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On a voyage aboard the deluxe Clipper Odyssey, explore Japan’s legendary Inland Sea, its scenic west coast, and historic Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Witness Japan’s intriguing contrasts from the ultramodern in Tokyo to the steadfastly traditional in Kyoto and Nara. Experience its ancient traditions, from samurai to silkmaking and from Taiko drumming to pearl cultivation. Discover the serene gardens, temples, and shrines and the traditions that surround them.
May 8 and 9 Los Angeles/Kyoto, Japan
Depart for Kyoto, crossing the International Date Line, and arriving in Osaka the next day. Travel through the countryside to Kyoto and transfer to the Kyoto Okura Hotel.
May 10 Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan’s former capital and was one of the country’s few cities to escape harm during WWII. Visit the Golden Pavilion, the Royonanji Rock Garden, and the Heian Shrine, built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of moving the capital to Kyoto. Later, enjoy a demonstration on kimono dress and calligraphy. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.
(B,D)
May 11 Nara/Himeji
Today, visit Nara, the capital of Japan from 710–794 and site of many beautiful temples. After lunch, continue to Himeji and see the Himeji Castle. Later, begin your voyage aboard the Clipper Odyssey.
(B,L,D)
May 12 Uno Ko/Okayama
Travel from Uno Ko to Okayama and visit Koraku-en, one of Japan’s finest gardens. Then stop at the Hayashibara Museum to see its superb collection of Oriental furniture, swords, and costumes.
(B,L,D)
May 13 Hiroshima/Miyajima Island
This morning, visit the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima and view the exhibition on a guided tour. Then cruise to Miyajima Island and enter the harbor near the famous Otorii gateway, which stands in the sea and is constructed of cedarwood. Enjoy a walking tour through the quiet streets and admire Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
(B,L,D)
May 14 Uwajima/At Sea
After breakfast, explore Uwajima, including the Date Museum with family heirlooms from the Edo era; Tensha-en, a traditional Japanese garden; and the Dairakuji Temple. Later, learn about Japan’s famous pearl industry.
(B,L,D)
May 15 Nagasaki
Nagasaki embodies many reminders of the fateful events that shaped its history. Visit the Peace Park and the Martyr’s monument. Continue on to the Oura Catholic Church—the oldest Gothic style church in Japan—and Glover House, the setting for Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly. This afternoon there is time to explore on your own, with the opportunity to visit the Peace Museum.
(B,L,D)
May 16 Pusan, South Korea
Today, choose from two options: explore Pusan and visit the National Museum, United Nations cemetery, and open-air fish market, or join a full-day excursion to South Korea’s famous Kyongju, an open-air museum exhibiting shrines, tombs, temples, pleasure gardens, and an ancient observatory.
(B,L,D)
May 17 Hagi
Today, visit the famous Shoin Shrine, dedicated to philosopher and teacher Yoshida Shoin. Continue to Daisho-in, the temple of the powerful Mori family that is famous for its hundreds of stone lanterns. Later, visit a local pottery kiln to see how the beautiful Hagi tea bowls are made.
(B,L,D)
May 18 Sakai Ko/Matsue
After breakfast, visit Matsue Castle, a 17th-century feudal castle constructed from wood. Continue on to Buke Yashiki, the home of a high-ranking samurai, and to the former home of the celebrated British author Lafcadio Hearn.
(B,L,D)
May 19 Kanazawa
This morning, visit Kenroku-en Garden, the former private garden of the powerful Maeda clan. Continue to the Yuzen Silk Center to observe the intricate process of Kaga Yen silk design, before exploring the 300-year-old Omicho Market.
(B,L,D)
May 20 Sado Island
Sado Island was originally a penal colony for exiled intellectuals and political dissenters. Enjoy a tasting at a sake brewery and visit a soba (noodle) plant. Also learn about the island’s traditional Taiko drumming.
(B,L,D)
May 21 Aomori
Dock in the bustling town of Aomori for an afternoon excursion to 17th-century Hirosaki Castle. Continue to Nebatanosato Village and see the huge and colorful floats called neputa, which are used during the Aomori festival.
(B,L,D)
May 22 Hakodate/Tokyo
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a tour of this vibrant Asian metropolis. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.
Imperial Hotel
(B,L,D)
May 23 Tokyo/Los Angeles
After breakfast, transfer to Narita airport for the return flight home. (A post-trip extension in Tokyo is available, please call for details.)
(B)
| ABOUT THE CLIPPER ODYSSEY |
The 128-passenger Clipper Odyssey offers all the amenities found aboard a luxury yacht. All staterooms face outside and feature a sitting area, lower twin or queen-size beds, private shower and bath, refrigerator, TV, and telephone. Public areas include two lounges, a library, gym, beauty salon, pool, track, and elevator. All meals are served at a single open seating in the dining room.
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