APT - Japanese Spring Blossoms, Gardens and Culture Cruise

Tokyo to Osaka

In the first flourish of spring, enjoy bursts of colour from magnificent tree peonies, Japanese azaleas and peach blossoms. Enjoy an 11 night small ship cruise exploring ancient castles, peaceful Japanese gardens and opulent temples.

Highlights:

• Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Musuem - Visit the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park in the Japanese city of Nagasaki
• Matsue, Town of Water - Explore attractions like Matsue, the Town of Water
• Kenroku-en Garden with Botanica - Explore Japan's most famous gardens like Kenroku-en Garden with your Botanical Guide
• Your Boutique Expedition Ship - APT's MS Caledonian Sky offers the ultimate expedition cruising experience with exclusive access to remote locations.
• Bullett Train - Enjoy a travel experience like no other and gaze out your window to the passing landscapes aboard a Bullet Train

 

Map

 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Tokyo

Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, head out to explore Tokyo. Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and the Meiji Shrine and grounds.

Stay: Tokyo, Imperial Hotel

Daily : Lunch

Day 2 - Tokyo, Kanazawa

Today you will take a Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kanazawa. A thriving centre of the arts, Kanazawa is known for its lacquerware, collectable Kutani-style pottery, gold leaf workmanship and delicate hand-painted silk kimonos. Board your ship and enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening.

Stay: 11 Nights, MS Caledonian Sky

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Kanazawa, Kenroku-en Garden

This morning visit Omicho Market, which sells and displays everything from flowers to fish to local handcrafts. Afterwards, visit Kanazawa Castle ruins and the famed Kenroku-en Garden, ranked among the country’s top gardens. This afternoon immerse yourself in Kanazawa culture with a visit to Higashi Chaya Gai Geisha District. View handcrafted items famous in Kanazawa such as the kimono and gold leaf.

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Matsue, Yuushien Garden

Visit Matsue Castle, one of only a few wooden medieval castles remaining in Japan today. Admire the graceful exterior, then take the opportunity to explore the interior and its magnificent views of Lake Shinji. This afternoon, visit Yuushien Garden, a flower garden full of colour and blossom, famous for growing ginseng and peonies.

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Hagi

This morning visit Hagi, one of Japan’s most beautiful castle towns. Explore the old streets, Hagi Castle ruins, Shizuki Park and Tokoji Temple. Visit the historic Daisho Temple, the resting place of the two first Mori daimyo. Inside, find a flame that is said to have been burning for some 1,200 years.

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Pusan

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing

Choose between a visit to the Hyundai automotive manufacturing plant or embark on a full-day excursion to Kyongju, a World Heritage-listed site often described as the world’s finest open-air museum. As the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty, Kyongju’s heritage dates back to the first millennium.

Today, choose your included sightseeing option to gain a deeper insight into Pusan. For lunch, sample Korean delicacies followed by a cultural performance of traditional dance.

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Dejima Island, Nagasaki

Explore Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II. Tour the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden. Later, visit Dejima Island, built during the Edo period to house Portuguese Christian missionaries.

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Yakushima Island

Today you'll arrive on the World Heritage-listed island of Yakushima. The island is famous in botanical circles for many great garden plants, including dwarf plants that have evolved to grow smaller than their mainland cousins. Spend time here walking through breathtaking nature parks.

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Uwajima

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing

Choose to learn the process of cultivating and sorting pearls on a visit to a pearl farm before continuing on to Tensha-en Garden, a typical example of a Japanese garden built during the Samurai era. Alternatively, explore the ancient Uwajima Castle and Tensha-en Garden.

Arrive in Uwajima, situated deep inside the saw-toothed coast of Uwajima Bay. Today, tailor your day by choosing you included sightseeing option.

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Miyajima, Hiroshima

Arrive in Hiroshima and visit the compelling Peace Memorial Park. After lunch back on board, continue on to Miyajima. Considered one of Japan’s top scenic wonders, Miyajima provides a picture-postcard vista of the scarlet Torii Gate. Go ashore to explore the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima-jinja, a shrine founded in the 6th century.

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Takamatsu, Ritsurin Park

Today, tour Takamatsu on Shikoku, the smallest of the four main Japanese Islands. Journey over the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and visit Kinashi Bonsai Town. After, visit Ritsurin Park, a 350-year-old garden famous for its magnificent spring colours and the feudal era Chrysanthemum-Moon Pavilion.

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - Okayama, Koraku-en Garden, Kurashiki

This morning, discover Koraku-en, one of Japan’s most significant gardens. Visit a classic Japanese teahouse with views over the stunning garden. After a local lunch, continue to Kurashiki and explore the old merchant quarter and its fine 17th century wooden warehouses. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - Kobe, Kyoto

Disembark in Kobe and be transferred to Kyoto. Soak up the tranquil natural beauty of this peaceful place. Visit the rock garden masterpiece of Ryoanji and Kinkakuji, a fine example of Muromachi period garden design. Afterwards, enjoy a city sightseeing tour including the Gion District where the world-famous Geisha reside.

Stay: Kyoto, Hotel Okura

Daily : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 - Depart Kyoto

After breakfast, be transferred to Osaka airport for your onward journey.

Daily : Breakfast

 

 

 

Travel Dates

For travel 3 Apr 2019

*per person share twin