Bon Voyage Cherry Blossoms Japan Fly-Cruise 2026 - Flipbook - Page 5
Day 9: Monday 06 April 2026 – Uwajima
Lonely Planet and The New York Times 2023 travel lists) with vibrant art
installations, historic ruins and colourful coastal parks. During our time
here, peak cherry blossom season, there may be opportunities to
explore the northern city of Kitakyushu and famed Kokura Castle, TOTO
Museum and Kawachi Wisteria Garden or Nanzoin Temple with its
reclining bronze Buddha (thought to be the world9s largest bronze
statue) and the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which is built on the gravesite
of poet and scholar Sugawara no Michizane and surrounded by beautiful
gardens, ponds and bridges with more than 6,000 plum trees.
Day 12: Thursday 09 April 2026 – Hiroshima/Miyajima
This morning we explore Shikoku Island and the port of Uwajima
situated deep inside the saw-toothed coast of Uwajima Bay. The city of
Uwajima is emerging as the nation9s largest pearl cultivation centre and
we will learn the process of implanting, harvesting, extracting and
sorting pearls on a visit to a pearl farm. We will also see Uwajima Castle,
amid a sea of pink and white cherry blossoms, which is built on top of a
hill with panoramic views over the town and harbour and the Tenshaen
Garden, built in the Samurai era. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure aboard
Heritage Adventurer as we sail to Busan, South Korea.
Day 10: Tuesday 07 April 2026 – Busan, South Korea
Despite its history, including being the site of the world9s first atomic
bomb attack on 6 August 1945, Hiroshima is a vibrant and thriving
cosmopolitan community. We plan to visit the beautiful Peace Park and
Museum, with its sombre cenotaph containing names of atomic bomb
victims, the permanently lit 8Flame of Peace9 and 450 cherry blossom
trees. We plan to time our visit to Miyajima Island to experience the
floating Torii Gate. Considered one of Japan9s most scenic spots, it is also
the location of the famed Daisho-in Buddhist temple and some 1,300
cherry blossom trees. Choose to indulge in fresh local oysters and ice
cream, while native Sika deer wander the streets, and enjoy the views of
the Shinto Shrine and Torri Gate.
Day 13: Friday 10 April 2026 - Tamano
Today we cross the Sea of Japan to South Korean metropolis Busan,
known for its beautiful beaches, bustling city streets, Buddhist temples,
cinematic legacy, mountains and the largest fish market in South Korea.
Options today could include a visit to South Korea9s cherry blossom
capital Jinhae, or exploring the labyrinthine streets of Gamcheon Culture
Village, decorated with various murals and art pieces crafted by the
locals themselves, its brightly coloured houses earning it the title 8the
Santorini of South Korea9, and wandering the endless isles of the Jagalchi
Fish Market sampling some of the local delicacies. One of the few
Buddhist temples by the sea, descend 108 steps to Haedong Yonggungsa
Temple which promises to answer at least one wish through sincere
prayers and has an impressive cherry blossom display. Enjoy a new
perspective from 411 metres at BUSAN X the SKY tower and marvel at
the engineering feat and city icon that is the Busan Gwangandaegyo
Bridge.
Day 11: Wednesday 08 April 2026 – Fukuoka, Japan
The largest city on the island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is the union of the
castle town of Fukuoka on the west bank of the Naka River and the
merchant town of Hakata on the east bank. This buzzy metropolis
combines an effortless blend of trendy yatai food stalls (which made
From the Port of Uno-Ko, we will visit one of Japan9s most famed gardens,
Koraku-en, which translates as 8garden of pleasure after9. This 17thCentury formal garden has 28 acres studded with cherry blossom trees to
explore and offers stunning views of the nearby towering Okayama Castle.
This afternoon we will continue to Kurashiki, where we explore the old
merchant quarter, and its fine 17th-Century wooden warehouses painted
white with traditional black tiles along a canal framed with weeping
willows and filled with koi. There will also be the opportunity to visit the
Ohara Museum of Art which includes rare works by Matisse, Picasso and
Renoir and collections from Japan9s renowned Mingei movement,
including ceramics by Shōji Hamada. For those interested in art you may
wish to travel to Naoshima Island – Japan9s stunning art island. Your time
exploring Naoshima Island will have you admiring its architecture, art
museums and Labyrinth of Cherry Blossoms, including Chichu Art Museum
and Benesse House, featuring work by Japanese and international artists
including the iconic pumpkins by Yayoi Kusama.
