Discover The Inland Sea of Japan With Orion Departing 21May12 Or 20Jun12

The reverse itinerary has the same inclusions as below but travel is from Otaru to Kobe.

Destinations & Shoreside Expeditions

Kobe, Japan – Embark/Disembark
Latitude: 34°41′N
Longitude: 135°12′E

Prior to disembarkation you have the option to purchase a coach transfer from the port in Kobe to hotels in Osaka and Kyoto or to Kansai International Airport. Please see the expedition team onboard of you wish to arrange one of these transfers. There are regular flights from Tokyo airport to Kobe airport.

Uno Ko, Honshu Island – Dry landing
Latitude: 31°29’N
Longitude: 133°57’E

Uno Ko (Uno Port) is a small coastal port that gives us access to areas such as Okayama and Kurashiki. Korakuen, a 17th century formal garden encompassing 28 acres of walking trails, ponds, plum and cherry trees, and a classic teahouse is one of the most significant formal gardens of Japan, with Okayama castle towering high above it. Kurashiki is a historic city of 400,000 people, located further to the west of Okayama sitting on the Takahashi River, on the coast of the Inland Sea. Before the days of modern port facilities, rice and other goods were offloaded onto small boats from ships anchored offshore, which would travel into the centre of Kurishiki via the river and then further offload their goods into store houses lining the river banks. In recent times these abandoned storehouses have been converted to museums, galleries, cafes and boutiques. With the scenic river & cobblestone streets adding to the atmosphere, Kurashiki has a unique charm to it. Leaving Uno mid-afternoon gives us a chance to enjoy some daylight cruising in the Seto Inland Sea.

Included Expeditions
From the port you will travel by coach to both Okayama and Kurashiki today. In Okayama you will spend time exploring the world famous Korakuen gardens, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and participate in a tea ceremony in the gardens. In 1687, the daimyo Ikeda Tsunamasa ordered the construction of Korakuen, finally completed in 1700, it has retained its original appearance to the present day. In Kurashiki you will visit a traditional family house dating back to the 17th century and also visit the Ōhara Museum of Art. Established in 1930 by Magosaburō Ōhara, the museum houses works by El Greco, Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, and Renoir. The collection also presents fine examples of Asian and contemporary art. You will have free time in Kurashiki to explore the cobblestone streets and the boutique shops lining the river. Today’s inclusive tour also includes a formal Japanese lunch in Kurushiki.

Optional Expeditions
NAOSHIMA – ARTISTS PARADISE
The small island of Naoshima in the inland sea has been, in recent years, converted from essentially an industrial wasteland to a private millionaires playground, showcasing both Japanese and global art forms. Numerous museums and galleries can be found on the island. The Chichu Art Museum (literally, “in the earth”) houses a number of site-specific installations by James Turrell, Walter De Maria and paintings by Claude Monet. Designed by Tadao Ando, it is located on one of the highest points of the island, and various exhibits and facets of the museum’s architecture take advantage of its commanding view. Another contemporary museum (and hotel) is Benesse House, also designed by Ando. Virtually every space on the island seems to house some form of artistic expression. Sculpture is everywhere and even the local fishing village has become part of the experience with local homes becoming unique art works in their own right. A full day experience on Naoshima, including an incredible lunch experience at Benesse House, is available as an option today. Vehicle ferries will carry you and your coach transport from Uno Ko to Naoshima across the inland sea. (this full day experience will preclude you from participating in the inclusive experiences)
Price: To be confirmed

Hiroshima, Honshu Island – Dry landing
Latitude: 34°21′N
Longitude: 132°26’E

Hiroshima is an intensely resilient city. Having suffered in recent history from atomic bomb destruction and severe typhoons, Hiroshima is now the centre for international peace representations and a major automotive industry. During the 1870’s Hiroshima had one of only seven English-speaking schools in Japan. Hiroshima also recently made it onto Lonely Planet’s list of the top cities in the world, with commuting times ranking amongst the shortest in Japan, and the cost of living lower than the other large cities.

Included Expeditions
Visit to Hiroshima revolves around the Peace Park, Peace Museum and the A-Bomb Dome. The Peace Park, and the A-Bomb dome (being one of the only buildings to survive the horrific blast), stand in peaceful contrast to the images displayed inside the museum.

No visit to Japan is truly complete without visiting the Peace Museum, which is quite an emotional experience for most. The Atomic detonation at Hiroshima forever changed the psyche of the Japanese people and the history of the entire world. One of the few remaining survivors of the actual bombing will talk to us about their personal experiences that day and their life since the bombing in Hiroshima (the lecture will be translated into English).

