Abercrombie & Kent Wonders of Japan Cruise: Cherry Blossom Season
22 March to 4 April 2022 with Jann Porter
Experience fascinating Japan during springtime and witness the country’s iconic cherry blossoms alongside a professional photographer.
Spanning over five islands, this all-encompassing cruise explores Japan’s culturally rich coastline with a pre-cruise stay in Osaka and included shore excursions throughout; including a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Park, Adachi Museum of Art and its gardens, and Kanazawa’s historic district.
Abercrombie & Kent - Wonders of Japan Cruise: Cherry Blossom Season
25 March to 7 April 2021 with Jann Porter
You will be met at the Osaka airport by an A&K representative and transferred to the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or explore Osaka, one of Japan’s most vibrant cities.
You have the choice of the following excursions:
Kyoto, visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple); attend a talk about Zen Buddhism at Tenryuji Temple; and explore Nijo Castle.
Enjoy a historic voyage of Nara, the first Japanese capital, including Houryuji, the country’s oldest temple.
Take a scenic drive to Uji, possibly enjoying the sight of cherry trees blossoming along Uji River.
Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel with fellow guests.
After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure or join a panoramic tour of Osaka that includes a visit to the Dotonbori district and the imposing Osaka Castle.
Enjoy lunch, followed by a stroll through the wandering paths of Taiko-en Gardens admiring its ponds and stone bridges.
This afternoon, transfer to the port where you board Le Laperouse, your floating home for the next 11 nights.
Wake up in charming Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku Island. Opt for a boat ride to Shodoshima, the heart of Japan’s olive-growing industry, for a full-day tour.
You may otherwise remain on Shikoku Island. Here, your day starts with a visit to picture perfect Ritsurin Park, one of Japan’s finest gardens. Next, explore the Kinashi area of Takamatsu, among the country’s main bonsai production centers, where you learn of the traditional methods for growing and caring for these carefully cultivated little trees.
A few others may travel to Naoshima Island by ferry for a full-day excursion, celebrating its architecture and art museums. Visit the hillside Chichu Art Museum and stop at Benesse House, a complex featuring unique work by Japanese and international artists.
Vibrant and full of historical significance, Hiroshima is home to magnificent memorials and shrines. Start the day with a visit to the beautiful Peace Park and Museum, with its somber cenotaph containing names of victims of the atomic bomb. Then, take a speedboat ride to Miyajima Island, site of the iconic Torii Gate and the Daisho-in Buddhist temple.
Or, enjoy a full-day excursion in Hiroshima, visiting the Hiroshima Castle and namesake Peace Park and Museum, where you attend a private talk with an atomic bomb survivor.
If you’d prefer a day in nature, head out to the tranquil island of Miyajima. Ascend Mount Misen by cable car for a hike and admire the Shinto Shrine and Torii Gate from above.
Spend the day in Uwajima, situated on the west coast of Shikoku and home to Japan’s main producers of pearls, for a glimpse of small-town living. Learn the process of cultivating and sorting pearls during a visit to a pearl farm. Continue to the samurai-era gardens of Tensha-en, with their spectacular mountain backdrop.
Alternatively, explore Nanraku-en Garden, the largest on Shikoku, and a scenic hike in Yakushidani Canyon.
Another option is to take a historic stroll to Yoshida along a cherry tree-lined lane, followed by an old town visit that includes an old kabuki theater. Return to the ship for a relaxing evening on board.
This afternoon, Le Laperouse arrives at the port of Karatsu. Once an early trading post between Japan and mainland Asia, Karatsu still maintains its medieval heritage.
Visit Karatsu Castle, known as the “flying crane castle.” Tour the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, which houses the floats and artifacts used in the annual Karatsu Kunchi autumn festival.
Alternatively, head to Imari to visit pottery kilns and the Mifuneyama Rakuen garden.
