Japan’s Southern Islands & Cultural Heritage

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This morning, wake-up to find Ishigaki Island beckoning from your balcony in a dazzling spectrum of blue-green hues. Part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, the island is home to Japan’s southernmost city and is the gateway to the captivating Yaeyama Islands.You may choose to revel in the sun, sea and vibrant coral reef of the island’s southern coastline, take a gentle hike to the north-east Hirakubo Peninsula, or stroll the fascinating city centre. Back on board, relax at the Scenic Bar and Lounge then choose from up to 10 dining experiences.

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Rich with tradition and fascinating history, Okinawa will delight. Known as a "Blue Zone" – a place recognised for its long-lived and health-conscious residents, the island has a captivating heritage enhanced by its breathtaking Pacific Island beauty.Explore the prefectural capital of Naha to discover this former epicentre of the Ryukyu Kingdom. You may visit Kokusai Street to shop for mementos and absorb the vibrant local culture, or perhaps learn more about the Shuri Castle and the historic precinct. Alternatively, enjoy a swim in the shimmering ocean before retreating to your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht.

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After a restorative night of rest in your luxurious suite and signature Scenic Slumber Bed, wake on your own timetable. The day is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps ask the butler to bring your breakfast in bed or join your new friends at the Yacht Club.Today, discover Naha further, immersing yourself in its vibrant ambience, especially along Kokusai Dori, known as the "international street," and the charming Makishi Public Market, where you can find an array of vibrant fish, local delicacies, and aromatic spices.

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Awaken to watch the sun dance across the crystalline waters of World Heritage-listed site Amami Oshima. The largest island in the Satsunan chain, Amami Oshima is an unspoiled haven for a diverse eco-system of endemic flora and fauna.Stroll the soft-sand beaches and swim in the temperate waters of this natural gem. Uncover the immaculate beauty of the protected Kuroshio-no-Mori Mangrove Park. Be sure to take the opportunity to sample the local specialty of Keihan chicken rice, a dish whose origins can be traced back to the Edo period.

Kagoshima city is the capital of Kagoshima prefecture and also Kyushu’s southernmost major city. This city is often compared to its Italian sister city Naples, due to its’s similarities such as mild climate and active volcano, Sakurajima. Sakurajima is one of the most renowned active volcanos not only in Japan but also in the whole entire world. This smoking Sakurajima is centred in Kinko Bay and is one of the main symbols of this prefecture. We cannot talk about Sakurajima without the history of continuous eruption. Sakurajima used to be an isolated island; however, the land has banded together with Osumi peninsula from the eruption in 1914. You may have a chance to see the smoke coming from the top of Sakurajima depending on the weather condition. Not only does the scenery of Sakurajima represent the beauty of Kagoshima City but Senganen garden is also symbolic to elegance in the Kagoshima region. This Japanese garden was constructed by a feudal lord, Mitsuhisa Shimazu, as a guest house of the Kagoshima castle which attracts many visitors for its splendid view.

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Relish a morning coffee on your private verandah as you admire the dramatic landscape of Kagoshima. At the southern tip of Kyushu, the Mount Sakurajima volcano rises sharply from the ocean, keeping watch over Kagoshima and painting a handsome and attention-stealing backdrop.Unearth the feudal history and explore the palm-lined streets of Kagoshima or opt to spend the day on board, appreciating the stunning aspects of Sakurajima from the elegant Sky Bar. Take in the sun in a secluded cabana, revive with a dip in the Vitality Pool and sip your favourite cocktail from the bar.

Nagasaki city has developed into one of the most important port cities in Japan. During Japan’s period of isolation in the 17th century, Nagasaki played a prominent role in foreign trade relation and only a very few ports were open to restricted numbers of foreign traders. Even though Holland was a major country who conducted trading during this period, Dutch people were only allowed to stay in Dejima Island and were not allowed to have contact with the Japanese people. Today, you will still find the strong influence of Dutch and Chinese culture in the city which is very different from all other cities in Japan. In the more recent history, Nagasaki became the second city after Hiroshima to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the end of World War II. From the visit to Atomic bomb museum and peace memorial park, people could understand how chaotic the situation was and the agony that the people in the days have experienced from the damage inflicted by the atomic bomb. It continues to appeal to the world with their wish for world peace.

