: Kagoshima
The seaside city of Kagoshima is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano facing Kinko Bay. Take a tour to the Shiroyama Observatory or to the peaceful Edo-period Sengamen Japanese Garden. Visit the Ishibashi Park and the three Edo-period stone bridges or travel to the nearby village of Chiran to see the well-preserved Samurai Houses and the Chiran Peace Museum, exploring the background of kamikaze pilots.
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Day 5: Hashima Island
Cruise around the island of Hashima, abandoned over 50 years ago when the coal mining that flourished there suddenly ran out. The mining company shut the mine down and the island has been a ghost town ever since. (Visibility depends on weather conditions.)
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Day 5: Nagasaki
Notable for the nuclear attack it suffered during WWII, Nagasaki has memorialized the event at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. The museum tells the story of the events leading up to the bombing and the park, located at the center of the bomb blast, houses a beautiful 30-foot tall fountain symbolizing peace. Other highlights to see are the Glover Gardens and Dejima Museum, which was originally an artificial island.
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Day 6: Busan
The second largest city in South Korea is a popular leisure destination due to the nearby hot springs. It is home to many famous beaches that lure visitors from around the world and the UNESCO site of Gyeongju an outdoor museum that was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom and holds many architectural points of interest including ornate temples.   Also of interest is South Korea’s largest temple, Tongdosa Temple, renowned for having no outdoor statues.
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Day 7: Karatsu
Located on the island of Kyushu, Karatsu is one of the closest Japanese cities to the Korean Peninsula. Karatsu Castle is the main attraction here. Built in 1608, it houses a museum of the castle’s history and Karatsu ceramics. Karatsu is also known for its pottery which can be viewed at the Karatsu-yaki Pottery Gallery. Also worth visiting is the Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall which displays the 14 floats used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi Festival in November.
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Day 8: Hiroshima
Fold a paper crane to leave at the Atomic Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Hiroshima Castle to see three trees that survived the bombing that destroyed the castle itself. Or head to Miyajima, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, for a look at the vermillion Itsukushima Shrine floating in the sea — yet another World Heritage Site.
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Day 9: Takamatsu
The main gateway to Shikoku Island and an important focal point for the island’s rail and road transit systems, Takamatsu, on Japan’s scenic Inland Sea, has been a political and economic center since the Edo period. Among the attractions here is Ritsurin Garden, created during the Edo period, and especially popular during spring for the cherry blossoms and autumn for the fall foliage. Takamatsu Symbol tower has several observation decks providing panoramic views of the sea and landscapes.
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Day 10: Osaka
Osaka is the gateway to Kyoto with great street food, bright lights and delightful night life. Its main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat and many flowering trees. Kyoto is famous for its numerous Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It is also known for formal traditions like kaiseki dining (multiple courses of precise dishes) and geisha entertainers.

What’s Included?


• 2 hotel nights at Intercontinental Osaka

• All transfer to and from the various included sites

• Admission fees to Kasuga Shrine, Todaiji Temple, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Kimono & Tea Tasting Experience

• 10-day cruise aboard your Windstar small ship
Popular Highlights
Hashima
Take in the scenery as you cruise around the abandoned island of Hashima, near Nagasaki
 
Hiroshima
Enjoy the cuisine of Hiroshima, with not-to-be-missed Okonomiyaki savory pancakes
 
Nagasaki
Respectfully remember “Never Again” at the Peace Memorial Parks of Nagasaki and Hiroshima
 
Nijo Castle
With extra time to discover Kyoto’s sites, see Kinkakuji Castle, known as the Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle, a UNESCO site with ornate wood carvings
Seto Inland Sea
Realize the scenic beauty of Japan’s Inland Sea, where few ships go
 
Shimizu
Discover the beauty of UNESCO site Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, when you get to Shimizu
 
Shingu
Visit the UNESCO site of Shingu, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, a part of the Sacred Sites of Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range 
 
