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Art and Culture of Japan

Art and Culture of Japan

From $8,830 AUD

Description

Travel to the heart of the Land of the Rising Sun to discover its many traditions and emblematic sites.

In Otaru, you will board L’Austral for an 11-day cruise that promises exceptional discoveries as you visit places such as Hiroshima and our new port of call in Ulsan.

Trip Name
Art and Culture of Japan
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Otaru
Boasting an outstanding setting of natural beauty, bordered by the Sea of Japan on one side and Mt Tengu on the other, Otaru is a lively harbour town. This old industrial capital has kept from its past glory buildings in 19th-century brick as well as its canals, formerly the main means of transportation. They give this Japanese town a striking appearance, especially when covered in snow. Magnificent vistas abound - itメs up to you to put them in order of preference. Shukutsu Observatory, overlooking out over the vast Bay of Ishikari, is just one of them.
Day 2 - Day 2 - At Sea
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Day 3 - Day 3 - Mano Bay
A ravishing cove with sapphire blue waters, Mano Bay is on the western coast of the little island of Sado. Although Sado was nicknamed the モcursed islandヤ by political opponents exiled there in the Middle Ages, today its atmosphere is very peaceful. The islandメs wild, beautiful scenery shelters a protected fauna, in particular, a colony of Japanese ibis. It also boasts several splendid temples, some of which are close to the village of Mano at the end of the bay.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Kanazawa
Located on the island of Honshu and bathed by the waters of the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is a port marked by history. Under the predominance of the Maeda clan in the Meiji era, the city came under multiple political and cultural influences that shaped its landscape. Throughout the town, youメll discover many signs of its rich past: Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en ヨ one of the most beautiful and famous gardens in Japan ヨᅠ and the old geisha district, Higashi-Chayagai. õmicho Ichiba market in the town centre is well worth a visit, particularly for freshly cooked seafood.
Day 5 - Day 5 - 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メ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 6 - Day 6 - Ulsan
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Day 7 - Day 7 - Mojiko
At the mouth of the Kanmon Straits lies Mojiko, the northernmost port of Kyushu, one of Japan’s four main islands. For many years, Mojiko was the gateway to the island. Today, the old boats are gone, but as you stroll around the picturesque streets you will discover a well-preserved architectural heritage that evokes traditional Japan from the first Meiji era of the late 19th century. From the heights of the Mojiko Retro Observation Room, you can enjoy the amazing views that take in the Shinto shrine and coastal landscape like a postcard of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Beppu
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 9 - Day 9 - 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メt forget its past, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is a must. Youメ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メs historic garden.
Day 10 - Day 10 - 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 11 - Day 11 - 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.ᅠ 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 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-05-201808-06-2018AUD$11,070Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
29-05-201808-06-2018AUD$9,970Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
29-05-201808-06-2018AUD$22,860Prestige Suite - Deck 6
29-05-201808-06-2018AUD$26,410Owners Suite
29-05-201808-06-2018AUD$8,830DeLuxe Stateroom
29-05-201808-06-2018AUD$10,510Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
29-05-201808-06-2018AUD$21,750Prestige Suite - Deck 5

Inclusions

    • Stop in Kanazawa. From there, you will be able to visit Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. These villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites particularly famous for their traditional houses in the gassho-zukuri style.
    • From Sakaiminato, you will set off to discover medieval Japan and the ancient dwellings of the samurai, who built lavish homes and castles.
    • Sail to South Korea, a small peninsula that juts out into the Sea of Japan, and discover its port city of Ulsan, which will charm you with its picturesque and modern scenery including the Bulguksa Temple or the Flying Horse Tomb.
    • We will call at Hiroshima, the gateway to Miyajima, home to the majestic Shinto shrine whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion Torii listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Map