Karatsu is well known for Hikiyama floats and karatsu ceramic ware, and this tour will show you both highlights as well as the beautiful view of Karatsu Bay. You will be taken to Mount Kagami (Kagamiyama) to enjoy the panoramic view of Karatsu city. Mount Kagami is 931 feet high and you will be able to see the view of Karatsu Bay, Niji no Matsubara (Pine tree forest) and Iki Island if the weather is clear. The tour will continue to Hikiyama Exhibition Hall. This hall stores the 14 floats of the Karatasu Kunchi Festival which takes place annually from November 2 to 4. These decorated floats are hauled through the streets by participants in Edo Period garb to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. On the second day of the festival the floats, known as Hikiyama are taken to Nishinohama Beach, within view of Karatsu Ccastle. Karatsu Kunchi Festival was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. The last stop will be made at one of the local pottery studios in Karatsu where you will be able to see how artisans make the potteries. You will also have some time to enjoy the beautiful gallery and purchase products if you wish.

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing and bring local currency, sunscreen and a hat.

Accompanied by your local guide this enjoyable full day tour will start with a breath-taking journey through glorious countryside and along coastal roads, to the beautiful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. One of the most striking landmarks in Busan thanks to its unusual location by the sea, you will climb around 108 steps to the entrance, past statues of Buddha and along a dramatic rocky backdrop.  Next you will head to APEC HOUSE.  Located on Dongbaekseom Island, which is noted for its beautiful, natural landscape accented by dense camellia and pine trees, Nurimaru APEC House has been used as a memorial hall and a prestigious international conference hall since the APEC summit meeting. Nurimaru, a 3-story building, is a modernistic expression of “jeongja,” a pavilion in traditional Korean architectural style. Its roof shape symbolizes the ridgeline of Dongbaekseom Island. Its interior design is a visual display of Korea’s creative traditional culture.  The terrace, which has a Korean wooden floor concept, towers over Oryukdo Island, Gwangan Bridge and Dallmaji Hill. Located near Haeundae Beach, it not only offers a spectacular view of the beach, but also has the appearance of a reputable international conference hall featuring both modern and natural beauty. Last stops are the most famous markets in Korea, Gukje International Market and Jagalchi Fish Market. Following the Korean War, refugees who fled to Busan set up stalls in order to make a living by selling smuggled or imported products, which developed into Gukje Market (gukje mearning "international" in Korean) of today. Gukje Market is one of Korea's largest markets. The market's alleyways are lined with stalls selling diverse goods. Jagalchi Market is Korea's largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish.  
 
Please note:  Wear conservative clothing that covers knees and shoulders, and comfortable walking shoes.  This tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with mobility issues. Korean traditional marinated beef (Bulgogi) will be served for lunch.
 
 

Your tour will begin with sightseeing at Uragami Cathedral, which was the largest cathedral in the East until it was destroyed by the atomic bomb blast. Continue with a visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum, with over 900 artifacts indicative of the city’s devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns. Then, you will walk to somber Nagasaki Peace Park passing ground zero. Nagasaki Peace Park is commemorating the city’s destruction by the plutonium bomb dropped on August 9, 1945. Although Fat Man, the name given to the second bomb dropped on Japan, missed its target by over a mile and a half, it leveled nearly half the city. The park’s main attraction is its collection of statues and sculptures donated by countries and groups all over the world. This includes the massive Peace Memorial Statue depicting a man with his right arm pointing to the sky to indicate the continued threat of nuclear destruction. Return to the pier and re-board the ship.

Please note: Uragami Cathedral is located on the top of the hill, and guests will need to get off the coach at the bottom of the slope and walk up the hill. This tour is not recommended for wheel chairs or those with mobility issues. Wear comfortable walking shoes.  This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war. The order of the sites visited may vary

Today, your local guide will take you on a tour in Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II. Your tour will begin with a scenic drive to Inasayama lookout point, located on Inasayama hill, a famous spot of beautiful sunsets and night views.   A 5-minute ropeway ride will give you a chance to take a stroll in the air of Nagasaki. Your next stop will be at the Atomic Bomb Museum, with over 900 artifacts indicative of the city’s devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns. Continue on to Dejima Island which was built during the Edo Period to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It was also once the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (isolation) Period of 200 years, until Japan reopened to the world.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. There are 40steps at the Inasayama Ropeway station. So for wheelchair guests, there is chair lift service. Also please note that the capacity of ropeway is 30 passengers only and it runs every 15-20 minutes.

