This charming city serves up amazing cuisine, superb shopping and a friendly spirit, with the restored Osaka Castle offering a spectacular lesson in Japanese history and culture. Osaka's nickname – Tenka no Daidokoro (The Nation's Kitchen) – originally referred to its Edo Period status as Japan's rice-trade hub; today it refers to the city’s reputation as a gourmand's paradise. Take in a 360-degree view from Abeno Harukas – Japan’s tallest skyscraper – before visiting the city’s spectacular aquarium and through Dotonbori, Osaka’s glittering heart. The immensely historical city of Kyoto is within reach, beckoning with spectacular architecture that includes thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
Discover the enduring charm of Kyoto and Nara – both former capitals of Japan – through definitive landmarks that include legendary shrines and temples before boarding the bullet train to Tokyo, the present-day capital.
DAY 1 – May 11, 2025
After disembarking the ship in Osaka, you will travel by coach to Nara, Japan’s first capital. There, you will visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Park. The deity enshrined there is said to have ridden to Nara on a deer. Ever since, these animals have been considered sacred and accordingly have been protected. You might feed the deer a special sugar-free cracker available at the shrine.
The deer respond to the sound of a horn and you will witness this phenomenon first-hand in a demonstration just for your group. When the horn blows, the deer will emerge from the surrounding forest and approach the horn blower. It will be quite the sight.
Later, proceed to Todaiji, a temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage site containing the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan.
Then, after lunch at a restaurant, you will visit the Kehaya-za Sumo Pavilion, where you will observe a demonstration of sumo wrestling. Sumo originated in Japan, where it is the national sport. In fact, Japan is the only country where sumo is practiced professionally, so the demonstration will be a rare treat.
Late in the afternoon, you will check into The Thousand Kyoto, your hotel for the next two evenings. The group will dine at a local restaurant for dinner.
DAY 2 – May 12, 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will travel into Kyoto to the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji Temple. Originally built as a three-story home in 1397, the pavilion follows the Shinden style by being positioned at the edge of a tranquil pond.
While viewing the pavilion’s exterior, you will notice that the second and third stories are covered in shimmering gold leaf. The mirror reflection of the temple on the glassy pond is another highlight.
You will then travel into the Arashiyama district to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Strolling the winding paths with sunlight filtering down through towering bamboo is considered by many to be a healing experience.
Lunch follows, after which you will visit the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 1339, Tenryuji is famous for its Japanese landscape garden. A triumph of design, the garden features a central pond that beautifully reflects the surrounding maple trees and the forested Arashiyama mountains.
You will enjoy a private Zen meditation session there held exclusively for your group.
Next proceed to the Buddhist temple Kiyomizu-dera to enjoy a breath-taking view of Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera is one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural and historical significance.
It is perched halfway up Mount Otowa in the Higashiyama mountain range. Many visitors come to pay their respects to Kannon, a deity of mercy and compassion.
Later, in the Gion geisha district, you will meander down the Ninen Zaka path, an ancient stone-paved pedestrian walkway lined with traditional buildings and shops.
The group will dine at a local restaurant for dinner.
DAY 3 – May 13, 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for its thousands of vibrant, orange torii gates along the wooded hiking trail that leads to the top of Mount Inari.
The names of the donors that funded the torii gates – which are dedicated to the deity of good harvest and success in business – are inscribed on them.
Although there are approximately 12,000 steps to climb to the summit, you can walk as far as you wish.
Afterwards, you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of a sake brewery and be offered a tasting of this quintessential Japanese spirit.
You will then ride in Green Class on the Shinkansen, known familiarly as the Bullet Train for its high speed and sleek shape. It can travel more than 150 miles per hour, drastically reducing the time it will take to reach Tokyo.
A bento box is included for the journey. Snacks and soft drinks can be purchased on board.
