Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Japan is a country pulled in two radically different directions, deeply honoring its past while rushing headlong into the future. Hyper-modernity exists side by side with the quiet serenity of ancient shrines and gardens. Nowhere is this contrast more apparent than in the experience provided by this 5-day program in Tokyo and Kyoto, as you move between the steel and glass of modern skyscrapers and the wood and bamboo structure of Zen temples. From the gleaming storefronts of Tokyo's Ginza district to the serene gardens of Kyoto, you will have the opportunity to see how Japan has managed to blend tradition and modernity.

Day 1 – Tokyo

Arrive at Tokyo International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to The Prince Park Tower Tokyo in the center of the city, your home for the next two nights. A local representative will be present at a hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Relax and enjoy the many amenities of this stunning complex. Dinner is independent.

Day 2 – Tokyo

After breakfast at the hotel, join a full day excursion that samples some of best that Tokyo has to offer. Explore the Tokyo National Museum, one of the largest art museums in the world, with a rich and extensive collection of Asian art and cultural artefacts. Lunch at a local restaurant is followed by a visit to Sensoji Temple, first built in 645 to house a tiny statue of the goddess of mercy, where the temple precincts bustle with people praying, shopping and sightseeing. Stroll the Asakusa and Nakamise shopping arcade, one of the oldest shopping districts in Tokyo. Later in the afternoon, visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is dedicated to the great-grandparents of the present emperor and whose vast grounds of more than 100,000 trees serves as both a sacred Shinto space and as an oasis of tranquility within the fast-paced city. Later join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening followed by an independent dinner.

Day 3 – Tokyo | Kyoto

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning excursion to Tokyo's Ginza district. Named for the silver mint located here in the 17th and 18th centuries, Ginza is now the city's largest upmarket shopping district. After a short, guided walking tour of the area's landmarks, enjoy free time to explore the many department stores, boutiques, and art galleries. Late morning, transfer to the train station and board the bullet train to Kyoto. A traditional Japanese bento box lunch will be provided to enjoy onboard. Upon arrival in Kyoto, check in to the Hotel Okura Kyoto for two nights. Dinner is independent.

Day 4 -- Kyoto

Explore Kyoto on a full day tour, starting with a visit to the Kinkakuji Temple complex to see the Golden Pavilion, so named because of the gold leaf covering its two upper stories. Built by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu as a villa, it was converted to a Zen temple following his death in 1408. Also visit the nearby Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. Following lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the Arashiyama district on the western edge of Kyoto, once popular with nobles who enjoyed its natural setting. Walk through the famous bamboo groves and visit Tenryuji Temple, built in the 13th century and one of Kyoto’s greatest Zen temples. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore Kyoto on your own. Dinner is independent.

Day 5 -- Kyoto | Osaka | Embark

Travel this morning to Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the?Kyoto?residence of?Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the?Edo Period?(1603-1867). After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit a traditional?machiya?residence and participate in a tea ceremony, learning the history of this iconic Japanese custom and experiencing the spirit of Japanese hospitality. Following lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Osaka’s port to embark Le Soléal.

Your hotels:

The Prince Park Tower Tokyo is located in the Minato district near Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, offering panoramic city views and convenient access to Akabanebashi and Hamamatsucho stations. The hotel features 9 restaurants, including French, Japanese, Chinese, and steakhouse options, as well as 3 lounge bars. All 603 rooms offer marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, plush robes, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Amenities include a natural hot spring spa, indoor pool, fitness center, bowling alley, karaoke rooms, and a 33rd-floor Sky Lounge with sweeping views.

The Hotel Okura Kyoto is centrally located above Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Subway Station, within walking distance of Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, and the Kamo River. The hotel offers 320 rooms with extra-long beds, seating areas, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free high-speed internet. Guests can enjoy a shopping arcade, beauty salon, esthetic salon, florist, and souvenir shop. Dining options include multiple restaurants serving French and Japanese cuisine, as well as a bakery. Additional amenities feature a fitness center, indoor pool, and sauna.