Disembark and spend a full day exploring Gyeongju, South Korea, the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gyeongju’s cultural heritage dates back to the first millennium. Witness its excavated temples, tombs and pagodas.
Then, unearth the treasures of the National Museum, which houses an exceptional collection of jewellery, weapons and pottery. Sit down to a lunch of Korean delicacies and witness a traditional dance performance.
Return to Japan and disembark at Sakaiminato to visit Matsue, the “town of water.” Explore the countryside, pausing to wander through the picturesque Yuushien Garden.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting historic Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining medieval castles, built in original wooden form.
Art lovers can visit the Adachi Museum of Art, which melds the founders’ passions for art and garden design.
After a traditional lunch at a ryokan (inn), visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art of Japanese paper making.
Spend the day in the thriving art center of Kanazawa, known for its Kutani-style pottery and gold-leaf workmanship, followed by a visit to Edo-period Kenrokuen Garden, considered among the best in Japan.
For a more active alternative, take a hike in Kakusenkei Gorge with a soothing onsen (spa) experience in the Yamanaka Onsen district. Wander Omicho Market with everything from fresh flowers to fish. Take a stroll in the Higashi Chaya-gai geisha district, where the slatted wooden façades of geisha houses are still preserved
Arrive at pastoral Sado Island, with its rice paddies, bamboo groves and surf-pounded seacoasts. Political exiles and deposed emperors were once “banished” to live on this beautiful isle.
Enjoy an exclusive, private performance by the Kodo taiko drummers, and visit the Hakusanmaru exhibition hall and Ogi Folk Cultural museum, followed by a farmer’s talk at the rice paddies.
Spend a relaxing day on board while cruising toward Hokkaido island. Share stories and photos with newfound friends and enjoy the ship’s facilities including relaxing lounges, the panoramic fitness room and sauna.
Arrive in Otaru, your gateway to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Visit the city known for its canals, sake distilleries, architecture and Mount Tengu views.
Opt for a historical and cultural tour of the city, once a prosperous fishing village. Afterward, discover Otaru’s storied glassmaking and visit a sake distillery, where you may sample the rice wine. Whiskey lovers can learn about Japanese whiskey during a visit and tasting at Nikka Yoichi distillery while others can choose to stroll along the city’s canals.
Disembark Le Laperouse in Otaru. Transfer to the airport in Sapporo and board your homebound flight or continue on the Tokyo extension.
Note: This itinerary may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.
While the itinerary is scheduled over estimated cherry blossom dates, this natural phenomenon is subject to climate and weather, and cannot be guaranteed. Excursions may be altered to offer optimum opportunities to view the cherry blossoms if available.
Miyajima Island
Journey Details
First group event: morning excursion on 26 March.
Last group event: disembarkation by 9:00 am in Otaru on 7 April.
Minimum age is 7 years.
Categories 4 to 8 include a room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship.
LE LAPEROUSE
Prices are in US Dollars and include Early Booking Savings:
Category 1
Classic Balcony
Stateroom
Deck 3
$17 995.00 p/person
$25 492.50 single
Category 2
Deluxe Balcony
Stateroom
Deck 4
$20 495.00 p/person
$28 932.50 single
Category 3
Prestige Balcony
Stateroom
Decks 5 & 6
$21 495.00 p/person
$30 307.50 single
Category 4
Deluxe Balcony
Suite
Decks 3, 4, 5 & 6
$27 495.00 p/person
$40 558.00 single
Category 5
Privilege Balcony
Suite
Decks 5 & 6
$31 995.00 p/person
$47 192.50 single
Category 6
Prestige Two-Room
Balcony Suite
Decks 5 & 6
$40 495.00 p/person
$59 732.50 single
Category 7
Grand Deluxe
Balcony Suite
Deck 6
$45 495.00 p/person
$67 107.50 single
Category 8
Owner's
Balcony Suite
Deck 5
$49 995.00 p/person
$73 742.50 single
A deposit of $2 500 per person will be required to secure a booking and the balance of payment, 4 months before departure. Early booking is essential, especially for the suites as availability is already limited.
