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The Smile of Japan - Inchon to Otaru
MS Hanseatic - May 31 - June 13, 2012
Voyage HAN1210
Wilfried König, expert on Japan, says: 'From time immemorial, Japan has shaped
its landscapes in accordance with its own ideas into beautiful
garden complexes. Today, it looks as if its pulsating metropolises are shaping the future in
the same way. Join me in discovering a mysterious world between tradition and high
technology.'
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Date
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Destination
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31-May-12
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Embarkation in
Inchon (Seoul) / South Korea, departure 17.00 hrs
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1-Jun-12
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Cheju / South
Korea, from 14.00 to 19.00 hrs
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2-Jun-12
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Relaxation at
sea
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3-Jun-12
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Hiroshima/Japan, from 7.00 to 18.00 hrs
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4-Jun-12
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Himeji/Japan,
from 8.30 to 14.00 hrs - Osaka/Japan, arrival 20.00 hrs
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5-Jun-12
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Osaka
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6-Jun-12
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Osaka,
departure 18.00 hrs
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7-Jun-12
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Toba/Japan,
from 12.00 to 17.00 hrs
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8-Jun-12
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Tokyo/Japan,
arrival 9.00 hrs
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9-Jun-12
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Tokyo,
departure 17.00 hrs
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10-Jun-12
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Relaxation at
sea
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11-Jun-12
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Aomori/Japan,
from 13.00 to 24.00 hrs
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12-Jun-12
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Hakodate/Japan, from 7.00 to 15.00 hrs
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13-Jun-12
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Otaru
(Sapporo)/Japan, arrival 8.00 hrs. Disembarkation.
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Journey to the Land of the Rising Sun
Korea's
volcanic island Cheju has preserved many of its myths to the present
day. Look forward to finding out about the island's nature and history on the
excursion crater visit and natural history museum*. A walk along the San
Gumburi crater reveals magnificent views of the green hinterland. The hike
in the Manjanggul Cave*, on the other hand, follows the primeval traces of
the glowing lava, which has left bizarre formations behind. Quite different
forces feature in the excursion to Hiroshima, the city that was
completely destroyed in 1945. On the expert excursion: the heritage of
Hiroshima*, you can discover the Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Museum
with Wilfried König and contemplate Japanese history from all angles. When you
visit the holy island of Miyajima*, you will see Japan's most famous
landmark the moment you arrive - the red Torii Gate of the Itsukushima Shrine
gleaming in the bay. Alternatively, you can discover one of the most famous
landscape gardens of Japan in Okayama and Kurashiki*. The Korakuen Park
will show you the art of the Japanese garden in all its glory, with ponds,
waterfalls and pavilions. Himeji proves that Japan's architecture is
also capable of great things. If you opt to visit the Koko-en Gardens and
Himeji Castle* in the heart of the city, you will be amazed by the palatial
architecture and get an impression of the art of fortification in the Middle
Ages. The Enkyo-ji Temple established on Mount Shosha* in 966 AD, on the
other hand, can only be reached by cable car. |
Shintoism and Pearl Cultivation
Osaka, the 'Venice of the East', combines the past and the future between
numerous rivers and canals. A futuristic glass and steel construction awaits you on
the expert excursion: the Miho Museum - the ancient and modern in
contrast*. Alternatively, you can explore Kyoto - the old imperial
city*. In the midst of the Kiyomizu Temple there is a waterfall with three
jets, from which visitors can draw water for luck. Ideal conditions for pearl
cultivation are to be found in the delta and in the coastal city of
Toba. On the excursion to the Ise-Jingu Shrine and the
pearl island of Mikimoto*, you can find out everything you need to know
about the cultivation of pearls. On the expert excursion: Shinto -
religious cults and forms of faith*, Wilfried König will take you to the
place that every Japanese must visit one day. The plain shrine of Ise-Jingu is the
holy of holies for Shintoists. The meaning of this pilgrimage destination will be
explained to you in graphic terms by our expert on Japan.
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Tokyo - the Megacity
Gather your first
impressions of Tokyo* or experience Japanese culture and tradition*
- tea ceremonies, the art of calligraphy and the origami art of paper-folding
are still important parts of the Japanese lifestyle. You will gain deep
insights into overwhelming Tokyo on the expert excursion: Asakusa Kannon
Temple*. In the historic city of Nikko*, you will visit the Toshogu
and Futarasan Shrines, which have been designated a UNESCO World Cultural
Heritage Site. At the northern point of the island of Honshu lies
Aomori, famous for its annual parade of brilliantly illuminated paper
maché figures. Find out more about their origin on the excursion Aomori
festival and history* before entering the southern gate to the island of
Hokkaido: Hakodate. The most beautiful impressions of Hakodate*
with its star-shaped fortress can be obtained from the Goryokaku Tower. And the
cable car to Mount Hakodate will take you to even greater heights. From this
point of vantage you can look out across the Tsugaru Strait as far as the main
island of Honshu. Finally, you can enjoy Japan's picturesque panorama one last
time at the Onuma Quasi National Park*, where you take your leave with a
majestic view across the lake district.
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* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The
shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject
to changes. |
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Each month our cruise experts select great itineraries that will be sailing within the next
6-8 months.
Check back next month to see what itineraries have been added to our 'top picks' list.
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