NEW! Japan Discovery

Visit Osaka’s ancient shrine to the gods of Sumiyoshi and view Abeno Harukas, once Japan’s tallest skyscraper. Drive to the precinct of Sumiyoshi-ku, home to the revered Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine), the main shrine among some 2,000 spread throughout Japan. Built during the 3rd century, it is dedicated to the guardian deity of sailors and the deity of prosperity. Explore its four sanctuaries, built with traditional straight roofs, which are considered national treasures. Walk the surrounding wooded trails and view 600 stone garden lanterns and the red arched bridge spanning the pond, a soothing and tranquil setting. En route back to your ship, drive past the towering Abeno Harukas—at almost 1,000 feet tall, it was once Japan’s tallest building and home to the country’s largest department store from 2014-2023.

Delve into the cultural and religious center of Japan, home to 1,700 Buddhist temples and 300 Shinto shrines. Embark on a scenic, guided drive to Kyoto, a city spared from the bombings of World War II that offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s past. Upon arrival, stop to explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine, where 10,000 orange-hued torii gates form a 2½-mile tunnel up a forested mountainside. Each gate asks Inari, the god of rice, sake and prosperity, for a blessing. Next, visit the world-famous bamboo forest, situated along a set of pathways near the UNESCO-listed Tenryū-ji Temple. Take in the sight of the towering  stalks and listen to the sound of rustling bamboo leaves before continuing to the temple for a vegetarian lunch, followed by a guided visit. After, board your motor coach for the return drive to your awaiting ship.

Learn about the production of traditional Japanese sake and ascend to the summit of Mt. Rokkō. Begin with a scenic drive to a sake brewery and museum, where you will learn about the rich history of this iconic drink. Sake’s origins likely reach back as far as the 3rd century BCE; between the 17th and 19th centuries, brewing spread widely and it became a staple drink for common people. Discover how the art of sake has developed from 18th-century methods to those of the modern day and participate in a guided tasting. After, drive to Mt. Rokkō, climbing to 3,000 feet above sea level to enjoy views of the cities of Kobe, Ashiya and Nishinomiya from the observatory, as well as Osaka Bay. On a clear day, you can see as far as Awaji Island and may even be able to spot your ship in the distance. After a photo stop, return to your ship.

Call at the famed Golden Pavilion and experience traditional rituals that offer a glimpse into Kyoto’s past. Journey by motor coach to Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, it is one of Japan’s must-see temples. Take time to view its 14th-century architecture and famous bronze phoenix statue before continuing to a local restaurant, where you will have a Japanese-style lunch accompanied by a maiko performance. Next, visit Ryozen Kannon, a somber temple topped with an 80-foot statue of the Goddess of Mercy commemorating those who died in World War II’s Pacific Theater. Later, you will have an opportunity to experience both Zazen, a form of Japanese meditation, and a traditional tea ceremony. Also known as the “Way of Tea,” this ceremony is a cultural activity involving the preparation and presentation of matcha-a powdered green tea.

Discover the spiritual side of Nara during visits to two UNESCO World Heritage Site temples. Travel to the Tōdai-ji temple, originally built in 728 AD and renowned for the bronze Buddha statue—standing nearly 50 feet tall and weighing 500 tons—that graces the Great Buddha Hall. As you stroll through the temple, you will likely see many deer. They are considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion and are allowed to roam freely here. Next, visit the celebrated Kasuga-taisha Shrine, the head of more than 3,000 Kasuga shrines throughout Japan. See the striking contrast of the bright vermillion structures against the lush forest surroundings and view the thousands of stone and bronze lanterns donated by worshippers that now line the pathways and hang from the buildings. After, you will have lunch before returning to your awaiting ship.

Enjoy sweeping views of Osaka from the observation decks of two of the city’s iconic landmarks. Travel into the heart of the city to Osaka Castle, originally built in the late 16th century by a prominent samurai and politician who unified the political factions of Japan. Built upon two raised platforms atop a tall stone foundation and surrounded on three sides by a moat, the castle covers 400 acres and contains eight different structures. Approach the castle along a path lined with gilded shachihoko, or mythical creatures, and walk to the top of the castle where you will enjoy 360° views of the city below. After, visit the Umeda Sky Building and its Floating Garden Observatory. This 40-story building is actually two towers connected by a bridge between its top floors. Here, you can take in a panoramic vista of Osaka amid a tranquil setting of trees and flowers.

Learn about Japan’s oldest surviving theatrical genre and enjoy sweeping views of modern Osaka from above. Travel to the Yamamoto Noh Theater, located close to the city center and Osaka’s oldest Noh theater. First performed during the 14th century, Noh is a classical Japanese musical drama that uses masks, costumes and props in a highly stylized manner. During your tour of the theater, you will learn about its history, see a demonstration of Noh and examine one of the masks, called nō-men, used by the actors. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Abeno Harukas, a nearly 1,000-foot high-rise building in the middle of modern Osaka. Take the elevator to its observatory, where the floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the expansive city, including the beautiful botanical gardens of Tennōji Park. After, you will return by motor coach to your awaiting ship.

Explore historic Kyoto, a city of temples and shrines, and complex architecture. Meet your guide and embark on a one-and-a-half-hour drive to Kinkaku-ji. One of Japan’s most iconic sights, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Golden Pavilion, is named for its gold-leaf facade. Built as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later converted to a temple. See its towering bronze phoenix statue and 14th-century architecture before continuing to Nijō Castle, one of the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture in Japan. Take a stroll within its fortified walls and learn about its rich history and striking design features. After lunch, visit the Sanjūsangen-dō temple and step inside to view the display of 1,001 life-size golden Buddha statues. Finally, return to your awaiting ship.

Immerse yourself in history on a journey to Kyoto’s most significant sights. Begin with a drive to the 17th-century Nijō Castle, built by Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Its Ninomaru Palace was declared one of Japan’s national treasures. Take a stroll within its fortified walls and learn about its striking design features; the palace’s creaking floors, or “bush warbler boards,” were designed to warn occupants against intruders. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Built as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was later converted to a Buddhist temple. View its elaborate 14th-century decor, opulent gold leaf–plated facade and bronze phoenix towering above. Enjoy a walk around its rock-studded lake before beginning the return journey to your ship.

Experience the powerful rhythms of Japanese drumming during a hands-on lesson, followed by a dynamic performance. Though their origins have been heavily mythologized, wadaikos (drums) have played a key role in Japanese culture since the 6th century, from the battles of samurai, to religious ceremonies, to theatrical accompaniment. Since the 1950s, this percussive art form has been dominated by taiko—a loud, dramatic and physically commanding style of performance. Transfer to the drumming studio, where professional drummers will introduce you to the techniques they use. Then, you will have an opportunity to grab a pair of sticks and try your hand at some basic rhythms and forms. At the conclusion of your lesson, enjoy an energetic live taiko performance, where you will have the opportunity to view the performer’s power and skill up-close. After, you will return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.