Your day of traditional art and customs begins with Shizuoka Sengen Shrine , a complex of 7 shrines, the 3 main ones remodeled over a period of 60 years beginning in 1804. Sengen Shrine contains 26 "Important Cultural Assets" and an extensive collection of historical artifacts from the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for 300 years during the Edo Period. Step into the large, two-story worship hall and marvel at the views of Mount Fuji. Your next destination will bring you to Miho no Matsubara, a picturesque pine grove along the eastern coast of the Miho Peninsula, given the distinction of "New Three Views of Japan," a designation of scenic beauty. This inspirational spot for artists offers dramatic views of Mount Fuji, and if you walk deep into the pine grove, you'll spy a 650-year-old Japanese black pine called Hagoromo-no-Matsu. The tour will conclude with a visit to the Fish Market in Shimizu. Upon arrival, the guide will escort you to the walking tour in the Fish Market, to wander around this busy fish market full of local people. After walking, you will have an opportunity to have lunch at a local restaurant in the market, which serves the Japanese Style Set menu including freshest sashimi (sliced raw fish). Enjoy your local dining experience with this special atmosphere. Please note: The path from the parking lot to Miho no Matsubara is about half a mile. It is wheelchair accessible. Mount Fuji can be seen, weather permitting. The order of the tour sites may vary. Wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing. Bring local currency.

You will board your motor coach at the port, and drive to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine , located in the southwestern foothills of Mount Fuji . Originally built to offer protection from volcanic eruptions, the shrine was one of the grandest in its day. Constructed in the early 1600s, the shrine has been hit by several earthquakes, damaging its structure. The grounds are quite picturesque, and over 500 cherry trees bloom here in March and April. You will drive to the quaint fishing town of Yui, home to the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum next. The museum displays more than 1,300 ukiyo-e exhibits, spotlighting the works of Hiroshige Utagawa (1797-1858), one of the best-known ukiyo-e artists who strongly influenced the genre with his dramatic landscape series. After having lunch at a local restaurant, your final destination of the day will be Miho-no-Matsubara, a picturesque pine grove along the eastern coast of the Miho Peninsula, given the distinction of "New Three Views of Japan," a designation of scenic beauty. This inspirational spot for artists offers dramatic views of Mount Fuji, and if you walk deep into the pine grove, you'll spy a 650-year-old Japanese black pine called Hagoromo-no-Matsu, believed to have mythical origins, its branches spread in every direction, and it is said that an angel bathing in the waters hung her clothes on its branches. A fisherman took the garments, and the angel had to win them back by dancing for him. Beside this legendary tree, there stands a monument of a French ballerina who composed a dance inspired by this legend. Please note : The path from the parking lot to Miho no Matsubara is about half a mile. It is wheelchair accessible. Mount Fuji can be seen, weather permitting. The order of the tour sites may vary. Wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing and bring local currency.

Grab your camera and set off on a photographic adventure that will begin with a short drive to Nihondaira Park Outlook . Designated as a prefecture natural park, this scenic spot affords panoramic vistas of sparkling Suruga Bay and dramatic Mount Fuji . From here, you'll board an aerial ropeway for a bird's-eye-view as you're whisked up the mountainside to the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine . Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), the famous leader credited with bringing peace and unity to Japan after a long period of civil war. A climb of 1,000 stone steps is the traditional approach to the shrine, but the addition of the ropeway has made it accessible to many more visitors. Gorgeous vistas of Suruga Bay serve as the backdrop to Kunozan Toshogu, a designated cultural landmark. At the entrance, you will see the beautifully embellished Romon Gate , a wonderful commemorative picture. Look carefully at the framed name plaque hanging from the gate building. It is believed to have been carved by Emperor Go-Mizunoo himself. You'll soon reach Shaden, the main building, a striking wooden complex that is comprised of 3 sections, Honden Main Hall, Ishinoma Interconnecting Hall, and Haiden Worship Hall . All three are architecturally diverse and elaborately decorated. Adjacent to the Shaden building, you can purchase a good-luck fortune written on a strip of white paper, which you then tie to a frame next to the shrine so that your fortune will come true! If you are feeling adventurous, stroll into a wooded area, where you'll find the tomb of Ieyasu. Conclude the day with a ropeway ride back to the station where you'll meet your comfortable motor coach for the drive back to the port. Please note : This tour includes approximately 1 hour of walking with a number of steps to negotiate. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their ability and stamina. Casual clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Bring local currency for shopping. There are 150 steps in Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and guests will have to take the Ropeway between the parking lot and the shrine.

