![]() Considered by UNESCO as one of the world’s ten most historically significant sites, it is often described as a “museum without walls.” As the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju’s cultural heritage dates back to the first millennium when the dynasty began its rule of Korea after conquering and uniting divergent monarchies. This morning disembark in the bustling port of Ulsan and depart overland for magnificent Gyeongju. Then tour the Adachi Museum of Arts, which displays famous Japanese paintings and ceramics, and take a stroll through the beautiful surrounding gardens. Visit the cultural attractions of the town, which include the Matsue Castle and a 250-year-old samurai house complete with tatami rooms. Matsue, the “town of water,” is nestled between a scenic lake and a large lagoon. The coastline along the north shore of Honshu offers splendid views of craggy rock faces and rugged shores sculpted by waves. A serene teahouse perches on a small peninsula in the middle of a pond, while carved stone lanterns line the footpaths. Sophisticated, centuries-old designs create an artful aura of seclusion and contemplation. Next to the Kanazawa Castle ruins is one of Japan’s premier botanical highlights-the famed Kenroku-en Garden. The narrow and winding cobblestone streets have a quaint photogenic charm-around each bend is a traditional house, museum, art gallery, crafts shop, historic samurai residence, or even a geisha house to explore. Kanazawa is a thriving center of the arts, long renowned for its lacquerware, superb collectible Kutani-style pottery, gold-leaf workmanship, delicate hand-painted kimonos, and Noh theater dramas. In Toki Forest Park, view the endangered Japanese crested ibis and learn about conservation efforts. Visit a sake brewery to learn about the venerable process, make soba noodles by hand, then explore the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine in Aikawa, which operated for over 300 years. Well off the beaten path of most travelers, Sado Island possesses both the pastoral charm of verdant rice paddies and bamboo groves, and the dramatic beauty of surf-pounded seacoasts. After lunch, ride one of the famed bullet trains to Niigata where you will embark the Caledonian Sky. This morning join a city tour that showcases the modern and ancient highlights of Japan’s dynamic capital city. Among the many highlights is a full day excursion to Gyeongju, South Korea, a World Heritage Site, the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty, encompassing hundreds of excavated monuments, temples, tombs, and pagodas.ĭepart on your independent flight to Tokyo, Japan.Īrrive in Tokyo and transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.ĭay 3: Tokyo / Niigata / Embark Caledonian Sky Visit the ultimately moving Peace Memorial Park in the heart of Hiroshima and photograph the iconic red torii gate at Miyajima-entrance to a 6th-century Shinto shrine. Discover Japan’s rich historic legacy as you explore fabled shrines and temples, magnificent castles and fortresses, superb parks and formal gardens, and elegant pagodas. This unique voyage reveals the cultural highlights, natural attractions, and dramatic coastlines of Japan while sailing the Inland Sea and beyond. Photograph two of Japan’s most celebrated traditional gardens-Koraku-en and Kenroku-en-as well as Miyajima’s iconic red torii.Watch a master potter create distinctive pastel-glazed ceramics in Hagi.View Matsue’s architectural treasures, including a perfectly preserved medieval castle and a 250-year-old samurai house.Spend a full day in Gyeongju, South Korea, with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, a World Heritage Site.Stroll through the Peace Memorial Park at Hiroshima.Visit sacred Shinto shrines and ancient Buddhist temples.
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