Japan -Pearls Of The Far East Cruise

Enjoy a full day tour of Japan's 5th largest city, Sapporo. Departing your hotel with private transportation and guide, you'll visit the Clock Tower, a symbol of Sapporo, which was built in 1878 and is designated an Important Cultural Asset by the Japanese Government. Then, onto Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill to see the bronze statue of Dr. William S. Clark, well-known as the symbol of frontier spirit of Hokkaidō Island. And at Mt. Moiwa, you can get a spectacular view of the city from the observatory. Continue to Hokkaido University where you will find The Botanical Gardens of the Faculty of Agriculture with approximately 4000 different species of vegetation within its dense woods, a tranquil location within the heart of Sapporo's central business district. Enjoy a sample of Japan's oldest beer brands at the Sapporo Beer Brewery! Learn about the history and brewing process of this famous Japanese beverage.

Today you will transfer with your private guide to the city of Otaru. The Otaru Canal is the symbol of this city. The gaslights and stone warehouses along the canal produce a beautiful nightscape popular with young couples. There are many cafes, museums, restaurants & shops as well as the brewery restaurant belonging to Otaru Beer. Throughout Otaru large "herring mansions" (nishin goten) were built by wealthy fishermen to process the herring and as a residence for themselves and their employees. You will visit Nishin Goten, which was relocated to its present location in 1958 and is one of the few remaining herring mansions. Originally constructed in 1897, it now exhibits workers' tools and costumes in its spacious interior. Otaru is famous for its many glass workshops. The most historical is Kitaichi Glass which was founded in 1901. Kitaichi Glass currently has a couple of stores and a museum displaying a variety of glasswork. It also has a workshop where the manufacturing process can be observed and glass creation can be experienced. Admissions to Nishen Goten and Kitaichi Glass included. Conclude your tour with a return transfer to Sapporo.

Welcome aboard!

Take some time to get settled in to your stateroom, and to explore the length of your ship. Tonight's dinner on board will present an ideal opportunity to meet some of your new cruisemates.

Today is a full day spent relaxingly at sea, as you sail onward to your first port-of-call, Kanazawa. Relax in the onboard lounge, or luxuriate with one of the rejuvenating spa treatments.

A prosperous past which reflects on every street in the ancient samurais’ district; a luxurious Japanese garden which drains every year numerous environmental lovers… One would not need more to make Kanazawa a stopping place of choice for one’s unforgettable journey in Japan.

Enjoy in Sakaiminato, harbor city, its local cuisine with its delicious and delicate dishes, largely revolving around the daily local catch. Sakaiminato is the home of Shigeru Mizuki, the creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro, a manga character seen throughout Japan. The spirit of Kitaro can be found on Kitaro Road, a street dedicated to all the monsteresque characters that appear in Mizuki's stories. One hundred bronze statues of the story’s characters line both sides of the road.

Busan, the second city of South Korea, is famous for its natural picturesque landscapes like the river Nakdonggang, and also its magnificent coastal beaches, its islands and its mysterious high mountains.

Today is another full day spent cruising onward as you return to Japan tomorrow with a call-to-port at Hiroshima. An onboard fitness center allows you to maintain your regular workout routine, while the social hub at the onboard bar is another lively option to pass the time.

Hiroshima is a port city and the capital of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. Hiroshima was founded in 1589, yet is best known as the first city to be destroyed by a nuclear weapon, an atomic bomb, in 1945. Hiroshima has since been proclaimed a City of Peace, holding major peace and social issue conferences. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which includes the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, draws many visitors from around the world, especially for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, an annual commemoration held on the date of the atomic bombing.

This morning, you'll disembark from your ship upon arrival to Osaka. Bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates as you make landfall.

Transfer by private vehicle between Osaka and Kansai Airport.