Osaka and Nara Pre-Voyage Extension
Discover the cultural and spiritual heart of early Japan
Before Tokyo became the face of modern Japan, Osaka and Nara were the nation's political, cultural and spiritual heart. This three-day extension explores the places where Japan's imperial identity first took shape—from the ancient temples and sacred deer parks of Nara to the formidable Osaka Castle and its enduring samurai legacy. Discover centuries-old Buddhist and Shinto traditions, experience the distinctive flavors of the Kansai region and gain deeper insight into the history and culture that continue to shape Japan today.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Osaka, Jaan
Arrive in Osaka and transfer to your hotel (Patina Osaka or similar). After settling in, enjoy time at leisure to relax or begin discovering the city's lively neighborhoods and renowned food culture. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 2 - Osaka / Nara
Journey to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, where the foundations of the nation's political, cultural and spiritual traditions were established. Visit Tōdai-ji, one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, and stand before the monumental Great Buddha, among the world's largest bronze Buddha statues.
Continue to Nara Park, where hundreds of sacred deer roam freely through the grounds, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore Kasuga Taisha, an 8th-century Shinto shrine renowned for its vermilion buildings and thousands of stone and bronze lanterns that line its forested approach. Return to Osaka and enjoy time at leisure before gathering this evening for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Osaka
Begin the day at Osaka Castle, an enduring symbol of Japan's feudal past. Originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan. Explore the castle grounds and learn about the samurai, military strategy and political forces that shaped the nation during this transformative period.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Founded in the 3rd century, the shrine is celebrated for its distinctive architectural style, which predates Chinese influence, and offers a glimpse into Japan's earliest spiritual traditions. Continue to your hotel for an evening at leisure and embark the ship the following day. (B,L)
costs & What's Included
| Occupancy | Price per Person* |
|---|---|
| Double Occupancy | |
| Single Occupancy |
*Pricing subject to change based on departure date.
Cost Includes:
Accommodations as shown in the itinerary or similar; meals as shown in the itinerary; porterage services, service charge, tax; private coach and English-speaking guide for tours; entrance fees; travel earphones during guided tours; group airport to hotel transfer.
Not included:
Tips to waiters for meals that are not included; items of a personal nature such as laundry, Internet access and alcoholic beverages.