Discover the historic castle town of Kagoshima on this enlightening full-day tour. Located on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four major islands, Kagoshima was the first city to introduce western civilization to Japan, serving as the gateway for trade and exchange between Japan and the world. With a spectacular setting, Kagoshima looks out across the broad sweep of Kinko Bay to the brooding silhouette of Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes. First, you will transfer by coach to the ferry terminal to Sakurajima lsland to view the lunar-like landscape and spectacular lava fields created by past eruptions. Stopping at the Arimura Lava Observatory, located on a small hill created by eruption in 1946, you will stroll along a short walkway, offering an excellent vantage point to observe the dynamic power of the volcano. Returning to Kagoshima by ferry, you will visit Onsen (hot springs) , one of the most popular itineraries for travelling in Japan. Kagoshima is famous for its abundant hot springs, and there are many hot springs Ashiyu (foot baths) around the prefecture. You will be visiting one of the foot baths with great scenery. Enjoy Ashiyu by removing your shoes and socks, and soaking your bare feet in the foot bath. The hot spring water warms your feet and improves blood circulation, helping to relax the body. Next you will go to Senganen, also called Iso Teien, a serene Japanese-style landscape garden constructed in 1660. Offering exquisite views of the bay and volcano, the former summer villa of the powerful Shimazu Clan includes artificial rivers and mountains, a bamboo grove, cascading waterfall and traditional poem-writing garden. Visit the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Japan's first Western-style factory. Established by Lord Shimazu in 1852 to produce armaments, glass, ceramics and farm tools, it is now a museum detailing the 700-year Shimazu family history. 

Please note: Foot bath experience is weather permitting. Bring local currency, a towel and wear comfortable walking shoes. At the garden there are stone steps, gravel and pavement mixed.

Your day will start with a transfer to Sakurajima lsland by ferry, to view the lunar-like landscape and spectacular lava fields created by past eruptions. Stopping at the Arimura Lava Observatory located on a small hill created by eruption in 1946, you will stroll along a short walkway, offering an excellent vantage point to observe the dynamic power of the volcano. Returning to Kagoshima by ferry you will visit the hot springs, one of the most popular itineraries for travelling in Japan. Kagoshima is famous for its abundant hot springs, and there are many hot spring ashiyu (foot baths) around the prefecture. You will be visiting one of the foot baths with great scenery. Enjoy ashiyu by removing your shoes and socks, and soaking your bare feet in the foot bath. The hot spring water warms your feet and improves blood circulation, helping to relax the body.

Please note: Foot bath experience is weather permitting. Bring local currency, a towel and wear comfortable walking shoes. The foot bath will be at the end of your tour. Be aware that there are lava ashes at the Arimura Observatory if you are asthmatic or allergic to dusts.

You will depart in the morning for the 30-minute drive to Kumano Kodo Pilgrimages Trails, which is a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. The Kodo ("old ways") are a key part of the region's UNESCO designation, and have been in use for over 1,000 years. You will be hiking at Daimonzaka Trail which is located near Nachi Falls. The route paved with stones and lined with massive evergreens, leads almost 2,000 feet up to the gates of Nachi Taisha, there will be approximately 350 steps.  After enjoying the 30-minute hike you will re-board the coach and be transferred to Nachi Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in Japan. After visiting the Nachi Falls, you will be transferred to the parking lot of Nachi Shrine. The approach to the shrine from the parking lot is 473 ascending steps. There are some souvenir shops and a bench to rest your legs along the way to the shrine.  You can also make your way to Nachi Shrine and Seigantoji Temple by van. You will see the beautiful mixture of the Buddhist and Shinto influences here. The veneration of the Kumano shrines as holy sites of Shintoism predates Buddhism's introduction to Japan in the mid-6th century. Once Buddhism arrived in Kumano it took root quickly, and rather than competing with the indigenous religion for religious authority, it began a long process of harmonious mixing. A product of this congenial relationship can be seen at Nachi Taisha. Directly beside the eminent shrine is the Buddhist temple Seigantoji. In fact, for most of their history the buildings were not even under separate control and functioned as one religious institution.

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing and bring local currency, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. This tour is not recommended for those with walking difficulties. The drop off point and pick up point at Daimonzaka trail will be different, so guests are required to walk with the guide all the way.   The approach to Nachi fall has 130 steps. The main shrine/temple hall of Nachi is under construction until 2019 and some part will be covered. The way from Nachi Taisha to Nachi Falls may be on foot or by coach depending on the weather condition.

