Experience scenic, compelling Japan, visiting unique ports and rarely seen wilderness areas in luxury on board exclusively chartered 'L'Austral.' Gain fascinating insights from A&K's award-winning expedition team and choose from a variety of enriching experiences en route.
Time | Event | Description |
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18th May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Cross the International Dateline and arrive at Sapporo’s Chitose International Airport. After clearing customs and immigration, you are met by your Abercrombie & Kent representative and transferred to your hotel. The luxurious five-star Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa is located on top of Mt. Poromoi and boasts panoramic views of Lake Toya. The hotel was the host site of the 34th G8 Summit in 2007. |
19th May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Set out on an enlightening full day in Sapporo, including visits to the historical village of Hokkaido, its museum and a local market specializing in fresh produce and seafood. Following lunch at a local restaurant, continue with a visit to the Clock Tower, the symbol of Sapporo, and the former Hokkaido Government office. Alternatively, choose from other options to enjoy your time in Lake Toya. You may embark on a full-day tour of the Lake Toya area, which includes a scenic boat cruise on Lake Toya, lunch at a local restaurant and visits to the Lake Toya Visitor Center and Kompira Crater walking trail. Or you may choose to remain at your accommodation and enjoy a round of golf at the resort’s Windsor Great Peak of Toya golf course or a spa treatment at the Windsor Hotel Bloom Spa. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner to meet your A&K Expedition Team and fellow guests. |
20th May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Set out for Muroran, pausing at Lake Shikotsu for a hike amongthe mountains and, time permitting, an onsen (hot springs)experience. Continue on to Muroran and board the luxurious‘L’Austral,’ your home for the next 10 nights. |
21st May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Disembark in Aomori and head to Towada-Hachimantai NationalPark, passing through the mountainous UNESCO World HeritageSite of Hachimantai along the way. Pause at the Great DrumHouse, continuing on with a hike or boat ride at the ancientcaldera of Lake Towada. Serious outdoor enthusiasts may opt for a guided trek to Juniko Lake. Later this afternoon, re-board yourvessel in Noshiro. |
22nd May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Travel off the beaten path to Sado Island, a pastoral landscapeof rice paddies; bamboo groves and dramatic; surf-poundedseacoasts. Take in a private performance by the world-renownedKodo taiko drummers. Back on board, gather for a captain’swelcome reception and dinner as ‘L’Austral,’ sets sail for Japan’swest coast. |
23rd May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Immerse yourself in the thriving arts center of Kanazawa.Traverse its winding cobblestone streets, pausing to take in ageisha performance. Browse fresh flowers, seafood and localhandicrafts at the Omicho market. Later, enjoy a tea ceremonyand relax among the botanicals of the Kenrokuen Garden.Alternatively, you may opt to hike the Kakusenkei Gorge, orvisit the scenic Shirakawa-go and Shogawa River Valley. |
24th May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Today, disembark for Matsue, a “town of water” nestled between ascenic lake and lagoon. Explore the countryside, pausing at Peonies village to wander through its picturesque Yuushien Gardens andvisit historic Matsue Castle. Alternately, you may opt to visit theAdachi Museum of Art, home to one of Japan’s finest gardens.Following a traditional lunch, visit Yakumo-mura Village tolearn the art of Japanese papermaking. |
25th May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Disembark for Gyeongju, South Korea, the ancient capital of theShilla Dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discovertemples, tombs, pagodas and excavated monuments, gaining insightfrom your cultural historian. Next, explore an exceptional collectionof gold jewelry, metal weapons and distinctive pottery at the NationalMuseum. Sit down to a lunch of Korean delicacies, and witness atraditional dance performance. |
26th May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Cruise to Kyushu Island, disembarking for an excursion to KaratoMarket, Kokura Castle and Kokura Garden. Alternatively, you canopt to spelunk Akiyoshido Cave, or enjoy a Japanese doll paintingexperience with free time to explore Moji Retro Town. |
27th May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Disembark in the port of Hiroshima for a visit to the HiroshimaPeace Park and Museum, followed by a speedboat ride to the scarletTorii Gate of Miyajima Island. Or, set out on an excursion visitingHiroshima Castle and the Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum,capping off with a private meeting and lecture conducted by anatomic bomb survivor. Alternately, you may spend the day visitingthe UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima-Jinja Shrine,taking a cable car to the top of Mount Misen. |
28th May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | Dock at Uno-Ko for a wide range of excursion options. You mayopt to visit Naoshima Island’s Chichu Art Museum, openedexclusively for your A&K group. Or, set out for the KorakuenGardens, followed by an A&K-exclusive opening of the OharaMuseum, home to a large collection of Western and Asian art.Active guests may opt to visit the Edo-era village of Takahashi,seeing the Kibitsu Shrine, trekking to the Bicchu MatsuyamaCastle and strolling Takahashi’s old town. Back on board, gatherfor a captain’s farewell reception and dinner. |
29th May 2017 at | Wonders of Japan Cruise (2017) | After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, orcontinue on to extend your stay in Kyoto and Tokyo. |
Experience scenic, compelling Japan, visiting unique ports and rarely seen wilderness areas in luxury on board exclusively chartered 'L'Austral.' Gain fascinating insights from A&K's award-winning expedition team and choose from a variety of enriching experiences en route.