Cruising Japan

March 4, 2009 By: Dave Eisen Luxury Travel Advisor

---

The “Land of the Rising Sun” is also ascending as a cruise destination. The island country of Japan, which bursts with immaculately manicured gardens and enchanting shrines that highlight its deep and venerable history, is becoming a consistent stop on many cruise itineraries.

Silversea will operate four itineraries this spring that prominently involve Japan, with ports of call including Hiroshima, Kobe, Nagoya, Tokyo, Kagoshima, Okinawa, Hakodate and Nemuro. Silver Whisper departs Shanghai on March 18 bound for Tokyo on a 10-day itinerary, which also includes three stops in South Korea—Seoul, Jeju and Pusan.

Along with Tokyo, Kobe is one of the favored destinations of cruisers visiting Japan. Top Shop: Sannomiya is the best place in Kobe to do some afternoon shopping (think cultured pearls, lacquerware and a variety of Japanese arts and crafts). Make sure, however, to exchange those dollars for yen. And, of course, what trip to Kobe is complete without sampling its namesake delicacy, Kobe beef?

This year, Silversea will also operate three other cruises that touch down on Japan: a 14-day voyage, also on Silver Whisper, from Tokyo to Singapore on April 5; a 16-day voyage aboard Silver Shadow from Hong Kong to Tokyo departing April 29 and a 14-day Tokyo-to-Seward Alaska cruise, also aboard Silver Shadow, departing May 15. The line also offers two pre- and post-land programs, such as “Traditional Japan,” a four-night package with visits to such sites as Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion and the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.

Act Now: Silversea will trim its Japan offerings next year by two voyages, concentrating more on China, Thailand and Vietnam.

All the other luxury lines also call in Japan. Regent Seven Seas offers a 14-night Osaka-to-Seward cruise aboard Seven Seas Mariner departing May 7, which also cruises the Kuril Islands; Crystal Cruises’ 12-day Hong Kong-to-Tokyo/Yokohama cruise aboard Crystal Serenity departing April 4 makes overnight calls in Nagasaki and Osaka and Seabourn picks up its Japan visits next year, highlighted by a 12-day Japan, Korea & China itinerary aboard Seabourn Pride, departing Kobe June 23.

For a more destination-driven and relaxed Japan voyage, Cruise West, synonymous with Alaska cruising, operates its 12- and 15-day Hidden Treasures of Japan itinerary on Spirit of Oceanus between March and April, then picking up again between September and October, roundtrip from Kobe. In our estimation, this is the voyage for rabid Japan fans. Port Calls: Kobe, Hagi, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Kurashiki, Nagasaki, Okayama, Takamatsu, Tokyo, Ulsam, Uwajima, Yakushima and Miyajima.

We are quite taken by Miyajima, famous and iconic for its red floating torii (traditional Japanese gates). The gate here is at the Itsukushima Shrine, which dates back to the 12th century. The view of the gate in front of the island’s Mount Misen is classified as one of the “Three Views of Japan,” along with the sand bar Amanohashidate and Matsushima Bay.

Besides the cruise, it is smart to plan a pre- or post-cruise extended stay in Japan. The way to get the most out of the experience is to stay at a ryokan, otherwise known as a traditional Japanese inn. One of the finer ones is Kayotei in the Ishikawa prefecture.

Kayotei’s 10 suite rooms are arranged in the traditional sukiya style of a tea ceremony pavilion. Note: Guests need not wear slippers, though walkways are made of tatami. Here, the top accommodation is the Higashiyama Suite, which has an expansive view of the surrounding forested mountains. A veranda provides a quiet space to savor the gentle sound of the flowing river below. This suite can also be combined with the Kawasemi Junior Suite for even more space and amenities. Each suite is equipped with a personal attendant who serves meals and prepares the quarters morning and evening.

Super Soak: Kayotei is known for its public bath, but, mind you, this is not the YMCA. Pure bliss is more like it, as natural hot-spring waters are used to luxuriate guests. Icing on the cake: Glass walls encircle the bath, and the views out on the clumps of green trees is enough to calm the most tightly wound traveler.

Luxury travel advisors can contact Hajime Degoshi (kayotei@fork.ocn.ne.jp;  011-81-761-78-1410), Kayotei’s assistant general manager, with any questions or client dietary concerns (meals include fresh fish from the Sea of Japan and local vegetables, eggs and edible wild plants picked personally by the ryokan). Make sure to alert General Manager Jiro Takeuchi (hidejiro@quartz.ocn.ne.jp; 011-81-761-78-1410) when your VIPs are booked (the toughest time to obtain a reservation is around New Year’s).

Fly guests into Komatsu International Airport, which is 35 minutes away from Kayotei.