Experience the Ancient Japan on this expedition cruise. Find out about Japan traditions, culture while you walk around with your private expert guide in Kobe. Board on this cruise voyage where you'll be captivated by the Japanese talent for integrating the country’s proud ancient culture with its equally proud embrace of the modern. With a coastline longer than the United States and 6,852 islands (only 426 of which are inhabited), you can appreciate the logistical complexities that are overcome through travelling by a cruise ship. Your luxury hotel goes with you. Unique islands and cities become accessible overnight. Every port of call will be steeped in history and tradition, from Kanazawa's 19th century mystique to the shrine of Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most revered sites with its huge vermillion gate, sacred to both Shintoism and Buddhism. The sea is Japan’s life blood. The cultures, art and cuisine are the links you will come to appreciate on this remarkable itinerary.

Available Cruise Departure Dates:
Kobe>Otaru route: May 21, 2012
Otaru>Kobe route: Jun 20, 2012

Kobe is the sixth-largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture on the southern side of the main island of Honshu, approximately 500 km west of Tokyo.  Wedged in between the coast and the mountains, the city of Kobe is long and narrow.  It is warm in winter, and is coolish in the summer.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer.

The Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel stands on its southern tip of the land jutting out into the sea. The hotel is designed in a picture-perfect harmony with Port Tower and Maritime Museum and looks just like a luxury cruise ship dropping anchor there. The hotel's unique location, surrounded 270 degrees by sea, gives you stunning and unobstructive views of the ocean, harbor and city from your room balcony. Night view of Kobe is even more appealing and romantic with a dazzling display of light, colors and silhouettes. Whether you stay with us for leisure or business, you will be assured of a refined yet refreshing and relaxing time at this urban retreat as if you were having a great time aboard a luxury cruise ship.

Overnight at The Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel.

This morning at 9:00am, transfer with your private guide in a chartered vehicle. First take a visit to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, built as a symbol of a reconstruction from the 1995 earthquake in Kobe. Apart from the striking exhibition about the earthquake, one of the highlight is the building itself, designed by the world famous architect Tadao Ando.  Resume the tour to Nada district, a famous place for sake production due to the availability of high quality rice and water and its proximity to Kobe Port. As a matter of fact, Nada district is still the world's top producing region of sake. Stroll around this Sake district and stop by one of the Brewery to enjoy tasting various kinds of Sake.  Pay a visit to the Ikutajinja Shrine, where the god of Victory is enshrined. Since ancient times, it has come through various kinds of calamities and each time, is born again. This is one of the reasons why people in Kobe visit it often, praying here for happiness. Finally, terminate your visit in the Kitano area. In 1868, when Japan was opening to the world, Kobe was established as a concession to western powers.  Kitano was the foreigner’s district and each house bears the influence of the country of his first owner. Today, the European architecture, a synagogue and Chinatown, mark Kobe as a place where foreign culture first arrived in Japan.

Overnight at The Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel.

Cruise along the coastal waters of the Sea of Japan or the Seto Inland Sea, which separates the three main islands of Japan. These waters provide access to one of the world's most intruiging ancient cultures and Japan's unabashedly modern societies, awaiting your discovery.

Sleep in this morning and relax at your hotel.

Meet your driver for a private port transfer.

Welcome aboard your cruise vessel!
After embarkation, meet some of your fellow cruise passengers and get settled in.

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilisers. The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tender to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Japan Discovery.

From the port you will travel by coach to both Okayama and Kurashiki today. In Okayama you will spend time exploring the world famous Korakuen Gardens, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and participate in a tea ceremony in the gardens. In 1687, the daimyo Ikeda Tsunamasa ordered the construction of Korakuen, finally completed in 1700, it has retained its original appearance to the present day. In Kurashiki you will visit a traditional family house dating back to the 17th century and also visit the Ohara Museum of Art. Established in 1930 by Magosaburo Ohara, the museum houses works by El Greco, Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, and Renoir. The collection also presents fine examples of Asian and contemporary art. You will have free time in Kurashiki to explore the cobblestone streets and the boutique shops lining the river. Today's inclusive tour also includes a formal Japanese lunch in Kurushiki.