Upon arriving there, you will travel to the port and re-embark the cruise ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:00am Disembark the ship in Osaka
8:15am Proceed to the port terminal for security screening
8:30am Depart for Nara
9:45am Visit Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine with private deer calling session
11:15am Visit Todaiji Temple
1:00pm Lunch at Nara local restaurant
2:00pm Depart for Kehayaza Sumo pavilion, visit and demonstration
5:30pm Check into your hotel
TBA Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight at The Thousand Kyoto or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Depart for Kinkakuji Temple
9:30am Visit Kinkakuji Temple
10:45am Proceed to Arashiyama to visit the Bamboo Grove
12:00pm Lunch at a restaurant
1:00pm Visit Tenryuji Temple including zen meditation
2:30pm Transfer to Kiyomizu Temple
3:00pm Views at Kiyomizu Temple
4:00pm Walk through Ninen-zaka and Sannenzaka district
5:00pm Transfer to Gion
5:15pm Walk through Gion and Shijo district
6:30pm Return drive to your hotel
6:50pm Arrive at your hotel
TBA Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight at The Thousand Kyoto or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Check out from the hotel
9:30am Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
10:30am Depart for sake brewery
10:45am Visit brewery with sake tasting
12:00pm Proceed to Kyoto station
12:39pm Ride the bullet train to Tokyo, Bento box included
2:54pm Transfer to Tokyo port
3:30pm Re-embark the cruise ship
Expected Weather
In Osaka - the average is 15-25 C/ 59-77 F
In Kobe – the average is 18-26 C / 65-79 F
In Tokyo – the average is 15-25 C/ 59-77 F
What to Bring
Light loose clothing, good walking shoes, jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures, camera, sunscreen, hat and umbrella in case of rain.
Local Currency
Japanese Yen
Electricity
The voltage throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. Bring an international travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage
Due to space limitations on the train, guests can bring one overnight bag (carry-on size) per person and one small carry on piece. Small pieces can fit in the overhead compartment.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for Japan. This program takes place solely within Japan.
VERY IMPORTANT
The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for train ticket purchase for this program. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. It is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure that they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.
Hotel
The Thousand Kyoto
570 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Phone: +81 75-354-1000
*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.
Program Includes for guests:
•2 nights at The Thousand Kyoto or similar hotel – Superior Room including breakfast
•2 lunches at local restaurants including 1 soft drink, water, tea or coffee per person
•1 bento box lunch for the train (beverages not included)
•2 dinners including 2 glasses of local wine or beer or 2 soft drinks plus water, tea and coffee
•All touring and admissions per the program itinerary
•Shinkansen bullet train – Green Class
•Local escort throughout the program
Program Excludes for guests:
•Beverages at included meals
•Any other meals not listed above
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry
•Visa if required
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. Occasionally, there may also be a need to climb steps or stairs. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
Visit must-see attractions in Osaka, including Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site castle, before riding a bullet train to historical Oyahama and another bullet train to Hiroshima, where you will view temples and the somber peace memorial, a reminder of the atomic bomb dropped there in World War II.
Note: This program includes moderate walking as well as many steps at Himeji Castle. It is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions.
DAY 1 – May 11, 2025
After disembarking the ship in Osaka, you will meet the guide and drive to magnificent Himeji Castle. Regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese architecture, the hilltop castle was one of Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage sites.
After lunch, you will explore Shoshazan Engyoji, a temple complex with a history dating back more than 1,000 years. It is so atmospheric that it was chosen as a film location for the movie “The Last Samurai.” A temple monk will lead a private Zen meditation session, which may help calm your mind and ease any stress that you may have.
Afterwards,, you will transfer to the hotel in Kobe, where you will spend the evening. Time will be allotted for you to freshen up before dining at a nearby restaurant.
DAY 2 – May 12, 2025
After breakfast at your hotel and check out, you will ridge the bullet train from Shin-Kobe to Okayama. Much of the morning will be spent at Korakuen, a beautiful landscape garden and Okayama's main attraction. Enjoy a relaxing walk in the lush surroundings before breaking for dessert and tea.
One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, it epitomizes a Japanese landscape garden by including a large pond, streams, walking paths and a hill that serves as a lookout point. Rather unique for a Japanese garden, however, are Korakuen's spacious lawns. Groves of plum, cherry and maple trees, tea and rice fields, an archery range and a crane aviary are also found in the garden.
After driving to the Kurashiki area for lunch, you will tour the historical district, part of which you will see on a boat. Kurashiki is known as the Venice of Japan because of its canals and charming shops housed in traditional white-walled warehouses that date to that Edo period (1603-1867).
Later, you will ride the Shinkansen Bullet Train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel for the evening and freshen up for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 3 – May 13, 2025
You will start the day by visiting the beautiful Peace Park and Museum with its somber cenotaph containing the names of those killed in the atomic bomb blast near the end of World War II.
You will then ride a boat to Miyajima Island, a small island in Hiroshima Bay known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, an oversized orange torii gate is partially submerged and at high tide it appears to float. The gate marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views.
