SAILING THE EAST CHINA SEA: JAPAN, OKINAWA, AND TAIWAN
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SAILING THE EAST CHINA SEA: JAPAN, OKINAWA, AND TAIWAN
Island-hop your way from Japan to Taiwan aboard the National
Geographic Orion, experiencing a wide array of natural wonders,
historic sites, and cultural treasures along the way. From the
Edo-period towns on the southern coast of Honshu, set sail to
the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, encountering contemporary
art and age-old culinary traditions, stunning architecture and
iconic shrines. Cruise south to snorkel and kayak among the
gem-like islands of the East China Sea before exploring the
diverse sites of northeastern Taiwan.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Osaka, Japan/Kobe
Arrive in Osaka, Japan. Transfer to nearby Kobe, and check in to
our hotel. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception in
the evening. (D)
DAY 2: Kobe/Himeji
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Start the day with a visit to Himeji Castle, a 17th-century Located just off the mainland, the island of Miyajima is home to
masterpiece of Japan’s early Shogun era. Known as “White one of Japan’s most iconic sites: Itsukushima Shrine. This World
Heron Castle” for its soaring architecture and whitewashed Heritage site is a shrine to women built in the sixth century and
façade, the castle was one of the first sites in Japan to be known for its crimson torii gate that seems to float on the sea at
designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, high tide. Spend the afternoon in Hiroshima, the epicenter of
settle into your cabin aboard the National Geographic Orion. the world’s first nuclear bomb attack in 1945, now rebuilt as a
(B,L,D) center of peace and reconciliation. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: Okayama/Kurashiki DAY 6: Shikoku Island: Uchiko and Ozu
Follow the Seto Inland Sea west to Okayama, where we’ll take a Dock on the island of Shikoku, and travel to Uchiko. Venture
walk in Koraku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful into the historic district of Yokaichi to see beautifully preserved
landscape gardens. Designed in 1700, Koraku-en draws merchant houses built in the 19th century, when the region was
together bamboo groves and cherry trees, traditional teahouses, a major producer of wax. Continue to Ozu and meander along
pine forests, and serene lakes. Later stop by the city’s alleyways of old houses from the Edo and Mejii Periods. Then
black-walled Okayama Castle, or “Crow Castle.” In the historic admire the elegant architectural details of Garyu Sanso Villa, a
center of nearby Kurashiki, stroll along a picturesque canal lined thatched roof manor set on the banks of the Hijikawa River.
with willow trees and beautifully preserved granaries once used (B,L,D)
to store rice and other local produce. See the works of
Japanese and European masters at the Ohara Museum of Art, DAY 7: Yakushima Island
and get a glimpse of the past at Ohashi House, the Sail south to Yakushima, a verdant island set at the tip of the
18th-century home of a wealthy merchant. (B,L,D) main Japanese archipelago. Here, subtropical vegetation lines
the coast while the interior harbors an ancient temperate
DAY 4: Naoshima and Shodoshima Islands rainforest that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Encounter an astounding range of art—from Monet’s "Water site. Head out for a hike to examine the island’s diverse plant
Lilies" to Yayoi Kusama’s polka-dotted pumpkins—on Naoshima, and animal species, including enormous yakusugi cedars that
an island that has been transformed into a hub for art and date back more than a thousand years. (B,L,D)
artists. Continue to Shodoshima, a culinary mecca for some
400 years, producing soy sauce and delicate somen noodles, DAY 8: Amami Oshima Island
and more recently olives and olive oil. Here, admire seaside Just north of Okinawa, Amami Oshima is graced with white sand
terraced rice fields and the stunning Kanka-kei Gorge, and pay beaches, mangroves, and giant sago palms, as well as a vibrant
a visit to a soya house and museum. (B,L,D) artistic tradition. Trace its unique cultural heritage at the Amami
City Folk Heritage Museum, and visit the Tanaka Isson Memorial
DAY 5: Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Museum of Art, dedicated to the renowned Japanese artist who
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made his home here. This afternoon, relax on deck as the ship DAY 14: Taipei/Home
cruises along the island’s stunning coast. (B,L,D) Disembark this morning and travel overland to Taipei. Here, get
a close up look at Taiwan’s traditional decorative arts at the
DAY 9: Itoman, Okinawa/Kerama Islands exquisitely restored Bao’an Temple. Continue to the National
Okinawa was the center of the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries Palace Museum to see an unparalleled collection of Chinese art
and only became part of Japan in 1868. Learn about the and artifacts that Chiang Kai Shek brought with him following
kingdom’s historic importance and the devastating history of the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949. After lunch,
World War II on these islands. Visit the Peace Memorial Park in transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B,L)
Itoman, set on the site of the last battle on the southern tip of
the main island. Then continue to pristine Kerama Island to Please Note:
spend the afternoon snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing on the Itineraries are subject to change.
beach. (B,L,D)
DAY 10-12: Miyako & Yaeyama Islands
Scattered in the East China Sea off the coast of Taiwan, these
tiny islands offer some of the best coral reefs and beaches in
the region. Spend three days exploring above and below the
water. Ride a Zodiac through the mangroves to spot
mudskippers, ruddy kingfishers, or whistling green pigeons.
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and look for the elusive Okinawan
dugong, a distant relative of the manatee. (B,L,D)
DAY 13: Keelung, Taiwan
Dock in the port city of Keelung, situated on Taiwan’s
northeastern coast. Trace the shore to Jinbaoshan Cemetery,
where intricately carved graves lie among gorgeous seaside
gardens filled with sculptures and interesting architecture. Then
wander amongst the whimsical hoodoos of Yehliu Geopark, a
narrow cape where the elements have whittled rock into thin
spires and unusual shapes. Learn about mining culture at
Jinguashi, site of the Taiwanese gold rush at the turn of the
20th century. Experience a traditional tea ceremony before
returning the ship. (B,L,D)
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YOUR SHIP: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION
YOUR SHIP: National Geographic Orion
VESSEL TYPE: Luxury Expedition
LENGTH: 103 metres
PASSENGER CAPACITY: 102 (in 53 cabins)
BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, _Orion_ is
equipped with the latest technology including large retractable
stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow
draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of
being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick
enrichment.
disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close
Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge,
exploration.
as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very
_National Geographic Orion_ meets strict specifications for
top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious
environmental protection and the on board waste management
lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited
systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards
for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our
enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host
nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater
of advanced design features and technology ensures
provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films
sustainable marine environmental practices.
and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet
_National Geographic Orion_ accommodates 102 guests in 53
easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining.
cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and
On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is
modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic
also available on the outside deck.
views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, _Orion_
While _Orion_ interiors are elegant, life aboard is always
fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests
casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find
share in exceptional experiences and
shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and
public-area wifi make packing and traveling more convenient.
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INSIDE YOUR SHIP
Category 1 Category 1 Solo
Category 2 Category 3
Category 3 Solo Category 4
Category 5 Category 6
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PRICING
02-Oct-2021 to 13-Oct-2021
Category 4 £19765 GBP pp
Category 1 £13769 GBP pp
Category 5 £22385 GBP pp
Category 6 £26205 GBP pp
Category 3 Solo £24305 GBP pp
Category 3 £16205 GBP pp
Category 2 £14669 GBP pp
Category 1 Solo £20655 GBP pp
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