This charming city serves up amazing cuisine, superb shopping and a friendly spirit, with the restored Osaka Castle offering a spectacular lesson in Japanese history and culture. Osaka's nickname – Tenka no Daidokoro (The Nation's Kitchen) – originally referred to its Edo Period status as Japan's rice-trade hub; today it refers to the city’s reputation as a gourmand's paradise. Take in a 360-degree view from Abeno Harukas – Japan’s tallest skyscraper – before visiting the city’s spectacular aquarium and through Dotonbori, Osaka’s glittering heart. The immensely historical city of Kyoto is within reach, beckoning with spectacular architecture that includes thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

Hafen: Osaka
Erleben

Osaka

All programs below may not be available on every sailing.
  • OVERLAND-TEMPLES, BULLET TRAINS & HIROSHIMA CODE: OSAL02

    Visit must-see attractions in Osaka, including Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site castle, before riding a bullet train to historical Oyahama and another bullet train to Hiroshima, where you will view temples and the somber peace memorial, a reminder of the atomic bomb dropped there in World War II.

    Hinweis: This program includes moderate walking as well as many steps at Himeji Castle. It is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions.

    DAY 1 – 11. Mai 2025

    After disembarking the ship in Osaka, you will meet the guide and drive to magnificent Himeji Castle. Regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese architecture, the hilltop castle was one of Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage sites.

    After lunch, you will explore Shoshazan Engyoji, a temple complex with a history dating back more than 1.000 years. It is so atmospheric that it was chosen as a film location for the movie “The Last Samurai.” A temple monk will lead a private Zen meditation session, which may help calm your mind and ease any stress that you may have.

    Afterwards,, you will transfer to the hotel in Kobe, where you will spend the evening. Time will be allotted for you to freshen up before dining at a nearby restaurant.

    DAY 2 – 12. Mai 2025

    After breakfast at your hotel and check out, you will ridge the bullet train from Shin-Kobe to Okayama. Much of the morning will be spent at Korakuen, a beautiful landscape garden and Okayama's main attraction. Enjoy a relaxing walk in the lush surroundings before breaking for dessert and tea.

    One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, it epitomizes a Japanese landscape garden by including a large pond, streams, walking paths and a hill that serves as a lookout point. Rather unique for a Japanese garden, however, are Korakuen's spacious lawns. Groves of plum, cherry and maple trees, tea and rice fields, an archery range and a crane aviary are also found in the garden.

    After driving to the Kurashiki area for lunch, you will tour the historical district, part of which you will see on a boat. Kurashiki is known as the Venice of Japan because of its canals and charming shops housed in traditional white-walled warehouses that date to that Edo period (1603-1867).

    Later, you will ride the Shinkansen Bullet Train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel for the evening and freshen up for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

    Day 3 – 13. Mai 2025

    You will start the day by visiting the beautiful Peace Park and Museum with its somber cenotaph containing the names of those killed in the atomic bomb blast near the end of World War II.

    You will then ride a boat to Miyajima Island, a small island in Hiroshima Bay known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, an oversized orange torii gate is partially submerged and at high tide it appears to float. The gate marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views.

    Visit the Daisho-in temple, one of the most important temples of Shingon Buddhism. Located at the base of Mount Misen, Daisho-in features a variety of buildings, statues and other religious objects, including Kannon-do Hall, Maniden Hall, a sand mandala diagram made by Tibetan monks and a cave filled with 88 icons representing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

    Continuing on, you will enjoy a sunset dinner cruise and visit another iconic torii gate before returning to your hotel in Hiroshima for the evening.

    Day 4 – 14. Mai 2025

    After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will ride the morning Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo, an exhilarating 4-hour journey. Snacks and beverages are available to purchase on the train.

    After arriving, you will transfer to the Tokyo cruise terminal and re-board the ship.

    Land Program Step by Step

    Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Bitte sehen Sie sich Ihre finale Reiseroute genau an, falls weitere Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.