You will ride to the quaint fishing town of Yui , home to the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum . The museum displays more than 1,300 ukiyo-e exhibits, spotlighting the works of Hiroshige Utagawa (1797-1858), one of the best-known ukiyo-e artists who strongly influenced the genre with his dramatic landscape series. After touring the museum, continue on to a tea ceremony in Miyuki-tei at a "chashitsu," a historic tearoom, in Yui Honjin Park. In the Japanese culture, a tea ceremony is not just about the beverage; it's a cultural ritual that brings tranquility and peace to the participants. You will be served Japanese green tea, called matcha, accompanied by some sweets, which balances out the flavors of the tea leaves. Your host will be gracious, preparing your tea with great care and attention to aesthetics. Complete your day at Miho-no-Matsubara, a picturesque pine grove along the eastern coast of the Miho Peninsula, given the distinction of "New Three Views of Japan," a designation of scenic beauty. This inspirational spot for artists offers dramatic views of Mount Fuji, and if you walk deep into the pine grove, you'll spy a 650-year-old Japanese black pine called Hagoromo-no-Matsu. After a day of beauty and cultural sights and hopefully a camera filled with wonderful memories you'll board your coach for your return trip to the ship. Please note : The path from the parking lot to Miho no Matsubara is about half a mile. It is wheelchair accessible. Mount Fuji can be seen, weather permitting. The order of the tour sites may vary. Wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing and bring local currency. You will need to remove your shoes at the tea ceremony.

Your first destination of the day will bring you south to Chiran to see the historic samurai dwellings and gardens clustered along a picturesque road nicknamed Samurai Lane. Commissioned by local samurai as ways to embellish their modest estates, the gardens were masterpieces in "borrowed landscaping" techniques, where the garden design incorporates the surrounding scenery. Located 1 hour from Kagoshima, Chiran is a quaint town with a preserved samurai district with houses and gardens that date back about 250 years. Chiran's isolated location at the southern end of Kyushu Island has allowed the district to keep much of its historical character intact. The Chiran Tokko Museum preserves documents, letters and belongings of the members of the special attack corps, also known in English as "kamikaze pilots." It is located on the site of an airbase from where the pilots took off for their final missions. After lunch at a local restaurant , the guide will take you to Senganen Garden , which is known as one of the best Japanese Gardens in Kyushu Island. This garden used be the residence of the Shimazu Clan, powerful Samurai from Kagoshima. Before heading back to the port there is another attraction called Shoko Shuseikan, which is a historical commemorative center where artifacts that belonged to the Shimazu Clan are on display. Please note : Bring local currency and wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour includes approximately 3 hours of moderate walking with a limited number of steps. At the garden there are stone steps, gravel and pavement mixed.

Your day will start with a transfer to Sakurajima lsland by ferry, to view the lunar-like landscape and spectacular lava fields created by past eruptions. Stopping at the Arimura Lava Observatory located on a small hill created by eruption in 1946, you will stroll along a short walkway, offering an excellent vantage point to observe the dynamic power of the volcano. Returning to Kagoshima by ferry you will visit the hot springs, one of the most popular itineraries for travelling in Japan. Kagoshima is famous for its abundant hot springs, and there are many hot spring ashiyu (foot baths) around the prefecture. You will be visiting one of the foot baths with great scenery. Enjoy ashiyu by removing your shoes and socks, and soaking your bare feet in the foot bath. The hot spring water warms your feet and improves blood circulation, helping to relax the body. Please note : Foot bath experience is weather permitting. Bring local currency, a towel and wear comfortable walking shoes. The foot bath will be at the end of your tour. Be aware that there are lava ashes at the Arimura Observatory if you are asthmatic or allergic to dusts.

Discover the historic castle town of Kagoshima on this enlightening full-day tour. Located on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four major islands, Kagoshima was the first city to introduce western civilization to Japan, serving as the gateway for trade and exchange between Japan and the world. With a spectacular setting, Kagoshima looks out across the broad sweep of Kinko Bay to the brooding silhouette of Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes. First, you will transfer by coach to the ferry terminal to Sakurajima lsland to view the lunar-like landscape and spectacular lava fields created by past eruptions. Stopping at the Arimura Lava Observato ry, located on a small hill created by eruption in 1946, you will stroll along a short walkway, offering an excellent vantage point to observe the dynamic power of the volcano. Returning to Kagoshima by ferry, you will visit Onsen (hot springs) , one of the most popular itineraries for travelling in Japan. Kagoshima is famous for its abundant hot springs, and there are many hot springs Ashiyu (foot baths) around the prefecture. You will be visiting one of the foot baths with great scenery. Enjoy Ashiyu by removing your shoes and socks, and soaking your bare feet in the foot bath. The hot spring water warms your feet and improves blood circulation, helping to relax the body. Next you will go to Senganen, also called Iso Teien, a serene Japanese-style landscape garden constructed in 1660. Offering exquisite views of the bay and volcano, the former summer villa of the powerful Shimazu Clan includes artificial rivers and mountains, a bamboo grove, cascading waterfall and traditional poem-writing garden. Visit the Shoko Shuseikan Museum , Japan's first Western-style factory. Established by Lord Shimazu in 1852 to produce armaments, glass, ceramics and farm tools, it is now a museum detailing the 700-year Shimazu family history. Please note : Foot bath experience is weather permitting. Bring local currency, a towel and wear comfortable walking shoes. At the garden there are stone steps, gravel and pavement mixed.

Your day will start with a visit to Senganen , also called Iso Teien, a serene Japanese-style landscape garden constructed in 1660. Offering exquisite views of the bay and volcano, the former summer villa of the powerful Shimazu clan includes artificial rivers and mountains, a bamboo grove, cascading waterfall and traditional poem-writing garden. Visit the Shoko Shuseikan Museum , Japan's first Western-style factory. Established by Lord Shimazu in 1852 to produce armaments, glass, ceramics and farm tools, it is now a museum detailing the 700-year Shimazu family history. Particularly there are photos and drawings, a furnace that was reproduced based on excavations, a Ryukyu ship, and a machine exhibition corner where the models and factory operations of that time were reproduced. The building has been designated as a national important cultural property as it was the first western-style stone building in Japan that adopted the usage of arches in the construction. On the way back to the port, you will stop at Tenmonkan where local people and tourists hang out for shopping or eating. Please note : Bring local currency and wear comfortable walking shoes.

This full day excursion will take you to Arita , a scenic 2-hour drive from Nagasaki and known throughout the world as the birthplace of magnificent Japanese ceramics . In 1604, Japanese warlords from the Arita area invaded Korea, bringing back something quite precious: Korean potters skilled in creating fine white porcelain. Visit the Arita Town and some Pottery Galleries where the tradition of skill and beauty brought to Japan over 400 years ago continues. You will also have free time to stroll around the old town covered by Tonbai Fences , and have the opportunity to purchase your own pottery. Tonbai Fences consist of used fire-resistant bricks kilns were constructed from, disposed kiln tools and red clay oil. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and see the Tozan Shrine. Return to Nagasaki and visit the beautifully serene Nagasaki Peace Park, located a few minutes' walk from the epicenter of the atomic bomb blast of August 1945. Return to the pier and re-board your waiting ship. Please note : Fukagawa Gallery consists of 2 floors, but there is no elevator or lift. Guests with mobility issues or a wheel chair will have to stay on the 1st Floor. The way to the Tonbai Fences is quite narrow and the traffic on the major arterial road tends to be heavy. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring local currency.

Your tour will begin with sightseeing at Uragami Cathedral, which was the largest cathedral in the East until it was destroyed by the atomic bomb blast. Continue with a visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum, with over 900 artifacts indicative of the city's devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns. Then, you will walk to somber Nagasaki Peace Park passing ground zero. Nagasaki Peace Park is commemorating the city's destruction by the plutonium bomb dropped on August 9, 1945. Although Fat Man, the name given to the second bomb dropped on Japan, missed its target by over a mile and a half, it leveled nearly half the city. The park's main attraction is its collection of statues and sculptures donated by countries and groups all over the world. This includes the massive Peace Memorial Statue depicting a man with his right arm pointing to the sky to indicate the continued threat of nuclear destruction. Return to the pier and re-board the ship. Please note : Uragami Cathedral is located on the top of the hill, and guests will need to get off the coach at the bottom of the slope and walk up the hill. This tour is not recommended for wheel chairs or those with mobility issues. Wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war. The order of the sites visited may vary

Today, the local guide will take you on a tour in Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II. Your first stop will be at Atomic Bomb Museum , which tells about the aftermath of the bombing. You will see over 900 artifacts indicative of the city's devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns Next, your guide will take you to the Peace Memorial Park , commemorating the city's destruction by the plutonium bomb dropped on August 9, 1945. Although Fat Man, the name given to the second bomb dropped on Japan, missed its target by over a mile and a half, it leveled nearly half the city. The park's main attraction is its collection of statues and sculptures donated by countries and groups all over the world. This includes the massive Peace Memorial Statue depicting a man with his right arm pointing to the sky to indicate the continued threat of nuclear destruction. Continue to Dejima Island which was built during the Edo Period to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It was also once the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (isolation) Period of 200 years, until Japan reopened to the world. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Today, your local guide will take you on a tour in Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II. Your tour will begin with a scenic drive to Inasayama lookout point, located on Inasayama hill, a famous spot of beautiful sunsets and night views. A 5-minute ropeway ride will give you a chance to take a stroll in the air of Nagasaki. Your next stop will be at the Atomic Bomb Museum , with over 900 artifacts indicative of the city's devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns. Continue on to Dejima Island which was built during the Edo Period to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It was also once the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (isolation) Period of 200 years, until Japan reopened to the world. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes. There are 40steps at the Inasayama Ropeway station. So for wheelchair guests, there is chair lift service. Also please note that the capacity of ropeway is 30 passengers only and it runs every 15-20 minutes.

For guests who want to discover more about Korean culture, this wonderful half-day excursion is a great place to start. After meeting your guide at the ship, you will then drive through the commercial district, banks and department stores on the way to the temple. You will visit Geumgangsa Temple to take part in an ancient tea ceremony. You will be taught the rituals and rules of this important tradition, before enjoying green tea and Korean snack with your host. Then, you will explore the serene temple grounds of Beomeosa, one of 10 HwaEom temples in Korea. Beomeosa Temple was established to realize the purpose of HwaEom which pursues a life full of happiness and generosity. It was founded in 678 A.D., and is home to an impressive 7th century stone pagoda. After you have learned more about the culture of this wonderful country, you will climb back on to the motor coach and enjoy the glorious drive through stunning countryside back to your ship. Please note: Wear conservative clothing that covers knees and shoulders, and comfortable walking shoes. Guests will be seated on the floor for the traditional tea ceremony so this tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Explore the unique spirituality of Buddhism on a nearly 4-hour excursion that includes a tour of the renowned Beomeosa Temple followed by a cultural performance. Shrouded in myths and serenity, the temple's pagodas, gates, temple halls, and shrines are recognized as South Korea's National Treasures and are exceptional sights to behold. Your journey will begin as soon as you board your motor coach for the 50-minute ride through Busan's northern suburbs. You will pass Mount Geumjeongsan . Here, nestled deep in the forest sits the 1,300-year-old Beomeosa Temple, constructed in 678 A.D. Beomeosa once contained over 360 rooms and more than 1,000 monks lived here. The temple was burned to the ground in 1592 and rebuilt in 1602. After crossing an ancient bridge you'll disembark. The first gate you'll meet is called "One Pillar Gate." With the scent of incense filling the air you'll continue on past the 300-year-old Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings . Then, you'll have the chance to leisurely wander around the spellbinding grounds. Continue on to your next attraction, the Nurimaru APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) House. Located on Dongbaek Island, it was built to host the APEC summit meeting in 2005. The island's lighthouse stands guard proudly in the distance. Inside, an enormous masterpiece of lacquer and mother-of-pearl depicting the 12 Korean symbols of longevity will greet you, and a small museum exhibits items from the countries that attended the summit. There are interactive displays and videos to further your understanding of the summit's international significance, and so many thoughtful details will help you to really imagine the summit experience, including a replica of a meal the delegates were served! Please note : This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

You will head to Tongdosa Temple, located at of Mt. Chiseosan . Tongdosa Temple is famous for not having any Buddhist statues in the temple. This is because the real shrines of the Buddha are preserved here. Tongdosa Temple is said to have survived numerous wars and invasions, its Beopdeung (temple candle) has never gone out, for 1,300 years. Inside, there are 35 buildings and pagodas, and 14 small temples in its vicinity. The main building is designated as National Treasure No.290. The temple is similar to a museum because of the numerous relics inside. There are 19 local treasures and 794 local cultural properties inside the temple. In place of the Buddha statue, the Geumgang Stairs behind of the main building preserves the shrines of the Buddha. Mt. Chiseosan, has a beautiful view from the temple. The several hundred year-old pine trees lined up from the entrance to Ilju Gate , the small drum (used when praying in front of a Buddha figure) and bell, the sunset, the pond and the rocks and waterfalls behind the temple are grouped and called the ' Eight Famous Sceneries of Tongdosa Temple .' After driving through the Diamond Bridge, you will proceed to Oryukdo Skywalk. The construction of Oryukdo Skywalk finished on September 12, 2012 at the Seungdumal area, which is regarded as the dividing point between the East Sea and the South Sea, and started operating on October 18, 2013, with the theme of "Walking over the sky." Iron columns were set up over a 35-meter-high (115-foot) coastal cliff, and a 15-meter (49-foot) glass bridge comprised of 24 glass plates and shaped like a horse's hoof connect the iron columns. Visitors will be thrilled with the view of the waves while looking down through the transparent floor. The sea stretches out ahead of the skywalk, perfect for a photo op, as well as the best spot to see Daemado Island on sunny days. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket.

Board your motor coach for the 20-minute ride to Songdo Skywalk, a short trail over Songdo Beach. While most of the "Skywalk" trails in Korea are straight shaped, the Songdo skywalk has a curved shape similar to a drago. From the 365-meter-long Songdo Skywalk over the blue ocean, you can enjoy the magnificent view around the Songdo Beach area with a small lighthouse and a small rock island called Geobukseom. Next, proceed to the Busan Modern History Museum. The museum covers the story of Busan City from the 19 th century. There are five excellent exhibitions located at the museum - 1. Busan After 1876 Opening of the Port - 2. Exploitation of Busan by Japan - 3. Busan A Modern City - The transformation of Busan City. - 4. The Oriental Development Company - How the Japanese took control of Busan and paved the way for the control of Korea and most of Asia. 5. Korea - U.S. Relationship - after the Korean War. Then, head to Busan International Film Festival Square and Gukje Market. Following the Korean War, refugees who fled to Busan set up stalls in order to make a living by selling smuggled or imported products, which developed into Gukje Market (gukje mearning "international" in Korean) of today. Gukje Market is one of Korea's largest markets. The market's alleyways are lined with stalls selling diverse goods. Before returning to the pier, stop by Jagalchi Fish Market. Jagalchi Market is Korea's largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring local currency.

Gyeongju is known as the Museum Without Walls , as it was once the capital of the Shilla Kingdom. It blossomed into a major cultural center after the Shilla Dynasty unified the Korean peninsula in 676 A.D. Today, Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and your tour of the city will reveal spectacular architectural points of interests, as well as extraordinary museums and ornate temples. Your first stop is at the breathtaking Tumuli Park -home to some 20 Shilla Dynasty royal tombs . Your guide will show you the colorful Flying Horse Tomb. Belonging to an unknown king from the Silla dynasty, it was excavated in 1973 and is believed to date back to the 5th century. The tomb once contained a famous painting of a white horse and a chest full of burial goods, including iron kettles, pottery, bronze vessels, saddles and a sword. Next, you will journey to the wonderful National Museum-a treasure trove of Korean cultural artifacts including gold crowns, Buddhist relics and prehistoric stone instruments. View the Divine Bell of King Songdok -a bronze bell that stands 11 feet tall and weighs an incredible 23 tons. You will visit the serene Bulguksa Temple perched on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan -a quiet oasis that is a superb example of both Shilla architecture and the culture's devotion to Buddhism. Your guide will lead you among this amazing collection of wooden buildings (many of them have been rebuilt many times), stone bridges, stairways and pagodas (all original). After enjoying the temple grounds, re-board the motor coach for the journey back to the port. Please note : This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing that covers shoulders and knees. A Korean beef barbecue will be served for lunch.

Accompanied by your local guide this enjoyable full day tour will start with a breath-taking journey through glorious countryside and along coastal roads, to the beautiful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. One of the most striking landmarks in Busan thanks to its unusual location by the sea, you will climb around 108 steps to the entrance, past statues of Buddha and along a dramatic rocky backdrop. Next you will head to APEC HOUSE. Located on Dongbaekseom Island, which is noted for its beautiful, natural landscape accented by dense camellia and pine trees, Nurimaru APEC House has been used as a memorial hall and a prestigious international conference hall since the APEC summit meeting. Nurimaru, a 3-story building, is a modernistic expression of "jeongja," a pavilion in traditional Korean architectural style. Its roof shape symbolizes the ridgeline of Dongbaekseom Island. Its interior design is a visual display of Korea's creative traditional culture. The terrace, which has a Korean wooden floor concept, towers over Oryukdo Island, Gwangan Bridge and Dallmaji Hill. Located near Haeundae Beach, it not only offers a spectacular view of the beach, but also has the appearance of a reputable international conference hall featuring both modern and natural beauty. Last stops are the most famous markets in Korea, Gukje International Market and Jagalchi Fish Market. Following the Korean War, refugees who fled to Busan set up stalls in order to make a living by selling smuggled or imported products, which developed into Gukje Market (gukje mearning "international" in Korean) of today. Gukje Market is one of Korea's largest markets. The market's alleyways are lined with stalls selling diverse goods. Jagalchi Market is Korea's largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish. Please note : Wear conservative clothing that covers knees and shoulders, and comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with mobility issues. Korean traditional marinated beef (Bulgogi) will be served for lunch.

