Follow the Voyage: Through the Heart of Japan | Tokyo to Fukuoka

With Expedition Leader Ben Ruzicka

21 September 2024 – 5 October 2024

Jump To: Day 1 |Day 2 |Day 3 |Day 4 |Day 5 |Day 6 |Day 7 |Day 8 |Day 9 |Day 10 |Day 11 |

Day 1: Tokyo Port, Japan

21 September 2024

We had a seamless two-day turnaround, waking up in Tokyo to prepare for the start of a new journey.

Guests began arriving around 1:30 pm, and I was there to greet them along with our Japanese agents and GL Reed, who engaged with them while I coordinated luggage with the shore side agent.  Boarding began at 3:30 pm, and the guests enjoyed refreshments in the Bridge Deck Lounge while their bags were delivered to their rooms. After mustering, Manfred gave his welcome, followed by my brief precap of tomorrow’s activities and a sign-up for Day 3 at Shingu.

Everything was set for the start of the voyage, and the guests are energized and excited for the adventure ahead, and all signs point to a great trip!

Day 2: Shimizu, Japan

22 September 2024

We started the day with breakfast at 7:30, followed by the completion of the welcome presentation at 8:30, along with sign-ups for Kyoto or Osaka. Reed gave his highly praised talk on “Japan, Old and New,” which received fantastic feedback from the guests.

Once we were ready, we disembarked the ship, smoothly passing through the passport and food check before heading out on the buses. Two buses visited the tea plantation, and one headed to the World Heritage Center (WHC). At the plantation, guests had the chance to enjoy some tea and explore, with umbrellas coming in handy during the rain. The foresight to purchase those in Odaiba the day before was well appreciated, and this highlighted the benefit of having umbrellas and ponchos on board.

Yukiko, our Japanese agent, provided excellent interpretations during the bus rides, sharing the history, culture, and even offering a brief Kanji lesson, which the guests loved. Feedback across all buses was highly positive, with guests enjoying the informative and engaging commentary.

At the World Heritage Center, we were fortunate enough to catch a clear view of Mt. Fuji as the clouds lifted just in time for us to admire the mountain from the viewpoint. This was a special moment for the group and a highlight of the day.

All three buses returned by 5 pm, and at 5:30, we hosted Captain’s Drinks as we departed the port. The sunset was beautiful, with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. Dinner followed at 6:30, with a documentary screening to close the day.

The guests, especially our Explorer Club members, are forming strong connections and camaraderie, which is wonderful to see. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly about the Japanese agents and Reed’s engaging presentation.

Overall, it was a wonderful day, filled with enriching experiences and great guest satisfaction.

Day 3: Shingu, Japan

23 September 2024

We started the day with a 7:30 breakfast, followed by an 8:30 pre-cap and sign-ups for Tokushima. At 8:45, Reed gave his engaging presentation, “Japan and the West.” Around 10:00, we were docking, so we postponed the engine room tour to a later time. An early lunch was served at 11:00, and by 12:00, the guests heading to the Shingu Shrine trip departed on two buses, while two more buses set out for the Naichi Taisha shrines.

The hike up the Daimonzaka trail was a bit challenging for some guests due to the uneven steps, but with the perfect weather and support from our team, everyone made it to the top. We also provided a bus option for those who preferred not to walk, which was well received. Additionally, we had two maxi taxis on hand to take guests directly to the temples, ensuring that everyone, including those with mobility concerns, could comfortably experience the shrines.

Once at the shrines, our two Japanese agents led insightful interpretive talks, followed by free time to explore the area. For those unable to walk down to the falls, taxis were again made available, and the buses were relocated to the entrance of the falls for easier access. The guests who made the descent were rewarded with an up-close view of Japan’s largest single-drop waterfall, a stunning sight, though the pagoda was unfortunately under repair.

Despite the challenging stairs, guests returned to the buses tired but satisfied with the day’s adventures.  The Shingu Shrine guests had a wonderful time as well, using whisper machines for guided tours. The nearby gorge was a highlight, and while we didn’t have time for kayaking or swimming, it’s something to keep in mind for future trips.

We returned to the ship, and the Shingu Shrine group arrived shortly after. As we departed port, we were treated to a farewell performance by a local taiko drum group—a memorable send-off for the day.

Day 4: Kyoto & Osaka, Japan

24 September 2024

After speaking with the captain last night, we anticipated a potential delay in clearance, so we ensured everyone was ready to disembark as soon as the gangway was down. Buses were waiting on time, and we quickly sorted out distributing the 2000 yen per person and handing out the ‘whispers’ (audio devices for guided tours) at the base of the gangway as guests disembarked at 0730 and 0800.

Three buses headed to Kyoto, each with an expedition team member and a local guide, while one bus set off for Osaka with a guide, an expedition team member, and a guest lecturer.

I joined the Kyoto group. Our stops included Kinkakuji Temple, Nishiki Market, Ninenzaka, and Nijo Castle. We made a few adjustments to the itinerary, opting for Ninenzaka instead of Gion due to logistics, and Nijo Castle instead of the Imperial Palace. The buses ran smoothly throughout the day, and everything went according to plan.