Miyajima, Inland Sea – Wet landing
Latitude: 34°17’N
Longitude: 132°19’E

Itsukushima is the correct name for the island essentially known by all as Miyajima (Shrine Island), which is sacred within both Shintoism and Buddhism. It is one of the most revered locations for Japanese people and is a popular place for weddings. Orion II will slowly approach the island and its holy mountain of Misen San from across an unusually misty sea.

The large vermillion-coloured O-Torii that symbolises the entrance gate to the shrine is one of the most recognisable images of Japan. Torii (literally “bird perch”) are traditional Japanese gates most commonly found at the entrance of, or within, a Shinto shrine marking the transition from the sacred to the profane. The sprawling Itsukushima shrine appears to float on the water during high tides. Several other shrines and temples are dotted around the island. There is also a great shopping district beside the main shrine. Oysters are a favourite product of Miyajima and vendors sell freshly-shucked oysters up and down the main street. Sika Deer wander freely, not only through the forested areas but also throughout the town and the grounds surrounding the shrine. Please note, the visit to Miyajima will usually try to be timed on the high tide so may be either morning or afternoon.

Included Expeditions
The Itsukushima shrine, its grand Torri gate and the general town area are accessed on foot after a short walk from the Zodiac landing beach. It is in the Itsukushima shrine, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage area, where local guides will explain to us the significance of this location.

After your time in the main shrine Orion II guests can take a guided hike through the forested area of Miyajima, explore more of the temples and shrines, or wander through the main street with its shopping and eating establishments.

Please note, the order in which the visit to Hiroshima and Miyajima today is tide dependant.

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE RECENT TRAGIC EVENTS IN JAPAN, IT IS NO LONGER APPROPRIATE TO UNDERTAKE THE SACRED KAGURA DANCE AND MUSIC PERFORMANCE IN THE SHRINE AT MIYAJIMA AS PREVIOUSLY PLANNED. ORION ARE WORKING TO HOLD THIS EVENT ONBOARD THE SHIP AS AN ALTERNATIVE. ORION APOLOGISES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY PRESENT

Uwajima, Shikoku Island – Dry landing
Latitude: 33°13′N
Longitude: 132°31′E

Uwajima, Shikoku Island, is a window into Japan’s rural past. So much of life in Uwajima traditionally revolved around the spirit of the Bull Demon, Ushioni. A giant representation of Ushioni will greet us at the pier on arrival. Uwajima town area has a local gourmet shopping precinct highlighting local produce and also has the Uwajima Pearl Centre, showcasing several of the local pearl producing families and their work. The Japanese have long been known for their cultured pears and several of the famous Japanese pearl producing families are based in and around the Uwajima area.

PLEASE NOTE: THE PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED BULL SUMO EVENT WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE DUE TO THE DATE CHANGE FROM ORIGINAL SCHEDULE. ORION APOLOGISES FOR ANY INCONVINIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE.

Included Expedition
After the dockside welcome you will have the choice in participating in one of two included experiences. For those feeling a little energetic you can opt to take the climb to the top of the mountain that is home to Uwajima Castle. Whilst not as large or spectacular as many of the more well known castles around Japan, Uwajima castle is a very traditional representation of these former mountain top strong holds. The walk to the top of the hill will take approximately one hour and there is a good chance to see birds along the way. This inclusive tour will also include a visit to the Date Museum, Date being the family name of the former feudal lords of this area and also to the local Tenshaen Garden.

For those looking for a less physical experience join coaches and journey out to the Dairakuji Temple, home of the flying squirrels. Although nocturnal, video and photo presentations will explain these special creatures who have made this temple home. The local priest will host the visit and show us his personal garden, an amazing sight to be seen! This tour will also visit the Doi Pearl Farm to see the Japanese way of running a pearl farm, and there will be an opportunity to visit the Doi showroom to browse or make purchases. You will finish this circuit by visiting the local gourmet produce show room, which as well as a further selection of pearls, houses many of the local specialty products based on fruits grown in the lush hills behind Uwajima.

If neither of those included expeditions takes your fancy, a complimentary shuttle bus will operate throughout the afternoon to the quaint city centre of Uwajima.