    TAG 1

    09:00 Uhr Disembark the ship in Osaka

    09:15 Uhr Security screening in the port terminal

    09:30 Uhr Drive towards Himeji

    11:15 Uhr Visit Himeji Castle

    13:00 Uhr Lunch at a restaurant

    14:00 Uhr Proceed to Shoshazan Engyoji

    14:30 Uhr Visit Shoshazan Engyoji

    15:30 Uhr Private Zen Meditation

    16:00 Uhr Depart for your hotel in Kobe

    17:30 Uhr Check-in im Hotel

    19:30 Uhr Depart for dinner at a restaurant

    21:30 Uhr Return to the hotel

    Overnight at the Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland or similar hotel

    TAG 2

    Frühstück im Hotel

    08:00 Uhr Depart for the Shin-Kobe station

    08:30 Uhr Ride the bullet train to Okayama - Green Class – time subject to change

    09:05 Uhr Meet a local guide at Okayama station

    09:20 Uhr Visit Korakuen with a tea and dessert break

    11:00 Uhr Transfer to the lunch venue

    12:00 Uhr Lunch at a restaurant in the Kurashiki area

    13:00 Uhr Tour the historical quarter of Kurashiki on a boat at times

    15:00 Uhr Depart for Okayama Station

    16:00 Uhr Ride the bullet train to Hiroshima – time subject to change

    16:45 Uhr Transfer to your hotel

    17:00 Uhr Check-in at the hotel

    18:30 Uhr Depart for dinner in a restaurant

    20:30 Uhr Drive back to the hotel

    21:00 Uhr Arrive at the hotel for the evening

    Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel or similar hotel

    TAG 3

    AM Breakfast at your hotel

    08:30 Uhr Depart for Hiroshima Memorial Park

    09:00 Uhr Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Museum, A-Bomb Dome

    11:15 Uhr Depart for Miyajima Island

    12:15 Uhr Arrive at the ferry terminal and ride the ferry to Miyajima Island

    12:45 Uhr Lunch at a restaurant

    14:15 Uhr Guided tour including the market, shrine and ‘floating’ torii gate

    16:15 Uhr Proceed to the pier

    16:30 Uhr Embark on a sunset dinner cruise

    18:15 Uhr Walk to bus parking area

    18:30 Uhr Drive back to Hiroshima

    19:45 Uhr Arrive at your hotel for the evening

    Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel or similar hotel

    TAG 4

    Frühstück im Hotel und Check-out.

    08:00 Uhr Transfer to the Hiroshima Station

    09:00 Uhr Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo (time subject to change)

    13:00 Uhr Arrive at Tokyo station and transfer to the cruise ship

    Voraussichtliches Wetter

    In Kobe the average temperature is 18-26 C / 65-79 F

    In Osaka the average temperature is 15-25 C / 59-77 F

    In Tokyo the average temperature is 15-25 C / 59-77 F

    In Hiroshima the average temperature is 14-24 C / 57-75 F

    Was Sie mitbringen sollten

    Light loose clothing, good walking shoes, jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures, camera, sunscreen, hat and umbrella in case of rain.

    Landeswährung

    Japanischer Yen

    Stromspannung

    The voltage throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. Bring an international travel adaptor for electric devices.

    Gepäck

    Due to space limitations on the train, guests can bring one overnight bag (carry-on size) per person and one small carry on piece. Small pieces can fit in the overhead compartment.

    Erforderliche Papiere und Visa

    A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.

    Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for Japan. This program takes place solely within Japan.

    VERY IMPORTANT

    The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for train ticket purchase for this program. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

    Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

    The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. It is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure that they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

    If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.

    Hotels

    Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland

    7-2 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042, Japan

    Telefon: +81 78-371-1111

    Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

    12-1 Wakakusacho, Higashi Ward, Hiroshima, 732-0053, Japan

    Telefon: +81 82-262-7111

    * Eine Änderung der Hotels findet nur in unvorhergesehenen Fällen statt. Wird ein Hotel durch ein anderes ersetzt, handelt es sich um ein Hotel mit derselben Bewertung und demselben Standard. Gäste werden im Voraus darüber informiert. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotels listed in this program will be used.

