Explore Japan's third largest city, Osaka, on this intriguing half-day tour. Today, this modern port city combines historical and cultural attractions with all the delights of a Japanese urban marvel. Following a 30-minute drive from Osaka port, see the impressive landmark, Osaka Castle . One of Japan's most famous castles, it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Built on a plot of land almost one mile square, the castle compound contains 13 structures, designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government. The central castle building is 5 stories on the outside and 8 stories on the inside. Of particular interest are the tower's ornamental ride-end roof tiles, and bas-reliefs carved in the shape of crouching tigers, all gilded with gold. An engaging museum occupies the interior of the building, tracing the history of the castle from the late 1500's to the present day, and housing Osaka's most significant historical and cultural artifacts. After a guided tour of the castle, proceed to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine . Built in the 3rd century, Sumiyoshi enshrine the kami (Shinto gods) who protect travelers, fishermen and sailors at sea. It displays a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, which is free of influence from the Asian mainland. Only two other shrine architecture styles are also considered purely Japanese: Shinmei-zukuri as seen at the Ise Shrines and Taisha-zukuri as seen at Izumo Taisha. Transfer to the airport. Please note : This tour includes approximately 3 hours of walking with a number of steps to negotiate. Photography and videos are not permitted inside Osaka Castle (3rd & 4th floors). Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. From the parking lot to Osaka Castle is approximately a 15-minute walk. Bring local currency, sunscreen and a hat and wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing for the temple.

Explore Japan's third largest city, Osaka, on this intriguing half-day tour. Today, this modern port city combines historical and cultural attractions with all the delights of a Japanese urban marvel. Following a 30-minute drive from Osaka port, see the impressive landmark, Osaka Castle . One of Japan's most famous castles, it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Built on a plot of land almost one mile square, the castle compound contains 13 structures , designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government. The central castle building is 5 stories on the outside and 8 stories on the inside. Of particular interest are the tower's ornamental ride-end roof tiles, and bas-reliefs carved in the shape of crouching tigers, all gilded with gold. An engaging museum occupies the interior of the building, tracing the history of the castle from the late 1500s to the present day, and housing Osaka's most significant historical and cultural artifacts. After a guided tour of the castle, proceed to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine . Built in the 3rd century, Sumiyoshi enshrine the kami (Shinto gods) who protect travelers, fishermen and sailors at sea. It displays a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, which is free of influence from the Asian mainland. Only two other shrine architecture styles are also considered purely Japanese: Shinmei-zukuri as seen at the Ise Shrines and Taisha-zukuri as seen at Izumo Taisha. Transfer to your Windstar hotel. Please note : This tour includes approximately 3 hours of walking with a number of steps to negotiate. Photography and videos are not permitted inside Osaka Castle (3rd & 4th floors). Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. From the parking lot to Osaka Castle is approximately a 15-minute walk. Bring local currency, sunscreen and a hat and wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing for the temple.

Begin your journey with a visit to Shikoku Mura, an open-air museum located at the base of Yashima. This unique museum features traditional buildings and structures that have been relocated from across Shikoku Island, offering a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage. One of its highlights is a vine suspension bridge—crafted from vine and wood—reminiscent of those found in the Iya Valley. After a guided tour, take some free time to explore the area at your own pace. Next, head to Yashima, a flat-topped mountain known for being the site of a significant 12th-century battle during the Gempei War. At the summit, you'll find several points of interest including Yashima Shrine, Yashima Temple, and a monument commemorating the Battle of Yashima. Before returning to the port, take in panoramic views of Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea during a relaxing coach ride back. Please Note: Be sure to bring local currency, comfortable walking shoes and clothing, and a light jacket or long sleeves for added comfort throughout the day.

Tour the stunning city of Takamatsu on Shikoku, the smallest of the four main Japanese Islands. Depart from the pier and drive to Seto-Ohashi Bridge . Seto-Ohashi Bridge is a collective term for the 6 bridges with its length of 8 miles. The bridge connects Kojima in Okayama Prefecture on Honshu and Sakaide of Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku. The bridges took 40 years and a tremendous amount of money to build. You will make a stop for taking photos at the parking space, just at the bottom of the bridge. Next, you will transfer to Kinashi Bonsai Town , which is known as the town producing the largest amount of Pine Tree Bonsai (miniature potted trees) in Japan. The tour includes a visit to a Bonsai farm which has hundreds of years' history making Bonsai Trees. The tour will be followed by a visit to Ritsurin Garden. This beautiful Japanese Garden was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The 185-acre park features 6 ponds, 13 hills, a waterfall, plum, cherry, and pine trees, a bamboo forest, a tea house, and more. This garden is recognized as one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Please note : Bring local currency and wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in and bring a light jacket or wear long sleeves.

