Iconic Japan: Sacred Cultures & Nature
2023 Seoul > Sapporo
Japan unearthed
Sail up the east coast of Japan, seeing the contrast between the futuristic Tokyo, a captivating city shining bright with neon, and the wild remote nature of Hokkaido, considered Japan’s last frontier. Along the way, learn of the history of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, and Date Masamune, one of Japan’s most powerful feudal lords.
- Tour Code:
- 401A
- Duration:
- 10 days
- Departure City:
- Seoul
- Return City:
- Sapporo
Selected Itinerary
10 Day Itinerary
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Day 1 - Seoul, South Korea
Welcome to South Korea. Enjoy your one night stay in Seoul.
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Day 2 - Busan, South Korea
This morning board the KTX bullet train and travel to Busan. A tapestry of colours rolling across the magnificent natural setting, Busan is where the locals go for a relaxing getaway, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, urban beaches, and great street food culture. South Korea’s second largest city represents a harmonious relationship between the calm sea, snaking rivers and lush mountains. Transfer to Scenic Eclipse where your journey into wonder begins with a warm greeting by the crew as you step on board. Raise your glass this evening and toast the start of your ultra-luxury cruise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 3 - Matsuyama, Japan
Offering great historic insights into Japanese culture, Matsuyama is cradled between gorgeous green mountains and the peaceful Seto Inland Sea. At the heart of city is one of Japan's twelve originally surviving castles, the Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle. Today, walk through the castle and view the displays explaining the history of the castle and the efforts to preserve it. Admire the views over the town from this mountaintop castle.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 - Shingu
Crisscrossed with fast-flowing rivers and mountain trails, Shingu is a small seaside city located in Wakayama's sacred south. Nestling inside verdant mountains, this secret place is a treasure trove of lush greenery and a unique religious culture. Shingu is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including one of the three Kumano Sanzan Shrines connected by the network of Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, prominently standing out on the riverbanks with its bold red colouring and sweeping roofs.
FreechoiceExplore the shrines of Shingu, before the Doro-kyo Gorge, or discover the Sacred Land of Kumano and the Nachi Falls.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 - Shimizu
Enjoy breakfast on your verandah or at one of the outdoor dining venues this morning as you sail into Shimizu. You will soon see why it is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful ports, with Mount Fuji dominating the horizon, and history dating back to the Nara Period (710-784). Shimizu is blessed with stunning natural scenery such as the Shiraito Falls, flowing in thin white streams from the foothills of Mount Fuji, and rich Japanese culture and history reflected throughout the bright red buildings and gold accents.
FreechoiceOpen Shizuoka’s treasure box with this excursion to Fujisan Hongu Sengen-taisha Shrine, Shiraito Falls, and Mihono Matsubara, or discover the culture of Shimizu at the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum. Alternatively, visit the Fuji Five Lake region, at the hot springs St Qwakudani Geothermal Area followed by a cruise on Lake Ashinoko.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 - Tokyo
Welcome to the city that captivates. With some neighbourhoods shining bright with neon lights and filled with futuristic architecture, others boasting glowing lanterns and traditional wooden buildings, and dozens of art galleries and cocktail bars hidden amidst concrete blocks, no two experiences in Tokyo are the same. Previously a small castle town, and now the world’s most populous metropolis, this capital city is always on the move and buzzing with energy. With Scenic Eclipse docked overnight, experience the best of Tokyo by both day and night.
FreechoiceVisit the main highlights of Tokyo, or walk through the fantastic collection of folk architecture at the open air museum. Choose to explore the picturesque Shinjuku-Gyoen and Imperial Gardens, or visit Shinjuku and the Imperial Shinto Meiji Shrine before walking across the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world in Shibuya. Alternatively, try your hands a sushi cooking class.
EnrichExperience the Japanese culture at a cocktail function with a Shinto ceremony and a sake Kagami-biraki ceremony at a local shrine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 - At sea
Spend the day at leisure exploring the various amenities of your luxurious Discovery Yacht. Tempt your palate at one of the dining experiences or unwind in Senses Spa.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 - Hachinohe
Outstanding natural beauty and shared cultural history await for you in Hachinohe. Located on the main Japanese island of Honshu, Hachinohe’s enchanting coastline and natural splendour is known as being an inspiration for countless artists, writers and creatives. Believed to be inhabited since the Jomon Era, some 20,000 years ago, there is a great historical and cultural significance surrounding the area.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9 - Muroran
Muroran is a manufacturing town with beautiful scenery and delicious food. Gentle slopes surrounding provide the perfect place to stroll, listening for the chirping birds, murmuring rivers and the fresh scent of flowers. Take the time to taste the curry ramen, known to have an unbelievably delicious and addictive taste.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10 - Otaru
Welcome to Otaru. Disembark from Scenic Eclipse after breakfast as you farewell the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise.
Please book your flight to depart out of Sapporo after 12:00 PM.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
Meals Included: Breakfast