Land of the Rising Sun: Japan by Land & Sea
April 30 - May 13, 2010
Starting at $9,290 ~ Book by December 31, 2009 to receive this rate!

From the bustle of Tokyo and Kyoto to the island worlds of Sado and Miyajima, experience Japan’s various treasures, including its dramatic coastlines, sacred temples and shrines, celebrated gardens, and majestic castles. Accompanied by art historian Marjorie Williams, you’ll explore a rich variety of destinations and enjoy behind-the-scenes presentations, private performances, and hands-on workshops. Meet a kabuki actor, learn about the life and training of a geisha, and watch sumo wrestlers practice their ancient sport. You’ll also tour the Mazda factory and take a dip in a hotspring bath. An extension in Kyoto and Nara is available, including a stay at a traditional ryokan.

April 30–May 1 — U.S. and Tokyo, Japan
Upon arrival in Tokyo, transfer to the landmark Imperial Hotel, centrally located near the fashionable Ginza district.

May 2 — Tokyo
Visit the acclaimed Edo-Tokyo Museum, with original artifacts and large-scale models of historic icons that bring the evolution of the 400-year-old capital to life. Following an afternoon at leisure, gather for a rare opportunity to interview a kabuki actor and watch his transformation into a female character through the application of make-up, wig, and full kimono. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner this evening with follow travelers.

May 3 — Tokyo and Niigata (Embark)
An optional early morning visit to a sumo “stable” (training facility) is available. Then choose between a visit to the Tokyo National Museum or an insider’s walking tour of some of Tokyo’s distinctive neighborhoods. Board one of Japan’s famous high-speed shinkansen, or bullet, trains to the port city of Niigata to embark the Clipper Odyssey.

May 4 — Sado Island
Arrive this morning at remote Sado Island, now the home base for the traditional taiko drumming group, Kodō. Visit a local rice farm, try your hand at making soba (buckwheat noodles), and enjoy a rare opportunity to meet the world-famous Kodō troupe and watch an exhilarating private performance.

May 5 — Kanazawa
Call at the refined artistic center of Kanazawa for a visit to Kenroku-en, considered to be the finest landscape garden in Japan. Stop for a traditional tea ceremony at a classic teahouse, and learn about the life and training of a geisha at a well-preserved wooden geisha house. Conclude with a guided tour and tasting at a prestigious sake brewery.

May 6 — Matsue
Drive through lush countryside to the Adachi Museum of Art. Continue to charming Matsue, “City of Water,” and visit one of the few surviving ancient castles in Japan. Enjoy free time to stroll through Matsue’s historic quarter.

May 7 — Hagi
Glimpse the medieval heritage of Japan at remote Hagi, located well off the beaten track, but boasting one of the best-preserved traditional samurai and merchant quarters in Japan, as well as a ceramic tradition nearly 400 years old. Stop at the artisan kiln of a master potter to learn how the highly acclaimed Hagi-yaki is made, and walk the atmospheric grounds of the Toko-ji temple, where hundreds of moss-covered stone lanterns guard the graves of five Mori lords. Return to the ship and cruise overnight across the Korea Strait.

May 8 — Pusan , South Korea and Kyongju
Calling at the bustling South Korean port of Pusan, stroll through the enormous open-air fish market before a drive to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kyongju, ancient capital of the Shilla kingdom. Enjoy a tour of the National Museum’s highlights, then continue to Tumuli Park and the Heavenly Horse Tomb to see how the burial mounds were constructed. After a Korean buffet lunch and folkloric performance, explore the Pulguksa Temple, one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Korea.

May 9 — Inland Sea and Hiroshima, Japan
Cruise the scenic Inland Sea of Japan, arriving after lunch at Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The thriving modern city is a testament to Japan’s post-war recovery.

May 10 — Miyajima
Anchor off the island of Miyajima and transfer by Zodiac to the 6th-century Itsukushima Shinto Shrine with its iconic torii, a grand wooden gateway which appears to float on the sea. After lunch aboard the ship, choose from several optional choices: return to the island for either calligraphy and ikebana (flower-arranging) lessons, enjoy a hot spring experience, or return to Hiroshima for a guided tour of the ultramodern Mazda car factory.

May 11 — Uno and Kurashiki
Call this morning at the port of Uno and drive to the preserved Edo-era quarter of Kurashiki. Enjoy time to explore this compact and picturesque pedestrian district, perhaps visiting the Ohara Museum of Art or the Museum of Folkcraft or stopping for tea and fresh ricecakes at a local restaurant. Return to the ship for a final afternoon cruising the Inland Sea.

May 12 — Kobe (Disembark) and Kyoto
Disembark the Clipper Odyssey in the port of Kobe and transfer to Kyoto, the imperial capital of Japan for over 1,000 years and still the cultural heart of the country. Learn how the shogun rulers lived during a visit to Nijo Castle’s Ninomaru Palace and contemplate Zen principles at Ryoan-ji’s elegant garden. Enjoy a special guided walk this evening along some of the city’s most picturesque streets, often missed by visitors. Conclude with a farewell dinner attended by maiko, or apprentice geisha.

May 13 — Kyoto and Depart
Enjoy lovely views of Kyoto during a visit to the hilltop Kiyomizu Temple before transferring to Osaka Kansai International Airport for flights home.

Your Ship: Clipper Odyssey

The 128-passenger Clipper Odyssey is ideally suited for exploring rugged coastlines. Its small size allows access to remote islands and stretches of coast otherwise inaccessible by land or a larger cruise ship, and its informal style accommodates the casual atmosphere and dress suitable for adventure cruising.

All cabins are outside, with a separate seating area, abundant storage space, twin or queen beds, and bathrooms with hair dryers and shower/bathtub combinations. Individual temperature controls, TVs, and mini-refrigerators add to the enjoyment. Tastefully furnished public areas include two lounges, a bar, and a dining room where all guests are accommodated at a single, unassigned seating. Among the ship's amenities are a 70-meter jogging track on the Sun Deck, shaded areas on the Lido Deck for comfortable observation of scenery, a pool, gym, library/game room, boutique, hairdresser, and clinic with a full-time physician.