You will ride to the quaint fishing town of Yui, home to the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum. The museum displays more than 1,300 ukiyo-e exhibits, spotlighting the works of Hiroshige Utagawa (1797-1858), one of the best-known ukiyo-e artists who strongly influenced the genre with his dramatic landscape series. After touring the museum, continue on to a tea ceremony in Miyuki-tei at a "chashitsu," a historic tearoom, in Yui Honjin Park. In the Japanese culture, a tea ceremony is not just about the beverage; it's a cultural ritual that brings tranquility and peace to the participants. You will be served Japanese green tea, called matcha, accompanied by some sweets, which balances out the flavors of the tea leaves. Your host will be gracious, preparing your tea with great care and attention to aesthetics. Complete your day at Miho-no-Matsubara, a picturesque pine grove along the eastern coast of the Miho Peninsula, given the distinction of "New Three Views of Japan," a designation of scenic beauty. This inspirational spot for artists offers dramatic views of Mount Fuji, and if you walk deep into the pine grove, you'll spy a 650-year-old Japanese black pine called Hagoromo-no-Matsu. After a day of beauty and cultural sights and hopefully a camera filled with wonderful memories you'll board your coach for your return trip to the ship.

Please note:  The path from the parking lot to Miho no Matsubara is about half a mile. It is wheelchair accessible. Mount Fuji can be seen, weather permitting. The order of the tour sites may vary. Wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing and bring local currency. You will need to remove your shoes at the tea ceremony.

You will board your motor coach at the port, and drive to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, located in the southwestern foothills of Mount Fuji. Originally built to offer protection from volcanic eruptions, the shrine was one of the grandest in its day. Constructed in the early 1600s, the shrine has been hit by several earthquakes, damaging its structure. The grounds are quite picturesque, and over 500 cherry trees bloom here in March and April. You  will drive to the quaint fishing town of Yui, home to the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum next. The museum displays more than 1,300 ukiyo-e exhibits, spotlighting the works of Hiroshige Utagawa (1797-1858), one of the best-known ukiyo-e artists who strongly influenced the genre with his dramatic landscape series. After having lunch at a local restaurant, your final destination of the day will be Miho-no-Matsubara, a picturesque pine grove along the eastern coast of the Miho Peninsula, given the distinction of "New Three Views of Japan," a designation of scenic beauty. This inspirational spot for artists offers dramatic views of Mount Fuji, and if you walk deep into the pine grove, you'll spy a 650-year-old Japanese black pine called Hagoromo-no-Matsu, believed to have mythical origins, its branches spread in every direction, and it is said that an angel bathing in the waters hung her clothes on its branches. A fisherman took the garments, and the angel had to win them back by dancing for him. Beside this legendary tree, there stands a monument of a French ballerina who composed a dance inspired by this legend.

Please note:  The path from the parking lot to Miho no Matsubara is about half a mile. It is wheelchair accessible. Mount Fuji can be seen, weather permitting. The order of the tour sites may vary. Wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing and bring local currency.

Grab your camera and set off on a photographic adventure that will begin with a short drive to Nihondaira Park Outlook. Designated as a prefecture natural park, this scenic spot affords panoramic vistas of sparkling Suruga Bay and dramatic Mount Fuji. From here, you'll board an aerial ropeway for a bird's-eye-view as you're whisked up the mountainside to the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), the famous leader credited with bringing peace and unity to Japan after a long period of civil war. A climb of 1,000 stone steps is the traditional approach to the shrine, but the addition of the ropeway has made it accessible to many more visitors. Gorgeous vistas of Suruga Bay serve as the backdrop to Kunozan Toshogu, a designated cultural landmark. At the entrance, you will see the beautifully embellished Romon Gate, a wonderful commemorative picture. Look carefully at the framed name plaque hanging from the gate building. It is believed to have been carved by Emperor Go-Mizunoo himself. You'll soon reach Shaden, the main building, a striking wooden complex that is comprised of 3 sections, Honden Main Hall, Ishinoma Interconnecting Hall, and Haiden Worship Hall. All three are architecturally diverse and elaborately decorated. Adjacent to the Shaden building, you can purchase a good-luck fortune written on a strip of white paper, which you then tie to a frame next to the shrine so that your fortune will come true! If you are feeling adventurous, stroll into a wooded area, where you'll find the tomb of Ieyasu. Conclude the day with a ropeway ride back to the station where you'll meet your comfortable motor coach for the drive back to the port.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 1 hour of walking with a number of steps to negotiate. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their ability and stamina. Casual clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Bring local currency for shopping. There are 150 steps in Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and guests will have to take the Ropeway between the parking lot and the shrine.