Whether you’re visiting historic shrines, sampling contemporary sushi or exploring pure wonders, Windstar’s Grand Japan cruise will interact each considered one of your senses. With stops in Southern Japan and Busan, South Korea, this dream journey is interesting to each first-timers and vacationers who’ve already visited the land of the rising solar. Wander by the bamboo grove within the well-known Ritsurin Garden, or marvel on the approach Itsukushima Shrine seemingly floats above the Seto Inland Sea. Foodies will get pleasure from perusing native markets in Shimizu and Moji, and in case you’re looking for a extra hands-on expertise, take a noodle-making class on the Nakano Udon School. Nature lovers will admire breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, and from Nachi Falls to Doro Gorge, the picture ops are infinite.
These are the primary highlights from the Grand Japan itinerary:
Tokyo
From the Shiodome District’s futuristic skyscrapers to fifteenth century temples, Tokyo is really the mecca of Japanese tradition. Japan’s capital has extra Michelin-starred eating places than another metropolis on the planet, and a handful of parks and gardens are tucked among the many bustling streets and excessive rises. Hamarikyu Garden was initially constructed as a feudal lord’s residence in the course of the Edo Period, and it’s identified for having the one remaining tidal pond within the metropolis. Another Tokyo landmark is the Imperial Palace, which is positioned on the unique website of Edo Castle. After the shogunate was overthrown in 1868, thus ending the Edo interval, Japan’s capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, and Edo Castle turned the Imperial household’s residence. (Depending in your cruise dates, your Grand Japan tour could begin or end in Tokyo.)
Osaka
Osaka is most well-known for its road meals scene, and town has a much more laid-back ambiance than Tokyo. Osaka Castle, which was constructed within the late sixteenth century, is a fundamental focal point. After centuries of being demolished and rebuilt, the present construction was erected in 1931, the identical yr Osaka Castle Park was opened to the general public. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one other must-see spot, and it’s one of many oldest buildings within the nation. Built within the third century earlier than the introduction of Buddhism, Sumiyoshi enshrines the kami, or Shinto gods, who defend vacationers, fishermen and sailors. (Depending in your cruise dates, your Grand Japan tour could begin or end in Osaka.)
Shimizu
With breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, Shimizu is taken into account one of the vital stunning ports in Japan. Nihondaira Park provides panoramic vistas of the area’s pure wonders, and the views from the aerial ropeway to the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine are equally jaw-dropping. Miho no Matsubara, a picturesque pine grove alongside the jap coast of the Miho Peninsula, additionally options dramatic views of Mount Fuji, so there aren’t any scarcity of picture ops on this cease. Another spotlight is Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, which was initially constructed within the early 1600s. Though the shrine has been broken by a number of earthquakes, the grounds are gorgeous, and with over 500 cherry timber on the property, it’s particularly magical within the spring. Looking to eat native? Shimizu boasts one of many largest tuna catches within the nation, and also you’ll have the choice to seize lunch on the metropolis’s fish market, having fun with the freshest sashimi. Another possibility is a conventional tea ceremony at a chashitsu, or historic tearoom, in Yui Honjin Park.
Shingu
Shingu interprets to “new shrine” in Japanese, and it refers to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of many three grand shrines of Kumano. For over 1,000 years, pilgrims have traveled to the Kumano area to wish on the three shrines, which additionally embody Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hongu Taisha. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails, which cross by the southern Kansai area, are simply considered one of two pilgrimage websites on the planet acknowledged by UNESCO. Consider making the short trek to Nachi Falls, which, at 436 toes, is the tallest waterfall in Japan. It’s close to the namesake Nachi shrine, and the falls are thought-about the unique non secular website within the space. Doro Gorge (Dorokyo) is yet one more considered one of Shingu’s pure wonders so as to add to the listing. You can hop on a jet boat for a 90-minute cruise by the gorge, which is positioned on the Kitayama-gawa River. The gorge is known for its steep cliffs, clear emerald waters and rock formations.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima is finest identified for Sakurajima, an energetic volcano sitting in the course of Kagoshima Bay. Once an remoted island within the bay, Sakurajima turned related to the Osumi Peninsula after an eruption in 1914. You can board a ferry to Sakurajima and discover the lava fields, and take within the views of the three,665-foot stratovolcano on the Arimura Lava Observatory. On the ferry journey again to Kagoshima, cease by a neighborhood sizzling spring and benefit from the views — and a calming ashiyu, or foot tub. You can also determine to go to Senganen, a surprising backyard with attractive views of the bay and volcano. Senganen, which was as soon as the summer time villa of the Shimazu clan, contains a bamboo grove and a cascading waterfall.