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo (or similar)

·        2 nights at Hotel Okura Kyoto (or similar)

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day

·        Welcome Reception on Day 2

·        Breakfast and lunch on Days 2, 3, 4, and 5

·        Tea Ceremony on Day 5

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        The official currency is the yen and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

The Prince Park Tower Tokyo

Shibakoen 4-8-1, Minato Ward

Tokyo Met. 105-8563,

Japan

Phone: + 81-3-5400-1111

Hotel Okura Kyoto

Nakagyo-ku Ichinofunairi-cho 537-4

Kyoto Prefecture 604-8558

Japan

Phone: +81-75-211-2345

Get to know a bit about South Korea's capital during three days exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of this dynamic and fascinating city. Discover ancient temples and palaces, walk through neighborhoods of traditional hanok houses, sample Korean BBQ, bibimbap, and kimchi, enjoy world-class shopping—all from your luxurious home base in the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Seoul.

Day 1 – Busan | Seoul

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Seoul, where you will be met and taken to the Insadong area of the city for lunch at a local restaurant. After the meal, join a guided walking tour of this traditional arts and crafts center, where the pedestrian streets are lined with shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums. Visit the late-14th-century Jogyesa Temple, an important center of Korean Zen Buddhism, particularly revered for its preservation of traditions during the Japanese occupation of Korea during two world wars. Stop for refreshment at one of the area's two iconic tea houses, before continuing to the Four Seasons Hotel, your home for the next three nights.

Dinner is independent this evening.

Days 2 - Seoul | DMZ

Today is devoted to visiting the Demilitarized Zone that has separated South Korea from the North since the signing of an armistice in July 1953. It is one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer by motorcoach to Imjingak Park, near the entrance to the military-controlled zone. At the park you will see the Freedom Bridge, once used by POWs returning from the North; the Mangbaedan Altar, where South Koreans come to pray for relatives in the North; and the Peace Bell, dedicated to the hope of reuniting families separated by the war. At the South Korean military checkpoint, soldiers will board the bus to check passports (which you MUST have with you) before you enter the Civilian Control Zone.

Here, you walk a short distance into the Third Infiltration Tunnel, one of four tunnels dug by North Korea as a way to invade the South, before continuing to the Dora Observatory, from which, on clear days, you can see into the North—including a North Korean village and the Kaesong Industrial Complex. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before returning to Seoul and your hotel.

The evening is at leisure and dinner is independent.

Days 3 - Seoul

After breakfast, meet your guide for a morning of discovery in central Seoul. Begin at the 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace of the Joseon dynasty, where, if weather permits, you will witness the ceremony of the changing of the guard. Inside the palace, marvel at the grandeur of the Throne Hall, and visit the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, where royal banquets were held.

At the National Folk Museum of Korea, which is on the grounds of the palace, discover exhibits of artifacts ranging from farm implements to wedding gowns, and offering a glimpse into Korean life through the centuries. The palace and its grounds are among the most picturesque sites in Seoul.

A short walk from the palace brings you to the residential area of Bukchon Village, a neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses (hanok), where your guide will lead you through narrow alleyways lined with these traditional buildings, some of which are open to the public as galleries and tea houses.

At the end of your tour of Bukchon, return to your hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure. Lunch and dinner are independent.

Day 4 - Seoul | Depart

After breakfast and check out from the hotel, transfer to Incheon Airport for flights homeward.

Your hotel:

The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a five-star property in the heart of the city's historic Gwanghwamun district, within walking distance of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Insadong. Its 317 rooms and suites are among the largest in Seoul and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, Diptyque toiletries, and high-tech conveniences. Amenities of the hotel include five restaurants, 3 indoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and a Korean Sauna.

Your program includes:

·        3 nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the airport and from the airport to the hotel on the day of arrival

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on the day of departure

·        The flight from Busan to Seoul

·        Breakfast on Days 2, 3, and 4

·        Lunch on Days 1 and 2

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled day of departure

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

·        The official currency is the South Korean won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

97 Saemunan-Ro

Jongno-Gu, Seoul 03183

Korea

Telephone: +82 (2) 6388 5000