Most people who hear Takamatsu and Park will only think about the famous Ritsurin Garden that is renowned all over Japan for its beauty and peacefulness. But there is more than just Ritsurin. Tamamo Park lies on the grounds of the former T akamatsu Castle which was built in the early Edo period, first by the Ikoma clan, then by Matsudaira clan. It is known around Japan for being one of the only three castles which has a moat that is directly connected to the sea, so the water and the fish are actually from the big blue! Here you can see one of these moats, with the sea in the background. Unfortunately, the original Takamatsu Castle does not stand anymore, it was torn down in the chaos of the Meiji restoration but there are still some surviving structures which reflect old times, such as the walls and moats as well as Mizutegomon Gate . You will then head to Ritsurin Garden. This beautiful Japanese Garden was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The 185-acre park features 6 ponds, 13 hills, a waterfall, plum, cherry, and pine trees, a bamboo forest, a tea house, and more. This garden is recognized one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. You will be taken to the old tea house called "Kikugetsu-tei" to enjoy Maccha Green Tea . Please note : Bring local currency and wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in and bring a light jacket or wear long sleeves. You will be required to take off your shoes at the tea house.

Takamatsu is located in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku, the smallest of the four main Japanese Islands, and this prefecture has been a popular destination for Udon noodles in Japan. It is said that Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of a religious sect, from this Sanuki region brought the recipe from China in 806, and this is the reason why Sanuki Udon has been developed in this area. Your day will start with a visit to Ritsurin Garden . This beautiful Japanese Garden was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The 185-acre park features 6 ponds, 13 hills, a waterfall, plum, cherry, and pine trees, a bamboo forest, a tea house, and more. This garden is recognized as one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Next you will head to Nakano Udon School where you can enjoy an Udon-Making Experience . Surely you will enjoy the opportunity to taste Udon noodles you just made by yourself! Please note : This tour is not recommended to guests on gluten-free diets or who have mobility issues. During the Udon Making Experience, guests will be asked to step onto the dough while music is playing. Bring local currency and wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in and bring a light jacket or wear long sleeves.

Travel by coach along a scenic route to Miyajima-Guchi , where you'll board the local ferry and cruise to the lovely island of Miyajima. This picturesque island, considered one of Japan's most scenic destinations, is where you'll find the Itsukushima Shrine and its famous large red torii gate that rises up out of the ocean. The shrine was established in 593, the first year of the reign of Empress Suiko and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The current torii was erected in 1875 after the original one was destroyed. Among the distinctive features of the shrine is the corridor of the main building that, with its beautiful vermillion handrails, stretches into the calm Seto Inland Sea. At high tide, both the torii and the shrine give the illusion of floating on the sea. Interestingly, to give birth, to die or be buried were forbidden on the island and today, there are still no hospitals or cemeteries to be found here. Please note : This tour includes approximately 2 hours of walking with a limited number of steps to negotiate. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Casual clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Bring local currency for shopping.

In the years just following the atomic bomb blast on August 6, 1945, scientists doubted if Hiroshima could ever live again. Yet modern Hiroshima rose like a phoenix from its own ashes, and less than 5 decades since its obliteration, it is a vital city with a population of one million and growing. This half-day tour highlights the remarkable landmarks of Hiroshima, a self-declared city of peace dedicated to a nuclear weapons-free world. Begin at the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and its powerful museum. Following the bomb attack, only a few concrete buildings remained standing. Though unusable, one of these ruins is now a symbol of the city and the Memorial Park: the Hiroshima Prefecture Industrial Promotion Hall, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome , located near the epicenter of the blast. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the Dome remains a stark and powerful symbol of the destructive force created by humankind. See the Cenotaph, shaped like an ancient tomb and holding the names of the dead, as well as the Flame of Peace, visited daily by monks offering prayers and burning incense. You will continue to the serene Shukkei-en Garden , located near the Hiroshima Castle. Plum trees, azaleas, cherry trees and other plants guarantee a blooming landscape, regardless of the season, and its sculpted gardens, paths, ponds, bridges, waterfalls and bamboo groves make the garden an extremely pleasant and photogenic place for a stroll. You will then be returned to your waiting yacht. Please not e: This tour includes approximately 2 hours of walking with a few steps to negotiate. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Casual clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war.

