Japan’s National Parks, Art & Culture Cruise

Arrive at Honshu’s largest port city Osaka where modern architecture and a vibrant dining scene are nestled alongside the 16th Century shogunate Osaka Castle, and make your way to your hotel where the group will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring Osaka. Opportunities here include visiting Minoh Park and Osaka Castle. With an area of just 3.7 square miles (9.6 sq km) Minoh Park is one of Japan’s smallest National Parks and home to iconic 3.3-foot-high (33m) Minoh Waterfall and diverse wildlife including Japanese Giant Salamander and protected Mino Monkeys. Explore Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, take in the views from Osaka Castle Main Tower and relive dramatic stories of warlords and Osaka’s fascinating history.

Alternatively, enjoy an excursion to Kyoto, where you can explore the city’s spiritual heritage at the 12th-Century temple Sanjūsangen-dō and its 1,001 statues. Stroll through Kyoto’s historic and iconic lanes, where 16th-Century geiko and maiko culture is brought to life, before visiting Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, to discover the city’s renowned culinary delights. Board the ship as your captain and expedition team welcome you later this afternoon.

Expect a day like no other as you explore Ise-Shima National Park. Often likened to a living museum, the peninsula of Ise-Shima (or just ‘Shima’ as it is known to the locals) has much to discover, including endless forests and abundant nature, rich maritime history, incredible coastal scenery and Japan’s most sacred shrine complex Ise Jingū. Comprising some 125 different shrines hidden among a labyrinth of mossy walls and dating back to the third century, Ise Jingū is considered the spiritual home of Shinto cosmology. Explore grand shrine Kotai Jingū, made entirely of Japanese cypress where no metal nails or screws have been used in its construction and, in accordance with Shinto practice, is rebuilt every 20 years in order to preserve its purity. Currently in its 62nd iteration, it was last rebuilt in 2013. Shima has been an official source of seafood for Japan’s imperial family since the 5th Century and the iconic amulet-wearing ama divers, female seabed foragers have been responsibly harvesting these waters since Japan’s Jomon era. At Ago Bay gaze out over the fascinating seascape created by more than 60 islands dotting the water and observe Shima’s sacred Meoto Iwa, Wedded Rocks, connected by a shimenawa rope near the Futami-Okitama Shrine.

Izu Oshima is the largest of the Izu Islands, a chain of islands lying to the south of the Japanese mainland, which preserves its own unique natural and human history. Mount Mihara towers over the landscape at the island’s center, to the east a dramatic cliff drops into the ocean, while gently sloping plains extend towards the west. Almost entirely covered by forests, Oshima Island was certified as a Japan Geopark in September 2010 in recognition of its unique status. This morning we will explore and discover the unique plants and birds that call the island home as well as meet the local inhabitants to discover their way of life.

After a morning at sea with presentations from your onboard experts, arrive in the port city of Ishinomaki. The city is renowned for the Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market and its colorful urban core showcasing its ‘manga’ culture–the art of Japanese comic books and illustrated novels–thanks to famed pioneer Shotaro Ishinomori and creator of the popular Kamen Rider series. Throughout the city you can observe artworks and statues celebrating the importance of the artist and the art on Japanese culture. South of the city is Matsushima Bay, studded with more than 200 pine-covered islands and considered one of Japan’s three most iconic views. Take the opportunity to explore this beautiful landscape from the shores or discover from the water.

With a Pacific shoreline of outstanding natural beauty, a clutch of fantastic cultural sights, thronging markets and delectable seafood, there is a lot to see and experience during a visit to Hachinohe and the Aomori Region. Today there will be the opportunity to explore the region’s fascinating connection with contemporary art through visits to two of Japan’s best contemporary art museums–the recently opened Hachinhoe Art Museum and the Towada Art Center. Reflecting a new approach to contemporary art, Hachinhoe Art Museum, also known as an ‘art farm’ offers a dynamic new interpretation of how and where art is created, housed in an innovative design intended to bring the community together to utilise the space.

