NEW! Japan Discovery

Soak up the natural beauty of Japan’s countryside as you explore Mt. Udo and and the Miho Penninsula. Depart with your guide for a drive to scenic Nihondaira. Often referred to as a natural observation deck, the once flat topography has been altered by centuries of erosion and now rises over 1,000 feet, offering sweeping views of the nearby tea plantations, Shimizu City, the cone-shaped Mt. Fuji and more—the picturesque views of the Izu Peninsula and Southern Alps are considered some of Japan’s finest. After your visit, continue to Miho no Matsubara on the Miho Peninsula. Here, take a guided stroll through a grove of pines protected by UNESCO to a tranquil sandy beach, part of a four-mile stretch of pristine shore. Weather permitting, you will enjoy more splendid views of Mt. Fuji before returning to your awaiting ship.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most sacred mountain. Take a panoramic drive to an observation station on majestic Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Weather permitting—the mountain is often obscured by clouds—you can view the almost perfectly tapered cone of this Japanese landmark. Next, drive to the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center. Here, multimedia exhibits, replicas and photos will reveal the mountain’s importance and the history of the religion and art it has inspired. After a Japanese-style lunch, cap your day with a visit to the Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha (Fujisan Hongū Sengen Grand Shrine)—a traditional starting point for pilgrims hiking up the mountain. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Fuji, most of its original structures were built in the early Edo period, while the inner shrine features Sengen-style architecture.

Discover the aesthetics of the Edo period during an excursion showcasing Japan’s history and nature. Drive to Yui Honjin Park, located at the 53rd station along the famous Tōkaidō road, where you will enjoy a cup of tea at a traditional teahouse before visiting Shizuoka’s Tōkaidō Hiroshige Museum of Art. View the delicate lines and vivid depictions of the ukiyo-e, a genre of woodblock printing—many of which are by the famed master Utagawa Hiroshige. Continue to Sumpu Castle; originally built by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the late 16th-century, it was restored after a fire but left to decline during the Edo era. Today, it operates as a park, famed for its cherry tree blossoms during spring and the vivid azaleas that bloom in May. Explore with your guide and learn about its history and former grandeur, with time to appreciate the grounds before returning to your ship.

Call at a 17th-century shrine and visit the Nihondaira Tea Hall to gain insight into Japanese tradition. Set out by motor coach to Mt. Kuno and visit the lavish Kunōzan Tōshō-gū shrine, considered a national treasure. Founded in 1617 on sacred grounds, it is the resting place of the famous shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Upon arrival, take a cable car to the entrance before setting out to explore this archetypal Tōshō-gū shrine. View its extravagant wood carvings, gold leaf and colorful Japanese lacquer of its ornate gongen-zukuri style architecture. Next, continue to the Nihondaira Tea Hall. Stroll the plantation and try your hand at the art of plucking tea leaves; careful selection and precision is essential to ensure leaves are of the highest quality. Enjoy a refreshing cup as you soak up the scenery—on a clear day Mt. Fuji can be seen from the plantation. After, return to your ship.

View majestic Shiraito Falls and storied Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha during a journey into Mt. Fuji’s foothills. Located just southwest of the iconic mountain, the sacred Shiraito Falls are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site designation for Mt. Fuji. Drive by motor coach to reach the falls, where thin white streams resembling hanging threads of silk cascade from 65 feet above your head across a 500-foot-wide rock face. Continue to the Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha—a grand Shinto shrine and the traditional starting point for pilgrims hiking up the mountain. These grounds are home to 500 elegant cherry trees, which are stunning when in bloom. Most of the shrine’s original structures were built during the early Edo period, while the inner shrine features Sengen-style architecture. Take a stroll around the grounds and enjoy its peaceful surrounds before returning to your ship.

Enjoy a meal at a traditional Japanese restaurant accompanied by an authentic geisha performance. Drive by motor coach to the restaurant, where you will be served a traditional multicourse Japanese meal. Known as a kaiseki, this feast for both the eyes and the palate will be paired with a choice of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. While you dine, you will be entertained by geisha: skilled Japanese female performers—the word originates from gei, or “art,” and sha, or “person”—who are educated in the ancient traditions of art, dance and singing. Geisha emerged as an important part of Japanese culture during the 18th century and were highly valued and popular among Japan’s upper classes. You will be captivated by their talent and artistry, as well as their colorful costumes and makeup. After your satisfying meal and engaging show, you will return to your awaiting ship.