Overview
Itinerary
Upon arrival, transfer to The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, where you gather for a welcome dinner and Noh performance. Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Osaka (D)
Begin your adventure in Osaka, Japan's third-largest city. The day's excursions may include a visit to Kyoto's Golden Pavilion and an exploration of Zen Buddhism, a journey to Nara revealing Japan's oldest temple, or a scenic drive amid Uji's iconic cherry trees. Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Osaka (B/L)
Enjoy the morning at leisure in your hotel, or perhaps join a panoramic tour of Osaka Castle. This afternoon, transfer to your luxurious expedition cruiser. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
Wake up in the charming port of Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku Island. Your day might feature a boat ride to Shodoshima, the heart of Japan's olive-growing industry; a visit to the gardens of Shikoku Island's Ritsurin Park and an exploration of traditional bonsai horticulture in Takamatsu's Kinashi area; or a ferry ride to Naoshima Island to tour Benesse House and a museum dedicated to Tadao Ando's architecture. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
Today, explore Hiroshima, renowned for its Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park. You might arise to split your day between Hiroshima and Miyajima, site of the iconic Torii Gate. Alternatively, spend an immersive day in Hiroshima and meet a storyteller of the World War II atomic bomb attack, or head to Miyajima to hike scenic Mount Misen. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
Spend the day in Uwajima, home to Japan's pearl industry. The day's excursions may include a visit to a local pearl farm and the samurai-era gardens of Tensha-en, an exploration of Nanraku-en Garden, or a stroll down a cherry tree-lined lane to the old town. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
This afternoon, arrive in the port of Karatsu, once an early trading post between Japan and mainland Asia. Once ashore, visit Karatsu Castle, or perhaps head to the city of Imari to tour its celebrated porcelain works. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
Disembark in Busan and transfer to Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. Here, you might explore Gyeongju's excavated temples, tombs and pagodas, or visit the Hyundai factory. Alternatively, stay in Busan to take in the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the scenic overlook from Nurimaru APEC House and the colourful houses of Gamcheon Culture Village. Return to the ship for a traditional music performance at the pier. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
Explore Matsue, a city renowned for its idyllic countryside. The day's excursions may include visits to Yuushien Garden and Matsue Castle, or a tour of the Adachi Museum of Art. Later, you might also savour a traditional lunch at a ryokan (inn) and visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art of Japanese papermaking. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
Visit the thriving art centre of Kanazawa, known for its pottery and gold-leaf workmanship. Here, you might stroll Kenrokuen Garden, wander Omicho Market and tour the Higashi Chaya-gai district's well-preserved historic geisha houses. Alternatively, you might hike Kakusenkei Gorge and soak in a soothing onsen (hot spring), visit Kanazawa's Oumi market and cook with a local chef, or explore the Shogawa River valley. This evening, enjoy an exclusive geisha performance. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
Arrive amid Sado Island's rice paddies, bamboo groves and surf-pounded seacoasts. Today may include an exclusive private performance by the Kodo taiko drummers or tours of Hakusanmaru Exhibition Hall and Ogi Folk Museum. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
Enjoy a relaxing day while cruising toward Hokkaido, Japan's largest and northernmost island. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
Arrive in Otaru, a port city known for its canals, sake distilleries, architecture and views of Mount Tengu. Here, you might tour the city and visit a sake distillery. Alternately, you might spend the day discovering nearby Sapporo's parks, landmarks and market. Stay: Le Jacques Cartier (B/L/D)
Disembark your vessel in Otaru and transfer to the airport in Sapporo for your homebound flight. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Cruise the best of Japan for 11 nights aboard luxurious ‘Le Jacques Cartier,' enjoying a capacity limited to just 148 guests
- Spend two nights in one of Osaka's most luxurious hotels
- Experience the magical atmosphere of Japan's cherry blossom season
- Witness private performances by the world-renowned Kodo taiko drummers, Kabuki warriors and geishas
- Immerse yourself in mesmerising Japanese gardens, perhaps visiting the gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art
- In South Korea, explore the ancient dynastic capital Gyeongju or the bustling seaside enclave of Busan
- Reflect on Japan's turbulent history and witness its miraculous resurgence in Hiroshima
- Enjoy fascinating onboard lectures and presentations led by our enrichment specialists on Japanese history, culture and gardens
- An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by A&K's Expedition Team and Local Guides
- Pre- and/or Post-Cruise Stays at Stylish, Ideally Located Hotels and A&K-Led Excursions
- Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers
- Private Balcony with Every Onboard Accommodation and Butler Service with Every Suite
- Maximum Personnel-to-Guest Ratio of 1 to 1.2 and ship occupancy limited to 80 percent
- Culinary Program Featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, Including House Drinks, Afternoon Tea and Pastries
- 24-Hour Room Service and Breakfast in Bed on board
- Choice of Curated, All-Inclusive Shore Excursions
- Enrichment program, lectures and presentations
- Traveller's Valet® Laundry Service on board
- All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
- Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, Including an Accredited Physician
- 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Disruptions to itinerary may occur.
- This journey contains some active elements, including walks over uneven terrain
Get to the heart of action: up close and personal with wildlife, accompanied by expert guides and naturalists. Read more
Every luxury expedition cruise is exclusively chartered allowing A&K experts to select the finest of everything. Read more
A&K take care of everything so that you can fully enjoy every breathtaking moment of your adventure. Read more
Deck Plans
Cabins
Balcony
Deluxe Stateroom
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV. A bathroom with shower. A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs. A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window. Additional services provided include 24-hour room service, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
Balcony
Prestige Stateroom
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). One chaise longue. A bathroom with shower. A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs. A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door. Additional services provided include 24-hour room service, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
Suite
Deluxe Suite
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm). A bathroom with shower. A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs. A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window. Additional services provided include 24-hour room service, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
Suite
Prestige Suite
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door. Two bathrooms with shower. A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs. Additional services provided include priority boarding, butler service, champagne and fruit basket on arrival, an assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
Suite
Privilege Suite
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair. A bathroom with shower. A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs. A panoramic sliding bay window. Additional services provided include priority boarding, butler service, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
Suite
Grand Deluxe Suite
A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). A lounge with sofa convetible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm), armchair, and second TV. A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub. A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table. 2 panoramic sliding bay windows. Additional services provided include priority boarding, butler service, champagne and fruit basket on arrival, an assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
Suite
Owner's Suite
A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed (160 x 190 cm), and second TV. A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). A bathroom with shower, Balneo bathtub and smart mirror. A private 40 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area with sofa and armchair. Two panoramic sliding bay windows. Additional services provided include concierge service from your reservation until you return from your trip, priority boarding, butler service, a one-hour spa treatment per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer, premium drinks at the bar, champagne and fruit basket on arrival, an assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
Brochure
Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Expedition Cruises (2024-25)
Availability
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Abercrombie & Kent. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Abercrombie & Kent. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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