Saijo-jo in Higashihiroshima is renowned as one of Japan’s leading “sake capitals.” The Saijo Sake Brewery Street is easily recognized by its iconic red brick chimney and the striking contrast of white plaster walls against traditional black namako-style tiles. Here, you can sample a variety of local sake flavors, each offering a unique taste of the region’s brewing heritage. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, there are plenty of local specialties to enjoy. Souvenirs include the popular bean confectionery “Mamesan” sprinkled with Daiginjo sake lees, sake-kneaded udon, soap infused with Ginjo sake lees, Japanese sake jelly, and local sake cakes. After your sake adventure, you’ll visit the Orizuru Tower, a sleek Hiroshima landmark constructed in 2016. From its observation deck, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city, including the A-Bomb Dome below. On clear days, you can even see the Miyajima World Heritage Site, located 22 kilometers (13.5 miles) away.

Begin with a visit to Miyajima. You will take a ferry to Miyajima Island, regarded as one of the three most beautiful places in Japan. Revered and worshipped since ancient times, Miyajima exhibits a gentle atmosphere and breathtaking beauty. See the magnificent red Torii Gate, a sacred gateway standing in the sea and guarding the Itukushima Shrine , dedicated to three goddesses and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site . Built over the water, both the shrine and its sentinel torii seem to float on the sea at high tide. Enjoy time to experience the shrine's main hall and several subsidiary shrines, all connected by bright red passageways. The 5-story pagoda can also be seen from the Itsukushima Shrine. After sightseeing at Itsukushima Shrine you will take a ferry back to Miyajima to enjoy a Japanese lunch at a local restaurant. Then you will head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, designed and built after the war as a memorial to the people who died in the atomic bomb attack. See the impressive Atomic Bomb Dome , the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945. Stroll past the Flame of Peace, lit in 1964 as 10,000 observers offered their silent prayers for peace, as well as many of the other monuments, statues, and fountains located on the Memorial Park grounds. You will then be transferred back to the port. Please note : This tour includes approximately 3 hours of walking with a limited number of steps to negotiate. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Casual clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war. Bring local currency for shopping. The order of sites visited may be changed

Depart from the pier, and drive to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in central Hiroshima. The area where the park now lies was ground zero for the Atomic Bomb on August 6, 1945. After the bombing the Memorial Park was created and dedicated to those who lost their lives in the attack. Stroll through the park and discover many memorials, monuments and statues, before heading into the museum itself. The park's main attraction is the Peace Memorial Museum . Consisting of two buildings, the museum surveys the history of Hiroshima and the advent of the nuclear bomb. Its main focus though is on the events of August 6; the dropping of the bomb and its outcome in human suffering. After the visit to the museum, you will be driven back to the pier. Please note : Casual clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war.

Depart from the pier, and drive to Karatsu Castle which was built by the feudal lord, Hirotaka Terazawa, in 1608, and located on a small hill facing Karatsu Bay. After the Meiji Restoration of 1868 the castle was pulled down leaving only the stone walls and foundations as part of Maizuru Park, which opened in 1877. The present 5-story Karatsu Castle is a ferro-concrete structure built in the style of the original 17th century castle in 1966. The yagura (towers) were built at the same time with the Tatsumi yagura added later, in 1990. The tour will continue to Hikiyama Exhibition Hall that stores the 14 floats of the Karatasu Kunchi Festival which takes place annually from November 2 to 4. These decorated floats are hauled through the streets by participants in Edo Period garb to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. On the second day of the festival the floats, known as Hikiyama are taken to Nishinohama Beach, within a view of Karatsu Castle. Karatsu Kunchi Festival was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritag e in 2016. Before heading back the port, you will be taken to Mount Kagami (Kagamiyama) to enjoy the panoramic view of Karatsu city. Mount Kagami is 931 feet high and you will be able to see the lovely view of Karatsu Bay, Niji no Matsubara (Pine tree forest) and Iki island if the weather is clear. Please note : This tour includes approximately 1.5 hours of walking or standing. There are 231 steps from the parking to the castle garden, but there is one elevator available. The path is mostly gravel. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing and bring local currency, sunscreen and a hat.