Both Kinkakuji and Nijo were popular, and guests enjoyed seeing these iconic sites. At Kinkakuji, for those who preferred to avoid the stairs, the staff graciously provided an alternative route, ensuring everyone could enjoy the experience comfortably.

By the end of the day, guests were content and ready to relax. A few ventured into Kobe for dinner, while the rest enjoyed the ship’s amenities. It was a fulfilling day, with many memorable moments at each stop. After returning, I debriefed with the expedition team, and we heard excellent feedback about the Osaka tour. I wrapped up the day with a pre-cap in the Bridge Deck Lounge about tomorrow’s stop in Tokushima, which provided helpful reminders for the guests.

Day 5: Tokushima, Japan

25 September 2024

Breakfast began at 0700, and we kicked off our activities at 0800. Hide noticed a discrepancy in the distances and timings for our Mt. Bizan trip; we had anticipated a 45-minute bus ride, but it turned out to be just a 15-minute journey. To keep things on track, we sent the first group heading to the Naruto Whirlpool and Otsuka Museum at 0800 and delayed the Mt. Bizan group until 0845, as the ropeway didn’t open until 9. This adjustment worked seamlessly, and we purchased tickets upon arrival—each guest received three tickets for the gondola ride (Level 5), the museum (Level 3), and the dance performance (Level 2).

The viewpoint was fantastic! With two buses, we staggered the groups slightly, sending the second group to the museum on Level 3 first, before heading up the gondola. This stagger helped ensure a smooth flow.

The Whirlpool guests had a 30-minute bus trip followed by a 300-meter walk through a tunnel. There is a path that leads down to the water’s edge, which guests could explore, and those who preferred not to walk enjoyed trying olive or sweet potato ice cream at a local café. After all the guests returned, they went to the Otsuka Museum, which was a highlight of the day! With so much to see, we recommend allowing at least two hours for exploration.

The Awa Odori dance was a fantastic experience; guests eagerly participated and had a great time. Overall, it was a wonderful day, and the temples and sake tasting were also well received. I’ll provide further updates once I gather a proper debrief from my team.

By 1730, all guests were back on board, and we conducted a quick recap on each bus during the return journey, followed by dinner at 1800. At 1930, the Awa Odori dancers performed at the wharf, and guests had a 30-minute dance party between dinner and dessert, which was a true highlight of the evening. Afterward, I confirmed plans for tomorrow, then screened Memoirs of a Geisha for the guests.

This was a great day!

Day 6: Shodoshima, Japan

26 September 2024

Breakfast commenced at 0700, and at 0800, the Explorers made their way to the jetty where the buses were ready and waiting. We were greeted by a delightful group of young school children, just five years old, performing a lovely welcome song that set a joyful tone for the day.

We then split into three groups and rotated through the experiences at the soy sauce distillery, the somen noodle school, and the Kankakei ropeway. Due to a slight overlap at the noodle school, one group enjoyed a visit to a charming olive garden, which was a lovely addition to the day.

Guests returned on board for lunch at 1230, and at 1400, we headed back out to complete our final activity. Everyone loved the noodle-splitting experience and thoroughly enjoyed the Nagashi Somen activity, where we were gifted both somen noodles and soy sauce—a wonderful treat! The ropeway was a highlight as well, but I realized that while I initially allowed an hour for this activity, it would benefit from at least 90 minutes, if not two hours, to fully appreciate the views and experience.

By 1630, all guests were back on board the Geographer. At 1700, our three agents led an engaging origami class, and I took the opportunity to give a quick pre-cap about tomorrow’s adventures. Dinner was served at 1830, and to wind down the day, we screened the documentary James May: Our Man in Japan for our guests.

Day 7: Miyajima & Hiroshima, Japan

27 September 2024

At 0730, we departed for a guided walk through the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, where guests marveled at the iconic Torii Gate. After the tour, guests enjoyed some free time to explore the area. We provided a printed map of the surroundings on the back of the newsletter and informed guests of return times at 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with approximately three hours on-site proving to be the perfect duration. Arriving early allowed our guests to appreciate the temples with fewer crowds, making for a more intimate experience.

At 1130, Reed delivered his engaging presentation titled “The Dark Valley,” which explored World War II in Japan. We gathered for lunch at 1230 before heading into Hiroshima at 1400. After boarding the buses, we visited the Memorial Park and Museum. For those who preferred to skip the museum, a group headed down Hondori Street for shopping. The atmosphere was vibrant, yet well-organized, ensuring everyone had an enjoyable time.

The buses returned to the port at 1730, where guests relaxed with drinks on the vista deck. They also had the option for some evening free time, with information about local restaurants provided and a shuttle bus available to the station. At 1815, I gave a quick pre-cap for the next day’s adventures. We enjoyed dinner at 1830, followed by a screening of the movie The Wind Rises, rounding off a fantastic day of exploration and learning!