Optional:
The small island of Naoshima in the inland sea has been, in recent years, converted from essentially an industrial wasteland to a private millionaires playground, showcasing both Japanese and global art forms. Numerous museums and galleries can be found on the island. The Chichu Art Museum (literally, "in the earth") houses a number of site-specific installations by James Turrell, Walter De Maria and paintings by Claude Monet. Another contemporary museum (and hotel) is Benesse House, also designed by Ando. Virtually every space on the island seems to house some form of artistic expression. Sculpture is everywhere and even the local fishing village has become part of the experience with local homes becoming unique art works in their own right. A full day experience on Naoshima, including an incredible lunch experience at Benesse House, is available as an option today. Vehicle ferries will carry you and your coach transport from Uno Ko to Naoshima across the inland sea. (this full day experience will preclude you from participating in the inclusive experiences)

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Japan Discovery.

The Itsukushima shrine, its grand Torri gate and the general town area are accessed on foot after a short walk from the Zodiac landing beach. It is in the Itsukushima shrine, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage area, where your local guides will explain the significance of this location. After your time in the main shrine, Orion II guests can take a guided hike through the forested area of Miyajima, explore more of the temples and shrines, or wander through the main street with its shopping and eating establishments.

Today's visit to Hiroshima revolves around the Peace Park, Peace Museum and the A-Bomb Dome. The Peace Park, and the A-Bomb dome (being one of the only buildings to survive the horrific blast), stand in peaceful contrast to the images displayed inside the museum. No visit to Japan is truly complete without visiting the Peace Museum, which is quite an emotional experience for most. The Atomic detonation at Hiroshima forever changed the psyche of the Japanese people and the history of the entire world. One of the few remaining survivors of the actual bombing will talk to us about their personal experiences that day and their life since the bombing in Hiroshima (the lecture will be translated into English).

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Japan Discovery.

After your dockside welcome you will have the choice in participating in one of two included experiences.

For those feeling a little energetic you can opt to take the climb to the top of the mountain that is home to Uwajima Castle. Whilst not as large or spectacular as the more well known castles around Japan, Uwajima castle is a very traditional representation of these former mountaintop strongholds. The walk to the top of the hill will take approximately one hour and there is a good chance to see birds along the way. This inclusive tour will also include a visit to the Date Museum, Date being the family name of the former feudal lords of this area and also to the local Tenshaen Garden.

For those looking for a less physical experience join a coach and journey out to the Dairakuji Temple, home of the flying squirrels. Although nocturnal, video and photo presentations will explain these special creatures who have made this temple home. The local priest will host your visit and show you his personal garden, an amazing sight to be seen! This tour will also visit the Doi Pearl Farm to see the Japanese way of running a pearl farm, and there will be an opportunity to visit the Doi showroom to browse or make purchases.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Japan Discovery.

Today you will use the local street cars to be transported to the Nagasaki Peace Park and Ground Zero and also to Dejima, a designated Japanese history site. During Japan's self-imposed period of isolation, Dejima was created as a man made island to "contain" Portuguese traders in 1634. From 1641 to 1851 it became a Dutch trading base up until the point it was integrated into the rest of the city as the isolationist period came to an end.

Afterward, you will also visit Glover Garden, the one time home of Thomas Glover, a Scottish business man who helped to establish ship building and other industries in Nagasaki, and to the Ouru Catholic Church of the 26 Martyrs. A complimentary shuttle into the city area will also be available today. Please note, Orion II guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different times throughout the day.

Optional:
From the port landing, you may choose to drive inland from Nagasaki through the mountains to Unzen National Park, stopping along the way at a roadside "station" famous for Castella Portuguese sponge cakes, introduced by the first European contact. The Unzen National Park has numerous walking trails through the hot spring areas. Further on you will reach Shimabara and its castle dating back to the 1600's. The Samurai residences of Shimabara, which will also be visited, have waterways filled with colourful Koi Carp. This tour includes a Japanese lunch at a local hotel. English speaking guides will accompany the tour. Please note this tour will preclude you from undertaking the inclusive experiences today.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Japan Discovery.

