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Scenic reveals debut Japan season coming 2023

Scenic has reported a positive response to its first dedicated season in Japan scheduled for next year onboard Scenic Eclipse.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

December 2, 2022

3 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

It will offer six immersive Japanese cruise itineraries in total, plus one Land Journey.

‘This is our debut Japan season and, so far, the response has been excellent,’ said Nichola Absalom, director - global brand & marketing, Scenic, adding that because the vessel is limited to 220 passengers, ‘we are able to access ports and regions that open up a whole range of incredible experiences.’ 

Holland America Line's Westerdam is preparing for a series of early 2023 voyages in Japan, after it was announced last month the country would start receiving international cruise ships.

Said Absalom, ‘We have handpicked a selection of itineraries that showcase the very different sides of the country; from an expedition voyage visiting the remote volcanic islands around the Pacific Ring of Fire, perfect for those interested in nature and scenery, to the culturally enriched voyages along the east and west coasts of Japan, with a curated programme of excursions and adventures led by experts in their field.

‘Cruising is the perfect way to see the best of Japan. With its long coastlines, sophisticated infrastructure and 25 UNESCO Sites that can be reached from the coast,’ she continued. 

The portfolio of excursions as part of Scenic’s Freechoice and Enrich programmes includes Kyoto’s Golden Temple, learning about Geisha, taking part in a tea ceremony, visiting Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, hiking the Mt Esan volcano and seeing the silver mines of Sado Island. 

Itineraries 

The below itineraries are among those available with Super Earlybird fares, with savings up to 20%:

The 12-day ‘Cultural Wonders of Japan’ sailing will take passengers from Otaru, Japan to Seoul, South Korea and includes Hakodate, Aomori, Sado Island, Kanazawa, Maizuru, Sakaiminato, Hagi in Japan, as well as Busan in South Korea.

Highlights consist of discovering the secrets of the ancient Samurai and exploring Aomori, which holds one of the world’s largest and best-preserved archaeological sites, spending the evening in a historical building overlooking the Kanazawa Castle, and experiencing a Kagami-biraki - a ceremony involving Sake unique to Japan, with the alcoholic drink offered to passengers afterwards. 

A visit to the volcanic heights of Mount Daisen, known locally as ‘mini-Fuji,’ exploring the streets of Sakaiminato, which inspired legendary manga artist, Shigeru Mizuki and viewing the Grand Shine of Izumo, one of Japan’s most important shrines, can also be found on the itinerary, with prices starting at £10,015, departing June 3.

Sailing up the east coast of Japan, passengers will see the contrast between Tokyo and the remote nature of Hokkaido, while learning the history of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes along the way as part of the ‘Natural Wonders of Japan’ itinerary.

The 15-day sailing includes Shimizu, a port dating back to the Nara Period (710-784) whose scenery consists of the Shiraito Falls flowing from the foothills of Mount Fuji, and rich Japanese culture and history. 

Samurai history in Sendai, the ‘Green City by the Sea,’ will allow passengers to learn more of Date Masamune - one of Japan’s most powerful feudal lords whose black outfits were the inspiration behind Darth Vader’s armour. Plus, there will be chances to spot the red-crowned crane in Kushiro, found in Japan’s largest marshland where the Scenic Discovery Team will walk passengers through the wildlife habitats.

Prices start from £11,557, departing June 30. 

Read more about:

ScenicJapan

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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