Karatsu is well known for Hikiyama floats and karatsu ceramic ware, and this tour will show you both highlights as well as the beautiful view of Karatsu Bay. You will be taken to Mount Kagami (Kagamiyama) to enjoy the panoramic view of Karatsu city. Mount Kagami is 931 feet high and you will be able to see the view of Karatsu Bay, Niji no Matsubara (Pine tree forest) and Iki Island if the weather is clear. The tour will continue to Hikiyama Exhibition Hall. This hall stores the 14 floats of the Karatasu Kunchi Festival which takes place annually from November 2 to 4. These decorated floats are hauled through the streets by participants in Edo Period garb to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. On the second day of the festival the floats, known as Hikiyama are taken to Nishinohama Beach, within view of Karatsu Ccastle . Karatsu Kunchi Festival was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. The last stop will be made at one of the local pottery studios in Karatsu where you will be able to see how artisans make the potteries. You will also have some time to enjoy the beautiful gallery and purchase products if you wish. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing and bring local currency, sunscreen and a hat.

You will be taken to Mt. Kagami (Kagamiyama) to enjoy the panoramic view of Karatsu city. Mt. Kagami is 284 feet high and you will be able to see the view of Karatsu Bay, Niji no Matsubara (Pine tree forest) and Iki Island if the weather is clear. The tour will continue to Hikiyama Exhibition Hall. This hall stores the 14 floats of the Karatasu Kunchi Festival which takes place annually from November 2 to 4. Karatsu Kunchi Festival decorated floats are hauled through the streets by participants in Edo Period garb to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. On the second day of the festival the floats, known as Hikiyama are taken to Nishinohama Beach, within view of Karatsu castle. Karatsu Kunchi Festival was registered as U NESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. Next will be the former residence of Koreyoshi Takatori, a coal magnate. He had this luxurious seaside residence built with an incredible sense of detail. Wonderfully restored, it illustrates the lifestyle of the upper middle classes during the Meiji Period. The residence is divided into two parts, one for the family and the other for guests, and includes a Zen garden, tearoom, and Nô theatre. On the first floor, the view of the garden that blends so perfectly with the beach and the islands of Karatsu Bay in the background is quite stunning. Please note : Bring local currency, sunscreen, a hat, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Order of sites visited may vary. Guests are required to take off their shoes at the Takatori residence.

Explore the unique spirituality of Buddhism on a nearly 4-hour excursion that includes a tour of the renowned Beomeosa Temple followed by a cultural performance. Shrouded in myths and serenity, the temple's pagodas, gates, temple halls, and shrines are recognized as South Korea's National Treasures and are exceptional sights to behold. Your journey will begin as soon as you board your motor coach for the 50-minute ride through Busan's northern suburbs. You will pass Mount Geumjeongsan . Here, nestled deep in the forest sits the 1,300-year-old Beomeosa Temple, constructed in 678 A.D. Beomeosa once contained over 360 rooms and more than 1,000 monks lived here. The temple was burned to the ground in 1592 and rebuilt in 1602. After crossing an ancient bridge you'll disembark. The first gate you'll meet is called "One Pillar Gate." With the scent of incense filling the air you'll continue on past the 300-year-old Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings . Then, you'll have the chance to leisurely wander around the spellbinding grounds. Continue on to your next attraction, the Nurimaru APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) House. Located on Dongbaek Island, it was built to host the APEC summit meeting in 2005. The island's lighthouse stands guard proudly in the distance. Inside, an enormous masterpiece of lacquer and mother-of-pearl depicting the 12 Korean symbols of longevity will greet you, and a small museum exhibits items from the countries that attended the summit. There are interactive displays and videos to further your understanding of the summit's international significance, and so many thoughtful details will help you to really imagine the summit experience, including a replica of a meal the delegates were served! Please note : This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

For guests who want to discover more about Korean culture, this wonderful half-day excursion is a great place to start. After meeting your guide at the ship, you will then drive through the commercial district, banks and department stores on the way to the temple. You will visit Geumgangsa Temple to take part in an ancient tea ceremony. You will be taught the rituals and rules of this important tradition, before enjoying green tea and Korean snack with your host. Then, you will explore the serene temple grounds of Beomeosa, one of 10 HwaEom temples in Korea. Beomeosa Temple was established to realize the purpose of HwaEom which pursues a life full of happiness and generosity. It was founded in 678 A.D., and is home to an impressive 7th century stone pagoda. After you have learned more about the culture of this wonderful country, you will climb back on to the motor coach and enjoy the glorious drive through stunning countryside back to your ship. Please note: Wear conservative clothing that covers knees and shoulders, and comfortable walking shoes. Guests will be seated on the floor for the traditional tea ceremony so this tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with mobility issues.