You will be taken to Mt. Kagami (Kagamiyama) to enjoy the panoramic view of Karatsu city. Mt. Kagami is 284 feet high and you will be able to see the view of Karatsu Bay, Niji no Matsubara (Pine tree forest) and Iki Island if the weather is clear. The tour will continue to Hikiyama Exhibition Hall. This hall stores the 14 floats of the Karatasu Kunchi Festival which takes place annually from November 2 to 4. Karatsu Kunchi Festival decorated floats are hauled through the streets by participants in Edo Period garb to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. On the second day of the festival the floats, known as Hikiyama are taken to Nishinohama Beach, within view of Karatsu castle. Karatsu Kunchi Festival was registered as U NESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. Next will be the former residence of Koreyoshi Takatori, a coal magnate. He had this luxurious seaside residence built with an incredible sense of detail. Wonderfully restored, it illustrates the lifestyle of the upper middle classes during the Meiji Period. The residence is divided into two parts, one for the family and the other for guests, and includes a Zen garden, tearoom, and Nô theatre. On the first floor, the view of the garden that blends so perfectly with the beach and the islands of Karatsu Bay in the background is quite stunning. Please note : Bring local currency, sunscreen, a hat, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Order of sites visited may vary. Guests are required to take off their shoes at the Takatori residence.

Karatsu is well known for Hikiyama floats and karatsu ceramic ware, and this tour will show you both highlights as well as the beautiful view of Karatsu Bay. You will be taken to Mount Kagami (Kagamiyama) to enjoy the panoramic view of Karatsu city. Mount Kagami is 931 feet high and you will be able to see the view of Karatsu Bay, Niji no Matsubara (Pine tree forest) and Iki Island if the weather is clear. The tour will continue to Hikiyama Exhibition Hall. This hall stores the 14 floats of the Karatasu Kunchi Festival which takes place annually from November 2 to 4. These decorated floats are hauled through the streets by participants in Edo Period garb to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. On the second day of the festival the floats, known as Hikiyama are taken to Nishinohama Beach, within view of Karatsu Ccastle . Karatsu Kunchi Festival was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. The last stop will be made at one of the local pottery studios in Karatsu where you will be able to see how artisans make the potteries. You will also have some time to enjoy the beautiful gallery and purchase products if you wish. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing and bring local currency, sunscreen and a hat.

Depart from the pier, and drive to Karatsu Castle which was built by the feudal lord, Hirotaka Terazawa, in 1608, and located on a small hill facing Karatsu Bay. After the Meiji Restoration of 1868 the castle was pulled down leaving only the stone walls and foundations as part of Maizuru Park, which opened in 1877. The present 5-story Karatsu Castle is a ferro-concrete structure built in the style of the original 17th century castle in 1966. The yagura (towers) were built at the same time with the Tatsumi yagura added later, in 1990. The tour will continue to Hikiyama Exhibition Hall that stores the 14 floats of the Karatasu Kunchi Festival which takes place annually from November 2 to 4. These decorated floats are hauled through the streets by participants in Edo Period garb to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. On the second day of the festival the floats, known as Hikiyama are taken to Nishinohama Beach, within a view of Karatsu Castle. Karatsu Kunchi Festival was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritag e in 2016. Before heading back the port, you will be taken to Mount Kagami (Kagamiyama) to enjoy the panoramic view of Karatsu city. Mount Kagami is 931 feet high and you will be able to see the lovely view of Karatsu Bay, Niji no Matsubara (Pine tree forest) and Iki island if the weather is clear. Please note : This tour includes approximately 1.5 hours of walking or standing. There are 231 steps from the parking to the castle garden, but there is one elevator available. The path is mostly gravel. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing and bring local currency, sunscreen and a hat.