Cradled along the sunwarmed southern coast of Shikoku Island, Kōchi Prefecture opens onto sweeping views of the Pacific—an inviting gateway to some of Japan’s most cherished natural and cultural treasures.

Tour Option 1: Kochi’s Highlights — A Journey Through Nature, History, and Local Life: Begin your day in the serene Makino Botanical Garden atop Mount Godaisan, where Dr. Tomitaro Makino’s legacy comes alive amid beautifully curated landscapes and seasonal blooms. Continue to historic Kōchi Castle—one of Japan’s few remaining original castles—where its preserved 17thcentury keep and sweeping views evoke the spirit of feudal Japan. Conclude your visit at the vibrant Hirome Market, a lively hub of food stalls, crafts, and warm local culture that offers an authentic taste of everyday life in Kōchi.

Tour Option 2: Hidden Wonders of Kōchi — Ryūgadō Cave & Hydrangea Road: Discover the spiritual and natural beauty of Kōchi as you begin at Chikurinji Temple, an 8thcentury pilgrimage site set on a tranquil, forested hillside with mosslined paths, elegant halls, and a fivestory pagoda rising above the trees. From this peaceful sanctuary, journey into the dramatic subterranean world of Ryūgadō Caves, where towering stalactites, sculpted rock formations, and traces of prehistoric life reveal millions of years of geological history. Back above ground, the day softens along Noichi Hydrangea Road, where thousands of vibrant hydrangeas bloom in waves of blue, pink, and purple—a serene and colorful finale before your scenic return to the port.

Framed by misty mountains and Beppu Bay, Beppu is a hotspring region where geothermal landscapes and timeless traditions blend seamlessly. Steam drifting through its streets hints at centuries of geothermal culture, while the region’s artisans keep alive beloved crafts such as bamboo weaving and handworked ceramics. Wander through Sol Paseo Ginza, a nostalgic covered arcade lined with local shops, cafés, and craft boutiques—an inviting glimpse into Beppu’s warm community spirit and everyday charm. 

Tour Choice 1 — Exploring the Sacred Geothermal Wonders of Beppu:  This tour ascends into Beppu’s volcanic highlands, where rising steam signals the dramatic geothermal landscapes ahead. You’ll visit the vivid red Chinoike Jigoku, the striking cobaltblue Umi Jigoku, and the diverse bubbling springs of Komado Jigoku, each showcasing the region’s unique natural forces. The day concludes in the misty hillside hamlet of Myoban Yunosato, where traditional yunohana huts have produced mineralrich alum crystals since the Edo period, offering a memorable blend of history, craft, and Beppu’s enduring geothermal heritage. 

Tour Choice 2 — Beppu’s Craft & Nature: This tour highlights Beppu’s artistry and scenic beauty, beginning at the Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center, where generationsold techniques come to life and a handson session offers a deeper appreciation for this refined craft. A ride on the Beppu Ropeway then carries you up Mount Tsurumi for sweeping views of the city, its rising steam plumes, and the surrounding coastline. The day concludes at Sol Paseo Ginza, a lively covered arcade filled with shops, cafés, and local flavor—an inviting glimpse into the everyday rhythm of Beppu. 

Hiroshima offers a moving blend of reflection and resilience, centered around its Peace Memorial Park—a tranquil expanse of lawns, water features, and monuments dedicated to remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.  Just offshore, the island of Miyajima welcomes visitors with charming streets, local crafts, and its famous Itsukushima Shrine creates one of Japan’s most captivating seaside views. 

Morning Tour — Peace Memorial: This reflective tour leads through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a tranquil landscape of lawns, pools, and memorials dedicated to remembrance and peace. Highlights include the Cenotaph and the enduring Flame of Peace before visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where exhibits, testimonies, and historical materials offer a profound account of the events of August 6, 1945, and the city’s path toward recovery. After time to explore the grounds and museum, the morning concludes with a reflective return to the port.   

Afternoon Tour — Miyajima: Island of Heritage, Beauty & Living Tradition:  In the afternoon, a Zodiac transfer brings you to Miyajima, where atmospheric streets lined with craft shops and local treats—such as the beloved momiji manju—capture the island’s enduring charm. The island’s centerpiece, Itsukushima Shrine, with its iconic floating torii gate, showcases elegant overwater architecture shaped by Heianperiod aesthetics and centuries of pilgrimage tradition. Free time allows for unhurried exploration of the village’s historic lanes before reboarding the Zodiac for the return to the ship.

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 vibrant art installations, historic ruins and colorful coastal parks. 

