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Wonders of Japan Cruise: Cherry Blossom Season (Le Laperouse)

Wonders of Japan Cruise: Cherry Blossom Season (Le Laperouse)

From AUD $37,490

Description

Experience fascinating Japan during springtime with a chance to witness the country’s iconic cherry blossoms alongside a professional photographer. Spanning across five islands, this all-encompassing cruise explores Japan’s culturally rich coastline with a pre-cruise stay in Osaka and included shore excursions throughout, including a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Park, the Adachi Museum of Art and its gardens, and Kanazawa’s historic district.

Trip Name
Wonders of Japan Cruise: Cherry Blossom Season (Le Laperouse)
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Arrive Osaka, Japan
Meet your A&K representative and transfer to your ideally located hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
Day 2 - Day 2 Osaka | Cultural Wonders
Begin your adventure with a chance to explore one of Japan’s most vibrant cities: Osaka. On a full-day excursion to Kyoto, visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple), attend a talk about Zen Buddhism at Tenryuji Temple, and explore Nijo Castle. You can also enjoy a historic voyage to Nara, the first Japanese capital, including Horyuji, the country’s oldest temple. For an incredible overview, take a scenic drive to Uji, possibly enjoying the sight of cherry trees blossoming along Uji River. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner with fellow guests.The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka | Meals: BLD
Day 3 - Day 3 Osaka | The Adventure Begins
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy the morning at leisure or join a panoramic tour of Osaka that includes a visit to the Dotonbori district and the imposing Osaka Castle. Enjoy lunch followed by a stroll through the wandering paths of Taiko-en Garden, admiring its ponds and stone bridges. This afternoon, transfer to the port where you board luxurious ‘Le Laperouse,’ your floating home for the next 11 nights.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 4 - Day 4 Takamatsu | Explore Your Way
Wake up in charming Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku Island. Opt for a boat ride to Shodoshima, the heart of Japan’s olive-growing industry, for a full-day tour. You may otherwise remain on Shikoku Island. Here, your day starts with a visit to picture-perfect Ritsurin Park, one of Japan’s finest gardens. Next, explore the Kinashi area of Takamatsu, among the country’s main bonsai production centres, where you learn about traditional methods of growing and caring for these meticulously cultivated little trees. A few others may travel to Naoshima Island by ferry for a full-day excursion, celebrating its architecture and art museums. Visit the hillside Chichu Art Museum and stop at Benesse House, a complex featuring unique work by both Japanese and international artists.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 5 - Day 5 Hiroshima & Miyajima | Memorials & Shrines
Vibrant and full of historical significance, Hiroshima is home to magnificent memorials and shrines. Start the day with a visit to the beautiful Peace Park and Museum, with its sombre cenotaph containing names of atomic bomb victims. Then, take a speedboat ride to Miyajima Island, site of the iconic Torii Gate and the Daisho-in Buddhist temple. Or enjoy a full-day excursion through Hiroshima, visiting the Hiroshima Castle and namesake Peace Park and Museum, where you attend a private talk with an atomic bomb survivor. If you prefer a day in nature, head out to the tranquil island of Miyajima. Ascend Mount Misen by cable car for a hike, admiring the Shinto Shrine and Torii Gate from above.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 6 - Day 6 Uwajima | Seaside Splendour
Spend the day in Uwajima, situated on the west coast of Shikoku and home to Japan’s main producers of pearls, for a glimpse of small-town living. While there, learn the process of cultivating and sorting pearls during a visit to a pearl farm. Continue to the samurai-era gardens of Tensha-en, with their spectacular mountain backdrop. Alternatively, explore Nanraku-en Garden, the largest on Shikoku, and enjoy a scenic hike in picturesque Yakushidani Canyon. Another option is a historic stroll to Yoshida along a cherry tree-lined lane, followed by an old town visit that includes a historic kabuki theatre. Return to the ship for a relaxing evening on board.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 7 - Day 7 Karatsu | Ancient Trading Post
This afternoon, ‘Le Laperouse’ arrives at the port of Karatsu. Once an early trading post between Japan and mainland Asia, Karatsu still maintains its medieval heritage. Visit Karatsu Castle, known as the “flying crane castle.” Tour the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, which houses the floats and artefacts used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi autumn festival. Alternatively, head to the city of Imari to visit its celebrated porcelain pottery kilns and the Mifuneyama Rakuen garden.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 8 - Day 8 Gyeongju, South Korea | Korean Capital
