Your day of traditional art and customs begins with Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, a complex of 7 shrines, the 3 main ones remodeled over a period of 60 years beginning in 1804. Sengen Shrine contains 26 "Important Cultural Assets" and an extensive collection of historical artifacts from the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for 300 years during the Edo Period. Step into the large, two-story worship hall and marvel at the views of Mount Fuji. Your next destination will bring you to Miho no Matsubara, a picturesque pine grove along the eastern coast of the Miho Peninsula, given the distinction of "New Three Views of Japan," a designation of scenic beauty. This inspirational spot for artists offers dramatic views of Mount Fuji, and if you walk deep into the pine grove, you'll spy a 650-year-old Japanese black pine called Hagoromo-no-Matsu.  The tour will conclude with a visit to the Fish Market in Shimizu. Upon arrival, the guide will escort you to the walking tour in the Fish Market, to wander around this busy fish market full of local people. After walking, you will have an opportunity to have lunch at a local restaurant in the market, which serves the Japanese Style Set menu including freshest sashimi (sliced raw fish). Enjoy your local dining experience with this special atmosphere.

Please note:  The path from the parking lot to Miho no Matsubara is about half a mile. It is wheelchair accessible. Mount Fuji can be seen, weather permitting. The order of the tour sites may vary. Wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing. Bring local currency.

You will be taken to Mt. Kagami (Kagamiyama) to enjoy the panoramic view of Karatsu city. Mt. Kagami is 284 feet high and you will be able to see the view of Karatsu Bay, Niji no Matsubara (Pine tree forest) and Iki Island if the weather is clear. The tour will continue to Hikiyama Exhibition Hall. This hall stores the 14 floats of the Karatasu Kunchi Festival which takes place annually from November 2 to 4. Karatsu Kunchi Festival decorated floats are hauled through the streets by participants in Edo Period garb to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. On the second day of the festival the floats, known as Hikiyama are taken to Nishinohama Beach, within view of Karatsu castle. Karatsu Kunchi Festival was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. Next will be the former residence of Koreyoshi Takatori, a coal magnate. He had this luxurious seaside residence built with an incredible sense of detail. Wonderfully restored, it illustrates the lifestyle of the upper middle classes during the Meiji Period. The residence is divided into two parts, one for the family and the other for guests, and includes a Zen garden, tearoom, and Nô theatre. On the first floor, the view of the garden that blends so perfectly with the beach and the islands of Karatsu Bay in the background is quite stunning.

Please note: Bring local currency, sunscreen, a hat, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Order of sites visited may vary. Guests are required to take off their shoes at the Takatori residence.

Depart from the pier, and drive to Karatsu Castle which was built by the feudal lord, Hirotaka Terazawa, in 1608, and located on a small hill facing Karatsu Bay. After the Meiji Restoration of 1868 the castle was pulled down leaving only the stone walls and foundations as part of Maizuru Park, which opened in 1877. The present 5-story Karatsu Castle is a ferro-concrete structure built in the style of the original 17th century castle in 1966. The yagura (towers) were built at the same time with the Tatsumi yagura added later, in 1990. The tour will continue to Hikiyama Exhibition Hall that stores the 14 floats of the Karatasu Kunchi Festival which takes place annually from November 2 to 4. These decorated floats are hauled through the streets by participants in Edo Period garb to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. On the second day of the festival the floats, known as Hikiyama are taken to Nishinohama Beach, within a view of Karatsu Castle. Karatsu Kunchi Festival was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. Before heading back the port, you will be taken to Mount Kagami (Kagamiyama) to enjoy the panoramic view of Karatsu city. Mount  Kagami is 931 feet high and you will be able to see the lovely view of Karatsu Bay, Niji no Matsubara (Pine tree forest) and Iki island if the weather is clear.

Please note:  This tour includes approximately 1.5 hours of walking or standing.  There are 231 steps from the parking to the castle garden, but there is one elevator available. The path is mostly gravel. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing and bring local currency, sunscreen and a hat.

Explore the unique spirituality of Buddhism on a nearly 4-hour excursion that includes a tour of the renowned Beomeosa Temple followed by a cultural performance. Shrouded in myths and serenity, the temple’s pagodas, gates, temple halls, and shrines are recognized as South Korea's National Treasures and are exceptional sights to behold. Your journey will begin as soon as you board your motor coach for the 50-minute ride through Busan's northern suburbs. You will pass Mount Geumjeongsan. Here, nestled deep in the forest sits the 1,300-year-old Beomeosa Temple, constructed in 678 A.D. Beomeosa once contained over 360 rooms and more than 1,000 monks lived here. The temple was burned to the ground in 1592 and rebuilt in 1602. After crossing an ancient bridge you’ll disembark. The first gate you'll meet is called "One Pillar Gate." With the scent of incense filling the air you’ll continue on past the 300-year-old Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings. Then, you'll have the chance to leisurely wander around the spellbinding grounds. Continue on to your next attraction, the Nurimaru APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) House. Located on Dongbaek Island, it was built to host the APEC summit meeting in 2005.  The island’s lighthouse stands guard proudly in the distance. Inside, an enormous masterpiece of lacquer and mother-of-pearl depicting the 12 Korean symbols of longevity will greet you, and a small museum exhibits items from the countries that attended the summit.  There are interactive displays and videos to further your understanding of the summit’s international significance, and so many thoughtful details will help you to really imagine the summit experience, including a replica of a meal the delegates were served!

