14-Day Exploration of Hokkaido & Korea

Overview

A 14-night voyage aboard Seabourn Encore, departing Tokyo on 29 Sept 2028 and returning to the same port, calling at 9 destinations along the way.

1. 1

   Day 1 ·Tokyo, JapanEmbark

   29 Sept 2028

   Depart 19:00
2. 2

   Day 2 ·At Sea

   30 Sept 2028
3. 3

   Day 3 ·Miyako, Japan

   1 Oct 2028

   Arrive 07:00Depart 17:00
4. 4

   Day 4 ·Muroran, Japan

   2 Oct 2028

   Arrive 08:00Depart 20:00
5. 5

   Day 5 ·Hakodate, Japan

   3 Oct 2028

   Arrive 07:30Depart 18:30

   This important port on Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island was the first to be opened to European and American trade. The result of this is a trove of Western-style buildings in the suburb of Motomachi that gives the impression of a movie set. The bell of the distinctive Haristo Greek Orthodox church is designated one of Japan’s official treasured “100 soundscapes.” Hokkaido is famous for its hot springs, much beloved by the Japanese. Yunokawa Hot Spring enjoys a commanding view of the sea, and its botanical garden is home to the Japanese macaques called “snow monkeys” because of their habit of soaking in the hot springs during the northern winter. Goryokaku is a 150-year old star fortress that holds the Magistrate’s Office, an excellent example of traditional Japanese architecture. Get a panoramic view from the observation platform atop the Goryokaku Tower.
6. 7

   Day 7 ·Otaru

   4 Oct 2028

   Arrive 12:00

   This port on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido thrived on coal exports and the herring fishery through the end of the 19th and the early 20th centuries, evidenced by the Western influenced “herring mansions” that line its central canal. The 1897 Nishin Goten is an early example, while the Aoyama Villa from 1924 is a later version. The 1912 Bank of Japan Museum is also influenced by Western taste, but nods to tradition with keystones representing owls, an ancient Ainu deity. Further afield, explore the Yoichi Nikka Whisky Distillery, the spas at the Jyozankei Hot Springs, or the Hokkaido coast as seen from the Cape Kanui Lighthouse. Any visit to Sapporo should include the mile-long Odoro Park.
7. 7

   Day 7 ·Otaru

   5 Oct 2028

   Depart 22:00

   This port on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido thrived on coal exports and the herring fishery through the end of the 19th and the early 20th centuries, evidenced by the Western influenced “herring mansions” that line its central canal. The 1897 Nishin Goten is an early example, while the Aoyama Villa from 1924 is a later version. The 1912 Bank of Japan Museum is also influenced by Western taste, but nods to tradition with keystones representing owls, an ancient Ainu deity. Further afield, explore the Yoichi Nikka Whisky Distillery, the spas at the Jyozankei Hot Springs, or the Hokkaido coast as seen from the Cape Kanui Lighthouse. Any visit to Sapporo should include the mile-long Odoro Park.
8. 8

   Day 8 ·At Sea

   6 Oct 2028
9. 9

   Day 9 ·At Sea

   7 Oct 2028
10. 10

    Day 10 ·Sokcho, South Korea

    8 Oct 2028

    Arrive 07:00Depart 16:00
11. 11

    Day 11 ·Busan (Pusan), South Korea

    9 Oct 2028

    Arrive 09:00Depart 19:00

    Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, and the country's seaside connection to Japan and the West. Lovely urban scenery, the Pusan International Film Festival, and near-by hot springs has made Busan a popular leisure destination. Busan has the sophistication of a major city, as well as famous beaches that lure visitors from all over the world. The city is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose economic success often obscures, to Westerners, one of Asia's most sophisticated and venerable cultures.
12. 12

    Day 12 ·Jeju (Cheju) City, South Korea

    10 Oct 2028

    Arrive 09:00Depart 19:00

    Jeju (Cheju) Island is a volcanic island, dominated by Halla-san (Halla Mountain), a volcano 6,398 feet high and the tallest mountain in South Korea. The island was created entirely from volcanic eruptions approximately two million years ago. Because of the relative isolation of the island, the people of Jeju have developed a culture and language that are distinct from those of mainland Korea. The most distinct cultural artifact is the ubiquitous dol hareubang ("stone grandfather") carved from a block of lava. Jeju translates to "Island of the Gods" and lives up to its name with beautiful beaches, waterfalls and volcanic rock formations.
    
    
13. 13

    Day 13 ·At Sea

    11 Oct 2028
14. 14

    Day 14 ·At Sea

    12 Oct 2028
15. 15

    Day 15 ·Tokyo, JapanDisembark

    13 Oct 2028

    Arrive 08:00

Your ship: Seabourn Encore