Compare Highlights of Japan by Exodus Travels vs Cruising the Land of the Rising Sun - Northbound 2023 by Tauck

Day 1 Start Tokyo

The trip begins this afternoon in Tokyo, the futuristic capital of Japan. Later this afternoon, we have a group welcome meeting with the tour leader followed by an optional group dinner and casual tour around Shinjuku, the nightlife district of Tokyo. Accommodation: Dormy Inn Kodenmacho (or similar)

Day 2 A full-day Tokyo tour by metro including Senso-ji Temple

Today we utilise the efficient Tokyo metro system and enjoy a full-day city tour. We start with an early morning visit to Meiji Shrine, the most famous in the city and dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji. The surrounding park is a forest of some 120,000 trees of 365 different species, making you forget you are in the most populated city in the world. Outside of Meiji Shrine is Harajuku, a shopping haven for fashionistas and the popular meeting place for teenagers who are usually in eccentric clothing. The landmark of Harajuku is Takeshita Street, a long alley filled with boutiques, shops and cafes. Neighbouring Harajuku is Omotesando, commonly referred to as the Champs-Elysée of Tokyo. This broad, tree-lined avenue features several flagship fashion stores designed by internationally renowned architects. From Omotesando, we can take the metro to Ginza, one of the most famous upscale shopping, dining and entertainment districts in the city. It is said that 11sqft (1sqm) of land in Ginza is worth more than 10m yen (US$71,540). Our last stop Asakusa, the oldest Geisha district in Tokyo and home to Senso-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. The streets around Senso-ji have many traditional shops that sell Japanese crafts and souvenirs – a delight to wander through. Please note, the order of activities and areas visited today may change depending on the weather conditions and other factors. Your tour leader will provide full details of the schedule during the initial trip briefing. Accommodation: Dormy Inn Kodenmacho (or similar)

Day 3 Travel by train to Nikko; enjoy nature and Unesco sites; overnight in a traditional-style guesthouse

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Tokyo and travel by train (approximately two hours) to beautiful Nikko, known for towering cedar trees and Unesco World Heritage sites, such as the Toshogu Shrine. Upon arrival, we visit a few of the most popular sites. The Shinkyo Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Nikko. This bright, vermillion bridge spans a river on the outskirts of the main shrine complex and is (aside from Toshogu Shrine) the most photographed attraction in Nikko. Often featured in traditional Japanese art prints known as ukiyoe, it is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Japan and is photogenic in all seasons. No visit to Nikko would be complete without a visit the Toshogu Shrine, which was built as a mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate who ruled Japan for more than 250 years. This lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen Shinto and Buddhist buildings in a beautiful forest setting. We spend the night in Nikko in a traditional-style guesthouse. Accommodation: Turtle Inn Nikko/Annex Turtle Hotorian (or similar)

Day 4 Train to Kyoto; delight your senses in Nishiki Market; explore the traditional Gion district

Today we set out on a longer journey (approximately 4hr 30min) west to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, by local train and shinkansen. As we arrive in Kyoto after 2pm, we can enjoy a bento lunch on the train. After checking into our hotel, we visit Nishiki Market, where we embark on a tour that will delight our senses. We walk through the narrow, covered food markets, where there are many interesting food shops to explore. This is a great opportunity to learn about Japanese produce and snap some photos of goods you won’t find back home. Some of the shops give out or sell samples, so leave space in your stomach. The late afternoon is the best time to visit the Gion district, also known as the Geisha District for being one of the hanamachi (flower towns) where Geisha live and work. The highlight is Hanami-koji, the most popular street in Gion where lavish teahouses and machiya (old houses) are lined up. In the early evening, you may see a Geiko or Maiko on the way to her engagement. Accommodation: Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi (or similar)