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Arrive early at the beautiful city of Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu. The second site to suffer the catastrophic effects of the atomic bomb in World War II, the city has been rebuilt with resilience and optimism. Unravel that journey of rebirth at one of the many moving museums and memorials, such as Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park, and National Peace Memorial Hall. Explore a deeper past at the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture and the Suwa-jinja shrine.This evening, enjoy views from the Sky Deck or Observation Deck as we sail under the glittering lights of the Megami Bridge.

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Today your journey unveils the magnetic beauty of Jeju Island. A destination sure to pique the interest of nature-lovers, this is the largest island in South Korea and well-loved in the region for its enchanting sunrises and sunsets, magical coastlines, idyllic waterfalls and the majestic Hallasan Mountain.Immerse yourself within the shimmering shallows of the turquoise ocean or explore the local culture at one of the many museums.

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Enjoy a relaxed and delicious breakfast in the privacy of your suite or share the inspiring views with your fellow guests at the Yacht Club.Arrive into the port of Kitakyushu this afternoon. The northernmost city of Kyushu, Kitakyushu has long been a significant hub of international trade. An enthralling medley of traditional culture and industry, the city is an important gateway between the islands of Kyushu and Honshu.

History buffs will want to write home Hiroshima. Despite being devastated in 1945, this Japanese city is known to all for its commitment peace – its ruin on the 6th August 1945 led to the end of the war and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) , is a constant reminder of the destruction that war brings. A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace Memorial Park brings quiet contemplation. The Flames of Peace – set in the park’s central feature pond – burn brightly and will continue to do so until all the nuclear bombs I the world have been destroyed. There are many other inspiring messages of hope around the city too; the Children’s’ Peace Monument just north of the park is a homage to little Sadako Sasaki, who was just two in 1945. When she developed leukemia in 1956, she believed that if she folded 1,000 paper cranes – a symbol of longevity and happiness in Japan – she would recover. Sadly she died before she finished her task but her classmates finished the rest. It is impossible to ignore the events of 1945 in Hiroshima, but this is far from a depressing place. The great efforts that have been made in rebuilding of the city over the years have given Hiroshima a vibrant, eclectic edge, with the downtown shopping area and street food stalls being well worth a visit. The proximity to Miyajima and its iconic, impressive, Torii gate should not be overlooked either. If you are lucky enough to visit during the unpredictable and short-lived Sakura (cherry blossom) season, then the extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom floating across the water to the red gate, means you can consider yourself one of the luckiest people on the planet.

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Your day may begin with a moment of reflection on the sombre history of Hiroshima. Another city ravaged by the atomic bomb during World War II, it has risen to become a living symbol of peace and rebirth. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and World Heritage listed Atomic Bomb Dome, where you can admire the city’s determination to endure and overcome.Enjoy lunch on board as you journey toward the small island of Miyajima this afternoon. Miyajima (which translates to ‘Shrine Island’ in Japanese) is famous for its Itsukushima shrine and enormous torii gate, which, at high tide, appears to float above the water.

The small island of Miyajima (“The Shrine Island”) is known for the Floating Torii Gate, which is one of “The Three Most Beautiful Views” of Japan. Built in the water, the Torii Gate leads to the Itsukushima Shrine and at high tide it seems to float. The Torii Gate is one of the most photographed sites in all of Japan. There are many more shrines and paths on Miyajima that are inviting to walk. Mount Misen has a cable car leading partly up to the top with nice views and wild monkeys and deer roaming the trails.

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Choose to salute the sun as it rises over the water this morning during a yoga class at PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio. Then spend the day discovering the beauty of mountainous Matsuyama on the island of Shikoku.Set on the edge of the gentle Seto Inland Sea, this city is a historic delight, crowned by the hilltop Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle. One of Japan’s 12 original surviving castles, visitors may ascend Mount Katsuyama via chairlift to admire the complex that includes two keeps, multiple turrets and cherry blossom-fringed grounds.

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Take advantage of Scenic Eclipse's unique open bridge policy to appreciate the sunrise alongside the crew, enjoying unrivalled access to the ship's ultimate viewing area.A place to unearth traditional Japanese culture, the small city of Kochi is a path less travelled for many, making it ripe for your discovery. Walk the streets downtown to observe daily life, explore Kochi Castle, visit Chikurinji Temple at Godaisan Mountain, or perhaps stroll the promenade at Katsurahama Beach.

Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before – with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants, and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

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Arrive this morning in the harbour city of Kobe on the island of Honshu. Compact and condensed between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe has a long history of maritime trade. Despite this, beautiful Kobe is a modern-looking city, having been completely rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1995. You may choose to explore on your own to learn more about this event at the Earthquake Museum.If you prefer to spend the afternoon in the ultra-luxury of your Discovery Yacht, retreat for a touch of tranquillity at the expansive Senses Spa.

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Lushly canopied, traversed with rivers, and proliferated with hiking trails and religious sites, Shingu offers both active adventure and cultural immersion. Here, you’ll find the must-visit World Heritage-Listed Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine, one of the three Kumano Sanzan Shrines connected by pilgrimage routes and identifiable by their rich-red hue and traditional silhouettes.Return to your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht for an evening of leisure. Delight in 6-star culinary experiences before joining fellow guests for a musical performance in the state-of-the-art theatre.

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Awaken today in the pretty, pearlescent Toba on the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture. This small city is enrobed by the Ise-Shima National Park and rotates through a seasonal spectrum of colours from the soft pink of cherry blossoms in spring, to the vivid greens of summer, and the red-and-gold hues of autumn. Toba is perhaps best-known for its oyster and pearling industries, particularly its female pearl divers, or ‘ama’.Discover more about this tradition on Mikimoto Pearl Island, where you can learn all about the cultivation of pearls in the museum, watch ama demonstrations, and shop for exquisite mementos.

The salt and pepper cone of Japan’s most famous natural landmark won’t fail to take your breath away, as it soars into the sky in a vision of spectacular symmetry. Make sure your camera is fully prepared before you dock in Shimizu’s port, where unparalleled views of the extraordinary Mount Fuji’s dramatic peak await. Take your time to soak up one of Japan’s most iconic views, before dipping your toes into the rest of what this destination of tranquil temples has to offer. While there’s a bustling fish market, and a charming amusement park waiting close to the port, most new arrivals immediately set off in pursuit of the best views of Mount Fuji, or to see the stunning panorama on offer from the heights of the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Take the cable car up to the top, to experience the tranquillity around the forested shrine, and to enjoy its stunning architecture of deep scarlets and gleaming golds. You can also enjoy heart-stopping views out over the Bay of Suruga, and the tea plantations below.

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Backdropped by the majesty of Mount Fuji, you’ll soon understand why Shimizu is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful ports. With a history dating back to the Nara Period of the 8th century and endowed with stunning natural scenery, Shimizu is brimming with inspiring sights. Discover rich Japanese culture and history at nearby shrines, stroll the centre of town to immerse in local life, and admire the World Heritage-Listed vistas of the mighty Mount Fuji.Return to your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht to dine with new friends and toast to new memories as you celebrate your last night on Scenic Eclipse II.

Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.

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Today you'll arrive in the fascinating and futuristic city of Tokyo. The final day of your exceptional journey demands a sense of occasion, so why not treat yourself to a Champagne breakfast served in your suite?Disembark after breakfast as you farewell the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise.Please book your flight to depart out of Tokyo after 12:00 PM.The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.