The Islands of Japan

Welcome to the bustling Osaka. 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 luxurious cruise. (D)

Relaxation beckons, and with so many choices on board you will be surprised how quickly time passes on board. Choose one of the daily activities, join an entertaining discussion in the theatre or relax in the Senses Spa as you sail to Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, with cities nestled between mountains, and unspoilt primeval forests. (B/L/D)

Nagasaki is a port unlike any other. Made up of foreign influence, the city has been transformed into the bustling and beautiful destination that it is today. Nagasaki has rebuilt after the terrible bombing during World War II, with many museums and memorials to pay tribute. Later this afternoon, enjoy a cocktail from the Panorama Bar on Deck 10 as we sail under the Megami Bridge.

Freechoice:

Panoramic Nagasaki - Get a spectacular panoramic view of the city from Mt. Inasa Observatory. Visit Nagasaki Peace Park, dedicated to world peace, and Dejima, a former island and trading post during the Edo period.

Atomic Bomb Museum & Peace Park - Experience two must see spots in Nagasaki, the Atomic Bomb Museum with over 900 artifacts showing the impacts of the plutonium bomb that was dropped in 1945, and Nagasaki Peace Park, commemorating the city's destruction. Choose to explore these highlights on coach or on a walking tour using the city tram.

Arita Porcelain Town - Explore the birthplace of magnificent Japanese porcelain, learning the history at the Kyushu Ceramic Museum while viewing pottery exhibits and demonstrations.

Hidden Christian Site Stroll in Sotome - Learn of the history of Christians in Nagasaki and their attempts to maintain their faith during the Christianity ban from 1614 until 1873. Stroll through the Sotome area and visit the Father de Rorz Memorial Hall and Former Shitsu Aid Center building.

Crafting the “Light of Peace” candle - On this special tour, you will make candles for the “Light of Peace” ceremony to deliver a prayer for peace from Nagasaki. The ceremony will be hosted in September where your candle will be lit on your behalf. You will then visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and offer flowers to those who died in the atomic bombing. (B/L/D)

A popular destination for local tourism, Jeju is a nature lovers dream. Romantic sunrises, majestic coastlines and a mesmerising volcano. Jeju Island is the largest in South Korea and offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Freechoice:

Sunrise Peak & Panoramic Driving - See the magnificent Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, also known as Sunrise Peak, believed to have risen from the ocean over 5,000 years ago. Learn of the many unique species that have been discovered in this area while you admire the remarkable scenery.

Manjanggul Lava Tube & Market - Discover an underground world full of mystery and charm as you explore the Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the largest cave systems in the world. Later on, walk through the popular Dongmun Market.

Jeju City Highlights - Visit the Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum, the only museum in the country to research, collect, and display local traditional heritages, and learn the legend of the Yongyeon Pond and Yongduam Rock.

Native Faces Of Jeju - Walk around the Sangumburi crater, home to more than 400 species of plants and birds, before admiring the ancient stone structures at Jeju Stone Cultural Park.

Mt. Hallasan Trekking - Rising up proudly from the centre of Jeju Island, walk the Eoseungsaengak trail with a local guide and see the impressive views. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a sleep in this morning before taking your coffee on the balcony as you admire the scenery on the journey into Kagoshima. Discover the city of Kagoshima characterised but the active volcano Sakurajima rising in the distance. Often compared to the Italian city of Naples, explore the feudal history, the palm tree lined streets and the unique sand baths.

Freechoice:

Highlights of Kagoshima - Travel by ferry to Sakurajima lsland to view the lunar-like landscape and spectacular lava fields created by past eruptions. Visit Senganen, a serene Japanese-style landscape garden before the world heritage site Ruins of Reverberatory Furnace.

Chiran Samurai Residence & Peace Museum - Visit the well-preserved residences and gardens of the Samurai and the Chiran Peace Memorial Museum, commemorating the bravery and sad sacrifice of young kamikaze pilots in WWII.