Day 5 Experience some Kyoto highlights on foot and by public transport

Today, along with your tour leader, enjoy an exploration of the Kyoto highlights while using the comprehensive bus and metro systems. The tour starts with an early morning visit to one of the most unusual Shinto shrines in Japan. Fushimi Inari is composed of thousands of vermilion torii gates following trails inside the forests of Mount Inari. The Shrine, which was featured in Memoirs of a Geisha, is famous for the impressive contrast and mystical atmosphere created by the colours of the torii gates and the surrounding nature. Next on our schedule is Arashiyama, one of the richest areas in Kyoto for sightseeing, which contains some of the most stunning scenery in the area. Starting at Togetsukyo Bridge, a local landmark, we make our way to the bamboo forest path on the west side of the river before stopping at Nonomiya Shrine. After a lunch break, we continue to the serene Ryoan-ji Temple, which has a well-maintained rock garden. Nearby is the stunning golden pavilion collectively known as Kinkaku-ji Temple. The temple grounds are relatively smaller than that of most temples and shrines in Kyoto but what is undoubtedly impressive is the pavilion completely covered in handmade gold leaves. Accommodation: Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi (or similar)

Day 6 To Hiroshima to visit the Peace Park and Museum; discover the beautiful Himeji Castle en route

Following breakfast, we move further west by Shinkansen to Hiroshima (approximately three hours). Along the way, we break our journey to visit one of the most beautiful castles in Japan, Himeji Castle. Also called Shirasagi-jo (the White Heron Castle) or Hakuro-jo (the White Egret Castle), it resembles a white bird in flight with a white exterior and distinctive roof design. After, we pick up lunch to enjoy on the train and continue to Hiroshima. Perhaps more than any city in the world, Hiroshima is famous for one moment in history; on 6 August 1945, it became the first target of an atomic bomb. However, Hiroshima has risen phoenix-like from its ashes, and rebuilt itself as one of the most laid back and vibrant cities in Japan, full of wide boulevards and museums and famous for great food and welcoming people. This afternoon, we visit the Peace Memorial Museum for a sobering reminder of the events of 1945 before experiencing the surrounding Peace Park, where the atmosphere is one of hope and peace. We spend the night in Hiroshima. Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae (or similar)

Day 7 Morning trip by ferry to Miyajima; bullet train to Osaka for final evening

This morning, we take a short ferry trip to Miyajima, a wooded island in the Inland Sea near Hiroshima. Here is, perhaps, the most photographed site in Japan: the Floating Torii Gate. Please note, while the floating tori of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine is currently undergoing renovation works, we still recommend a visit to this enchanting island. Deer roam freely and we spend time at leisure before we make our way by Shinkansen (approximately 2hr 30min) to our final destination, Osaka. The second-largest metropolitan area in Japan, Osaka has a distinct, vibrant character. The residents are lively and known to work hard and play hard. Osaka is also known as the shopping, dining and nightlife capital of Japan. It’s a good place to buy souvenirs and enjoy our last dinner together or sing in a karaoke box before heading home. Accommodation: Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba (or similar)

Day 8 End Osaka

The tour ends this morning after breakfast. If you have a late flight or are staying longer, your tour leader will happily give suggestions for your sightseeing plans.

Day 1 Arrive Osaka

Tour Begins: 6:00. You have a choice of hotel accommodation for nights 1, 2 & 3 and 12 & 13 – The St. Regis Osaka nights 1, 2 & 3 and The Shangri-La Tokyo nights 12 & 13 or The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka nights 1, 2 & 3 and The Palace Hotel, Tokyo nights 12 & 13 or The Conrad Osaka nights 1, 2 & 3 and The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo nights 12 & 13 (please note – hotel selection is by pairs only and can't be mixed). A transfer is included from Osaka's Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport to The St. Regis Osaka, The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka or The Conrad Osaka. After settling in to your hotel, depart for a Tauck Exclusive evening in Osaka that includes a welcome reception, a Geiko (Geisha) cultural lecture and performance, and a welcome dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : The Conrad Osaka

PORTOFCALL : Osaka, Japan

Day 2 Temples and traditions in Kyoto

Immerse yourself today in the loveliness of classic Kyoto, city of 2,000 temples and shrines. Like a divine dream the Kinkaku-ji, also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" bathed in gold leaf and capped by a golden phoenix, sits in a landscape design meticulously preserved since the 1400s, with a strategically placed pond that hauntingly reflects the shimmering golden temple. Next visit the Sanjusangen-do, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama District – officially called "Rengeo-in" ("Hall of the Lotus King"). After lunch at a local restaurant, attend a traditional Japanese Taiko drumming experience and explore more of Kyoto before returning to your hotel in Osaka (Note: Sightseeing on days 2 and 3 may alternate.)

