HIGHLIGHTS

HOME
HIGHLIGHTS
A Journey to Hidden Gems in Japan

A Journey to Hidden Gems in Japan
6/4/2027 to 18/4/2027

・Take pleasure in the beauty of Seto Inland Sea.
・Discover the charm of Nagasaki’s coastal beauty and Amakusa’s serene islands.
・Experience the great nature of Yakushima, Japan's World Heritage Site.

Inujima

Shore excursion

We will land on a Zodiac and enjoy exploring the area on foot, including the Smelter Museum.

*Travel essentials
Inujima Seirensho Art Museum, located on Inujima Island in Okayama Prefecture, is a unique contemporary art museum built within a former copper refinery. The refinery, established in 1909, was once a key industrial site but was abandoned in 1919 due to economic decline. The museum, opened in 2008, preserves the ruins while incorporating eco-friendly design and artworks by Yukinori Yanagi. Inujima itself has a history tied to quarrying and industry, but today, it is known for its art and tourism. The island is part of the Setouchi Triennale, attracting visitors with its fusion of history, nature, and modern art.

Mitarai

Shore excursion

We will land on the island by Zodiac. Please feel free to explore the area designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings using the walking map. You can freely visit several historic buildings.

Miyajima

Shore excursion

We will land on Miyajima by tender boat and tour Miyajima before the general opening hours. Please feel free to visit Itsukushima Shrine without worrying about the crowds.

*Travel essentials
Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima, Japan. Famous for its "floating" torii gate, the shrine appears to float on water at high tide. Built in the 6th century and expanded in the 12th century by Taira no Kiyomori, it is dedicated to sea deities. The shrine’s vermilion buildings blend with nature, connected by wooden corridors over the sea. Visitors can walk to the torii gate at low tide. Known for traditional Noh performances and festivals, Itsukushima Shrine remains a symbol of Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Hagi

Shore excursion

We will land by Zodiac at the scenic Hagi Hakkei, close to the ruins of Hagi Castle. After landing, we will take a bus tour of the historic city that developed as a castle town.

*Travel essentials
Hagi Castle Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yamaguchi, Japan, preserves the atmosphere of Japan’s Edo-period samurai district. Built in the early 17th century, it was the political and cultural center of the Mori clan. The town features well-preserved samurai residences, white-plastered walls, and a unique grid layout. Hagi is also famous for Hagi-yaki pottery, a traditional ceramic art. As a key site in Japan’s modernization, it played a role in the Meiji Restoration. Today, visitors can explore its historic streets, gaining insight into Japan’s rich feudal and cultural heritage.

Tsushima

Shore excursion

We will land on a Zodiac. You can then take a bus to tour the island or enjoy kayaking in Aso Bay.

Nagasaki

Shore excursion

Coming soon

Yakushima

Shore excursion

Enjoy trekking in Yakusugi Land and Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge.

Koshikijima

Shore excursion

After cruising around Napoleon Rock in Shimokoshiki by Zodiac, we will land. Take a bus to tour the island and spend some free time in Kamikoshiki.

Iki

Shore excursion

We will land at Katsumoto Port by Zodiac. We will tour the island by bus. Please feel free to explore Katsumoto Village.

*Travel essentials
The Harunotsuji Ruins on Iki Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, are the remains of an ancient Yayoi-period settlement (circa 3rd century BCE–3rd century CE). Recognized as a National Historic Site, it is believed to be the location of "Ikikoku," a state mentioned in Gishi Wajin Den, a Chinese historical text. The site features moats, raised-floor buildings, and artifacts like pottery and weapons, indicating its role as a political and trade center. As a key hub in maritime exchanges between Japan, Korea, and China, Harunotsuji provides valuable insights into early Japanese civilization and international relations in ancient East Asia.

Amakusa

Shore excursion

We will land at Sakitsu village by Zodiac. Let's walk around the village and visit temples, shrines, and churches using the map. We will also have workshops such as making shimenawa.

*Travel essentials
Sakitsu Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Amakusa, Kumamoto, is a key location related to Japan’s "Hidden Christians" (Kakure Kirishitan). During the Edo period (1603–1868), when Christianity was banned, local Christians secretly practiced their faith while blending it with Japanese traditions. The village’s Sakitsu Church, built in 1934, symbolizes their resilience. The area retains historical sites like hidden Christian graves and traditional fishing village landscapes. Recognized in 2018 as part of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region,” Sakitsu reflects the unique religious adaptation and perseverance of Japan’s hidden Christian communities. This history is also depicted in Martin Scorsese’s film Silence, which portrays the struggles of Hidden Christians in Japan.