Disembark from your plane and an English-speaking guide will be waiting. Board the motor coach for the drive to your Kyoto hotel where the evening is at your leisure.

(Includes overnight at Kyoto Hotel Okura)

The day starts with a visit to Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun, after his death it became a Buddhist Temple at his request and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. Next Stop will be at Nijo Castle, which was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a 5-story castle keep. After lunch, you will be transferred to a Local Machiya House. The house consists of a workshop in front and living space in the rear which is typical of a large scale kimono wholesaler. In this Machiya house, you will enjoy wearing a Kimono and participating in a Traditional Tea Ceremony. The staff will explain the history of kimonos and the house. After enjoying the kimono experience, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

(Includes overnight at a hotel, breakfast and lunch)

 

After breakfast check out of the hotel and an English-speaking guide will be waiting to accompany you to Nara. Drive past Osaka Castle on your way to Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts with temples and shrines that pre-date those found in Kyoto. The exquisite city of Nara is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and numerous art and architectural relics classified as National Treasures and Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese Government. See the incredible Todaiji Temple, founded in 752, and best known for its Daibutsu, the world's largest Buddha statue sitting 49 feet tall.. The 8th century statue is housed in an all-wood building, the Daibutsu-den, considered the largest wooden building in the world. During the visit at Todaiji Temple, you will have a chance to see many deer in Nara Park which covers 1,295 acres of woodland and is home to over 1,000 free roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, Nara's deer are a symbol of the city and are designated a National Natural Monument. Visit the impressive Kasuga Shrine which has 1,800 stone lanterns lining the walkway to its entrance, and another 1,000 bronze lanterns suspended from the eaves of corridors. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, you will be transferred to Kobe where your yacht awaits.

(Includes breakfast and lunch)

Osaka is the gateway to Kyoto with great street food, bright lights and delightful night life. Its main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat and many flowering trees. Kyoto is famous for its numerous Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It is also known for formal traditions like kaiseki dining (multiple courses of precise dishes) and geisha entertainers.

The tropical small port of Amami Island is well-known in Japan for the top-quality silk and dyes produce the highest-end kimonos. The white-sand beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters of Amami are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Amami is also known for Keihan, its unique chicken rice dish.

Renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history and unique Chinese, Japanese and Korean culture, Okinawa is famous for its ceramic wares. Tsuboya Potter Museum is the place to visit to learn about this beautiful artform. You’ll also want to see Shuri Castle & Shureimon Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kokusai Street, the main shopping area.

Ishigaki City is the southernmost Japanese city located closer to Taiwan than the main islands of Japan. Well known by Japanese tourists for the clear waters and coral reefs, the island is ringed by beaches offering excellent snorkeling, swimming and diving. The emerald-green water of Kabira Bay, a top sightseeing spot famous for the cultivation of black pearls is here, which you can view on a glass bottom boat trip as swimming is not allowed.

The modern metropolis and capital city of Taiwan is an interesting mix of Japanese, Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures. The skyline is dominated by the 1,671-foot, 101-storied, bamboo-shaped skyscraper, Taipei 101. Other highlights of Taipei include the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, Martyrs’ Shrine which is an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture, and the Confucius Temple.

Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong’s harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.

Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong’s harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.

Halong Bay is our gateway to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam about 3.5 hours away but well worth the visit. Hanoi boasts a fascinating blend of East and West with lots of Chinese influences and French design. Highlights include the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Thirty-Six Streets District in Old Town Hanoi, and Hoa Lo Prison, known widely as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Explore the mystical landscape of Halong Bay by charming traditional fishing junk.