Inland Sea of Japan & South Korea

Art, Culture and Beauty

13 Days | 12 Night

A mysterious island nation of unsurpassed natural beauty, Japan is laden with ancient spiritual rituals, rich culture and storied tradition. This 13-day, 12-night land and sea voyage showcases sites from the ethereal temples and jewel box pagodas of Kyoto to the latticed merchant houses of Hagi’s samurai district. On a specially arranged excursion to Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine, marvel at its iconic "floating" Torii gate on the Seto Inland Sea. Explore seven different UNESCO World Heritage sites in two countries. Stroll through traditional landscaped gardens, dine on fresh local foods and be awed by traditional theater. In temples, parks and historical sites, discover the varied and unforgettable appeal of Japan and South Korea, featuring an 8-night, all‑inclusive cruise on the expedition small ship Heritage Adventurer. Guest speaker Pico Iyer, a leading visionary on global culture and author of numerous books and essays, will enhance your journey with informative lectures and commentary. Augment your visit with a pre-tour extension in Tokyo and/or a post-tour extension in Osaka.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Home City

Day 2: Osaka, Japan/Kyoto

Day 3: Kyoto

Day 4: Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto/Osaka/Embark Heritage Adventurer

Day 6: Hiroshima/Miyajima

Day 7: Hagi

Day 8: Sakaiminato/Matsue

Day 9: Ulsan, South Korea

Day 10: Nagasaki, Japan

Day 11: Fukuoka

Day 12: Uno Ko

Day 13: Osaka/Disembark ship/Return to Home City

Highlights:

• Journey round-trip for 8 nights from Osaka, Japan aboard Heritage Adventurer, an exclusively chartered, small ship. Itinerary also includes a 3-night hotel stay in Kyoto.
• Specially arranged excursion to Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine to see its iconic "floating"
  Torii gate in the Seto Inland Sea.
• Guest speaker Pico Iyer is a leading visionary on global culture and author of numerous books, essays and other writings.
• Seven UNESCO World Heritage sites: Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto; Hiroshima Peace Memorial; Itsukushima Shinto Shrine; Town of Hagi; Nagasaki in Japan; Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju Historic Areas in South Korea.
• Included meals | 3 receptions, 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners.
• Tokyo Pre-Tour Extension and Osaka Post‑Tour Extension. (Available at additional cost.)

Program Features:

Your Travel Program

• Three-night stay in the first-class Kyoto Hotel Okura in Kyoto.
• Eight-night cruise round-trip from Osaka, Japan.
• Well-appointed first-class cabin and deluxe hotel room.
• Deluxe motor coach transfers during the Land and Cruise Program.
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions.
• Complimentary nonpremium liquor, house wine, beer, nonalcoholic beverages and minibar service throughout the cruise; complimentary house wine and beer and nonalcoholic beverages at all meals during the land program.
• Included meals | 3 receptions, 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access (conditions permitting).
• Discover three beautiful temples in Kyoto.
• Learn about and experience traditional Noh drama, featuring performers in elaborate masks and costumes.
• Visit the Hiroshima Peace Park, and hear a presentation by a family member of a Hiroshima survivor.
• Admire ukiyo-e prints by renowned woodblock artists, and see the Adachi Museum of Art's impressive collection.

Traveler's Choice

Elevate your experience with a selection of included excursions. Join the excursion of your choice in the following location:

—Nagasaki: Visit the Museum of History & Culture and the Peace Park or tour the Atomic Bomb Museum.

UNESCO:

• Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, including: Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji
  temples in Kyoto.
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
• Itsukushima, the Shinto shrine built over water.
• Town of Hagi.
• Cheonmachong Tomb, a royal burial ground in the Gyeongju Historic Areas.
• Bulguksa Temple, a top example of religious architecture.
• Nagasaki, Japan.

always included:

• Transfers and luggage handling abroad for passengers who book their air through
  Gohagan & Company.
• Experienced, English-speaking local guides for included excursions.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.
• Complimentary water in your room and on excursions.
• Hospitality desk.
• Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors at your service.
• Complimentary audio headset during guided excursions.
• Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights
  by Gohagan & Company.

accommodations:

Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Expeditions was founded in 1984 by Rodney and Shirley Russ to increase conservation and awareness of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. Through his work with endangered species as a biologist, Rodney came to believe that rather than locking wilderness areas away, it was important to share them with people, who might then become ambassadors, advocating for and supporting conservation efforts. Heritage has long held the view that conservation and responsible travel are partners, together achieving what might otherwise be unachievable.

Today Heritage Expeditions is still family-owned and run. Each authentic, small-ship expedition cruise is meticulously planned, ensuring guests have the opportunity to experience as much as possible in the region, while at the same time minimizing the ecological impact of their visit.

Tokyo pre-tour Extension

5 Days | 4 Nights

Tour the Tokyo National Museum, one of the largest art museums in the world, and enjoy a Yakatabune dinner cruise on the Sumida River. Choose between a full‑day excursion to Hakone, home to majestic Mount Fuji, or an in-depth exploration of old and new Tokyo. Pass through Tokyo’s Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) to visit the seventh-century Senso-ji Temple. Wrap up with a journey aboard the memorably high‑speed Shinkansen, or bullet train.

Osaka pOST-tour Extension

3 Days | 2 Nights

This vibrant, bustling port city is the second largest in Japan. Enjoy a full-day excursion to the tranquil and distinctive city of Nara. Visit the Todai-ji, with its imposing 50-foot bronze Buddha, and the iconic Horyu‑ji, one of the world’s oldest wooden structures. Tour the Osaka History Museum, with its fascinating exhibits and lovely views of Osaka Castle. Continue to the Umeda Sky building and up to the Sky Garden Observatory for incredible city views.

Contact

To register for this trip, please call 1-800-922-3088.