Ibusuki Sand Bath Experience - Discover one of Japan's most celebrated hot springs for a sand bath experience. Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul as you bask in the luxuriously warm sand heated by geothermal geysers and springs. The sand bath is known for its promotion of health and circulation.

Shochu Brewery & Satsuma - Yaki pottery Visit the unique Kinzan-gura Shochu Brewery that uses the tunnel of a gold mine to store their Shochu. Enjoy a tasting followed by a visit to Satsuma-Yaki Pottery kiln to learn the history and process of creating this art form.

Makurazaki Dashi workshop - This culinary tour takes you to the Bonito Flakes Factory. A local Japanese ingredient, bonito flakes are dried, smoked bonito fish and look like wood shavings. Enjoy a workshop learning this old technique before tasting the soup.

Kirishima Green Tea Terrace - Travel up the Kirishima Mountain Range to a local tea farm where the farmers will walk you through brewing your own tea. Enjoy tasting your creation whilst learning of the local life. (B/L/D)

Historic castles, sake and samurais. Take the time to stroll through the laid back city of Kochi, noticing the small details of Japan you may miss in the hustle and bustle of the big cities. The island of Shikoku is the path less travelled and has always evoked a sense of mystery.

Freechoice:

History of Kochi - Discover the iconic landscapes of Kochi on this half-day tour visiting Kochi Castle, one of only 12 castles in Japan which retains the original main donjon, and Katsurahama, one of the most scenic spots in all of Kochi.

Chikurinji Temple and Makino Botanical Garden - The Chikurinji Temple is a quaint Shingon temple located in Mt. Godai. Dating back to the 8th century, the temple is an important pilgrimage spot and one of the most famous temples in Kochi.

Niyodo River and Washi Paper Making Workshop - Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Niyodo River on your way to the Washi Paper Making Workshop. In this workshop you will learn the traditional techniques of paper making using natural resources while learning of its history.

Ryugado Cave and Ekingura Museum - Visit Ryugado cave, a limestone cave that is known as one of the most beautiful caves in Japan. Continue to the Ekingura Museum and admire the art created to push boundaries. (B/L/D)

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.

Freechoice:

A Taste of Kii-Katsuura - The Katsuura fishing port boasts the largest catches of raw tuna in Japan, using environmentally friendly longline fishing methods. Walk around the bustling fish market and enjoy tuna and other Katsuura dishes while watching a tuna carving demonstration.

Nachi Shrine Walking Tour - Explore the spiritual realm of Kumano and retrace the footsteps of the countless pilgrims who underwent the perilous journey to Kumano Sanzan. Hike Mount Nachi and visit the Kumano Nachi Shrine and Seigantoji temple, while enjoying the breathtaking views of Nachi Falls.

Kumano Sanzan Shrines - After exploring the Nachi Shrine and Seigantoji temple, continue to the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, a shrine transferred to its current location after a flood, and the Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine. Enjoy views of the beautiful blue-green Kumano River.

Cruise on Katsuura Bay - Visit the Nachi No Taki Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan before embarking on a local cruise on Katsuura Bay, famed for its amazing rock formations. Explore the fish market and sample some of the local tuna. (B/L/D)

This afternoon arrive 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.

Freechoice:

Panoramic Tour in Tokyo - Explore the landmarks of Tokyo on a panoramic drive through the city. Visit the Imperial Palace located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the centre of Tokyo, and the residence of Japan's Imperial Family.

Explore Structure of Tokyo Sky Tree - Discover the structure of Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest structure in Japan. Learn how the tower was built before enjoying panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation deck.

Tokyo Highlights - Learn about Japanese royalty at the Imperial Palace, take a peaceful stroll at Meiji Shrine, be amazed by the bustle at Sensoji Temple, and enjoy verdant views over Tokyo at Tokyo Tower.

Open Air Folk House Museum - Step back in time at the Open-air Folk House Museum, home to preserved buildings from the Edo Period, including traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, samurai houses and merchant homes.

