Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture

• Explore castles, merchant quarters, and samurai districts from Kanazawa to Uchiko. • Discover the South Korean city of Gyeongju, the crown jewel of the ancient Silla kingdom. • Visit three unique Japanese gardens, considered among the most beautiful in the country. 16 DAYSFROM $20,800

the Adachi Museum of Art, and see the Zen Buddhist temples of Hagi. Sail to South Korea to experience Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom. National Geographic Orion or National Geographic Resolution for the remainder of the trip I Meals: 5B, 5L, 5D

DAYS 9–12 I KYUSHU, JAPAN/YAKUSHIMA ISLAND AND SHIKOKU In the harbor city of Nagasaki, visit Oura Cathedral and Sofukuji temple, and trace World War II history at the Nagasaki Peace Park. Cruise to Kagoshima to explore Senganen Garden, set beneath an active volcano, and explore the samurai quarter of Chiran. Walk among enormous ancient cedars on Yakushima Island before sailing north to Shikoku. Meals: 4B, 4L, 4D

DAYS 13–16 I SETO INLAND SEA/OSAKA/U.S. See the “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Get immersed in inspiring art on Naoshima, then learn about folk traditions at the Shikoku Mur open-air museum in Takamatsu. Tour Korakuen Gardens and Okayama Castle, and explore the sites of historic Kurashiki. Disembark in Kobe and visit the World Heritage–listed Himeji Castle before transferring to the airport in Osaka for your flight home. Meals: 4B, 4L, 3D

DAYS 1–3 I U.S./TOKYO, JAPAN Fly overnight to Tokyo. The next day, explore Meiji Shrine, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, and the Asakusa neighborhood. Conrad Tokyo Meals: 1B, 1L, 2D

DAYS 4–8 I HONSHU’S NORTHERN COAST AND SOUTH KOREA Ride the bullet train to Niigata and embark our ship. Explore the historic geisha and samurai districts of Kanazawa. Visit Matsue Castle and

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. Photographer and documentary storyteller James Whitlow Delano will join the September 16, 2021 departure.

INFORMATION

2021 Date: Sept. 16–Oct. 1 2022 Date: Sept. 8–23

See pages 63–64 for the ship descriptions and deck plans. Price is per person, double occupancy, varies by cabin category, and is subject to change. Single-cabin pricing is from $31,200. Airfare is not included in the price.

NOW INCLUDED

We will cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew.

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.