Tour Choice 1 — Discovering Fukuoka: History & Art:  This tour begins with a visit to the elegant Former Den’emon Ito Residence, once home to a prominent Kyushu industrial family and known for its blend of Westerninfluenced design, refined interiors, and carefully framed seasonal gardens. After lunch on board, the afternoon features the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, showcasing modern works from across East, Southeast, and South Asia that explore themes of urbanization, migration, and cultural renewal. The day concludes in Nakasu, a lively riverisland district whose narrow streets, bridges, and longestablished shops reflect centuries of commerce and Hakata’s enduring mercantile spirit. 

Tour 2 Choice — Fukuoka Highlights:  This tour follows the coast to Karatsu, a region renowned for its pottery heritage, where a traditional Karatsu kiln reveals the handformed techniques, natural glazes, and expressive textures central to Karatsu yaki. The journey continues to the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall to view the striking festival floats of the Karatsu Kunchi Festival—vibrant works of lacquer, papiermâché, and richly dyed textiles that reflect deep community craftsmanship. After returning to the ship for lunch, the afternoon unfolds in Nakasu, a lively riverisland district whose narrow streets, bridges, and longestablished shops preserve the layered history of this former Edoperiod commercial center. 

Begin a magical KRC Shabbat together with old and new friends!   

Day of Shabbat programming, prayer and study while anchored in Fukuoka, a marvelous day with our old and new friends. 

We sail across the Sea of Japan toward Busan, ready to spend the day exploring Korea’s rich heritage, meaningful history, and lively urban spirit. 

Busan Highlights:  This fullday exploration begins at the United Nations Korean War Memorial Cemetery, where an introductory film and lecture about the war followed by a meaningful wreathlaying ceremony to honor the service and sacrifice of the Jewish soldiers who fought in the Korean War. A reflective walk through the peaceful grounds is followed by a lively change of pace at Nampodong Market, Busan’s historic hub of street life, local foods, and traditional vendors. After lunch onboard, the afternoon continues in the vibrant hills of Gamcheon Culture Village, renowned for its colorful homes, murals, and small galleries. Ample time to wander its winding lanes offers an engaging blend of creativity, community spirit, and panoramic coastal views before the ship departs Busan. 

We return to Japan as we sail into Sakaiminato, a welcoming gateway to the tranquil countryside and rich cultural heritage of the San’in region—where art, history, and natural beauty come together in serene harmony. 

Tour — Cultural Treasures of Sakaiminato:  This tour begins with a scenic drive through the tranquil countryside of the San’in region en route to the Adachi Museum of Art, celebrated for its modern Japanese art collection and exquisitely curated gardens that unfold like living paintings. The journey continues to Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original wooden castles, where its imposing blacklacquered exterior and historic interiors offer insight into early Edoperiod life. The final stop is Yuushien Garden on Daikon Island, privately reserved for the KRC group—a serene landscape of ponds, bridges, waterfalls, and seasonal peonies that showcases the region’s deep horticultural tradition. A coastal return drive concludes a day shaped by art, history, and timeless craftsmanship. 

Hagi is a coastal town renowned for its beautifully preserved Edoperiod streets, where narrow lanes, earthen walls, and wooden residences evoke the world of samurai, merchants, and artisans. Shaped by the legacy of the Mori clan and the cultural heritage of the former Chōshū Domain, it offers a quiet elegance and an authentic window into Japan’s early modern past. 

Tour Choice 1 — Discovering Hagi’s Samurai Heritage:  This tour begins with a zodiac arrival into Hagi, a coastal town renowned for its beautifully preserved Edo‑period streets. Wandering through Hagi Castle Town reveals narrow lanes, earthen walls, and wooden residences that evoke the world of samurai, merchants, and artisans. A visit to the refined Kikuya House highlights the wealth and craftsmanship of one of the city’s prominent merchant‑samurai families, followed by time at the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum, where manuscripts and personal artifacts illuminate the poet’s deep connection to Hagi’s landscapes and culture. 

Tour Choice 2 — Cultural Journey Through Yamaguchi:  This tour begins with a zodiac landing in Hagi, setting the stage for a day centered on art and history. You’ll visit the Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Museum / Uragami Memorial Hall, home to modern Nihonga works that trace the evolution of Japanese painting. A stop at the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum offers insight into the distinguished Nihonga painter’s refined style and creative process. The journey concludes in Hagi Castle Town, where whiteplaster walls, narrow lanes, and former samurai residences preserve the quiet elegance of this remarkably intact Edoperiod district. 

After breakfast and heartfelt farewells, it’s time to disembark.