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Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines Small Ship Cruise

Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines Small Ship Cruise

From AUD $10,370

Description

Take a cruise along the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan to discover authentic Japan, a land shaped by centuries-old traditions. Each stop will reveal legendary and iconic sites, from historic castle towns and serene gardens to sacred shrines, fishing villages and the enduring legacy of the samurai era, all inviting you to immerse yourself fully in the spirit of Japan. Marvel at the succession of emblematic landscapes forming the backdrop to your journey, including lush forests sheltering centuries-old temples, peaceful green valleys, striking dunes and enchanting bays. Here, every horizon tells the story of an archipelago rich in traditions and invites quiet contemplation.

Trip Name
Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines Small Ship Cruise
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 Built: 2013 Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, with balconies, joined in 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. A refined ambience is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea.  In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Osaka
Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity. The main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Takamatsu
A former fortified city, ruled over by the Matsudaira clan from the Tamamo castle with its seawater moats, the city is home to one of the most beautiful classic gardens in Japan, the Ritsurin. It was created by the barons of the city at the start of the Edo period, during which time gardening became a profession in its own right. Its landscape incorporates Mount Shiun in the background, an example of what is known as the shakkei technique, which uses the surrounding landscapes to increase the beauty of the gardens.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Hiroshima
Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesn't forget its past, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is a must. You'll enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, the town's historic garden.
Day 4 - Day 3 - Miyajima Island
At the heart of the Inland Sea, Miyajima, the “island sanctuary” will reveal its treasures. In the background you will see the Shinto Grand Sanctuary, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion “Torii“. Considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the Japanese islands, you will be transported by the unique character and the serenity of this sacred site.
Day 5 - Day 4 - Beppu, Oita
A favourite destination for the Japanese, Beppu is now famous throughout the Japanese archipelago thanks to its onsen – volcanic hot springs in which people immerse themselves to relax with family or friends. From Beppu, you will set off to discover a lush, peaceful valley in which sit 60 majestic stone Buddhas carved out of the cliff face between the 12th and 14th centuries. Exuding a soothing air of serenity, the Mangetsuji site seems to have drifted off to sleep in the heart of a dense bamboo forest surrounded by rice fields. Recognised as a National Treasure of Japan, this set of sacred sculptures offers travellers a unique, wonderful experience.
Day 6 - Day 5 - Hagi
In the south of Honshu island, surrounded by mountains, Hagi is a city of water. For good reason; it was built on the delta of the Abu-gawa river. Its castle was built in the 17th century and its outer walls remain in the lovely Shizuki Park. The old town was one of the cradles of the Meiji revolution. You will discover its rich past in streets lined with old houses and samurai manors, or within the walls of the many museums and Hagi-yaki ceramics workshops.
Day 7 - Day 6 - Tottori
On the San-in coast, Tottori, the Japanese island of Honshu’s northernmost city, offers tranquillity and a change of scenery. Lined with lush forests containing mountain sanctuaries long considered to have been the homes of the gods, Tottori has retained its authenticity of yesteryear. A symbol of Japan off the beaten track, this city in the eponymous region promises to be a surprising interlude on your cruise. With good reason, since this ancient fortified city with vestiges of its past is home to the largest sand dunes in Japan. Bright sunshine, golden dunes edged by the Sea of Japan, camels with a captivating gait... Here, in this majestic landscape where wind waves rise to caress the sand giants, time seems to stand still. 
Day 8 - Day 7 - Ine
In the north of the Kyoto prefecture, along the Sea of Japan and anchored in the Bay of Ine, this small fishing village nestling between lush green mountains and emerald waters is considered to be one of Japan’s most beautiful villages. Calm and picturesque, Ine has successfully preserved its authenticity of yesteryear, as evidenced by the Funaya, these traditional wooden dwellings built above the water to house fishermen and store their small boats. Ine will take you on a beguiling voyage into the 18th century, to the epoch of Edo and the Kitamae trade route.
Day 9 - Day 7 - Miyazu
In Kyoto Prefecture, along the coast of the Sea of Japan, lies the charming city of Miyazu. As you explore this interesting blend of lush nature and rich heritage, you will be captivated by the numerous places of worship that dot the town, such as the Manai Shrine and Nariai-ji Temple. You will also discover one of the “Three Views of Japan”, the country’s most beautiful panoramas: Amanohashidate, a sand bar covered with 8,000 pine trees, lying between the Asokai Inland Sea and Miyazu Bay. It is known as the “bridge to heaven” and legend has it that this sand bank is a ladder that fell out of the sky and was once used by the gods Izanagi and Izanami to ascend into the clouds.
Day 10 - Day 8 - Sakaiminato
Located on the south-west coast of Honshu Island, the busy fishing port of Sakaiminato celebrates the comic writer and artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born here. As well as a museum a dedicated tourist route leads through streets and squares that feature 134 bronze statues representing his beloved characters. This isn't the only thing Sakaiminato has to offer; try some local seafood specialities and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Daisen and the Yumigahama peninsula.
Day 11 - Day 9 - Busan
With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the second largest metropolis on South Korea, after Seoul. This dynamic harbour city, located in the south-east, surrounded by the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, benefits from a mild, pleasant climate. You’ll find delightful simply to stroll around the lively streets and explore the city’s outstanding cultural heritage of art galleries, museums, and Buddhist sites, such as the Haedong Yonggungsa temple, which elegantly sits on the waterfront. Rich too in magnificent beaches and superlative natural landscapes, Busan’s peaceful atmosphere will win you over, as will its inhabitants, whom you’ll have the pleasure of meeting.
Day 12 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-09-202707-10-2027AUD $0Superior Stateroom
29-09-202707-10-2027AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
29-09-202707-10-2027AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
29-09-202707-10-2027AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
29-09-202707-10-2027AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
29-09-202707-10-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite
29-09-202707-10-2027AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 5
29-09-202707-10-2027AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 6
29-09-202707-10-2027AUD $0Owner's Suite
09-03-202817-03-2028AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
09-03-202817-03-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
09-03-202817-03-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
09-03-202817-03-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
09-03-202817-03-2028AUD $0Deluxe Suite
09-03-202817-03-2028AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 5
09-03-202817-03-2028AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 6
09-03-202817-03-2028AUD $0Owner's Suite
09-03-202817-03-2028AUD $0Superior Stateroom
12-05-202820-05-2028AUD $0Superior Stateroom
12-05-202820-05-2028AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
12-05-202820-05-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
12-05-202820-05-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
12-05-202820-05-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
12-05-202820-05-2028AUD $0Deluxe Suite
12-05-202820-05-2028AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 5
12-05-202820-05-2028AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 6
12-05-202820-05-2028AUD $0Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Travel to the heart of Japan to discover its many facets: its history and ancestral traditions, its unbridled modernism, its magnificent landscapes.
    • Exceptional heritage with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Itsukushima Shrine from Miyajima Island, the mountainous island of Yakushima, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
    • Enjoy one included excursion per person per stop during your cruise, from a selection curated by our destination experts.

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