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Circumnavigation of An autumnal exploration of ’s remote island wilderness aboard the MS Island Sky 16th October to 2nd November 2021 Shiretoko National Park

okkaido, Japan’s northernmost and least developed island is often considered by the Japanese to be the country’s last frontier and is a world away from the traditional view of Japan. Only colonised by Japan in the past 150 years, we won’t find a land of ancientH temples and shrines or developed cities with skyscrapers during our visit, but what the island lacks in regard to 21st century development, it more than makes up for in natural wonders with large swathes of wild, open spaces, primeval forests, crystal clear lakes, active volcanoes and bubbling hot springs. Our exploration begins with the bright neon lights of where the cityscape of skyscrapers is interspersed with ancient temples and scenic gardens. Before reaching the enchanting island of Hokkaido we spend some time on the north coast of Honshu island visiting the Feudal town of Hirosaki and the spectacular Towada Hachimantai National Park. Our circumnavigation of Hokkaido then commences and during our time on this remarkable island, we will explore nature trails, watch for wildlife in the national parks, learn more of the indigenous RUSSIA Korsakov Ainu people and hopefully see the stunning autumnal foliage which should coincide with our visit. Shiretoko Rishiri Island National Park More than two million acres on Hokkaido are dedicated to national parkland and we will visit some HOKKAIDO Abashiri of the most remarkable including the Shiretoko National Park located on the north eastern tip of the Otaru Sapporo island and which in Ainu means ‘end of the world’. UNESCO has called it one of the richest integrated Muroran Kushiro ecosystems in the world and in 2005 designated it as a World Heritage Site. We will have a full day Hakodate to explore the national park, home to brown bears, Yezo sika deer and red fox whilst birders can keep Hirosaki Aomori an eye out for Steller sea eagles, Blakiston fish owl and white-tailed eagles.Whilst in the Kushiro Oirase Gorge Akita Marshlands we visit the home of Hokkaido’s resident red-crowned cranes, Japan’s iconic bird, known HONSHU as the bird of happiness. Niigata JAPAN Helping us understand all we will see and experience, and travelling with us throughout the voyage, will be our expert naturalist, our knowledgeable Guest Speaker and three Japanese guides, all adding Train immeasurably to your enjoyment and understanding of this fascinating country. We hope you can join Tokyo us for this rare circumnavigation of Japan’s most enchanting isle aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky.

The Itinerary Day 1 London to Tokyo, Japan. Fly of serenity and spirituality in a city welcome drinks and dinner as we seven lakes which are surrounded by scheduled flight. that never sleeps. We will then visit moor overnight. by a forest of Japanese Beech trees the Nezu Museum which exhibits before continuing to Oirase Gorge. Day 2 Tokyo. Arrive today and an excellent collection of Japanese Day 5 Aomori & Oirase Gorge. The gorge runs for 14 kilometres transfer to our hotel for a two night and East Asian art. Hidden away in Today we will head inland to the from Lake Towada to Yakeyama and stay. The remainder of the day is its spacious forest-like garden you spectacular Towada Hachimantai we will walk alongside the crystal free to relax and explore at your will find ponds, stone lanterns and National Park which involves a clear Oirase Stream seeing the own pace before we meet for dinner several tea houses. The afternoon scenic drive through the Kayano beautiful scenery, autumn foliage this evening. and evening are free to relax in the plateau and Hakkoda mountains and waterfalls. After lunch we return hotel or explore independently. to the scenic Oirase Valley and to the ship in Aomori or alternatively Day 3 Tokyo. After breakfast in the Lake Towada, a magnificent enjoy some free time in the city, visit hotel we will make our way to the Day 4 Tokyo to Aomori. After ancient lake surrounded by the market, try the locally caught Meiji Shrine which is dedicated to breakfast we will transfer to the deciduous forests. The scenery is sushi or view the crafts and local the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji airport for our scheduled flight to stunning, especially as the hillsides produce at the A factory. We remain and a popular place for traditional Aomori. On arrival transfer to the change to red and orange. We berthed overnight in Aomori for Japanese weddings. Surrounded by port where we will embark the will wander the trails at the Tsuta anyone who wishes to take an after over 100,000 trees, Meiji is an oasis MS Island Sky. Tonight enjoy Nana-numa Ponds, a collection of dinner stroll or dine ashore. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Steller sea eagle