Please note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Gyeongju is known as the Museum Without Walls, as it was once the capital of the Shilla Kingdom. It blossomed into a major cultural center after the Shilla Dynasty unified the Korean peninsula in 676 A.D. Today, Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and your tour of the city will reveal spectacular architectural points of interests, as well as extraordinary museums and ornate temples. Your first stop is at the breathtaking Tumuli Park—home to some 20 Shilla Dynasty royal tombs . Your guide will show you the colorful Flying Horse Tomb. Belonging to an unknown king from the Silla dynasty, it was excavated in 1973 and is believed to date back to the 5th century. The tomb once contained a famous painting of a white horse and a chest full of burial goods, including iron kettles, pottery, bronze vessels, saddles and a sword. Next, you will journey to the wonderful National Museum—a treasure trove of Korean cultural artifacts including gold crowns, Buddhist relics and prehistoric stone instruments. View the Divine Bell of King Songdok—a bronze bell that stands 11 feet tall and weighs an incredible 23 tons. You will visit the serene Bulguksa Temple perched on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan—a quiet oasis that is a superb example of both Shilla architecture and the culture's devotion to Buddhism. Your guide will lead you among this amazing collection of wooden buildings (many of them have been rebuilt many times), stone bridges, stairways and pagodas (all original). After enjoying the temple grounds, re-board the motor coach for the journey back to the port.

Please note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing that covers shoulders and knees. A Korean beef barbecue will be served for lunch.

For guests who want to discover more about Korean culture, this wonderful half-day excursion is a great place to start. After meeting your guide at the ship, you will then drive through the commercial district, banks and department stores on the way to the temple. You will visit either the Beomeosa Temple or Geumgangsa Temple for your first stop of the day. Beomeosa, one of 10 HwaEom temples in Korea, was established to realize the purpose of HwaEom which pursues a life full of happiness and generosity. It was founded in 678 A.D., and is home to an impressive 7th century stone pagoda.  After exploring the serene temple grounds you will then be invited to take part in an ancient tea ceremony. You will be taught the rituals and rules of this important tradition, before enjoying green tea and Korean rice cakes with your hosts. After you have learned more about the culture of this wonderful country, you will climb back on to the motor coach and enjoy the glorious drive through stunning countryside back to your ship.

Please note: Wear conservative clothing that covers knees and shoulders, and comfortable walking shoes.  Guests will be seated on the floor for the traditional tea ceremony so this tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with mobility issues. 

You will head to Tongdosa Temple, located at of Mt. Chiseosan. Tongdosa Temple is famous for not having any Buddhist statues in the temple. This is because the real shrines of the Buddha are preserved here. Tongdosa Temple is said to have survived numerous wars and invasions, its Beopdeung (temple candle) has never gone out, for 1,300 years. Inside, there are 35 buildings and pagodas, and 14 small temples in its vicinity. The main building is designated as National Treasure No.290. The temple is similar to a museum because of the numerous relics inside. There are 19 local treasures and 794 local cultural properties inside the temple. In place of the Buddha statue, the Geumgang Stairs behind of the main building preserves the shrines of the Buddha.  Mt. Chiseosan, has a beautiful view from the temple. The several hundred year-old pine trees lined up from the entrance to Ilju Gate, the small drum (used when praying in front of a Buddha figure) and bell, the sunset, the pond and the rocks and waterfalls behind the temple are grouped and called the 'Eight Famous Sceneries of Tongdosa Temple.' After driving through the Diamond Bridge, you will proceed to Oryukdo Skywalk. The construction of Oryukdo Skywalk finished on September 12, 2012 at the Seungdumal area, which is regarded as the dividing point between the East Sea and the South Sea, and started operating on October 18, 2013, with the theme of "Walking over the sky.” Iron columns were set up over a 35-meter-high (115-foot) coastal cliff, and a 15-meter (49-foot) glass bridge comprised of 24 glass plates and shaped like a horse’s hoof connect the iron columns. Visitors will be thrilled with the view of the waves while looking down through the transparent floor. The sea stretches out ahead of the skywalk, perfect for a photo op, as well as the best spot to see Daemado Island on sunny days.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket.