A shuttle bus from the port to the central shopping area and fish markets will be available all day in Busan as well as an included expedition visiting several local attractions. The inclusive tour will visit Tongdosa Temple, a colourful Korean Buddhist temple where you can participate in a Korean tea ceremony with the Monks. There will be a brief stop at Haeundae beach to witness the spectacle of colour and sound as thousands of Koreans pack themselves onto the beach strip. You'll then progress to the UN Memorial Cemetery to pay respects to those who served and lost their lives during the Korean War. As no visit to Busan is complete without a visit to the Jalgachi Fish Market, arguably the best of its kind in the world, where every kind of edible sea creature is on sale, the inclusive tour will also visit here. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different time throughout the day)

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Japan Discovery.

The Adachi Museum of Art holds a stunning array of Japanese art covering many eras and is also to home to one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, regularly voted as the best in Japan. Travelling further west you will take a boat ride on the moat surrounding the imposing Matsue Castle. You will also visit the house of the writer Lafcadio Hearn. Back closer to the port you can get a feel for Japan's love of it's animated characters with a walk along the main street of Sakaiminato with hundreds of bronze statues depicting the "monsters" of the Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro animated cartoon series. Finish with a visit to Sakai's Sake brewery for some sampling of their fine product. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different times throughout the day)

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Japan Discovery.

Explore the traditional Geisha area and take part in a geisha experience in Kanazawa today. Also included is the opportunity to visit the extensive Kenrokuen Gardens and take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Kenrokuen is an old private garden developed between the 1620s to 1840s by the Maeda clan who ruled the former Kaga Domain. Local volunteer guides will show you through Kanazawa's traditional Samurai residences today as well. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different times throughout the day)

Optional:

Two optional activities are available today in Kanazawa. An option is available to purchase a traditional Kanazawa style Goban Bento style lunched served in an elaborate tiered wooden box. Transfers are included.

The second option is to take part in a class teaching the traditional Kanazawa techniques of decorating with Gold Leaf. A follow up class teaches you how to make traditional Japanese sweets. From there the tour includes a visit to a centuries old family pottery kiln and workshop, and finally to the Kimono Museum where as well as an elaborate array of Kimonos, you can participate in applying the artwork to silk in the traditional style. English speaking guides will accompany the tour. (This tour will preclude you from participating in some of the inclusive)

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Japan Discovery.

Days at sea aboard Orion are less structured than a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of the Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Japan Discovery.

Today you'll have an afternoon to explore the quaint township of Otaru, with an overnight aboard before disembarking the following day with complimentary transfers to the main city on Hokkaido, Sapporo. Otaru is regularly noted as one of the most picturesque in Japan, it has a central canal lined with Victorian style lamps and the town is famous for its glasswork, with several showrooms of glass products produced in the area. It’s also known to have some of the freshest sushi in Japan. Another famous product from Otaru is cheesecakes! The local double cheesecakes are known all around Japan for their quality. The town has one of the worlds few working steam clocks, which uses steam to play its chimes on the hour every hour, arguably worth waiting for.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Japan Discovery.

Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan by population, and the largest city on the island of Hokkaido. It is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture, located in Ishikari Subprefecture, and an ordinance-designated city of Japan. Sapporo is best known outside Japan for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics, the first ever held in Asia, and for the annual Yuki Matsuri in the city, internationally referred to as the Sapporo Snow Festival, which draws more than 2 million tourists from around the world. The city is also home to Sapporo Brewery and the famous white chocolate biscuits "White Lovers" exclusively sold in Hokkaido.

Today you'll arrive at the port in Otaru, where you will disembark from your ship, and say farewell to your fellow cruisemates.

Enjoy a complimentary transfer to Hokkaido's main city, Sapporo.

Start your tour with a visit to the famous Sapporo Clock Tower. The building is of American design and is one of the few surviving Western-style buildings in Sapporo, a city developed in the 1870s with assistance from the American government. It is known by many as the symbol of the city. Continue to the Hitsujigaoka observation hill, a gentle hill which commands a panoramic view of Sapporo and Ishikari plain. Finish your day's tour at the Mount Moiwa Ropeway. Opened in 1958, the line climbs Mount Moiwa. The observatory at the summit is built for the panoramic view of the city.

The Sapporo Grand Hotel is a luxurious 4-star hotel in one of the major locations of Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. As the first European-style premier hotel in Hokkaido, the Sapporo Grand has hosted business and leisure guests from around the world. Conveniently located near the JR Sapporo Station and subway, the hotel features 561 guestrooms including suites, themed rooms and executive rooms.

Overnight at Grand Hotel.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .