KOBE TO : EXPEDITION CRUISE 2020

Starting in , Silver Explorer will sail around the southern tip of Japan’s main island to cross the Sea of Japan to Busan, South Korea, and to continue on to Hokkaido. Experience the ways that modern societies of Japan and South Korea are influenced by their past and learn how tradition still plays an important part in daily life. On the semi-circumnavigation of Japan we will visit some of the most outstanding natural and man-made sites Japan has to offer including National Parks and three of Japan’s highest-ranked gardens. Along the way you will see traditional buildings such as castles, homes and warehouses and feel serenity in outstanding shrines, temples and memorials. In South Korea, we intend to see Gyeongju, once the Silla royal capital, and its historic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Throughout the voyage, learn about the geology, wildlife, history and botany of these locations from lecture presentations offered by your knowledgeable onboard ITINERARY

Expedition Team. Day 1 KOBE 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.

Day 2

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Okayama is an important transportation hub and one of the Day 5 largest cities of the Chugoku Region. It is famous because it has History buffs will want to write home Hiroshima. Despite being one of Japan’s most significant gardens. Although the devastated in 1945, this Japanese city is known to all for its “Korakuen” Garden was severely damaged by bombs in WWII, commitment peace – its ruin on the 6th August 1945 led to the the descriptions and paintings from the Edo period permitted an end of the war and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO exact reconstruction. It is one of the “Three Gardens of Japan” World Heritage Site) , is a constant reminder of the destruction and has been designated a “Special Scenic Location”. Known that war brings. A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace formerly as the centre of rice-distribution in the Okayama area, Memorial Park brings quiet contemplation. The Flames of Peace many old warehouses next to the preserved canal have been – set in the park’s central feature pond – burn brightly and will converted into museums, boutiques and cafes. continue to do so until all the nuclear bombs I the world have been destroyed. Day 3 TAKAMATSU Takamatsu city is the capital of Kagawa prefecture which is Day 6 HAGI Japan’s smallest prefecture. This city is a vibrant blend of Hagi is a former castle town located in the middle of Yamaguchi natural beauty and cosmopolitan functionality with a population prefecture along the coast of the Sea of Japan. It is surrounded of 420,000 people. The port of Takamatsu used to be the main by the ocean, mountain and Abugawa River. Early in the 17th gateway to Island until the opening of the 37km long century, Terumoto Mori built Hagi Castle at the foot of Mt. Seto Ohashi Bridge in 1988. Takamatsu city has flourished Shizuki-yama, and the area served as the seat of the Yamaguchi along with the since 17th century when prefecture government until the middle of 19th century. Around Matsudaira family, the relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun, ruled then, Hagi produced many capable men who played a leading this area. Matsudaira family has completed the famous role in the construction of modern day Japan, including Japanese “”. Hirobumi Ito who became the first prime minister in Japan.

Day 4 MIYAJIMA ISLAND Day 7 BUSAN The small island of Miyajima (“The Shrine Island”) is known for White-sand city beaches and hot-spring resorts may not be the Floating Torii Gate, which is one of “The Three Most everyone's first image of Korea, but these are what Koreans Beautiful Views” of Japan. Built in the water, the Torii Gate leads flock to Busan for all year. And there are plenty of opportunities to the Itsukushima Shrine and at high tide it seems to float. The for rest, relaxation, retail therapy, and even a touch of glamour Torii Gate is one of the most photographed sites in all of Japan. every October with the Busan International Film Festival. There are many more shrines and paths on Miyajima that are Busan's beaches are the big summertime draw but there is inviting to walk. Mount Misen has a cable car leading partly up plenty to be seen year round. Quintessential experiences to the top with nice views and wild monkeys and deer roaming include taking some rest and relaxation at a local spa and the trails. exploring the Beomeosa temple complex.

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Day 8 DAY AT SEA is whale watching from the Observatory Lounge, writing home to Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and your loved ones or simply topping up your tan by the pool, catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent is whale watching from the Observatory Lounge, writing home to exploring shore side. your loved ones or simply topping up your tan by the pool, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent Day 12 HAKODATE (HOKKAIDO) exploring shore side. Facing out on two bays, Hakodate is a 19th-century port town, with clapboard buildings on sloping streets, a dockside tourist Day 9 SAKAIMINATO zone, streetcars, and fresh fish on every menu. In the downtown Sakaiminato is a small city almost totally surrounded by water: historic quarter, a mountain rises 1,100 feet above the city on the Sea of Japan to the east, the Sakai Channel to the north the southern point of the narrow peninsula. Russians, and Lake to the west. Across the lake the towns of Americans, Chinese, and Europeans have all left their mark; this and Yasugi offer interesting experiences. Matsue is was one of the first three Japanese ports the Meiji government known as the “Town of Water” next to scenic and opened up to international trade in 1859. The main sights Lake Nakaumi. It has one of the very few wooden castles that around the foot of Mt. still remain in Japan. Touring the castle and boat rides on the Horikawa River and the castle’s moat are popular. Day 13 HOKKAIDO (OTARU) Otaru is a small harbor city west of Sapporo. Famous for its Day 10 KANAZAWA many hills and a nearby ski resort, the town has been an The capital of the , Kanazawa once rivalled important trade and herring fishing center. A wide canal that led Kyoto and Edo () as a town rich in cultural achievements. from the port to the old town’s warehouses has been Kanazawa escaped destruction during World War II and maintained for touristic purposes and the old stone or accordingly has been able to preserve many of the old districts brick-built warehouses have been beautifully converted to in good shape. The city is famous because of Kenrokuen. restaurants and boutiques. Located next to Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen is classified as “One of the Three Gardens of Japan”. The garden has an Please Note: artificial pond, and hills and houses are dotted within the 11.4 Expedition highlights and itinerary listed here are possible hectares. It has Japan’s oldest fountain using natural water experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition pressure and a tea-house dating back to 1774. Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into Day 11 DAY AT SEA account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that or cancellation.

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com YOUR SHIP: SILVER EXPLORER

YOUR SHIP: Silver Explorer

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Silver Explorer's all-inclusive dining, service and shore excursions means that this is luxury expedition cruising at its very best. Award-winning itineraries make this ship the perfect combination of adventure and comfort. The purpose-built Silver Explorer expedition ship (formerly the include: Prince Albert II) has been designed specifically for navigating Butler service waters in some of the world's most remote destinations, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences including both of earth's polar regions. A strengthened hull with Luxury bath amenities a Lloyd's Register ice-class notation (1A) for passenger vessels Pillow menu enables Silver Explorer to safely push through ice floes with Personalised stationery ease. Umbrella A fleet of Zodiac boats allows guests to visit even the most Direct dial telephone(s) off-the-beaten path locations and an expert Expedition Team 220-volt outlets provides insight and understanding to each unforgettable Silver Unlimited Standard Wifi Explorer cruise adventure. Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library Silver Eplorer features 2 x restaurants, a fitness suite, 2 x French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors loungers, a beauty spa and a library. Twin beds or queen-sized bed Suites Marbled bathroom with shower Fitted wardrobe with personal safe Sitting area with writing desk

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Hair dryer Plush bathrobe Champagne on arrival

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

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01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com