Board your motor coach for the 30-minute ride to the Modern History Museum On the northern side of Yongdusan Park, the Busan Modern History Museum covers the story of Busan City from the 19th  century. There are five excellent exhibitions located at the museum - 1. Busan After 1876 Opening of the Port - 2. Exploitation of Busan by Japan –  3. Busan A Modern City – The transformation of Busan City. - 4. The Oriental Development Company – How the Japanese took control of Busan and paved the way for the control of Korea and most of Asia. 5. Korea – U.S. Relationship – after the Korean War. Next, you proceed to Songdo Skywalk, a short trail over Songdo Beach. While most of the "Skywalk" tails in Korea are straight shaped, but Songdo skywalk has a curved shape similar to a drago. From the 365-meter-long Songdo Skywalk over the blue ocean, you can enjoy the magnificent view around the Songdo Beach area with a small lighthouse and a small rock island called Geobukseom. Your next stop is  Yongdusan Park for briefly photo stop. One of the most popular mountains in Busan Yongdusan in downtown Busan, is one of the 3 well-known mountains in Busan. Then  you will head to the wonderful Ja-Gal-Ch'i  Fish Market and Busan International Film Festival Square which was established by women peddlers during the Korean War, and has become known over the years as “Aunt's Market.” Explore this amazing slice of Korean life and admire the fish, shellfish and seaweed displays, before heading back to port.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring local currency.

Today, the local guide will take you on a tour in Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II.  Your first stop will be at Atomic Bomb Museum, which tells about the aftermath of the bombing.  You will see over 900 artifacts indicative of the city’s devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns Next, your guide will take you to the Peace Memorial Park, commemorating the city’s destruction by the plutonium bomb dropped on August 9, 1945. Although Fat Man, the name given to the second bomb dropped on Japan, missed its target by over a mile and a half, it leveled nearly half the city. The park’s main attraction is its collection of statues and sculptures donated by countries and groups all over the world. This includes the massive Peace Memorial Statue depicting a man with his right arm pointing to the sky to indicate the continued threat of nuclear destruction.  Continue to Dejima Island which was built during the Edo Period to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It was also once the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (isolation) Period of 200 years, until Japan reopened to the world.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.

This tour introduces two icons of Japanese culture – a visit to a local market and a Samurai residence. The first destination will be a popular fish market, Karato Market. It is a wholesale fish market to which professional chefs come. There are many food stalls in the market, and you can enjoy a great variety of the ‘taste’ of Shimonoseki prepared with the fresh ingredients right before your eyes. The guide will give you Japanese Yen to taste fresh Sushi or other local products in the market. A short transfer will take you to Chofu Town located in Shimonoseki City. Chofu means “Capital of Nagato,” the western region of present-day Yamaguchi Prefecture. Towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1867), the town became one of the western bases for plotting the overthrow of the feudal government of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Chofu describes itself as a "Jokamachi," meaning “castle town,” During your visit in Chofu, you will have a chance to stop at Mori House which was built in 1903 and was used as the rest house for Emperor Meiji.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes and bring local currency. The order of the sites visited may vary. It is required to take off your shoes at Mori House.

Your tour will start at Tanga Market - offering an opportunity to visit a traditional market to experience the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of Japan. Dating back to 1912, this market has played an important role in the lives of the citizens of the old residential area still existing nearby. As a result, it is more affectionately known as the ‘kitchen.’ Leaving the market, it’s on to the Kokura Castle – once home to famed Swords-master Miyamoto Musashi. Originally built in the 17th century and immaculately restored in 1990, this iconic landmark is the only standing castle in the region. You will also visit the beautiful gardens on the castle grounds – a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. After the castle tour enjoy a walk around the surrounding area which has a charming atmosphere of old-time Japan. A short walk will take you to the Yasaka Shrine, popular for expelling bad spirits and matchmaking luck.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency. The order of the sites visited may vary. Kokura Castle has approx. 120 steps to the top floor (5F) but there is one elevator inside the castle. Some exhibitions are prohibited from photo taking. Kokura Castle Garden - It is required to take off shoes to enter some parts.

Departing the pier, enjoy a scenic drive to Kokura Castle – once home to famed Swords-master Miyamoto Musashi. Originally built in the 17th century and immaculately restored in 1990, this iconic landmark is the only standing castle in the region. You will also visit the beautiful gardens on the castle grounds – a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. After the castle tour enjoy a walk around the surrounding area which has a charming atmosphere of old-time Japan. Leaving the castle behind, you will be taken to the TOTO Museum which you may find to be one of the most unique museums in the world. Founded in 1917, TOTO developed and manufactured sanitary products in the hope of realizing a healthy and cultural life for the Japanese people. This museum provides visitors an opportunity to learn about the philosophy behind TOTO Manufacturing and the evolution of their products incorporating the importance of water in Japanese culture over the past 100 years.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. Kokura Castle has approx. 120 steps to the top floor (5F) but there is one elevator inside the castle. Some exhibitions are prohibited from photo taking. Kokura Castle Garden - It is required to take off shoes to enter some parts. TOTO Museum - Some exhibits are prohibited from photo taking.