Visit the Daisho-in temple, one of the most important temples of Shingon Buddhism. Located at the base of Mount Misen, Daisho-in features a variety of buildings, statues and other religious objects, including Kannon-do Hall, Maniden Hall, a sand mandala diagram made by Tibetan monks and a cave filled with 88 icons representing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Continuing on, you will enjoy a sunset dinner cruise and visit another iconic torii gate before returning to your hotel in Hiroshima for the evening.
Day 4 – May 14, 2025
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will ride the morning Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo, an exhilarating 4-hour journey. Snacks and beverages are available to purchase on the train.
After arriving, you will transfer to the Tokyo cruise terminal and re-board the ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
9:00am Disembark the ship in Osaka
9:15am Security screening in the port terminal
9:30am Drive towards Himeji
11:15am Visit Himeji Castle
1:00pm Lunch at a restaurant
2:00pm Proceed to Shoshazan Engyoji
2:30pm Visit Shoshazan Engyoji
3:30pm Private Zen Meditation
4:00pm Depart for your hotel in Kobe
5:30pm Check-in at the hotel
7:30pm Depart for dinner at a restaurant
9:30pm Return to the hotel
Overnight at the Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Depart for the Shin-Kobe station
8:30am Ride the bullet train to Okayama - Green Class – time subject to change
9:05am Meet a local guide at Okayama station
9:20am Visit Korakuen with a tea and dessert break
11:00am Transfer to the lunch venue
12:00pm Lunch at a restaurant in the Kurashiki area
1:00pm Tour the historical quarter of Kurashiki on a boat at times
3:00pm Depart for Okayama Station
4:00pm Ride the bullet train to Hiroshima – time subject to change
4:45pm Transfer to your hotel
5:00pm Check-in at the hotel
6:30pm Depart for dinner in a restaurant
8:30pm Drive back to the hotel
9:00pm Arrive at the hotel for the evening
Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Depart for Hiroshima Memorial Park
9:00am Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Museum, A-Bomb Dome
11:15am Depart for Miyajima Island
12:15pm Arrive at the ferry terminal and ride the ferry to Miyajima Island
12:45pm Lunch at a restaurant
2:15pm Guided tour including the market, shrine and ‘floating’ torii gate
4:15pm Proceed to the pier
4:30pm Embark on a sunset dinner cruise
6:15pm Walk to bus parking area
6:30pm Drive back to Hiroshima
7:45pm Arrive at your hotel for the evening
Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel and check out
8:00am Transfer to the Hiroshima Station
9:00am Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo (time subject to change)
1:00pm Arrive at Tokyo station and transfer to the cruise ship
Expected Weather
In Kobe the average temperature is 18-26 C / 65-79 F
In Osaka the average temperature is 15-25 C / 59-77 F
In Tokyo the average temperature is 15-25 C / 59-77 F
In Hiroshima the average temperature is 14-24 C / 57-75 F
What to Bring
Light loose clothing, good walking shoes, jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures, camera, sunscreen, hat and umbrella in case of rain.
Local Currency
Japanese Yen
Electricity
The voltage throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. Bring an international travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage
Due to space limitations on the train, guests can bring one overnight bag (carry-on size) per person and one small carry on piece. Small pieces can fit in the overhead compartment.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for Japan. This program takes place solely within Japan.
VERY IMPORTANT
The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for train ticket purchase for this program. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. It is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure that they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.
Hotels
Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland
7-2 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042, Japan
Phone: +81 78-371-1111
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
12-1 Wakakusacho, Higashi Ward, Hiroshima, 732-0053, Japan
Phone: +81 82-262-7111
*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotels listed in this program will be used.
Program Includes for guests:
•1 night at the Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland or similar hotel – Run of House with minimum guarantee Executive Moderate Room
•2 nights at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel or similar hotel – Deluxe King Room
•Breakfasts
•3 lunches including one soft drink or water per person plus tea or coffee
•2 dinners at local restaurants including 2 glasses of house wine, beer, soft drink or water plus tea or coffee
•1 sunset dinner cruise including 2 glasses of house wine, beer, soft drink or water plus tea or coffee
•Touring and entrances per the itinerary
•Shinkansen Bullet train - Shin-Kobe to Okayama, Okayama to Hiroshima and Hiroshima to Tokyo – Green class
•Ferry to the Miyajima Island
•Local escort to accompany the group throughout
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any other meals or beveages not listed above
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry
•Visa if required
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. Occasionally, there may also be a need to climb steps or stairs. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