Shinjuku & Shibuya - Visit Meiji Jingu, the most important and popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Be amazed by the bustle at Shibuya Crossing, and explore Shinjuku, centred around the busiest railway station in the world.

Gardens of Tokyo - Experience two of Tokyo's most historic gardens: the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district's futuristic skyscrapers, a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts.

Enrich: Tokyo Shinto Shrine & Sake Barrel Ceremony - Encounter the magic of Shinto, the indigenous Japanese faith. Also known as The-Way-Of-The-Gods, Shinto holds the belief that everything in our world is inhabited by kami, divine spirits. Taking place at a Shinto Shrine, the traditional Shinto ceremony is woven with rituals that have become intertwined in the fabric of the country's culture. Enjoy the scents and sounds of temple life: the ringing of the bell, the fragrance of burning incense, the drumming and chanting of the monks, performing their rituals. Relax in its tranquility. Participate in the 300-year-old traditional sake barrel ceremony to wish for good luck and prosperity. This ceremony is a deeply symbolic ritual and a culturally immersive Japanese experience. (B/L/D)

Continue exploring Tokyo.

Freechoice:

Panoramic Tour in Tokyo - Explore the landmarks of Tokyo on a panoramic drive through the city. Visit the Imperial Palace located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the centre of Tokyo, and the residence of Japan's Imperial Family.

Explore Structure of Tokyo Sky Tree - Discover the structure of Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest structure in Japan. Learn how the tower was built before enjoying panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation deck.

Tokyo Highlights - Learn about Japanese royalty at the Imperial Palace, take a peaceful stroll at Meiji Shrine, be amazed by the bustle at Sensoji Temple, and enjoy verdant views over Tokyo at Tokyo Tower.

Open Air Folk House Museum - Step back in time at the Open-air Folk House Museum, home to preserved buildings from the Edo Period, including traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, samurai houses and merchant homes.

Shinjuku & Shibuya - Visit Meiji Jingu, the most important and popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Be amazed by the bustle at Shibuya Crossing, and explore Shinjuku, centred around the busiest railway station in the world.

Gardens of Tokyo - Experience two of Tokyo's most historic gardens: the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district's futuristic skyscrapers, a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. (B/L/D)

Known as the green city by the sea, this tree lined regional city was founded in the 1600s by Date Masamune. One of Japan's most powerful feudal lords, his pure black regaliais rumoured to be the inspiration behind Darth Vader's armour. Immerse yourself into the samurai history, displayed through the traditional black and gold architectural treasurers and well-preserved historical sites.

Freechoice:

Matsushima Cruising - The best way to appreciate the incredible natural scenery of Matsushima Bay is from the water. Matsushima has long been celebrated as one of the Nihon Sankei (Three Views of Japan), with more than two hundred pine-covered islands dotting its picturesque bay.

Reconstruction of Ishinomaki - Ishinomaki is one of the areas that was most seriously affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Learn about this area and witness the progress of the recovery efforts.

History of Sendai - Visit the Zuihoden Mausoleum that was rebuilt in 1979 and walk through the artifacts, before seeing the Sendai Castle Ruins and the Osaki Hachimangu shrine dedicated to Sendai Sochinju (local Shinto deity).

Hiraizumi: World Heritage Sites - Drive to the Chusonji Temple, Hiraizumi's most famous attraction, and explore the many buildings dotted throughout the forest including the Konjikido Hall (Golden Hall) that is covered inside and out in gold leaf. Visit the Motsuji Temple and its peaceful pure land garden known as ‘Buddhist Paradise'. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a leisurely day at sea to take advantage of the luxurious onboard facilities. Relax on your private verandah and enjoy personalised butler service, revitalise your mind, body and soul in the luxurious Senses Spa with a massage, or enjoy a wine tasting. (B/L/D)

Welcome to Otaru. Disembark from Scenic Eclipse after breakfast as you farewell the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)