WONDERS OF JAPAN CRUISE
CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON
March 2025
Overview:
Interested in more information? To learn more about this tour operated by Abercombie & Kent, please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team.
WONDERS OF JAPAN CRUISE
CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON
March 2025
Day-by-day Itinerary:
Day 1 | Osaka, Japan
Upon arrival, transfer to The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, where you gather for a welcome dinner and Noh performance.
Day 2 | Osaka
Begin your adventure in Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city. The day’s excursions may include a visit to Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion and an exploration of Zen Buddhism, a journey to Nara revealing Japan’s oldest temple, or a scenic drive amid Uji’s iconic cherry trees.
Day 3 | Osaka
Enjoy the morning at leisure in your hotel, or perhaps join a panoramic tour of Osaka Castle. This afternoon, transfer to your luxurious expedition cruiser.
Day 4 | Takamatsu
Wake up in the charming port of Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku Island. Your day might feature a boat ride to Shodoshima, the heart of Japan’s olive-growing industry; a visit to the gardens of Shikoku Island’s Ritsurin Park and an exploration of traditional bonsai horticulture in Takamatsu’s Kinashi area; or a ferry ride to Naoshima Island to tour Benesse House and a museum dedicated to Tadao Ando’s architecture.
Day 5 |Hiroshima & Miyajima
Today, explore Hiroshima, renowned for its Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park. You might arise to split your day between Hiroshima and Miyajima, site of the iconic Torii Gate. Alternatively, spend an immersive day in Hiroshima and meet a storyteller of the World War II atomic bomb attack, or head to Miyajima to hike scenic Mount Misen.
Day 6 |Uwajima
Spend the day in Uwajima, home to Japan’s pearl industry. The day’s excursions may include a visit to a local pearl farm and the samurai-era gardens of Tensha-en, an exploration of Nanraku-en Garden, or a stroll down a cherry tree-lined lane to the old town.
Day 7 | Karatsu
This afternoon, arrive in the port of Karatsu, once an early trading post between Japan and mainland Asia. Once ashore, visit Karatsu Castle, or perhaps head to the city of Imari to tour its celebrated porcelain works.
Day 8 | Busan & Gyeongju, South Korea
Disembark in Busan and transfer to Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. Here, you might explore Gyeongju’s excavated temples, tombs and pagodas, or visit the Hyundai factory. Alternatively, stay in Busan to take in the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the scenic overlook from Nurimaru APEC House and the colorful houses of Gamcheon Culture Village. Return to the ship for a traditional music performance at the pier.
Day 9 | Matsue, Japan
Explore Matsue, a city renowned for its idyllic countryside. The day’s excursions may include visits to Yuushien Garden and Matsue Castle, or a tour of the Adachi Museum of Art. Later, you might also savor a traditional lunch at a ryokan (inn) and visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art of Japanese papermaking.
Day 10 | Kanazawa
Visit the thriving art center of Kanazawa, known for its pottery and gold-leaf workmanship. Here, you might stroll Kenrokuen Garden, wander Omicho Market and tour the Higashi Chaya-gai district’s well-preserved historic geisha houses. Alternatively, you might hike Kakusenkei Gorge and soak in a soothing onsen (hot spring), visit Kanazawa’s Oumi market and cook with a local chef, or explore the Shogawa River valley. This evening, enjoy an exclusive geisha performance.
Day 11 | Sado-Ga-Shima
Arrive amid Sado Island’s rice paddies, bamboo groves and surf-pounded seacoasts. Today may include an exclusive private performance by the Kodo taiko drummers or tours of Hakusanmaru Exhibition Hall and Ogi Folk Museum.
Day 12 | At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day while cruising toward Hokkaido, Japan’s largest and northernmost island.
Day 13 | Otaru
Arrive in Otaru, a port city known for its canals, sake distilleries, architecture and views of Mount Tengu. Here, you might tour the city and visit a sake distillery. Alternately, you might spend the day discovering nearby Sapporo’s parks, landmarks and market.
Day 14 | Depart Sapporo
Disembark your vessel in Otaru and transfer to the airport in Sapporo for your homebound flight.
*Please note: This itinerary is subject to change. In the spirit of expedition travel, plans may change slightly to take full advantage of encounters with the destination and its people, culture, and wildlife. This trip is operated through Abercrombie & Kent.
WONDERS OF JAPAN CRUISE
CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON
March 2025
Dates:
– March 17 – 30, 2025
– March 30 – April 12, 2025 (Trip Runs In Reverse)
Rates:
Trip Package Rate: Approx.
Classic Stateroom:
Price: $24,995
Single Supplement: $12,495
Deluxe Stateroom:
Price: $27,495
Single Supplement: $13,795
Premier Stateroom:
Price: $28,495
Single Supplement: $14,295
Deluxe Suite:
Price: $35,495
Single Supplement: $26,695
Privilege Suite:
Price: $41,495
Single Supplement: $31,195
Prestige Two-Room Suite:
Price: $50,995
Single Supplement: $38,295
Grand Deluxe Suite:
Price: $54,995
Single Supplement: $41,295
Owner’s Suite:
Price: $62,495
Single Supplement: $59,395
– Rates are per person and are based on shared accommodations
– Rates are approximate until the time of booking
– Rates are quoted in USD and subject to change without prior notice
– Rates are based on availability at the time of booking
International Airfare:
Expedition Easy does not make international air reservations and international air is not included in your quote. However, please do let us know if you would like assistance with booking your international air. We would be happy to put you in touch with our airline partner, Exito Travel to assist you with your international air reservation.
Included:
– An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by A&K’s Expedition Team and Local Guides
– Pre- and/or Post-Cruise Stays at Stylish, Ideally Located Hotels and A&K-Led Excursions
– Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers
– Private Balcony with Every Onboard Accommodation and Butler Service with Every Suite
– Maximum Personnel-to-Guest Ratio of 1 to 1.2 and ship occupancy limited to 80 percent
– Culinary Program Featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, Including House Drinks, Afternoon Tea and Pastries
– 24-Hour Room Service and Breakfast in Bed on board
– Choice of Curated, All-Inclusive Shore Excursions
– Enrichment program, lectures and presentations
– Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service on board
– All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes
– Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
– Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, Including an Accredited Physician
– 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
General Information:
– Medical Evacuation insurance is mandatory for travel with Expedition Easy and proof of purchase is required. Expedition Easy also strongly recommends purchasing a policy that includes trip cancellation /interruption coverage.
Deposit & Payments:
A completed & signed Expedition Easy Reservation Form, along with your 25% trip deposit and full regional and/or domestic air payment (if applicable) is required at the time of booking.
Reservations:
This itinerary is subject to the availability of all services at the time of making a reservation. No space is being held at this time. Please contact Expedition Easy for the full terms and conditions that apply. We are happy to answer questions and discuss your trip.
To reserve space on a trip on the Expedition Easy website, please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team.
[/templatic_tab] [/templatic_tabs]
March 17 - 30, 2025
March 30 - April 12, 2025
Operated by Abercrombie & Kent