    Das Programm für die Gäste enthält:

    •1 night at the Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland or similar hotel – Run of House with minimum guarantee Executive Moderate Room

    •2 nights at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel or similar hotel – Deluxe King Room

    •Breakfasts

    •3 lunches including one soft drink or water per person plus tea or coffee

    •2 dinners at local restaurants including 2 glasses of house wine, beer, soft drink or water plus tea or coffee

    •1 sunset dinner cruise including 2 glasses of house wine, beer, soft drink or water plus tea or coffee

    • Ausflüge und Eintrittsgelder für die Reiseroute

    •Shinkansen Bullet train - Shin-Kobe to Okayama, Okayama to Hiroshima and Hiroshima to Tokyo – Green class

    •Ferry to the Miyajima Island

    •Local escort to accompany the group throughout

    Nicht im Programm für die Gäste enthalten:

    •Any other meals or beveages not listed above

    •Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

    •Visa if required

    • Trinkgelder für Fahrer und Fremdenführer

    Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedliche Straßen- und Wegeverhältnisse einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Sand und Kies oder unbefestigte Wege. Occasionally, there may also be a need to climb steps or stairs. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind.

    Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen.

    Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %.

  • OVERLAND - JAPAN'S ANCIENT CAPITALS CODE: OSAL01

    Discover the enduring charm of Kyoto and Nara – both former capitals of Japan – through definitive landmarks that include legendary shrines and temples before boarding the bullet train to Tokyo, the present-day capital.

    DAY 1 – 11. Mai 2025

    After disembarking the ship in Osaka, you will travel by coach to Nara, Japan’s first capital. There, you will visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Park. The deity enshrined there is said to have ridden to Nara on a deer. Ever since, these animals have been considered sacred and accordingly have been protected. You might feed the deer a special sugar-free cracker available at the shrine.

    The deer respond to the sound of a horn and you will witness this phenomenon first-hand in a demonstration just for your group. When the horn blows, the deer will emerge from the surrounding forest and approach the horn blower. It will be quite the sight.

    Later, proceed to Todaiji, a temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage site containing the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan.

    Then, after lunch at a restaurant, you will visit the Kehaya-za Sumo Pavilion, where you will observe a demonstration of sumo wrestling. Sumo originated in Japan, where it is the national sport. In fact, Japan is the only country where sumo is practiced professionally, so the demonstration will be a rare treat.

    Late in the afternoon, you will check into The Thousand Kyoto, your hotel for the next two evenings. The group will dine at a local restaurant for dinner.

    DAY 2 – 12. Mai 2025

    Following breakfast at the hotel, you will travel into Kyoto to the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji Temple. Originally built as a three-story home in 1397, the pavilion follows the Shinden style by being positioned at the edge of a tranquil pond.

    While viewing the pavilion’s exterior, you will notice that the second and third stories are covered in shimmering gold leaf. The mirror reflection of the temple on the glassy pond is another highlight.

    You will then travel into the Arashiyama district to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Strolling the winding paths with sunlight filtering down through towering bamboo is considered by many to be a healing experience.

    Lunch follows, after which you will visit the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 1339, Tenryuji is famous for its Japanese landscape garden. A triumph of design, the garden features a central pond that beautifully reflects the surrounding maple trees and the forested Arashiyama mountains.

    You will enjoy a private Zen meditation session there held exclusively for your group.

    Next proceed to the Buddhist temple Kiyomizu-dera to enjoy a breath-taking view of Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera is one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural and historical significance.

    It is perched halfway up Mount Otowa in the Higashiyama mountain range. Many visitors come to pay their respects to Kannon, a deity of mercy and compassion.

    Later, in the Gion geisha district, you will meander down the Ninen Zaka path, an ancient stone-paved pedestrian walkway lined with traditional buildings and shops.

    The group will dine at a local restaurant for dinner.

    DAY 3 – 13. Mai 2025

    Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for its thousands of vibrant, orange torii gates along the wooded hiking trail that leads to the top of Mount Inari.

    The names of the donors that funded the torii gates – which are dedicated to the deity of good harvest and success in business – are inscribed on them.

    Although there are approximately 12.000 steps to climb to the summit, you can walk as far as you wish.

    Afterwards, you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of a sake brewery and be offered a tasting of this quintessential Japanese spirit.

    You will then ride in Green Class on the Shinkansen, known familiarly as the Bullet Train for its high speed and sleek shape. It can travel more than 150 miles per hour, drastically reducing the time it will take to reach Tokyo.

    A bento box is included for the journey. Snacks and soft drinks can be purchased on board.

    Upon arriving there, you will travel to the port and re-embark the cruise ship.

    Land Program Step by Step

    Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Bitte sehen Sie sich Ihre finale Reiseroute genau an, falls weitere Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.