Oirase gorge Lamp, Meiji Shrine Red-crowned crane

Kakunodate

Day 6 Hirosaki. We can immerse up Mount Sokuryo offering views to and O-Akan. The lake is also famous covers the majority of the Shiretoko ourselves in Japanese history and the city below. for marimo, an aggregation of algae Peninsula and is a UNESCO World culture as we visit the former Feudal which forms into balls and is unique Heritage Site due to the diversity town of Hirosaki which was the Day 8 Kushiro. After a morning at to this lake. During our cruise we of its ecosystems. This remote and political capital of the region in the sea we arrive in Kushiro over lunch. will pass by Takiguchi, one of the untouched park combines rivers, Edo Period. During a tour of the city This afternoon we will visit Kushiro most beautiful spots on the lake as forests, mountains and waterfalls we will see the small, three storey Marshlands, Japan’s largest wetland well as visit the observation centre and is home to an array of wildlife castle which was the focal point and marsh habitat and home to the on Churui Island. After lunch we will including brown bears, Yezo of the old city and the base of the only known population of Japan’s walk to Akanko Ainu Kotan, where sika deer and red fox. If weather powerful Tsugaru Clan. Surrounding sacred red-crowned cranes. The we will be able to see the traditional permits, we will take the Shiretoko the castle was the samurai and cranes were thought to have been crafts and dance and learn about Pass offering stunning views of the merchant district where we can visit made extinct due to overhunting the culture of the indigenous autumn leaves on Mount Rausu. the preserved houses and the Fujita and habitat destruction. However, Ainu people of Hokkaido before Continue to the Shiretoko Nature Kinen Teien, a Japanese landscape in 1926 a group of 20 birds were returning to the MS Island Sky this Centre where we can learn about garden built in 1919. After a local discovered in this area and with afternoon and sailing. the wildlife of the park. Here there lunch, we spend the afternoon conservation efforts now number will be a choice of either a long or visiting Neputa Mura Museum more than 1000. We will visit the Day 10 Abashiri. Spend the short walk through the wilderness showcasing the crafts of the area Kushiro Onnenai Visitor Centre morning on deck as we sail in the on the lookout for wildlife, autumnal and dedicated to the annual Neputa with displays of the flora and fauna Nemuro Channel and around the colours and views of the lakes. festival held in August. Return to the of the region and views over the Shiretoko Peninsula where we will Return to the ship via the Oshin ship and sail this evening. marshlands before taking the keep an eye out for wildlife on Koshin Waterfall. walking trails where we hope to land and in the water. Arriving in Day 7 Muroran. We will spend our see the cranes and birds in their Abashiri at lunchtime we spend Day 12 Korsakov, Russia. Arrive morning around the Shikotsu-Toya natural habitat. Continue to the the afternoon learning more about this morning at Korsakov where National Park, named after the two Kushiro Crane Reserve, which was the Ainu culture, clothing, legends we will clear into Russia. Once the caldera lakes which offer wonderful created 60 years ago to protect and crafts at the Hokkaido Museum formalities are concluded we will scenery and excellent hiking and and preserve the crane population of Northern Peoples which also explore part of this city which was walking opportunities. This is still an and continues to rescue injured provides insight into the cultures founded in 1853 as Sakhalin’s first active area and a geological wonder birds whilst also breeding and and traditions of the peoples Russian military post. From here with the Showa Shin-zan releasing young birds into the wild. inhabiting the sub-Arctic regions we drive to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, only created in the 1940s. Our day We remain in Kushiro overnight for of the globe including Inuit and the capital of the island with a will be flexible around the weather anyone wishing to explore ashore Sami. Afterwards we travel the short population of just over 160,000. but if clear we may take the cable this evening. distance to the Okhotsk Sea Ice Founded as a small Russian car to the top of Mount Usu for the Museum which offers insight into settlement in the 1880s, the city wonderful views to Lake Toya or visit Day 9 Lake Akan. This morning the sea ice that surrounds the city became a Japanese prefect capital Jigokudani, ‘Hell Valley’, a steaming we will drive inland to see one of during the winter. Return to the when the southern half of Sakhalin lunar like valley of steam vents and the most scenic lakes of Hokkaido. MS Island Sky for dinner and spend was declared a Japanese colony sulphurous streams formed over Arriving at Lake Akan we will board the evening moored in Abashiri. in 1905; after World War II it was 10,000 years ago. Return to the ship one of the local boats for a cruise, returned to Russia. Highlights for lunch and spend the afternoon providing the perfect vantage Day 11 Abashiri & Shiretoko include a visit to the Russian at leisure in Muroran, maybe visit point to the colourful forests lining National Park. From our berth we Orthodox Church, the Regional the scenic cape and lighthouse or if the banks with views up to the will make a full day excursion to Museum housed in an impressive feeling active you may wish to walk surrounding of Me-Akan the Shiretoko National Park which former Japanese mansion, and the Onuma Park Yezo Sika deer

Shrine, Mount Komagatake

bustling market. Return to the our way to Onuma Park, on the tree-lined walking trails lead to its Day 18 Tokyo to London. After ship this afternoon as we return to outskirts of the city and known watchtower, temple and shrine. breakfast in the hotel we transfer to Japanese waters. for its picturesque, island-dotted You may also wish to visit the Akita the airport for our scheduled flight lakes and majestic dormant Museum of Art which includes a to London. Day 13 Rishiri Island. We will clear volcano, Mount Komagatake. large collection of work by Fujita customs formalities in Wakkanai We have the option to take a Tsuguharu including his giant Please note: The autumn before sailing into the Rishiri- series of walks around the lake’s ‘Annual Events in Akita’ mural. colours are a natural Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park peninsulas and islands, several phenomenon and sightings and berth at Rishiri Island where of which are connected with Day 17 Niigata to Tokyo. are not guaranteed. We have the skyline is dominated by the each other by small bridges and Disembark this morning and timed our journey to meet dormant volcano of Mount Rishiri, surrounded by colourful birch transfer to the train station to the traditional times for the which climbs to 1721 metres. An and maple forests. Return to the board our Shinkansen service to changing colours in Hokkaido island tour will include the beautiful ship for lunch and this afternoon Tokyo. A lunch box will be provided and Aomori but are too early to autumnal scenery at Himenuma either relax on board or join a city on the train before we arrive in see the colours in Tokyo. Pond and Kutsugata Cape Park tour including the 19th century Tokyo and transfer to our hotel for whilst we hope to see black Fort Goryokaku, built as a citadel some free time before we meet for woodpecker during a walk at the but now a public park. dinner this evening. Forest Park. There will also be free time to explore the town or take Day 16 Akita. Spend the day in time to visit the hot springs. the , known for its Prices per person rice farming, traditional festivals, Based on double occupancy Day 14 Otaru & Sapporo. From our and treasured dog breed of the berth in Otaru we visit Hokkaido’s same name. This morning we SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON capital city of Sapporo where we will drive inland to Kakunodate for a limited time only enjoy a tour of the famous brewery. which was established in 1620 Deck Suite Category Brochure Price Special Offer Price Hokkaido is the birthplace of beer by the Lords of Akita as a Magellan Standard £9295 £8995 in Japan and it has been brewed military outpost with a castle Columbus Superior £9495 £9195 in Sapporo since 1877. A tour of built on Mount Furishiroyama. Marco Polo Premium £9695 £9395 the museum will introduce the Two distinct areas were then Marco Polo Corner £9995 £9695 history of the industry and includes developed, one for samurai Erikson Deluxe Balcony £10495 £10195 a tasting. Also visit Takino Suzaran, and the other for merchants. Explorer Owner’s Balcony Suites £10795 £10495 a huge park on the outskirts of Today it remains one of the best Explorer Island Suite £11995 £11695 the city and a must visit location in examples of a castle town in Magellan Standard for sole use £13295 £12995 autumn. We will take walks along Japan and the Uchimachi samurai Columbus Superior for sole use £13495 £13195 the trails through the woodlands, quarter maintains a number of one of which will take you to the the original wooden houses and PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Three nights lovely Ashiribetsu Waterfall. Return well-maintained gardens which hotel accommodation in Tokyo with breakfast • 13 nights aboard the to the ship for lunch and enjoy a we can explore. The afternoon is MS Island Sky on a full board basis • Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch relaxing afternoon at sea. free to explore Akita. At the centre and dinner • Shore excursions • Bullet train from Niigata to Tokyo • Noble lies Senshu Park, built from the Caledonia onboard team • Dinner on days 2 & 17 • Transfers • Gratuities Day 15 Hakodate. Our final day in ruins of Kubota Castle, a former • Group Visa for Russia • Port taxes. Hokkaido will be at the southern samurai fortress. Lotus flowers now Not Included: Travel insurance. port of Hakodate. We will make fill the remnants of old moats and

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 ms island sky

Friendly Service Owner’s Balcony Suite The Club

The much loved MS Island Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 118, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

Your Suite Your Dining On board there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the All feature a seating area and some have private balconies, whilst those cuisine on board the MS Island Sky is of a consistent superior quality on the Marco Polo Deck feature tinted, sliding glass doors allowing that befits such a vessel. In keeping with the informal atmosphere on greatly enhanced viewing opportunities and quick access to the deck. board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, and choice of restaurants at your leisure; whether that be joining a table which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of four to six other passengers in the elegant à la carte Restaurant or of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over outside buffet-style on the Lido Deck in the evening sunshine. In the five decks and each suite affords considerable comfort with en-suite main Restaurant, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in cooked to order on request. Lunch and dinner menus offer plenty shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table and excellent storage. There of choice, often reflecting the daily catch and local delicacies. The is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/CD player and a Welcome and Farewell dinners are a sumptuous five course affair. To telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and enhance your dining experience further a selection of wines is included slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a with both meals. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place in safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and either the comfort of the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the heating. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either weather is favourable. Tea and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. double or twin. Special diets can be catered for with sufficient notice. Standard Suite The Restaurant The Library

Your Space MS ISLAND SKY DECK PLAN The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large Lounge on the Columbus Deck featuring a selection of seating options from individual armchairs and sofas to side cushioned benches. Daily Owner’s Balcony Suites Owner’s Balcony Suites briefings given by the Cruise Director and talks from Guest Speakers and Explorer Deck ExplorerErikson Deck Deck expedition staff take place in the Lounge. In addition to the main Lounge, EriksonMarco Polo Deck Deck MarcoColumbus Polo Deck Deck there is also The Club, located on the Marco Polo Deck which features Owner’s Balcony Suites ColumbusMagellan Deck Deck Owner’s Balcony Suites the main bar where the onboard pianist plays periodically throughout Magellan Deck the day. The Club also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. Towards the aft of the ship on the Columbus Deck is the Library. Well stocked Explorer Deck Balconies Deluxe Balcony Suites Explorer Deck Balconies with reference books pertaining to the destinations the vessel is visiting Owner’s Balcony511 SuitesDeluxe509 Balcony507 Suites505 605 603 601 Owner’s Balcony511 Suites509 507 505 and a selection of essential reads, you will not find yourself short of 605 603 601

Hair dresser STAIRS LIFT 602 excellent literature on board. A collection of games as well as devices to & Beauty Center 606 604 Island Hair dresser Owner’s Balcony512 Suites 510 508 506 STAIRS LIFT 602 & Beauty DeluxeSuite Balcony Suites xxx access the internet via the ship’s satellite can also be found in the Library. Center 606 604 Island Owner’s BalconyBalconies512 Suites 510 508 506 DeluxeSuite Balcony Suites xxx

Access to the ship’s satellite Wi-Fi via your own device is complimentary Balconies

Erikson Deck Balconies on board (signal strength varies depending on location and demand). Erikson Deck DelDeluxeuxe BalconiesBalcoBalconyny SuiteSuitess Radio Chart room room Buffet Pantry Hotel manager´s 511 509 Pr507emium505 Suites PremiumOffice r Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite The main Restaurant, which can seat all guests at one sitting, is located office DelDeluxeuxe BalcoBalconyny SuiteSuitess Radio Chart STAIRS room room Bridge Lido Buffet Pantry Hotel manager´s 511 509 Pr507emium505 Suites PremiumOffice r Suites OpenPr emium Suites Corner Suite Deck office 427 425 423 421 Deck419 417 415 on the Magellan Deck, and outside there is a rear Lido Deck located on STAIRS Bridge Lido Open STAIRS LIFT 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 Deck Chief Captain Deck 512 510 508 506 Engineer the Erikson Deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. STAIRS LIFT DelDeluxeuxe Balc Balconyony SSuiteuites Chief Captain 512 510 508 506 Engineer DelDeluxeuxe Balc BalconiesBalcony428ony SSuiteuite426s 424 422 420 418 416 414 Further to this on the top Explorer Deck there is an observation area ideal Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Balconies428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 Marco Polo Deck DeckPr Accessemium Suites PremiumDeck Suite Accesss Premium Suites Corner Suite for spotting wildlife, complete with sun loungers for sunbathing, relaxing Promenade deck Marco Polo Deck Deck Access Deck Access Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Promenade deck Staff with a book or catching up with fellow travellers. The Promenade Deck Cabin 427Premium425 Suites 423Premium421 Suites 419Premium 417Suites Corner415 Suite Staff Cabin The 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 wraps around the whole ship giving outstanding views. There is also a Club Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites The Library STAIRS LIFT Club Staff Cabin Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites small beauty salon on board with appointments made on request. Coffee 428 426347424345422343420341418339416 414335 333 331 329 Station Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Library STAIRS LIFT Staff Promenade deck Coffee Cabin 428 426347424345422343420341418339416 414335 333 331 329 Station Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Deck Access Deck Access Promenade deck Your Comfort Columbus Deck Deck Access Deck Access Promenade deck 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Columbus Deck Cruise Cruise Director Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites The MS Island Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and office Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites Promenade deck Cruise 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Cruise Director 347Superior345 Suites343Superior341 Suite339s 335 333Superior331 Suites 329 office Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the Public Entrance Lounge bathrooms 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 Hall Public EntranceRecep tion ship’s motion. During your voyage we hope to offer you the opportunity Lounge bathroomsSTAIRS LIFT STAIRS Hall Reception 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 STAIRS LIFT Purser’s Standard Suites Office Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessel’s Promenade deck STAIRS 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Purser’s 261 259Standard257 Suites 255 Office Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites Promenade deck progress by charts and learn more about your journey. On board you Magellan Deck 261 259 257 255 will also find a clinic and Doctor and a lift that serves all decks. When Magellan Deck Standard Suites Hospital Galley 261 259 257 255 Doctor at anchor our nimble Zodiacs will ferry you ashore or, on select cruises, Standard Suites Hospital Galley 261 259 257 255 Doct252or 250 262 260 258 256 254 Standard Suites Standard Suites Standard Suites Restaurant 252(forwar250d) enjoy Zodiac cruises getting you closer to the natural world. 262 260 258 256 254 Standard Suites STAIRS LIFT Standard Suites Standard SuiteOsfficer’s (forward) Restaurant Quarters

STAIRS LIFT 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 Officer’s Standard Suites Standard Suites Standard Suites Quarters 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 Your Life On Board Standard Suites Standard Suites Standard Suites The atmosphere on board is warm and convivial and more akin to Standard Suites Corner Suites with Deck Access Owner’s Balcony Suites a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about Standard Suites Corner Suites with Deck Access Owner’s Balcony Suites SuperiorStandard Suites (Forward) PremiumPremiumsingleStandardw) arDeluxed Su iteSuites SuitesSuites Balcony (ForS SuitesDeluxe Balcony Suites Island Suite Standard Suites (Forward) Premium Suites Deluxe Balcony Suites wonderful destinations you are visiting in the company of like- SuperiorStandard Suites CornerDeluxesStandardCornerPremiuminglew) arDeluxed SSuitesu SuitesBalconyite SuiteSuitess Balcony Suite(ForS SuitesOwners Balcony Suites Island Suite Premium Suites with Deck Access Standard Suites CornerDeluxesStandardCorner Suites SuitesBalcony Suite Suite Owners Balcony Suites minded people. There is a high ratio of crew to passengers and our PremiumSuperior Suites Suites with Deck AccessOwnerssSuperior Balcony Suite Suite friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Superior Suites OwnerssSuperior Balcony Suite Suite Scandinavian Captains are experienced mariners. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable ship where peace, high quality of service and attention to detail are the order of the day. A little music in the Lounge after dinner, Guest Speakers and informative port briefings and of course good food, all contribute to make any voyage aboard this wonderful vessel a memorable and joyful experience.

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Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. All special offers are subject to availability. Itinerary subject to change. Cover image: Onuma Park 50220_S