Discover, Plan & Go!

Extend your Japan Unveiled trip to include the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara. A walk through Kyoto is a walk through 11 centuries of Japan's history -- a living museum of Japan's artistic and cultural heritage. Absorb the extraordinary views from the veranda of Kiyomizu Temple. Ponder the elegant simplicity of the Zen garden at Ryoanji Temple. Admire the celebrated Kinkakuji Pavilion, with its elaborate gold leaf covering. View the mighty bronze Buddha of Todaiji Temple, the largest bronze statue in the world. Stroll past - and through - hundreds of years of history at Horyuji Temple.

In the early centuries, Japan's capital was moved to a new location with the succession of each new emperor to preserve Shinto purity. Starting from the 8th century, Nara became the permanent capital. During this time, Buddhists achieved tremendous power and welcomed Chinese influences for everything from arts, crafts and literature to architecture and city planning.

You will witness breathtaking scenery & mind-opening cultural experiences. Enjoy wonderful food and wine & Congenial companionship. Taken separately, each is a delightful experience. Combined onboard the 114-passenger, Spirit of Oceanus in Japan, they make each day a celebration, each evening a special occasion. Your voyage to Japan is filled with highlights. You'll visit stunning gardens and serene temples. You'll share a craftsman's delight in his work, and a child's pleasure in an ancient story. And, along the way, you'll form new friendships you'll treasure always.

Days 1-2 - U.S / Osaka / Kyoto

Depart the U.S. and arrive in Osaka, where you'll be met and transferred to Kyoto. Check into the Kyoto Hotel Okura.

Accommodations: Kyoto Hotel Okura

Included Meals: none

Day 3 – Kyoto

Spend the day exploring what the Japanese call Nihon no Furasato, meaning "The Heart of Japan." The capital of Japan for more than 11 centuries, it remains a living museum of Japan's artistic and cultural heritage. Visit Kiyomizu Temple, dedicated to the 11-faced Buddhist deity, Kannon. Built on stilts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an outstanding view of the city. Stone steps lead down to the Otowa no taki (Sound of Feathers) Waterfall. Pilgrims often drink the water which is said to cure all illnesses.

Accommodations: Kyoto Hotel Okura

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Sightseeing in Kyoto

The Ryoanji (Peaceful Dragon) Temple, founded in 1450, is world famous for its stone Zen garden. The Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is named for the gold leaf on Japanese lacquer that covers the second and third floors. Kinkakuji functions as a Zen shariden, that is, it houses sacred relics of Buddha. Nijo Castle has thick outer walls, a moat, hidden rooms where the shogun's samurai could observe visitors, and corridors constructed with "nightingale floors" that squeak to warn of anyone approaching.

Accommodations: Kyoto Hotel Okura

Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 5 - Sightseeing in Nara / Kobe

Todaiji Temple is famous for its mighty bronze Buddha, the Daibutsu - the largest bronze statue in the world. The seated giant weights 550 tons and incorporates 290 pounds of gold. A huge pillar to the right of the statue is thought to open the path of enlightenment to those who can crawl through the hole in its base. Horyuji Temple, founded in 607, is the oldest intact temple complex in Japan, and houses the world's oldest wooden buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds more than 2,300 items considered of historical importance, including a vast collection of Buddhist art. Following our sightseeing in Nara; transfer to Kobe and check into the Kobe Meriken Park Hotel.

Accommodations: Kobe Meriken Park Hotel

Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 6 – Kobe

Morning is at leisure in Kobe. Join the cruise group for the afternoon tour of Himeji Castle. Embark the Spirit of Oceanus in the afternoon.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Okayama / Kurashiki

Indulge yourself in Zen perfection as you tour Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous, and participate in an ancient tea ceremony. Visit the Ohara Museum, which hosts an eclectic mix of classical European, Chinese, and Japanese folk art. At Ohashi House, tour the home of wealthy merchants. And stroll the charming lanes of Kurashiki, along canals crisscrossed by humpbacked stone bridges and bordered by willow trees.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Takamatsu/Cruising the Inland Sea

Ritsurin Koen was designed at the bequest of an early 17th century feudal lord, who envisioned a fantastic garden set against the beautiful backdrop of Mt. Shiun. Shikokumura Village gives you a glimpse into peasant life in the Edo period. You will spend the afternoon cruising the Inland Sea. Designated a national park, the Inland Sea is an area of great natural beauty with its emerald green waters dotted with thousands of islands.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Miyajima / Hiroshima

