Culture, Castles and Surprising Nature

Culture, Castles and Surprising Nature: Our New Japan Expeditions

Expedition Developer Susan Salvin gives us a preview of what to expect on a voyage to this alluring island nation.

TELL US ABOUT THESE TWO BRAND NEW ITINERARIES. WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS?

SUSAN SALVIN: While there is some overlap in the highlights of the two voyages, they differ in meaningful ways. Our Coastal Japan expedition is a comprehensive overview of Japan and its culture. We'll start in Tokyo and then travel to Kanazawa to explore the evocative samurai and teahouse districts. I’m especially excited for our guests to experience a traditional tea ceremony. We’ll spend time in Matsue and Hagi which are incredibly picturesque castle towns. We’ll see several spectacular gardens like Kenroku-en and Korakuen and the many art installations on Naoshima Island. And guests should expect moving experiences at Nagasaki and Hiroshima, sites that now support peace.

Sailing the East China Sea begins with visually stunning castles and gardens in Himeji and Okayama. Then we will encounter a Japan that surprises many people—remote tropical islands with white sand beaches and beautiful blue water. People who love snorkeling won’t want to miss this expedition.

Left: Okayama Castle or Crow Castle in Okayama; Above: Anemonefish in vivid red sea anemone, Kerama Island National Park, Japan.

Ritsurin Koen Garden in Takamatsu, Japan.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE NATURE AND WILDLIFE THAT GUESTS MIGHT ENCOUNTER.

SUSAN SALVIN: On our Coastal Japan expedition, we will walk among thousand-year-old cedars in a forest that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and soak in the serenity of many beautiful gardens. There will be great birding on our expedition that sails the East China Sea, with chances to spot kingfishers and whistling pigeons; but it’s the rich underwater world that will be most impressive. The islands we visit are habitats for sea turtles and manta rays as well as the Okinawa dugong, which is similar to a manatee. WHY SHOULD SOMEONE CONSIDER AN EXPEDITION-STYLE VOYAGE TO JAPAN?

SUSAN SALVIN: I find Japan endlessly fascinating. It was closed off to the West for many years and it still holds that sense of mystery today. There is so much beauty–its landscapes and seascapes are stunning, the food is exquisite, the gardens are just breathtaking. Really, the whole country is a work of art. On an expedition, guests will be immersed in Japan’s natural splendor and rich culture and they will return home with a multifaceted understanding of an extraordinary place.