At Towada Art Center, one of Japan’s foremost contemporary art institutions, the striking Ryue Nishizawa designed building features contemporary artists such as Leandro Erlich, Yayoi Kusama and Ron Mueck. Alternatively join a visit to the stunning Lake Towada, a 2,000-year-old flooded double caldera some 1,312 feet (400m) above sea level, and its surrounding forest in Towada Hachimantai National Park. Lake Towada is the largest caldera lake on Honshu, and is characterized by two large peninsulas which extend nearly a third of the way across the lake. On a clear day Mt Towada is reflected in the still waters of the lake, creating a picture-postcard scene. A short walk brings you to Oirase Stream with its beautiful and dynamic cluster of 30 waterfalls.

Adventures abound at Shikotsu-Toya National Park, named after its famous twin caldera lakes. Another picturesque natural hot spot, the park’s spectacular scenery including its impressive lakes, hot springs and volcanic wonderland, are all easily accessible and offer multiple hiking and walking options. Activities abound here. Ride the cable car to the top of Mount Usu to take in the grand scale views over Lake Toya. Visit the geothermal spectacle of steaming vents and sulphurous streams at Jigokudani aka ‘Hell Valley.’ Visit the Upopoy National Museum of the Ainu, which stands on the shores of Lake Poroto where you have the opportunity to see and experience the Ainu culture including cuisine, music and crafts. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Muroran at your leisure, visit the scenic cape and lighthouse or take in the city from above after a walk up Mount Sokuryo.

A key city in the Tohoku region since medieval times, Akita was once a castle town of the Satake clan, but today is a vibrant, prosperous city that seamlessly honors its past while still embracing its young energetic spirit. Noted for its burgeoning art community, there are several fine museums to explore including the Hirano Masakichi Art Museum housing a collection of work by Western and Japanese artists as well as the Akita City Folklore Museum. Venture inland to discover the Kakunodate Samurai District, a living museum that showcases the samurai way of life in a picturesque setting that remains largely unchanged since it was established in 1620. Beyond Kakunodate in the mountainous spine of Honshu is Mount Akita-Komagatake where there are excellent hiking opportunities in sub-alpine and alpine habitats at the southernmost extension of Towada-Hachimantai National Park.

Niigata (2026)
Today, visit the bustling port town of Niigata, famous for snow, rice, sake, hot springs and the six-arched, granite-sided stone Bandai Bridge, designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2004, and one of the most scenic spots in the city. Highlights here include Bandai-Asahi National Park, Japan’s second largest national park, combining stunning volcanic scenery and hot springs with lush forests, verdant highlands crisscrossed with walking trails and home to Asiatic black bears, squirrels, foxes and migratory birds. Elsewhere Takada Castle Site Park, with its 3-story castle from the Edo Period, offers panoramic views of the Takada Plain, while the 477 acres (193 hectares) of Fukushimagata Wetlands is home to endangered flora and fauna, including the rarely seen gigantic lotus Euryale Ferox, and listed on Japan’s 100 greatest natural environments.

Sado Island (2027)
Today, explore remote Sado Island off the coast of Niigata. The entire island is designated as one of Japan’s Geoparks and comprises the mountain ranges of Osado and Kosado, flanking the Kokunaka Plain. Once a destination of political exile, it now boasts its own rich cultural and religious life incorporating puppet theater, Okesa folk songs, Ondeko drumming and demon dances. Home to the Japanese Crested Ibis, extinct on the mainland, and the iconic Taraibune Tub Boats, which you will have the opportunity to  experience, this island off the beaten path combines stunning natural scenery including Senkakuwan Bay and Ogi Peninsula, and wilderness and wildlife with a rich history including gold and silver mining, Samurai warrior culture and unique agri- and aquaculture practices. Sado Island is widely considered a perfect miniature version of Japan. Here, visit the Shukunegi Village National Important Preservation Area and learn more about traditional taiko drumming at the Sado Island Taiko Center.