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : The Conrad Osaka

PORTOFCALL : Osaka, Japan

Day 3 Exploring historic Nara

Head to the city of Nara this morning to visit Todai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the city's powerful Seven Great Temples. Its Great Buddha Hall houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site officially called the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara," Todai-ji temple also serves as headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism in Japan. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a pleasant visit to the Kasuga-Taisha (known as the Kasuga Grand Shrine) a Shinto shrine found in Nara. Known for its many bronze and stone lanterns that lead up to the shrine, the Shrine has been rebuilt several times since its establishment in 768 CE. On your way to the shrine, pass through Deer Park where more than 1,200 wild sika deer roam. Return to your Osaka hotel for an evening spent as you please.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : The Conrad Osaka

PORTOFCALL : Osaka, Japan

Day 4 Osaka discoveries & embark

Begin the day with morning sightseeing in Osaka by motor coach, walking tour and visits to local markets. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a walking tour through one of Osaka's local markets followed by some free time to explore as you wish. Then drive to the port of Osaka, where your ship awaits. Begin your cruise along the southwestern coast of Honshu, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago, bound for Uno Ko and Naoshima.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Soléal

PORTOFCALL : Osaka, Japan

Day 5 Art, bicycling & beer in Uno Ko & environs

Anchor in Tamano (Uno Ko) and travel to the old merchant town of Kurashiki for a walking tour of its historic quarter, where warehouses, shops, and mills remain virtually unchanged by time. Another Kurashiki treasure, the Ohara Museum of Art, reveals a great collection of Western art. Enjoy a choice of three activities this afternoon. On one, you'll ferry to the unique little island of Naoshima, exclusively devoted to art installations and the work of the world-class architect Tadao Ando. Another choice is a leisurely city bicycle ride through Uno Ko. Beer is considered by many to be the most popular alcoholic drink in Japan… and your third choice today is a visit to Kirin Brewery Okayama Village, one of nine factories of the Japan Kirin Group. Your tour winds its way around parts of the factory, offering views from above through observation windows of various parts of the manufacturing process – and includes the tasting bar, where you can sample Kirin beers. Back onboard ship, enjoy your captain's welcome dinner tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Soléal

Day 6 Today's Hiroshima

In your next port of call, Hiroshima, you'll set off on a morning sightseeing tour and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and sites associated with the WWII atomic bomb blast of August 1945. After lunch at a local restaurant serving regional fare, visit the iconic Miyajima-Itsukushima Shrine that seems to float on water (a photographer's dream). This evening, set sail to Uwajima.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Soléal

Day 7 Choices galore in Uwajima

Spend a morning in a rural area around the port city of Uwajima on Shikoku, with a choice of three excursions. One takes you into the countryside to visit a pearl farm – where you'll view a hatchery and see farmers working on bamboo rafts from which baskets of pearl oysters are suspended in the water for culturing – and the 16th-century Dairaku-ji temple, known as Musasabi-dera ("Flying Squirrel Temple") for a Buddhist monk-led tour of the premises including; 400-year-old ginkgo trees, a Japanese garden, a folk museum and a camera museum showcasing a collection of 650 cameras from two generations. Another explores Nanrakuen Garden, the largest traditional garden on Shikoku, presenting a series of beautiful gardens based on themes of "mountain, village, city, and sea;" your guided visit includes a walk through the exquisitely maintained gardens, a calligraphy demonstration and a tea ceremony. A third choice includes a visit to a series of danbata (terraced fields) that form a "staircase" on a steep mountain slope, appearing to roll right down the hillside and into the sea; and a walk through the forest to a beautiful waterfall in Yakushidani Canyon outside Uwajima. Return to your ship for lunch, and sail on to Kagoshima.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Soléal