Disembark and spend a full day exploring Gyeongju, South Korea, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gyeongju’s cultural heritage dates back to the first millennium. Witness its excavated temples, tombs and pagodas. Then, view the treasures of the National Museum, which houses an exceptional collection of jewellery, weapons and pottery. Sit down to a lunch of Korean delicacies and witness a traditional dance performance.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 9 - Day 9 Matsue, Japan | Verdant Gardens
Return to Japan and disembark at Sakaiminato to visit Matsue, the “town of water.” Explore the countryside, pausing to wander through the picturesque Yuushien Garden. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting historic Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining medieval castles, built in original wooden form. Art lovers can visit the Adachi Museum of Art, which melds the founders’ passions for art and garden design. After a traditional lunch at a ryokan (inn), visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art of Japanese paper making.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 10 - Day 10 Kanazawa | Immersion into the Arts
Spend the day in the thriving art centre of Kanazawa, known for its Kutani-style pottery and gold-leaf workmanship, followed by a visit to Edo-period Kenrokuen Garden, considered among the best in Japan. For a more active alternative, take a hike in Kakusenkei Gorge with a soothing onsen (spa) experience in the Yamanaka Onsen district. Wander Omicho Market, which features everything from fresh flowers to fish, and then stroll in the Higashi Chaya-gai geisha district, with its well-preserved historic geisha houses.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 11 - Day 11 Sado-ga-shima | Kodo Taiko Drummers
Arrive at pastoral Sado Island, with its rice paddies, bamboo groves and surf-pounded seacoasts. Political exiles and deposed emperors were once “banished” to live on this beautiful isle. Enjoy an exclusive, private performance by the Kodo taiko drummers, and then visit the Hakusanmaru Exhibition Hall and Ogi Folk Museum, followed by a farmer’s talk at the rice paddies.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 12 - Day 12 At Sea | Hokkaido Island Cruising
Enjoy a relaxing day on board while cruising toward Hokkaido. Share stories and photographs with newfound friends and take advantage of the ship facilities, including relaxing lounges, the panoramic fitness room and sauna.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 13 - Day 13 Otaru | Historic Canals
Arrive in Otaru, your gateway to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Visit the city known for its canals, sake distilleries, architecture and views of Mount Tengu. Opt for a historical and cultural tour of the city, once a prosperous fishing village. Afterward, discover Otaru’s storied glassmaking and visit a sake distillery, where you may sample the rice wine. Whiskey lovers can learn about Japanese whiskey during a visit and tasting at Nikka Yoichi distillery while others can choose to stroll along the city’s canals.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: BLD
Day 14 - Day 14 Depart Sapporo
Disembark ‘Le Laperouse’ in Otaru. Transfer to the airport in Sapporo and board your homebound flight or continue on the Tokyo extension.‘Le Laperouse’ | Meals: B
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.While the itinerary is scheduled over estimated cherry blossom dates, this natural phenomenon is subject to climate and weather, and cannot be guaranteed. Excursions may be altered to offer optimum opportunities to view the cherry blossoms if available.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
25-03-202107-04-2021AUD $37,490Deluxe Stateroom
25-03-202107-04-2021AUD $39,160Prestige Stateroom
25-03-202107-04-2021AUD $49,160Deluxe Suite
25-03-202107-04-2021AUD $56,660Privilege Suite
25-03-202107-04-2021AUD $70,825Prestige Suite
25-03-202107-04-2021AUD $79,160Grand Deluxe Suite
25-03-202107-04-2021AUD $86,660Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Witness private performances by the world-renowned Kodo taiko drummers, Kabuki warriors and geishas
    • Immerse yourself in mesmerizing Japanese gardens, perhaps visiting the Adachi Museum of Art gardens
    • Visit Gyeongju, South Korea, ancient dynastic capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Reflect on Japan’s turbulent history and witness its miraculous resurgence in Hiroshima
    • Enjoy fascinating onboard lectures and presentations led by our enrichment specialists on photography, Japanese history, culture and gardens

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