Day 8: Matsuyama, Japan

28 September 2024

We departed, greeted warmly by a delightful performance from the local junior high school brass band, who played us into port. This provided a wonderful opportunity for guests to enjoy a few songs before we set off for Matsuyama Castle, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We arrived at Matsuyama Castle with a planned departure that was kindly adjusted by our Japanese guides to allow us more time to explore Dogo Onsen and the shopping street.

The group transitioned seamlessly between those taking the ropeway and those opting for the scenic walk. The ropeway line moved efficiently, and walkers reached the top well ahead of the final ropeway group. Most guests completed the hike with ease, and it was impressive to see some of our less mobile guests, including one in a wheelchair, manage the walk without issue.

By the time the last group reached the top of the magnificent multi-tiered Matsuyama Castle, guests enjoyed the stunning views, although the small and crowded museum at the top made it a bit challenging to navigate. We departed right on schedule, with the visit to the castle being a highlight of the day.

Following our castle adventure, we enjoyed a perfectly timed visit to Dogo Shopping Street and Onsen. The staggered arrival and departure of guests went smoothly, and the area offered a delightful variety of unique foods and goods. Guests who visited the onsen reported having a fantastic experience, and many were enchanted by the automaton clock on the shopping street, which featured culturally themed figures emerging from a pagoda-style structure. Our return bus times allowed for a relaxed conclusion to the day’s activities.

Upon returning to the ship, Chief Engineer John delivered an engaging engineer presentation and conducted two engine room tours. While we encountered some challenges streaming the AFL Grand Final due to internet issues, we kept guests updated with the scores throughout the day. Purser Manny hosted a delightful wine tasting session, including some sake, and I followed with a quick pre-cap for tomorrow. Dinner was served, and later, we enjoyed the documentary The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness in the BDL, capping off a wonderful day of exploration and cultural immersion!

Day 9: Karatsu, Japan

29 September 2024

Breakfast started the day on a positive note, followed by engaging engine room tours, a last-minute addition that sparked curiosity among guests. Reed’s enlightening talk on “Nature and Society in Japan” set a thoughtful tone, leading into my recap about tomorrow’s Mt. Shimizu hike, which generated excitement among those eager to sign up.

After lunch, guests eagerly departed the gangway, boarding three buses: two heading to Kankyo Geijutsu No Mori Park and one to Karatsu Castle. The time allocated at the park was perfect, allowing everyone to enjoy the stunning scenery without feeling rushed after the bus trip. The steep walk up the path provided a rewarding experience, and guests appreciated the option to explore the beautiful grounds or capture photos in the charming pavilion. A small shop offered refreshments, adding to the relaxing atmosphere of this picturesque location.

At Karatsu Castle, which was rebuilt in the 1960s, guests were treated to breathtaking views of the city. Our careful management of the group ensured a safe crossing over the busy road, aided by the bus drivers. For those needing assistance, an elevator was available, making access to the castle easier for everyone.

Guests made their way up the stairs to the castle with ease, enjoying the beautiful surroundings and comfortable seating areas at the summit. Once back on board the ship, they were greeted with a delightful pop-up shop featuring free matcha tea tasting and souvenirs.

We were thrilled to welcome John McBride on board, and after a lively discussion during the bus ride, he graciously provided a brief introduction before my recap of the day. The evening was beautifully capped off with a local flute performance and fireworks, creating a magical atmosphere as guests enjoyed their dinner.

It was a memorable day of exploration and cultural immersion, setting the stage for the exciting adventures awaiting us tomorrow in Aokata and Sasebo!

Day 10: Tsushima, Japan

30 September 2024

Breakfast kicked off our day, followed by a quick talk where I shared some important updates about our clearance out of Japan, which required all guests to be on board. I had prepared newsletters the night before to ensure everyone was informed of the changes, and I handed them out promptly. John’s presentation on Japan and Korean history captivated everyone, showcasing his expertise alongside Reed’s incredible speaking skills. After a recap of our upcoming adventures in Sasebo, we enjoyed a delightful lunch.

Once we boarded the buses, we set off for Banshoin Temple, where the serene beauty of the tombs left a lasting impression. One group embarked on a hike up Mt. Shimizu, tackling steep, uneven stairs and loose gravel under the guidance of a local expert. Those who reached the summit were rewarded with breathtaking views, while others appreciated the additional time spent at the zen temple.

As we needed to return to the ship for clearance, our time off the ship was limited. Ideally, a few extra hours would enhance the experience, but feedback from guests indicated they thoroughly enjoyed the day despite the quick pace.

Upon our return, guests made their way through the dining room, and after passing customs, they ascended to the back deck for a relaxing afternoon tea. Chef Andy’s galley presentation was a highlight, and I also provided a recap for our exciting day in Jeju ahead. I included the health declaration form in my slideshow and briefly explained how to complete it.

Dinner followed, accompanied by a documentary titled Haeyeno: Wisdom of the Sea, creating a perfect conclusion to a fulfilling day. Our journey continues with much anticipation for what lies ahead in Jeju!

Day 11: Jeju, South Korea

1 October 2024

Coming soon…