Nagasaki, Kyushu Island – Dry landing
Latitude: 32°41′N
Longitude: 129°51’E

Nagasaki City makes up almost half of the total land area of the prefecture of the same name. The prefecture also consists of 971 islands. It has the dubious honour of being the site of the second atomic bomb explosion, after Hiroshima. The Nagasaki Peace Park has been established beside Ground Zero to remind the world of the horrors of atomic weapons and to encourage future peace.

Nagasaki has had a long history of European contact with missionaries arriving as early as 1542. St Francis Xavier is believed to have visited the area in 1549. As such it is essentially the centre of Japanese Christianity; the Ouru Church of 26 Japanese martyrs (built by the French in 1864) commemorates the killing of 26 missionaries in 1596 by the Shogun of the time. Portuguese and later Dutch and British traders have also had a long history in Nagasaki.

Included Expeditions
Today you will use the local street cars to transport us to the Nagasaki Peace Park and Ground Zero and also to Dejima, a designated Japanese history site. During Japan’s self-imposed period of isolation, Dejima was created as a man made island to “contain” Portuguese traders in 1634. From 1641 to 1851 it became a Dutch trading base up until the point it was integrated into the rest of the city as the isolationist period came to an end.

Today you also visit Glover Garden, the one time home of Thomas Glover, a Scottish business man who helped to establish ship building and other industries in Nagasaki, and to the Ouru Catholic Church of the 26 Martyrs.

A complimentary shuttle into the city area will also be available today. Please note, Orion II guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different times throughout the day.

Optional Shoreside Expedition
UNZEN PARK & SHIMABARA EXPLORER
Orion II guests will drive inland from Nagasaki through the mountains to Unzen National Park, stopping along the way at a roadside “station” famous for Castella Portuguese sponge cakes, introduced by the first European contact.

The Unzen National Park has numerous walking trails through the hot spring areas. Further on you will reach Shimabara and its castle dating back to the 1600’s. The Samurai residences of Shimabara, which will also be visited, have waterways filled with colourful Koi Carp.

This tour includes a Japanese lunch at a local hotel. English speaking guides will accompany the tour. Please note this tour will preclude you from undertaking the inclusive experiences today.

Price: $225 per person including lunch
Duration: Full Day

Busan, South Korea – Dry landing
Latitude: 35°06′N
Longitude: 129°02’E

Busan, South Korea, is located on the South easternmost tip of the Korean Peninsula, and faces the Korea Strait. In the 15th century, the Korean government designated Busan to be a trading port with the Japanese. Busan is now the fifth busiest seaport in the world. Some of the restaurants in this district are locally famous, with family recipes passed down the generations. Jagalchi Market is an area of narrow street stalls and is well known for its fish market. Nearby crowded Haeundae beach has to be seen to be believed as thousands of beach goers flock here every day in summer.

Included Expeditions
A shuttle bus from the port to the central shopping area and fish markets will be available all day in Busan as well as an included expedition visiting several local attractions. The inclusive tour will visit Tongdosa Temple, a colourful Korean Buddhist temple where you can participate in a Korean tea ceremony with the Monks. You will briefly stop at Haeundae beach to witness the spectacle of colour and sound as thousands of Koreans pack themselves onto the beach strip. You then progress to the UN Memorial Cemetery to pay respects to those who served and lost their lives during the Korean War. As no visit to Busan is complete without a visit to the Jalgachi Fish Market, arguably the best of its kind in the world, where every kind of edible sea creature is on sale, the inclusive tour will also visit here. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different time throughout the day)

Sakai Ko, Honshu Island – Dry landing
Latitude: 35°31′N
Longitude: 133°15′E

Sakai Ko is the port in Miho Bay, serving the city of Sakaiminato and further into Shimane prefecture. Sakaiminato, once known as the land of gods, is now a mixture of new city, lush mountainous parks, quaint harbours and shrines. A great example of Japanese pop-culture, Sakaiminato has over 100 bronze statues dedicated to cartoon characters from a long running Japanese animated cartoon series Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro, the author of which is one of the city’s “favourite” sons. Further west is Matsue City’s Matsue Castle, the city’s best known symbol, built as a working fortress-watchtower in the 17th century. Lafcadio Hearn in his writings described the beauty of his home and Lake Shinji. Lafcadio Hearn was oddly of Greek, Irish parentage, and best known for his books about Japan, his collections of Japanese legends and ghost stories.