    TAG 1

    08:00 Uhr Disembark the ship in Osaka

    08:15 Uhr Proceed to the port terminal for security screening

    08:30 Uhr Depart for Nara

    09:45 Uhr Visit Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine with private deer calling session

    11:15 Uhr Visit Todaiji Temple

    13:00 Uhr Lunch at Nara local restaurant

    14:00 Uhr Depart for Kehayaza Sumo pavilion, visit and demonstration

    17:30 Uhr Check into your hotel

    TBA Dinner at a local restaurant

    Overnight at The Thousand Kyoto or similar hotel

    TAG 2

    Frühstück im Hotel

    09:00 Uhr Depart for Kinkakuji Temple

    09:30 Uhr Visit Kinkakuji Temple

    10:45 Uhr Proceed to Arashiyama to visit the Bamboo Grove

    12:00 Uhr Lunch at a restaurant

    13:00 Uhr Visit Tenryuji Temple including zen meditation

    14:30 Uhr Transfer to Kiyomizu Temple

    15:00 Uhr Views at Kiyomizu Temple

    16:00 Uhr Walk through Ninen-zaka and Sannenzaka district

    17:00 Uhr Transfer to Gion

    17:15 Uhr Walk through Gion and Shijo district

    18:30 Uhr Return drive to your hotel

    18:50 Uhr Arrive at your hotel

    TBA Dinner at a local restaurant

    Overnight at The Thousand Kyoto or similar hotel

    TAG 3

    Frühstück im Hotel

    09:00 Uhr Check out from the hotel

    09:30 Uhr Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

    10:30 Uhr Depart for sake brewery

    10:45 Uhr Visit brewery with sake tasting

    12:00 Uhr Proceed to Kyoto station

    12:39 Uhr Ride the bullet train to Tokyo, Bento box included

    14:54 Uhr Transfer to Tokyo port

    15:30 Uhr Re-embark the cruise ship

    Voraussichtliches Wetter

    In Osaka - the average is 15-25 C/ 59-77 F

    In Kobe – the average is 18-26 C / 65-79 F

    In Tokyo – the average is 15-25 C/ 59-77 F

    Was Sie mitbringen sollten

    Light loose clothing, good walking shoes, jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures, camera, sunscreen, hat and umbrella in case of rain.

    Landeswährung

    Japanischer Yen

    Stromspannung

    The voltage throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. Bring an international travel adaptor for electric devices.

    Gepäck

    Due to space limitations on the train, guests can bring one overnight bag (carry-on size) per person and one small carry on piece. Small pieces can fit in the overhead compartment.

    Erforderliche Papiere und Visa

    A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required

    Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for Japan. This program takes place solely within Japan.

    VERY IMPORTANT

    The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for train ticket purchase for this program. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

    Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

    The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. It is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure that they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

    If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.

    Hotel

    The Thousand Kyoto

    570 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan

    Telefon: +81 75-354-1000

    * Eine Änderung der Hotels findet nur in unvorhergesehenen Fällen statt. Wird ein Hotel durch ein anderes ersetzt, handelt es sich um ein Hotel mit derselben Bewertung und demselben Standard. Gäste werden im Voraus darüber informiert. Sollten Gäste vor Abreise nicht über Änderungen informiert werden, findet die Übernachtung in dem in diesem Programm aufgeführten Hotel statt.

    Das Programm für die Gäste enthält:

    •2 nights at The Thousand Kyoto or similar hotel – Superior Room including breakfast

    •2 lunches at local restaurants including 1 soft drink, water, tea or coffee per person

    •1 bento box lunch for the train (beverages not included)

    •2 dinners including 2 glasses of local wine or beer or 2 soft drinks plus water, tea and coffee

    •All touring and admissions per the program itinerary

    •Shinkansen bullet train – Green Class

    •Local escort throughout the program

    Nicht im Programm für die Gäste enthalten:

    •Beverages at included meals

    •Any other meals not listed above

    •Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

    •Visa if required

    • Trinkgelder für Fahrer und Fremdenführer

    Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedliche Straßen- und Wegeverhältnisse einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Sand und Kies oder unbefestigte Wege. Occasionally, there may also be a need to climb steps or stairs. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind.

    Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen.

    Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %.

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