NEW! Japan Discovery

Journey to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan’s most culturally significant Shinto sites. Board your motor coach and take a scenic drive to Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. Here, you will visit this historic shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a revered 9th‑century scholar and statesman celebrated for his intellect, resilience, and contribution to Japanese education and culture. Exiled from Kyoto late in life, Michizane became a symbol of perseverance; today he is honored at thousands of shrines across the country. Stroll through grounds decorated with thousands of plum trees, including the legendary “Flying Plum” tree, or Tobiume. According to tradition, this tree was so devoted to Michizane that it flew from Kyoto to Dazaifu to be by his side. After your visit, return to your ship.

Experience the duality of old and new Japan during visits to Shinto shrines and the modern Fukuoka Tower. Begin with a drive by motor coach to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a spiritual landmark dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the 9th‑century scholar whose legacy shaped Japan’s academic traditions. Stroll through the peaceful temple grounds and discover the story of the legendary “Flying Plum” tree—a beloved symbol said to have followed Michizane during his exile. After lunch, continue to the Kushida Shrine, one of Fukuoka’s oldest Shinto sites. Founded during the 8th century, it remains deeply connected to local festivals and long‑standing community traditions. Cap your day in the city’s commercial heart with a visit to Fukuoka Tower. This gleaming structure rises above Hakata Bay, providing a dramatic contrast to the city’s ancient sites. After, return to your ship.

Explore a historic shrine, gain insight into local culture and view a striking seaside tower. Board your motor coach and journey into the heart of Hakata, a port town with a rich cultural history. Pass through the lively Tenjin district en route to the Kushida Shrine—founded during the 8th century, this revered site is closely tied to local traditions and serves as a focal point for one of the city’s most celebrated festivals, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa. After your visit, continue to the Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan Museum to explore exhibits that offer insight into daily life and the culture of Japan during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Cap your excursion at the Fukuoka Tower, Japan’s tallest coastal landmark, rising 767 feet above Hakata Bay. Clad in thousands of mirrored panels, it reflects the surrounding skyline while serving as a modern symbol of the city.

Visit Karatsu to see a historic castle, learn about the town’s cultural festival and learn about Japan’s modernization. Drive to Karatsu Castle, a 17th-century fortress overlooking the sweeping coastline of Nijino‑Matsubara—the original keep was dismantled in 1872 and replaced with a concrete reconstruction during the mid-20th century. After, continue to Arpino Hall to discover the artistry behind Karatsu’s annual festival, the Karatsu Kunchi. See elaborately crafted floats and traditional festival attire, offering insight into the craftsmanship and cultural pride that define this celebrated event. Cap your day with a stop at the former Takatori House, a nationally recognized cultural property dating to the early 20th century. Its rooms feature refined architectural details and intricate woodwork—offering a rare glimpse into the lifestyle and aesthetics of Japan’s modernizing era.

Discover the award-winning Kitaya sake while sampling Japanese cuisine and learn about Yame’s famed tea culture. Drive into the Yame region, an area renowned for centuries of green tea cultivation and artisanal craftsmanship. Stop at the 19th-century Kitaya sake brewery, celebrated for its award‑winning production methods, rooted in tradition and history. Explore how generations of brewers have refined their techniques, blending heritage and precision to create exceptional sake. Enjoy a local lunch thoughtfully paired with this iconic drink, then continue to the Yame Central Tea Farm, a hillside estate overlooking terraced tea fields. Learn about the meticulous process of growing and producing Yame’s famed green tea, from cultivation to processing, and enjoy a guided tasting while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. After your visit, return to your ship.