Included Expeditions
The Adachi Museum of Art holds a stunning array of Japanese art covering many eras and is also to home to one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, regularly voted as the best in Japan. Travelling further west you will take a boat ride on the moat surrounding the imposing Matsue Castle. We will also visit the house of the writer Lafcadio Hearn. Back closer to the port you can get a feel for Japan’s love of it’s animated characters with a walk along the main street of Sakaiminato with hundreds of bronze statues depicting the “monsters” of the Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro animated cartoon series. Finish with a visit to Sakai’s Sake brewery for some sampling of their fine product. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different times throughout the day)

Kanazawa, Honshu Island – Dry landing
Latitude: 36°34′N
Longitude: 136°39’E

Kanazawa, “marsh of gold”: the name derived from the legend of a peasant who washed gold dust from potatoes into a well. The city is famous for silk-making and tea with flakes of gold leaf which is considered by the Japanese people to be good for health and vitality. Gold leaf plays a prominent part in the city’s cultural crafts and today even soft serve ice cream is served with flecks of gold leaf throughout. The sensational Kenrokuen Garden was originally built as the outer garden of Ishikawa Castle, and considered one of the “three most beautiful gardens in Japan.” Kanazawa has a 100 year old former geisha house, retaining the look and feel of 19th century Japan. Kanazawa is one of the few places where the geisha culture is still alive in Japan.

Included Expeditions
Explore the traditional Geisha area and take part in a geisha experience in Kanazawa today. Also included is the opportunity to visit the extensive Kenrokuen Gardens and take part in a traditional tea ceremony.

Kenrokuen is an old private garden developed between the 1620s to 1840s by the Maeda clan who ruled the former Kaga Domain. Local volunteer guides will show us through Kanazawa’s traditional Samurai residences today as well. (Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different times throughout the day)

Optional Expeditions
GOBAN BENTO LUNCH
An option is available to purchase a traditional Kanazawa style Goban Bento style lunched served in an elaborate tiered wooden box. Transfers to/from the hotel are included.
Price: To be confirmed

INTERACTIVE KANAZAWA CULTURE
An option is available to take part in a class teaching the traditional techniques of decorating with Gold Leaf. A follow on class teaches you how to make traditional Japanese sweets. From there the tour includes a visit to a centuries old family pottery kiln and workshop, and finally to the Kimono Museum where as well as an elaborate array of Kimonos you can participate in applying the artwork to silk in the traditional style. English speaking guides will accompany the tour. (This tour will preclude you from participating in some of the inclusive)
Price: To be confirmed

Otaru, Hokkaido (overnight onboard) – Dry landing
Latitude: 43°12′N
Longitude: 141°0′E

You will have an afternoon to explore the quaint township of Otaru, with an overnight aboard before disembarking the following day with complimentary transfers to the main city on Hokkaido, Sapporo.

Like the Kuril Islands you have just visited, Otaru was originally inhabited by the Ainu people, and the name Otaru is believed to be a derivation of the Ainu name for the area, loosely translated as “a river running through a sandy beach”….apparently. The town is regularly noted as one of the most picturesque in Japan, it has a central canal lined with Victorian style lamps and the town is famous for its glasswork, with several showrooms of glass products produced in the area. It’s also known to have some of the freshest sushi in Japan. Another famous product from Otaru is cheesecakes! The local double cheesecakes are known all around Japan for their quality.

The town has one of the worlds few working steam clocks, which uses steam to play its chimes on the hour every hour, arguably worth waiting for.

Otaru, Hokkaido – Embark/Disembark
Latitude: 43°12′N
Longitude: 141°0′E

Embarkation and disembarkation will take place in Sapporo where Orion will be offering a complimentary transfer to/from Otaru. Please note all embarking guests will need to make their own way to Sapporo for check-in. Further details on the check-in procedure will be provided in your pre-cruise documentation.

Otaru is one of Hokkaido’s key ports, primarily servicing the nearby city of Sapporo. Otaru is famous, amongst other things, for its Sushi, although it is noted as being some of the most expensive Sushi in Japan!

The city is centred around a picturesque canal which was once a central part of the city’s busy harbor in the first half of the 20th century. Large vessels offshore would unload their cargo onto smaller boats, which then transported the goods to warehouses along the canal.

Modern port facilities which allowed for direct unloading of larger vessels rendered the canal obsolete. A local “citizens’ movement” were successful in lobbying for a part of the canal to be beautifully restored in the 1980s instead of simply being used as landfill. The warehouses lining the canal were transformed into shops, cafes, museums and restaurants to add to the restoration of the canal area. Local artists present their works to people strolling past along the banks of the canal.