Depart the pier for a panoramic drive to Hiraodai Plateau. Designated a National Natural Monument, it is one of the largest karst plateaus in Japan. Observe countless limestone structures dotting the landscape resembling a flock of sheep. Your destination will be exploration of the Hiraodai Senbutsu Limestone Cave which was formed by rainwater off the karst plateau. Famed for the amazing natural colors found inside – it’s a photographers’ dream – accompanied by your guide, you will walk in the stream running through the cave. On exiting the cave, a good option is to treat yourself to one of their famous ‘karst manju,’ a yeast bun filled with sweet potato paste. Replenished, re-board your coach for the return trip to the pier reminiscing on the amazing natural phenomenon you have just experienced!

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. Before entering the cave, you must take off your shoes and use rental sandals to step in the stream. There are 360 steps from parking to the entrance of the cave. The total walking distance inside the cave is approx. 2,953 feet (900 meters) with about half of this walking in water. The average temperature inside is 59 degrees F. (15 degrees Celsius). It is recommended to wear shorts to go in the cave.  It is highly recommended to go in the cave with your hands free and not to bring big bags/backpacks as the passageway is very narrow at some parts. This tour is not available for the guests with mobility concerns.

Tour the stunning city of Takamatsu on Shikoku, the smallest of the four main Japanese Islands. Depart from the pier and drive to Seto-Ohashi Bridge. Seto-Ohashi Bridge is a collective term for the 6 bridges with its length of 8 miles. The bridge connects Kojima in Okayama Prefecture on Honshu and Sakaide of Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku. The bridges took 40 years and a tremendous amount of money to build. You will make a stop for taking photos at the parking space, just at the bottom of the bridge. Next, you will transfer to Kinashi Bonsai Town, which is known as the town producing the largest amount of Pine Tree Bonsai (miniature potted trees) in Japan. The tour includes a visit to a Bonsai farm which has hundreds of years’ history making Bonsai Trees. The tour will be followed by a visit to Ritsurin Garden. This beautiful Japanese Garden was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The 185-acre park features 6 ponds, 13 hills, a waterfall, plum, cherry, and pine trees, a bamboo forest, a tea house, and more. This garden is recognized as one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan.

Please note:  Bring local currency and wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in and bring a light jacket or wear long sleeves. 

Most people who hear Takamatsu and Park will only think about the famous Ritsurin Garden that is renowned all over Japan for its beauty and peacefulness. But there is more than just Ritsurin. Tamamo Park lies on the grounds of the former Takamatsu Castle which was built in the early Edo period, first by the Ikoma clan, then by Matsudaira clan. It is known around Japan for being one of the only three castles which has a moat that is directly connected to the sea, so the water and the fish are actually from the big blue! Here you can see one of these moats, with the sea in the background. Unfortunately, the original Takamatsu Castle does not stand anymore, it was torn down in the chaos of the Meiji restoration but there are still some surviving structures which reflect old times, such as the walls and moats as well as Mizutegomon Gate. You will then head to Ritsurin Garden. This beautiful Japanese Garden was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The 185-acre park features 6 ponds, 13 hills, a waterfall, plum, cherry, and pine trees, a bamboo forest, a tea house, and more. This garden is recognized one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. You will be taken to the old tea house called "Kikugetsu-tei" to enjoy Maccha Green Tea.

Please note:  Bring local currency and wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in and bring a light jacket or wear long sleeves. You will be required to take off your shoes at the tea house.

Takamatsu is located in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku, the smallest of the four main Japanese Islands, and this prefecture has been a popular destination for Udon noodles in Japan. It is said that Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of a religious sect, from this Sanuki region brought the recipe from China in 806, and this is the reason why Sanuki Udon has been developed in this area.  Your day will start with a visit to Ritsurin Garden. This beautiful Japanese Garden was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The 185-acre park features 6 ponds, 13 hills, a waterfall, plum, cherry, and pine trees, a bamboo forest, a tea house, and more. This garden is recognized as one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Next you will head to Nakano Udon School where you can enjoy an Udon-Making Experience. Surely you will enjoy the opportunity to taste Udon noodles you just made by yourself!

Please note: This tour is not recommended to guests on gluten-free diets or who have mobility issues.  During the Udon Making Experience, guests will be asked to step onto the dough while music is playing. Bring local currency and wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in and bring a light jacket or wear long sleeves.