Karatsu
Karatsu Castle is the primary attraction on this coastal metropolis, and it may be seen from throughout Karatsu Bay. The 5-story construction was first inbuilt 1608, nevertheless it was torn down in the course of the Meiji Restoration within the late nineteenth century. In 1966 a duplicate was constructed within the type of the unique citadel. Another worthwhile cease is Mount Kagami, which options panoramic views of the bay, town and the neighboring pine tree forest. The metropolis can also be identified for the Karatsu Kunchi Festival, a three-day float parade that takes place each November. Fourteen Hikiyama floats are hauled by the streets to have a good time the harvest, and contributors typically gown in Edo-period apparel. The floats, which have a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation, will be seen on the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall.
Busan, South Korea
Busan is the second largest metropolis in South Korea, well-known for its picturesque seashores and ornate temples. Take in views of Mount Geumjeongsan earlier than visiting the 1,300-year-old Beomeosa Temple, or tour the Tongdosa Temple, which is believed to deal with a number of relics of Buddha. Another spotlight is the full-day tour of Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sometimes called the “museum without walls.” Looking for sweeping vistas on the water? Step onto the Oryukdo Skywalk, a cantilevered statement deck with a glass flooring above the ocean. The Oryukdo Skywalk juts out from a 115-foot cliff, and on clear days, you is perhaps fortunate sufficient to see Tsushima Island. Or, discover the equally spectacular Songdo Skywalk, a winding pedestrian bridge connecting Songdo Beach to Geobukseon Island. You’ll even have the chance to go to the Busan International Film Festival Square and the close by Jagalchi Fish Market.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki is residence to the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Nagasaki Peace Park, memorializing the destruction by the second of two atomic bombs dropped on Japan throughout World War II. Remains of the Urakami Cathedral, which was as soon as the biggest church in Asia, can be seen from the Peace Park. The Inasayama Observation Deck provides phenomenal views of town, and one other focal point is Dejima Island, which was inbuilt 1636. For over two centuries, this synthetic island served as the first outpost for overseas commerce and cultural alternate, and it was the one Japanese territory open to Westerners. For these trying to enterprise past Nagasaki, take into account taking a day journey to Arita, a scenic two-hour drive north of Nagasaki, acknowledged because the birthplace of Japanese ceramics.
Moji
Moji was considered one of 5 cities that merged to kind Kitakyushu City in 1963, and right this moment Moji Port is residence to quite a lot of historic buildings. Mojiko Station is the oldest station on the Kagoshima Line railway, and guests can discover the meals stalls of the Tanga and Karato markets, the latter of which is a success for sushi lovers. Enjoy a tour of Kokura Castle, which was initially constructed within the seventeenth century and notable for being the one standing citadel within the area. For a extra area of interest tour, cease by the TOTO Museum and be taught concerning the historical past of bathrooms in Japan. Keen on immersing your self in nature? Venture out to the Hiraodai Plateau, one of many largest karst plateaus in Japan. From otherworldly rock formations to the colourful colours contained in the Hiraodai Senbutsu Limestone Cave, this distinctive picture op has guests strolling by shallow water contained in the underground wonderland.
Hiroshima
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also referred to as the Atom Bomb Dome, was the one construction left standing within the metropolis after the U.S. dropped the primary of two atomic bombs in 1945. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the park has many extra memorials and monuments, together with a museum that covers the historical past of Hiroshima and the appearance of the nuclear bomb. Another spotlight is Itsukushima Shrine, which is a one of the vital photographed landmarks in Japan. The shrine and torii gate are constructed over the water on Miyajima Island, and at excessive tide they seem to drift on the Seto Inland Sea. The shrine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was inbuilt 593 B.C., in the course of the reign of Empress Suiko.
Takamatsu
Takamatsu is positioned on Shikoku Island, and the port metropolis provides entry to a number of smaller islands within the Seto Inland Sea. One of the highest sights is Ritsurin Garden, which was awarded three stars within the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The 185-acre backyard is taken into account one of the vital stunning parks within the nation, and it options six ponds, a waterfall, a bamboo forest and a tea home. Takamatsu can also be identified for its soy sauce manufacturing and Udon noodles. Foodies looking for a hands-on culinary expertise will need to enroll in the noodle-making class at Nakano Udon School. After studying concerning the historical past of the dish and strolling on the wheat dough, you’ll get pleasure from a steaming bowl of the thick, tasty noodles.
On the topic of eating, Chef Tracy Chang will be part of the September 21, 2023 Grand Japan cruise as a part of Windstar’s partnership with the James Beard Foundation. The basis was created to acknowledge and have a good time the cooks, writers and restaurateurs who advance America’s culinary arts, and the James Beard Awards are thought-about the Oscars of the restaurant trade. Chang is the proprietor and chef at PAGU restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and in 2020 she obtained a James Beard Best Chef Northeast nomination.
The submit Windstar’s Grand Japan Cruise: A Focus on Culture, Nature and New Experiences appeared first on Windstar Cruises Travel Blog.