Tea Ceremony
Don a kimono and participate in a Traditional Tea Ceremony
Itinerary at a Glance
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
Watersports
PlatformWatersports Platform: 
Thu Sep 21
Yokohama (Tokyo)
Arrive:  
Depart:  7:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Sep 22
Shimizu
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Sep 23
AT SEA
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Sep 24
Kagoshima
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Sep 25
Hashima Island
Arrive:  6:00 AM
Depart:  7:30 AM
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Sep 25
Nagasaki
Arrive:  10:00 AM
Depart:  10:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Tue Sep 26
Busan
Arrive:  1:00 PM
Depart:  9:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Wed Sep 27
Karatsu
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  4:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Thu Sep 28
Hiroshima
Arrive:  10:00 AM
Depart:  7:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Sep 29
Takamatsu
Arrive:  9:00 AM
Depart:  5:30 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Sep 30
Osaka
Arrive:  12:30 AM
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Star Breeze
Carrying only 312 guests, Star Breeze still tucks into small ports like Le Lavandou and Wrangell or narrow waterways like the Corinth and Keil Canal. Learn more about the newly renovated ship and the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative.
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Accommodations & Pricing
This all-suite ship completed renovation as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to provide more of what our guests love.
Star Porthole Suite
Star Porthole Suite
These rooms represent a nod to the sailing tradition of porthole windows. And while sailors might have had cramped quarters, your 277 square foot stateroom is wonderfully spacious and furnished with all the modern amenities and comforts of home.
? Cruise only from $5,199 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $6,000 per guest
Ocean View Suite
Ocean View Suite
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $5,399 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $6,200 per guest
Ocean View Suite 1
Ocean View Suite 1
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $5,499 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $6,300 per guest
Star Ocean View Suite 1
Star Ocean View Suite 1
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? Cruise only from $5,699 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $6,500 per guest
Ocean View Suite 2
Ocean View Suite 2
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $5,799 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $6,600 per guest
Ocean View Suite 3
Ocean View Suite 3
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $5,999 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $6,800 per guest
Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $6,999 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $7,800 per guest
Balcony Suite 1
Balcony Suite 1
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $7,299 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $8,100 per guest
Star Balcony Suite 1
Star Balcony Suite 1
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? Cruise only from $7,499 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $8,300 per guest
Classic Suite
Classic Suite
Relax in 400 to 530 spacious square feet. Your living area offers beautiful views from the forward-facing window and French doors onto your private veranda. Two spacious closets give you plenty of room to unpack.
? Cruise only from $12,199 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $13,000 per guest
Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite
With 575 square feet, your Owner’s Suite offers separate living room and dining areas. A veranda, Interactive TVs and a full master bath and separate powder room indulge you in spacious comfort. 
? Cruise only from $13,699 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $14,500 per guest
Guaranteed Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
? Call for Availability
Guaranteed Balcony Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Balcony Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Balcony Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
? Call for Availability
Star Balcony Suite
Star Balcony Suite
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? Call for Availability
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
Brand new Deluxe Suites welcome you with 468 square feet of casually elegant living space and an ocean viewing French balcony. All these suites feature 3rd berths, and a sleep-inducing queen bed easily converted to twins.
? Call for Availability
The Windstar Life
The Windstar staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5, and it shows.The moment you board you’ll feel it: an ever-attentive crew at your service, providing you with what you want and need, when you want and need it.
Cooking Demonstrations
Open Bridge
Friendly and Relaxed Atmosphere
Local and Live Performances
Signature Sail Away
Crew Talent Show
Enjoy regionally inspired treatments at World Spa by Windstar
Take In The Sun
Complimentary 24 Hour Room Service
Relax at the Pool or Hot Tub
Relax With A Morning Yoga Session
Genuine and Thoughtful Crew
Signature Onboard Barbecue
Shopping With The Chef
Watersports Platform
ALL DATES &
FARES
7-for-7
Up to $1000 Onboard Credit
Great cruise-only fares or make it an all-inclusive voyage with Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, and gratuities. From $89 per guest per day.
Date
Ship
All-Inclusive
From
Cruise Only
From
Thu, Sep 21 - Mon, Oct 2, 2023
STAR BREEZE
$6,000
$5,199
THIS
SAILING
Thu, Sep 28 - Tue, Oct 10, 2023
STAR BREEZE
$6,089
$5,199
Tue, Oct 10 - Sun, Oct 22, 2023
STAR BREEZE
$5,589
$4,699
Wed, Oct 18 - Mon, Oct 30, 2023
STAR BREEZE
$6,089
$5,199