Optional Extensions
Kyoto Pre-Tour Extension
22 to 25 March 2021; $4 295 per person
Explore the cultural heart of Japan, where you visit a traditional townhouse, a zen garden and stroll Arashiyama bamboo grove.
Tokyo Post-Tour Extension
7 to 10 April 2021; $5 995 per person
Sample the dazzling kaleidoscope that is Tokyo, with stops at a bustling fish market, a bonsai museum and a serene shrine.
Included with this Luxury Expedition Cruise
- An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by A&K's Expedition Team
- Pre-Cruise Stay at a 5-Star Hotel with A&K-led City Tours
- Airport meet & greet and transfers
- Private Balcony with all onboard accommodation and Butler Service in the suites
- Staff-to-guest ratio 1 to 1.3
- Culinary Programme featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, including House Drinks, afternoon Tea and Pastries
- 24-Hour room service including breakfast in bed
- Traveller's Valet Laundry Service (1 load of 8-pieces per person)
- All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard and in hotel/s
- Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, including an Accredited Physician
- 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
A&K Advantages
- Witness private performances by the world-renowned Kodo taiko drummers, Kabuki warrriors and Geishas
- Immerse in mesmerizing Japanese art, perhaps visiting Adachi Museum of Art
- Visit Gyeongju, South Korea, the ancient dynastic capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Reflect on Japan's turbulent History and witness its miraculous resurgence in Hiroshima
- Enjoy fascinating onboard lectures and presentations led by enrichment specialists on photography, Japanese history, culture and gardens
The cherry blossom season is in spring, around the end of March and the beginning of April. The weather will be on the cooler side, especially when we cruise further north, so warmer clothing will be needed but this isn’t the rainy season, so it should be brisk but very nice.
Pre-cruise extension in Kyoto from 19 to 22 March 2022
Explore the cultural heart of Japan on an optional 3-night pre-cruise extension from Kyoto. Visit a traditional townhouse, a zen garden and enjoy a stroll through the Arashiyama bamboo grove.
Post-cruise extension in Tokyo from 4 to 7 April 2022
Sample the dazzling kaleidoscope that is Tokyo on an optional 3-night post-cruise extension. Explore a bustling fish market, a bonsai museum and a serene shrine.
Le Bellot is a beautiful sleek French motor yacht with a guest capacity of 184, but limited to only 148 guests on this exclusive charter.
All staterooms / suites have a balcony, Categories 1 to 6 have a shower; Categories 7 & 8 have a shower and bath.
This is always a very popular itinerary and as it’s on a small ship, it will sell out quickly and especially as it’s during the cherry blossom season.
I did this Wonders of Japan cruise with a group of eighteen in May 2016 and it’s a wonderful insight into Japan. A&K is an excellent company with a knowledgeable expedition team, who are joined by 8 to 10 Japanese guides who stay onboard and also accompany the tours; this adds to the enriching experience.
I’m really looking forward to being back in Japan for my 4th time as it’s so beautiful and interesting.
Book your journey with peace of mind for travel through 2022
With the Book with Confidence offer, if you book any A&K Luxury Expedition Cruise by 26 February 2021, you will enjoy the security and flexibility of being able to change or cancel up to 30 days prior to departure in the event of a COVID-19-related reason — whether at home or in your travel destination — and receive a credit toward future travel.
The A&K cruises sell out well in advance plus Japan is very popular, so we suggest paying a Goodwill Deposit of $2 500 per person to secure your accommodation of choice. Once the 2022 pricing has been released, you’ll have a week to decide if you’d like to go ahead with the booking and only then will the cancellation penalties become applicable.
If you choose to cancel the booking within the 7-day window, you’ll receive a full refund of your Goodwill Deposit.
Please let me know if you’d like us to discuss this in more detail and I do hope that you can join me on what I know will be a fabulous trip!
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394