zSilverseas Expeditions - The Sea of Japan

Embark the Silver Discoverer for this stunning Silversea Expedition – Primorsky Krai to Ryukyu. This afternoon, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and attend a safety briefing, and tonight we invite you to familiarise yourself with your new home away from home, meet some of your fellow travellers and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant. Meals D

Today we clear into Russia. Time permitting, we will explore part of this city founded in 1853 as Sakhalin's first Russian military post. From here we drive to Yuzhno‐Sakhalinsk, the capital of the island. Founded as a small Russian settlement in the 1880s, the city became a Japanese prefect capital when the southern half of Sakhalin was declared a Japanese colony in 1905; after WWII it was returned to Russia. Highlights include a visit to the Russian Orthodox Church, the Regional Museum housed in an impressive former Japanese mansion, and the bustling market. We’ll also celebrate with the locals and enjoy a performance of traditional Cossack song and dance. Meals B,L,D

A leisurely day at sea to exchange notes with fellow travellers and take advantage of the luxurious amenities aboard Silver Discoverer. Help our birders spot some of the seabirds found far away from their nesting grounds. Enjoy a lecture, an interesting book, or just relax in the comfort of your suite and watch a movie on the in-suite interactive television. Meals B,L,D

Today we arrive by Zodiacs at Olga Bay, located in the Sea of Japan, at the East coast of Primorsky Krai. Olga Bay is quite calm and inviting at only (11 km long, 4 km wide). Upon arrival we will be treated to a ceremonial greeting by the locals, after which a visit to the local lore museum is in store. Meals B,L,D

Join your Expedition Team for a walk across the wide tundra valleys where once – ages ago – stood an enormous glacier. Meals B,L,D

Charming and picturesque, Vladivostok will draw you in with its unique nature, lovely sceneries, military-historical monuments and shade of sea romance. Meals B,L,D

We continue our exploration of Vladivostok today. Take in the culture and history of the area as we visit the Vladivostok Railway Station – terminal of the Trans-Siberian railroad, the C-56 WWII submarine on the harbor embankment, and the highly regarded Arsenyev Regional History Museum. Meals B,L,D

A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Begin perhaps with a late breakfast and another cup of coffee or tea during the first of the day’s lectures. Join the lectures and hear fascinating tales of adventure and learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Meals B,L,D

Today, enjoy another leisurely day at sea. Meals B,L,D

From emerald fields to architectural wonders of a time past, Kumamoto is a real treat for the eyes. We’ll begin our day at Mt. Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan, as well as one of the largest in the world. Taking the ropeway cable car, we’ll arrive at the top of the mountain for an up close view of the caldera, which measures 75 miles in circumference. After a delicious lunch, we’ll head to the awe-inspiring Kumamoto Castle for a tour of this magnificent structure. Meals B,L,D

As if out of a storybook, the island of Yakushima, famous for its “Yaku-sugi,” cedars more than 1000 years old, will fill you with childlike wonder. On our hiking tour through Yakusugi land park, we will pass through the groves of ancient Yaku-sugi where Buddhasugi, a 2500 year old cedar mightily stands. The Yaku-sugi and indigenous fauna earned the island a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1993. Meals B,L,D

Okinawa is a typical Japanese subtropical region with a warm climate where cherry blossoms bloom in late January, and the swimming season lasts from April to October. There are more than sixty islands between the main island, Okinawa, in the North and Yonaguni Island at the southwestern end.

Once called Ryukyus, these Islands were unified into a kingdom in the 12th century, while a dynasty was established in the 15th century by the Sho Clan. In the 17th century, the Islands had come into the joint possession of China and Shimazu Clan of Japan. Later, the region became a prefecture of Japan.

Today we explore the Yambaru Discovery Forest. Here, you will walk along the nature trail with a local guide for about 1.5 hours. At the beginning of the trail, you will see a small traditional house with a thatched roof. The house was relocated from the small village of Kunigami, which is located in the north of this forest. If you are lucky, you will see some indigenous species such as, Ishikawa frogs, hanasaki frogs, and some of the migratory birds that stop by this area in winter.

Meals B,L,D

320km southwest of the Main Island of Okinawa, this Miyako-Jima Island is the largest of the eight islands of the Miyako Island Chain. The island bears many historical relics and beautiful white sandy beaches including Maehama, Painagama, Sunakawa, and Shigira Beach.

A scenic drive tour and glass bottom boat ride are the best ways to experience Miyako-Jima, mostly known as one of the world’s best diving destinations. Plenty of photo opportunities will also be had at Higashihennazaki Cape and Ikema Ohashi Bridge.

Meals B,L,D

Often known as the Galapagos of Japan, Iriomote-Jima is one of today’s wonderful treats. Unique animals such as the Iriomote wildcat and crested eagle, along with the various and rare flora and fauna indigenous to the island will dazzle. A one-hour mangrove cruise tour is one of the best ways to see the Island, and features the massive 400 year old Sakishimasuou tree, the largest of it kind in the country.

We continue on to Taketomi Island. The many hibiscus and deigo flowers fascinate as they create an unforgettable colour scenario. The Ryūkyū village, at only 9 km, is a National Traditional Architecture Preservation District. This beautiful village boasts houses topped with red clay roofs, coral stone garden walls, and sandy streets. A water buffalo carriage tour will move us slowly through the quaint village.

Meals B,L,D

Satisfy your mochi rice cake cravings and feast your eyes on the gorgeous Taroko Gorge scenery. The region is a locus of Han Chinese and indigenous culture, as well as of Taiwan-based Japanese culture. It boasts scores of historical sites, remnants of immigrant villages, temples, tea plantations, and more – all from the period of Japanese occupation. Meals B,L,D

Following breakfast, disembark the Silver Discoverer. Meals B

Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.