By Staff Writer
Abercrombie & Kent’s award-winning expedition team will lead a small ship cruise around Japan in 2020. The Wonders of Japan voyage will take place from 13th to 26th June, sailing Japan’s lesser-known wilderness areas and offering on-board exclusives, such as a private performance of the world-renowned Kodo taiko drummers.
The small-ship setting will allow A&K’s experienced expeditionary team, as well as historical, cultural and scientific experts, to show guests rarely-visited ports and sites that are otherwise impossible to reach by larger ship.
Travellers will begin their two-week journey when they arrive in Osaka to explore the city before boarding the 199-guest Le Soleal on day three. The luxury ship is exclusively chartered by A&K and offers every guest a private balcony, meals, house drinks, gratuities and a desirable crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.3.
A&K’s enrichment specialists will additionally provide fascinating on-board lectures and presentations on Japanese history, art, culture, gardens, nature and culinary traditions. Guests also have the option to delve even deeper and choose from a wide array of included shore excursions that explore the country’s culture, architecture, arts, history, geology, economy and natural wonders.
Spanning multiple cities, the cruise will travel through the culture-rich Kyoto, filled with Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines; Gyeongju, Korea, the ancient dynastic capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site; Hiroshima, where time is spent reflecting on Japan’s turbulent history and miraculous resurgence; the medieval Karatsu village, an early trading post; the arts centre of Kanazawa with its famous Kutani-style pottery; the rice paddies of Sado Island; as well as some unique art experiences during visits to leading museums and strolls through famous gardens, markets and castles.
In a special offer, interested travellers can book a room in cabin categories 1-3 on board Wonders of Japan and save $8,960 per couple. Prices start at $24,615 per person twin share, compared to the original $29,095, and the trip is limited to 199 guests.