The 2023 Ultra-Luxury Japan & Snow Monkeys Discovery

regional and premium class flights may be available on request

Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel to begin your four night 'Japan & Snow Monkeys' land tour

After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of Tokyo, with your English speaking guide. Begin with a visit to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, followed by a wander down Nakamise Shopping street. Next, you will participate in a Sushi making class where you'll enjoy your own creations for lunch.

Spend the afternoon exploring the streets of Ginza, famous for its boutique shopping and high-tech electronics, as well as the Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Continue on to Omotesando Street where you can visit some of the many themed cafes (B,L)

Today, transfer to Obuse, where you will visit the fascinating Hokusai-kan Museum of Art. Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Old District before heading to Jigokudani Monkey Park, home of the famous Japanese Snow Monkeys. Take a walk through the forested valley to the main pool where the monkeys bathe. Accustomed to humans, the monkeys can be observed from very close and almost completely ignore their human guests.

After this amazing experience, transfer back to your hotel in Tokyo and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure (B)

After breakfast, visit Mt. Fuji, where your first stop will be Oishi Park, which offers great views (weather dependent). In case of bad weather, you will visit the Mt. Fuji Heritage Centre instead. Afterward, head to a local restaurant for lunch before transferring to Hakone to board a mini cruise on stunning Lake Ashi. Next, take the cable car up to the viewpoint on Mt. Komagatake where you can admire the amazing views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi (weather dependent). You will then be transferred back to Tokyo to spend the rest of the evening at leisure (B,L)

After breakfast, transfer to Yokohama Port and embark the luxurious Silver Whisper for your 10 night all-inclusive voyage

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.

The Japanese city of Kobe needs no introduction. The name is synonymous with its home grown superstar. We are not talking of its stunning shrines, cherry trees laden with blossom during sakura or effervescent city, buzzing with life 24/7. We are of course talking of a much more grass roots hero – its eponymous beef. The delicacy might have put the city on the map, but there is far more to Kobe than its meat. Naturally, Kobe wears its cuisine as a badge of honour. View less Its port history has given it a gastronomy that is quite different from its neighbours. Seafood and sushi is naturally some of the freshest and most diverse you can find, but Kobe’s multi-cultural nature (the city is home to 98 different nationalities) means that it has one of the most diverse gastronomic cultures in Japan. Bread and bakeries are also an (unexpected) delicacy. Additionally, Sake is taken very seriously – Kobe even has its own museum dedicated to the national spirit. Historically, Kobe has always been a key city for Japan. Renamed in 1889, it was known as Owada no Tomari during the Nara Period (710-784 C.E.). Kobe’s location on the calm Inland Sea between Osaka and Kyoto has proven to be pivotal in Japanese history; it is mentioned in famous literary works such as The Tale of Genji (from approximately late 9th century) and the Taiheiki (14th century). The city and region are home to many attractions including the Himeji Castle (widely considered to be Japan's most beautiful feudal castle), a short ride away.

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. View less 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. 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.

Boasting Japan’s heady cocktail of hot springs, gourmet food, abundant nature and spiritual history, Kyushu Island has all the advantages of the mainland, while enjoying its own identity. The island is the third largest of Japan’s five island provinces and prides itself on having everything you could expect from the Land of the Rising Sun. The capital of the island, Fukuoka, is Japan in a bite sized morsel. As one of the country’s most strategic ports – it is closer to Seoul than Tokyo – the city has enjoyed a somewhat prestigious status over the years, including two unsuccessful Mongol invasion attempts in the 13th century. Some scholars suggest that the city is also the first place the Imperial Family set foot, although actual proof of this is scarce. What is certain however is that it was once the home of the samurai, with many samurai related spots found all over the city. A trip to the Kyushu National Museum will allow budding actors to try on traditional costumes and channel their inner feudal lord, while local shrines, tranquil Zen gardens and castle ruins all offer a chance to relive the city’s glory days. The city itself is made up of two smaller towns (Fukuoka and Hakata), and despite unification in 1889, Hakata is still considered the centre. A 2018 survey ranked the city number 22 on “the world’s most liveable cities” list, due to its excellent shopping, outstanding food, excellent transport links, good museums, “feeling of openeness”, green spaces and friendly, safe, environment.

