The allure of the land of the rising sun has long attracted cruisers with its rich culture, historical art and delightful Japanese cuisine.

As Japan welcomes the rest of the world, 6-star Scenic Eclipse has a number of ultra-luxury voyages on offer in 2023 taking only up to 228 guests into the heart of the country with immersive cultural experiences both on land and on board.

Guests can relax at the up to nine bars and lounges including the signature Sake Bar or indulge in a private dining experience at the Sushi Bar or Night Market @ Koko’s which focuses on teppanyaki dishes and Asian night-market inspired recipes.

On shore, Scenic Eclipse offers guests exciting, truly all-inclusive bespoke excursions. Whether it be a sushi cooking class in Tokyo, discovering the Sacred Land of Kumano and the Nachi Falls in Shingu, or the Fuji Five Lake region’s geothermal hot springs, all excursions are handcrafted to showcase the very best of Japan.

Discover what awaits in these five tantalising areas Scenic Eclipse visits.

Tokyo

The bustling capital of Japan once was a small castle town. But today, the bustling metropolis is home to 13 million residents, hundreds of thousands of eateries, ranging from high-end Michelin starred restaurants to quaint izakayas, futuristic architecture and much more. On several Scenic Eclipse voyages, like the Iconic Japan: Sacred Cultures & Nature itinerary, the ultra-luxury discovery yacht stays overnight in Tokyo for guests to immerse themselves in the world’s most populous metropolis. Scenic offers a range of beautifully curated excursions.

On the Scenic Freechoice excursions, guests can visit the main highlights of Tokyo, or walk through the fantastic collection of folk architecture at the open-air museum. Choose to explore the picturesque Shinjuku-Gyoen and Imperial Gardens or visit Shinjuku and the Imperial Shinto Meiji Shrine before walking across the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world in Shibuya. Or perhaps if you want to experience Japanese culture, part of the exclusive Scenic Enrich events, guests can attend a cocktail evening with a traditional Shinto ceremony and a sake Kagami-biraki ceremony at a local shrine.

Shimizu

The lovely port of Shimizu is located 140 kilometres south of Tokyo and especially known for its sweeping views of the snow-capped Mount Fuji. Shimizu is one of the unique small ports of calls on the Iconic Japan: Sacred Cultures & Nature itinerary and has history dating back to the Nara Period. This region is blessed with natural scenery such as the Shiraito Falls and rich Japanese culture and history that is reflected throughout the bright red buildings and gold accents.

On one of Scenic’s Freechoice excursions, guests can visit a collection of Shimizu’s historic sites like Fujisan Hongu Sengen-taisha Shrine, Shiraito Falls, and Mihono Matsubara, or discover the culture of Shimizu at the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum.

As well as docking in some of Japan’s unmissable destinations, on a Scenic Eclipse truly all-inclusive voyage, your journey will be enhanced through the knowledge of your expert Discovery Team made up of 15 dedicated experts, who will guide your discovery of the intricacies of the country’s culture and history.

Sakaiminato

Located in Tottori Prefecture, Sakaiminato is a new port call to Scenic Eclipse’s Cultural Wonders of Japan voyage. Located in the Tottori Prefecture, the city lies beneath Mt Daisen, also fondly known as mini-Fuji.

What makes Sakaiminato so treasured is the link the city has with manga comic authors.

Images of the main character, Kitaro and various monsters from the series form statue and whose images can be seen emblazoned on everything from trains and buses to vending machines and packaging. Also well-known is the Sakaiminato’s bridge due to its steep ramps, which look almost impossible to climb when viewed from different angles.

Scenic offers immersive Freechoice excursions that include a visit to the volcanic Mount Daisen or enjoy a city tour, learning of the history manga comics. Alternatively explore the samurai district of Matsue or the Grand Shrine of Izumo, one of Japan’s most important shrines.

Plus, after a day of discovery relax in the sanctuary of your suite as your butler delivers your favourite drink to your private verandah.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a destination steeped in history and is known for the devastating atomic bomb blast that devastated the city. Today, the city is a symbol of peace and rebirth and has many monuments dedicated to the events that led to the end of World War II for Japan.

Guests on a Scenic Eclipse voyage travelling on the Land of the Rising Sun – Otaru to Tokyo – cruise & land journey can visit the Miyajima Island and the floating Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine. In the afternoon, walk around the Peace Memorial Park. This is a moving experience, with monuments located throughout the tranquil ‘island’ including the World Heritage listed Atomic Bomb Dome, which survived complete destruction, and made use of nature to reaffirm the value of all life.

Unwind from your day of cultural immersion at the 550m² onboard Sense Spa, where you can enjoy a relaxing massage, Yoga or Pilates class or signature thermal lounge experience.

Sado Island

On the Cultural Wonders of Japan voyage, the Scenic Eclipse visits Sado Island which sits off the coast of the Niigata Prefecture on Japan’s west coast.

It’s believed this ancient island has been inhabited for over 10,000 years and even finds mention of Japanese creation stories. Known as a miniature Japan, the island showcases every kind of coastal landform seen in Japan and blends cultures introduced by previous exiles to the island.

Guests of Scenic can explore the Geopark, where the gold and silver mines, the taraibune (tub boat) and the nurtured rice farms are all deeply entrenched in the landscapes. While on the island, keep your eyes peeled for the crested ibis. Previously extinct in Japan, the Japanese Ibis (toki) was reintroduced to Sado Island through a successful breeding program, and several hundred now exist in the wild.

And as part of Scenic’s Freechoice program, you can learn about the history of the largest gold mine in Japan, Sado Kinzan or explore the small town of Ogi.

Now is the time to book and secure your preferred Japan itinerary and travel in June or July 2023 with Scenic’s exclusive Super Earlybird offers of up to 20% off plus receive $1,000*pp towards your airfare when you book by 31 October 2022.

To learn more visit scenic.com.au/cruises/japan.