Options today include exploring the historic mountain settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, high in the remote mountains of the Shogawa River Valley in Hakusan National Park. Take in the sights on mountain walks and experience the unique cultural traditions including the region’s iconic Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old, designed to withstand the heavy snow in winter and provide a large attic space for cultivating silkworms.

Alternatively, explore the rich art center of Kanazawa, discovering some of the unique styles of Japanese art. Kanazawa is rightly famous for its Kutani-style pottery, exquisite lacquerware, gold-leaf workmanship, hand painted silk, and classical Noh dance-drama performed since the 14th Century. Wander winding cobblestone streets, elegant restaurants and craft galleries, and visit the impressive Edo-period Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and explore the Omicho Market boasting everything from flowers, to crafts and food.

From the port of Sakaiminato, visit Matsue, the ‘town of water,’ which nestles between a scenic lake and a large lagoon. Visit the cultural attractions of the town including the 17th century Matsue Castle before enjoying a boat ride along the local canals. After lunch on board, spend the afternoon at leisure or visit the Adachi Museum of Art which is set in a beautiful natural environment. The museum is renowned for its superb Japanese gardens and collection of contemporary Japanese paintings, comprising some 1,500 of the country’s most highly regarded paintings produced after the Meiji period.

Today, cross the Sea of Japan to Ulsan in South Korea and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. The capital of the Silla Dynasty and dating back to the first millennium, Gyeongju is known as ’the museum without walls’ and is full of ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture. Enjoy strolling through hundreds of excavated monuments, temples, tombs and pagodas. Experience Korean delicacies and cultural performances, and visit the National Museum with its gold jewelery, metal weapons and distinctive pottery. Today provides a perfect taste of the best South Korea has to offer.

This morning, return to Japan and Shimonoseki Port, perched above the 2,132-foot-wide (650m) Kanmon Straits and tucked away at the western end of Japan’s main island Honshu. Surrounded by water on three sides, Shimonoseki is rightly famous for its seafood and, in addition to being considered the gateway to Kyushu, is also known as Japan’s Pufferfish/Fugu Capital–the potentially deadly local delicacy requiring takumi-level preparation by specially trained Fugu chefs.

Other highlights include the city’s iconic Kanmon Bridge spanning Honshu and Kyushu Islands, the world famous Karato Fish Market and the beautiful Akama Shinto Shrine built to honor drowned child Emperor Antoku. Excursions today include time to explore Kokura Castle and its rich history at the crossroads of Japanese history, and discover the beautiful Shiranoe Botanical Garden accompanied by its resident gardeners. There is also time to explore the world-famous Karato Fish Market adjacent to where the ship is docked, and visit Akama Shinto Shrine on the shores of the Kanon Strait.

Despite its history, including being the site of the world’s first atomic bomb attack on the 6 August 1945, Hiroshima is a vibrant and thriving cosmopolitan community. Visit the beautiful Peace Park and Museum, with its sombre cenotaph containing names of atomic bomb victims, and the permanently lit Flame of Peace. After visiting the Peace Park, travel to Miyajima Island, considered one of Japan’s most scenic spots and the location of the Torii Gate and the Daisho-in Buddhist temple. For those after a nature fix, ascend Mount Misen on Miyajima Island by cable car and enjoy a hike, admiring the views below of the Shinto Shrine and Torri Gate.

Shikoku Island’s Takamatsu has had a long history as a port town, earning itself the nickname Gateway to Shikoku, although more recently locals have been calling it Udon Kingdom. If you have an interest in plants, a visit to Ritsurin Park, considered one of Japan’s finest gardens, is sure to be a highlight. Next you will enjoy a visit to Kinashi, one of Japan’s main bonsai production centers, where you will learn about traditional methods of growing bonsai. For those interested in history and art, you may wish to travel to Naoshima Island for a full-day excursion. Shikoku Island is known for its art and this excursion to Naoshima will have you admiring its architecture and art museums, including Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House, featuring work by Japanese and international artists.

This morning sail back into Osaka, after breakfast there will be a complimentary coach to a central hotel or the Kansai International Airport.