Itsukushima is one of the most important Shinto shrines. View the famous red torii gates as we anchor just offshore, and tour the shrine with a Shinto priest. In Hiroshima, a city now devoted to peace, tour the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Museum.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 – Beppu

Go to Jigoku (The Hells) this morning, the supreme onsen (hot springs) in Japan. Here you can contemplate geysers, mud ponds, and pools dyed strange colors by minerals, or take the opportunity for a hot soak, Japanese style. Visit Yufuin, renowned for its traditional handicrafts, and its Folk Art Museum, where you can view indigo dying, glass blowing, and paper making. You will set sail for Nagasaki through the Shimonoseki Strait.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 – Nagasaki

In this second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II, tour the Atomic Bomb Museum, Glover Garden (built by an enterprising Scotsman who helped overthrow the shogunate), and Oura Catholic Church, which inspired Japan's secret Christians to emerge from centuries in hiding.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Pusan / Kyongju

Step into the world of Korea's Shilla dynasty in the ruins of Kyongju. A thousand years ago, this open-air museum was their capital, sparkling with palaces and gardens. Today, the ruins and burial mounds bring to life memories of a 900-year rule that lasted from the time of Julius Caesar to Charlemagne.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 – Hagi

Japan's revolution began here in Jokamachi's old samurai residential quarter, where you'll tour a samurai's home. Yoshida Shrine is a monument to one of the last of the samurai, killed by the shogun for attempting to ensure Japan's survival by opening up to the West. Also visit Daisho Temple, the resting place of the two first Mori daimyo and all the even-numbered daimyo (odd-numbered daimyo were laid to rest on the other side of the Matsumoto River). Make an optional visit to a pottery studio for pastel-glazed pottery once reserved for the samurai.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - Izumo Taisha / Matsue

Anchor off Izumo for a visit to Izumo Taisha, Japan's oldest and largest Shinto shrine. Be greeted by local dancers as we enter Matsue to tour the famous wooden Matsue Castle and the Hearn Museum, dedicated to Lafcadio Hearn, a distinguished author who introduced Japan to the rest of the world.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15 – Kanazawa

Spend a full day exploring Kanazawa, including its traditional silk industry. Developed during the Edo period, Yuzen silk is characterized by its distinctive use of natural motifs, and is popular throughout Japan for formal kimonos. You'll also visit Seisonkaku Villa, built by the 13th lord Maeda for his mother, and Omicho Market, a favorite destination for Kanazawa shoppers since the feudal period. Feast your eyes on breathtaking Kenrokuen Garden, known as one of the three most beautiful in Japan, and adjoining Gyokusenen Garden.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 16 - Niigata / Tokyo

Disembark and transfer to the train station for your bullet train ride to Tokyo, complete with a traditional Bento Box lunch. Enjoy a city tour en route to your hotel, the historic Imperial Hotel, and spend the balance of the day at your leisure.

Accommodations: Imperial Hotel

Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 17 – Tokyo

Transfer to Narita Airport for your flight back home.

Accommodations: n/a

Included Meals: breakfast

Reverse Itinerary: Day 1 Depart for Japan

Day 2 Arrive in Tokyo, Japan

Days 3-13 Cruise from Niigata to Kobe

Day 14 Transfer Kobe to Kyoto

Day 15 Sightseeing in Kyoto

Day 16 Sightseeing in Nara

Day 17 Transfer Kyoto to Osaka, return USA

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.

Land Cost Includes: Five nights hotel accommodations with breakfast included, $415 per person which covers all taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected. all airport/ hotel transfers, Japan cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced naturalist guides.

Not Included: Airfare from US to Japan; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of $1000 per person is required to confirm. Cancellations made more than 90-days prior to departure are subject to a $250 per person fee. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout the South Pacific is aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. This all-suite vessel accommodates 114 guests. Each suites feature view windows, ample closet space, large marble vanity and sink, a lounge area, bathrobes, spa bath amenities, in-room safe, a chilled refreshment center, and satellite telephone access. Several suites also feature sliding glass doors and private teak balconies. The Oceanus has a dining room, two lounges, sun deck, sports deck, hot tub, library and game room. There is elevator access to all passenger decks. Open dining features continental and regional cuisine.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in zodiacs. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.