Grand Japan

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.

Your day begins with a journey south to the town of Chiran, where you'll explore the historic samurai residences and beautifully preserved gardens that line the charming street known as Samurai Lane. These gardens, created by local samurai, showcase the art of “borrowed scenery,” a technique that incorporates the surrounding landscape into the garden design. About an hour from Kagoshima, Chiran is a quaint town with a well-preserved samurai district, where homes and gardens date back around 250 years. Its remote location on the southern tip of Kyushu has helped maintain the area’s historical authenticity. Also in Chiran is the Chiran Tokko Museum, which displays artifacts, letters, and personal belongings of the Tokko-tai—members of the special attack corps, known internationally as "kamikaze pilots." The museum stands on the site of a former airbase from which many of these pilots departed on their final missions. Following lunch, your guide will take you to the scenic Senganen Garden, one of the finest Japanese gardens in Kyushu. Once the stately residence of the Shimazu clan—one of Kagoshima's most powerful samurai families—this beautifully landscaped estate offers a glimpse into feudal-era Japan. Within the garden, you'll also find the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, originally established by Lord Shimazu in 1852 as a factory for armaments, glass, ceramics, and agricultural tools. Today, it serves as a museum chronicling the 700-year history of the Shimazu family. During your free time in the garden, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this fascinating museum. Another highlight is the Goten, a former residential building within the garden that offers insight into the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Shimazu family during the Edo period.

 

Please note: Bring local currency and wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour includes approximately 3 hours of moderate walking with a limited number of steps. At the garden there are stone steps, gravel and pavement mixed.

 

 

 

 

 

Your day begins with a visit to Senganen, also known as Iso Teien—a peaceful Japanese-style landscape garden created in 1660. This former summer residence of the influential Shimazu clan offers breathtaking views of the bay and Sakurajima volcano. The garden features beautifully designed elements such as artificial rivers and mountains, a bamboo grove, cascading waterfall, and a traditional poem-composing area. Within the garden, you’ll explore the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Japan’s first Western-style industrial factory, originally established in 1852 by Lord Shimazu Nariakira. Initially used to produce armaments, glassware, ceramics, and farming tools, the building now houses a museum showcasing over 700 years of Shimazu family history. The museum includes fascinating exhibits such as historical materials, Satsuma porcelain, old photographs, and drawings. Among the highlights are a reconstructed reverberatory furnace, a Ryukyu ship, and a mechanical display that recreates the factory’s original operations. Built in 1865, the structure itself is notable as Japan’s first Western-style stone building to incorporate arch design, and has been designated a National Important Cultural Property. Another highlight within Senganen is the Goten, a former residential building that offers a deeper look into the daily life, culture, and traditions of the Shimazu family during the Edo period.
Before returning to the port, you’ll make a stop at Tenmonkan, a lively local shopping and dining district. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into the everyday life of Kagoshima’s residents and enjoy some time to explore or pick up local souvenirs.
 
Please note: Bring local currency and wear comfortable walking shoes.
 

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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 Geumgangsa Temple 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 snack with your host. Then, you will explore the serene temple grounds of Beomeosa, one of 10 HwaEom temples in Korea. Beomeosa Temple 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 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 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.

Begin with a visit to Miyajima. You will take a ferry to Miyajima Island, regarded as one of the three most beautiful places in Japan. Revered and worshipped since ancient times, Miyajima exhibits a gentle atmosphere and breathtaking beauty. See the magnificent red  Torii Gate, a sacred gateway standing in the sea and guarding the Itukushima Shrine, dedicated to three goddesses and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built over the water, both the shrine and its sentinel torii seem to float on the sea at high tide. Enjoy time to experience the shrine's main hall and several subsidiary shrines, all connected by bright red passageways. The 5-story pagoda can also be seen from the Itsukushima Shrine. After sightseeing at Itsukushima Shrine you will take a ferry back to Miyajima to enjoy a Japanese lunch at a local restaurant.  Then you will head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, designed and built after the war as a memorial to the people who died in the atomic bomb attack. See the impressive Atomic Bomb Dome, the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945. Stroll past the Flame of Peace, lit in 1964 as 10,000 observers offered their silent prayers for peace, as well as many of the other monuments, statues, and fountains located on the Memorial Park grounds.   You will then be transferred  back to the port.

 

Please note:  This tour includes approximately 4 hours of walking with a limited number of steps to negotiate. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Casual clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war. Bring local currency for shopping. The order of sites visited may be changed

 

 

 

Travel by coach along a scenic route to Miyajima-Guchi, where you'll board the local ferry and cruise to the lovely island of Miyajima. This picturesque island, considered one of Japan's most scenic destinations, is where you'll find the Itsukushima Shrine and its famous large red torii gate that rises up out of the ocean. The shrine was established in 593, the first year of the reign of Empress Suiko and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The current torii was erected in 1875 after the original one was destroyed. Among the distinctive features of the shrine is the corridor of the main building that, with its beautiful vermillion handrails, stretches into the calm Seto Inland Sea. At high tide, both the torii and the shrine give the illusion of floating on the sea. Interestingly, to give birth, to die or be buried were forbidden on the island and today, there are still no hospitals or cemeteries to be found here.

Please note:  This tour includes approximately 2 hours of walking with a limited number of steps to negotiate. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Casual clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Bring local currency for shopping.