Day 8 From a volcano to a peace museum in Kagoshima

Kagoshima lies on the southwestern tip of Japan's southernmost main island, Kyushu. This morning, take a short ferry ride across the bay to see Sakurajima ("Cherry Blossom Island"), an active volcano; take a guided scenic drive and stop at its visitor information center to learn about Sakurajima's volcanic history… and immerse your feet in a volcanic hot spring. Excursion choices today include; a visit to Sengan-en Garden, a traditional Japanese garden and stately home in Kagoshima, passed down in the Shimadzu family for over 350 years. The charming garden boasts spectacular views of Sakurajima across the bay, while the house provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of a powerful feudal lord. Or, in Chiran, visit the well-preserved samurai district's Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, on the site of a former airstrip used by Kamikaze pilots during World War II. Return to the ship late afternoon.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Soléal

Day 9 A day in Nagasaki

Arrive in Nagasaki for another day of historic sights: the Nagasaki Peace Park, filled with notable monuments and memorials; and the Atomic Bomb Museum, recounting the devastating events that occurred on August 9, 1945 when an atomic bomb was dropped on the city. After lunch aboard the ship you have a choice of a visit to the Glover Gardens and Dejima, an al fresco museum memorializing the Europeans who settled in Nagasaki in the late 19th century, and the Dejima Museum; or the Nagasaki Ropeway up Mount Inasa. Set sail this evening for South Korea.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Soléal

Day 10 Busan, South Korea

Your crossing of the Strait of Korea to Busan, South Korea, today is a perfect time to enjoy some of the amenities aboard ship. After docking in Busan, city sightseeing includes the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, honoring troops from many nations who fell during the Korean War; and a tour of the renowned Jagalchi Fish Market, a traditional seafood market on Busan's waterfront, and the largest in the country. In South Korea as in Japan, seafood has been a mainstay of local cuisine for millennia, and your visit to this vast cooperative market offers an in-depth look at this longstanding cultural tradition. Return to the ship this afternoon and set sail for Sakaiminato.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Soléal

Day 11 Matsue's Black Castle

Your yacht arrives in Western Japan's fishing industry center, Sakaiminato, for a visit to the Adachi Museum. Following lunch, you can take an excursion to Matsue, known as "the water city" for its river, canals, and setting on two lakes and the Sea of Japan (weather permitting, take in a great view of the city and beyond from its feudal fortress; visit the Black Castle, which presides over the city in solemn majesty); or enjoy free time in Sakaiminato to pursue your own interests. Tonight say goodbye to captain and crew of your Tauck small ship at the captain's farewell dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Soléal

Day 12 Bullet Train to Tokyo – and Ginza

After disembarking your small ship in Maizuru, take a scenic drive to Kyoto to board the Shinkansen bullet train for a quick trip to Japan's capital city, Tokyo. Walking from your premier Tokyo hotel, your guide introduces the luxury shopping district of Ginza. Enjoy dinner and time to check out this remarkable city on your own.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

PORTOFCALL : Tokyo, Japan

Day 13 From shrine to sumo in Tokyo

Plunge into an eclectic day in cosmopolitan Tokyo with a visit to the Meiji Shrine – honoring the deified spirits of Japan's Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, who died in 1912 and 1914, respectively – plus a guided tour of the Japan National Museum. Lunch is at a local restaurant before an afternoon spent poking around on your own. Finish the day in style with our farewell reception and dinner with traditional music and what's sure to be a highlight of your cruise adventure in Japan, an unforgettable sumo wrestling demonstration that has to be seen to be believed.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

PORTOFCALL : Tokyo, Japan

Day 14 Journey home

Tour ends: Tokyo. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, Shangri-La Tokyo or Palace Hotel, Tokyo to Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in. 

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Tokyo, Japan