As South Korea becomes increasingly popular as a tourist destination, Yeosu remains a hidden gem. Punctuated by cliffs, islands and peninsulas the Scenic shorelines are nothing short of spectacular. Host to the EXPO 2012 World Fair meant that Yeosu received generous government funding in order to develop its waterfront and the exhibition centre still stands. This is worth exploring if you want to learn what South Korea is doing to preserve its waters and what we can do to help. View less The butterfly-shaped peninsula is known for its succulent seafood and, in spring, camellia blossoms abound. Set in the very south of the country, the city is split in two by a mountain, and the two sides are connected by a narrow, keyhole-shaped tunnel. Enjoy the dichotomy of travelling from the modern west side to the stillness and peace of the Manseongri Black Sand Beach in the traditional east. There is a multitude of islands dotting the coast of Yeosu. For those wanting to see it all, ferry buses offer scenic boat trips so that you can island hop and spend as long or as little as you like in each place. However, if time doesn’t permit, a short taxi ride (or long walk) to either Odongdo or Dolsan via a man-made causeway is the best bet. Additionally, if you are feeling sporty, why not walk to the top of the rather mild hill, and be greeted with beautiful 360 views of the surrounding area. Because of its coastal location, fish lovers will be in their element here. Raw fish is a delicacy in all of coastal South Korea, though standard Korean fare, such as kimchi stew and pork loin soup is well worth a try if you are feeling adventurous. For those who want an authentic Korean dining experience, traditional Korean food include the famous ganjang gejang (raw crabs marinated in soya sauce) as well as other variants like the yangnyeom gejang (raw crabs marinated in spicy sauce).

You will want to be on deck as the ship cruises into this splendid natural harbor, which has played such an important role in the history of this city, and Japan as a whole. The accidental arrival of an off-course Portuguese ship in 1543 was the beginning of Nagasaki's longtime role as Japan's “Door to the West.” The missionary St. Francis Xavier visited briefly, and there was a substantial number of converts during the period known as the “Christian Century.” Eventually the Japanese authorities perceived the growing influence of Christianity to be a threat, leading to the banning of the religion. The Catholic Spanish and Portuguese were expelled in favor of the Dutch, who were felt to be more interested in trade than religion. All contact with foreigners was forbidden, and no Japanese were allowed to travel abroad. The only exception was the closely watched Dutch enclave of Dejima. Through this small outpost a trickle of Western thought and science continued to filter into the country, and Nagasaki became an important scientific and artistic center. When the city was again opened to the West in 1859, Nagasaki was quickly reestablished as a thriving industrial center, especially in shipbuilding, the industry that made it a prime target in World War II.

Hugging the shore of Kinko Bay, this southernmost city of Kyushu is warm, sunny and relaxed. It features palms, flowering trees and bushes, and broad avenues. With the ominous volcano of Sakurajima overlooking Kagoshima across the bay, the city is often called the Naples of Japan. Kagoshima's history was dominated by a single family, the Shimazu clan, who ruled over the city for nearly 700 years. As an important trading center for China, outside contact played a significant part in this port city. The arrival of St. Francis Xavier in 1549 brought further outside influence, and a number of Japanese converted to Christianity. In the mid-19th century, the Tokugawa shogunate began to lose strength, and the Shimazu family was beginning to look toward the future. They built the first Western-style factory and smuggled 19 young men out of the country so they could learn foreign languages and technology in Britain. On their return, these men played an important part in the Meiji Restoration and the modernization of Japan. An important local figure during the Meiji Restoration was a samurai by the name of Saigo Takamori. He was an educator, scholar, philosopher, and poet, and played a major role in the restoration of the Emperor Meiji and the advancement of technology. When the ancient rights of the samurai class were rescinded, Takamori became disillusioned. He led a brief and unsuccessful rebellion, and eventually committed ritual suicide. To this day, he is remembered by many Japanese who visit the spot on Shiroyama Hill where he died.

The lantern-lit hot springs of Beppu, known for its eight scorching “Hells”, is a town that’s prettier than a picture. The town is found in a particularly volcanically active part of Japan (hence the abundance of hot springs, or in Japanese, onsens). The viewing pools have evocative names; think Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell and Tornado Hell. While the names might seem a little off putting, the reality is stunning; sulphur laced air and vast spectrums of blues and reds, depending on the mineralisation of the earth. As if the gorgeous palette of colours at the onsen was not enough, Beppu is also world famous for its Sakura, or cherry blossom season. More than 2,000 cherry trees near the base of the ropeway to Mount Tsurumi make for one of Beppu’s most impressive hanami (flower viewing) spots. If not lucky enough to be in the area during Sakura, from May to June rhododendrons colour the mountain. The view from this 1,375m mountain is beyond impressive, allowing you to see all the way to the Kuju Mountains, Chugoku and Shikoku. If brave enough to climb all the way to the top, the stone Buddhas that were carved into the mountainside during the Heian Period (794-1185) are a worthy reward! As with much of Japan, duality is ever present. Modernity sits very comfortably by ancient buildings. While Beppu’s biggest pull is by far the hot springs and the thermal baths, nearby (10 km) Yufuin has a wealth of art museums, cafes and boutiques, catering to trend setters and urbanites alike.

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.

Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight

regional and premium class flights may be available on request