You will head to Tongdosa Temple, located at of Mt. Chiseosan . Tongdosa Temple is famous for not having any Buddhist statues in the temple. This is because the real shrines of the Buddha are preserved here. Tongdosa Temple is said to have survived numerous wars and invasions, its Beopdeung (temple candle) has never gone out, for 1,300 years. Inside, there are 35 buildings and pagodas, and 14 small temples in its vicinity. The main building is designated as National Treasure No.290. The temple is similar to a museum because of the numerous relics inside. There are 19 local treasures and 794 local cultural properties inside the temple. In place of the Buddha statue, the Geumgang Stairs behind of the main building preserves the shrines of the Buddha. Mt. Chiseosan, has a beautiful view from the temple. The several hundred year-old pine trees lined up from the entrance to Ilju Gate , the small drum (used when praying in front of a Buddha figure) and bell, the sunset, the pond and the rocks and waterfalls behind the temple are grouped and called the ' Eight Famous Sceneries of Tongdosa Temple .' After driving through the Diamond Bridge, you will proceed to Oryukdo Skywalk. The construction of Oryukdo Skywalk finished on September 12, 2012 at the Seungdumal area, which is regarded as the dividing point between the East Sea and the South Sea, and started operating on October 18, 2013, with the theme of "Walking over the sky." Iron columns were set up over a 35-meter-high (115-foot) coastal cliff, and a 15-meter (49-foot) glass bridge comprised of 24 glass plates and shaped like a horse's hoof connect the iron columns. Visitors will be thrilled with the view of the waves while looking down through the transparent floor. The sea stretches out ahead of the skywalk, perfect for a photo op, as well as the best spot to see Daemado Island on sunny days. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket.

Today, your local guide will take you on a tour in Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II. Your tour will begin with a scenic drive to Inasayama lookout point, located on Inasayama hill, a famous spot of beautiful sunsets and night views. A 5-minute ropeway ride will give you a chance to take a stroll in the air of Nagasaki. Your next stop will be at the Atomic Bomb Museum , with over 900 artifacts indicative of the city's devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns. Continue on to Dejima Island which was built during the Edo Period to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It was also once the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (isolation) Period of 200 years, until Japan reopened to the world. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes. There are 40steps at the Inasayama Ropeway station. So for wheelchair guests, there is chair lift service. Also please note that the capacity of ropeway is 30 passengers only and it runs every 15-20 minutes.

Today, the local guide will take you on a tour in Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II. Your first stop will be at Atomic Bomb Museum , which tells about the aftermath of the bombing. You will see over 900 artifacts indicative of the city's devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns Next, your guide will take you to the Peace Memorial Park , commemorating the city's destruction by the plutonium bomb dropped on August 9, 1945. Although Fat Man, the name given to the second bomb dropped on Japan, missed its target by over a mile and a half, it leveled nearly half the city. The park's main attraction is its collection of statues and sculptures donated by countries and groups all over the world. This includes the massive Peace Memorial Statue depicting a man with his right arm pointing to the sky to indicate the continued threat of nuclear destruction. Continue to Dejima Island which was built during the Edo Period to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It was also once the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (isolation) Period of 200 years, until Japan reopened to the world. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Your tour will begin with sightseeing at Uragami Cathedral, which was the largest cathedral in the East until it was destroyed by the atomic bomb blast. Continue with a visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum, with over 900 artifacts indicative of the city's devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns. Then, you will walk to somber Nagasaki Peace Park passing ground zero. Nagasaki Peace Park is commemorating the city's destruction by the plutonium bomb dropped on August 9, 1945. Although Fat Man, the name given to the second bomb dropped on Japan, missed its target by over a mile and a half, it leveled nearly half the city. The park's main attraction is its collection of statues and sculptures donated by countries and groups all over the world. This includes the massive Peace Memorial Statue depicting a man with his right arm pointing to the sky to indicate the continued threat of nuclear destruction. Return to the pier and re-board the ship. Please note : Uragami Cathedral is located on the top of the hill, and guests will need to get off the coach at the bottom of the slope and walk up the hill. This tour is not recommended for wheel chairs or those with mobility issues. Wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war. The order of the sites visited may vary