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THE BASICS
DURATION: 10 DAYS
CITIES: TOKYO, HIROSHIMA, SETO INLAND SEA, NAOSHIMA
SIDE TRIPS: Shikoku (Ehime, Takamatsu), Kurashiki
about this trip
We proudly present a special itinerary that features accommodations on a unique luxury vessel. We have curated an exclusive partnership allowing our guests access to first-class hospitality while at sea. If you’re looking for rejuvenation and relaxation, we highly recommend clearing your thoughts while experiencing first-class hospitality, cuisine.
why we're obsessed
Discover adventure and inspiration while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea.
Explore a world of art and architecture from the comfort of a beautifully designed ship.
On the vessel, you will be treated to freshly caught seafood delivered straight to the ship by local fishermen.
With so many additional places to visit in the area, you can easily add locations to your itinerary based on your interests.
Sample Itinerary to Get you Started
day 1-2 (Tokyo)
For the first two days of your trip, we recommend getting your bearings in Tokyo and enjoying the sights and sounds that the metropolis has to offer. Based on your preferences, we can offer a variety of different tours around Tokyo. If art is your thing, we can arrange an exclusive tour with a professional that covers private galleries that are usually hidden from public eye. If you’re interested in architecture, we have you covered with our TOKI guided comprehensive and fashion architecture tours.
Day 3 (HIROSHIMA)
Hiroshima has come a long way since its destruction at the end of World War II and has become a city symbolic of peace to come. The memorials and sculptures made of folded paper cranes tell an emotional tale of community and support. We advise you to visit the Peace Memorial Museum with discretion, as it is does contain graphic imagery, but there is much more to feel and see in Hiroshima as well.
Afterwards, just thirty minutes away awaits the island of gods, Miyajima. Known for its unparalleled beauty and iconic spectacle of the giant gate in the waters, Miyajima is home to the enchanting Itsukushima Shrine and majestic Mount Misen. Enjoy strolling along the old-fashioned shopping streets.
day 4-6 (SETO INLAND SEA CRUISE)
It’s time to escape the city lights and embark on your maritime trip aboard the vessel, which was beautifully designed to envelop you with views of the calm water and sweeping landscapes. While a modern and minimalist design, the wooden construction offers its passengers warmth and comfort. Allow yourself to be pampered by staff and attentive chefs who will gladly assist you in finding the gym, spa, or sauna facilities that are on board.
Whether you’re in the mood to catch up on your latest novel or nap on the deck, we guarantee you’ll find the perfect nook to do so. Meals are served when you decide, and you’ll be savoring dishes made with seasonal flavors of local ingredients. For those with a sweet tooth, you can indulge in freshly made Japanese sweets - of course, made specially before your eyes by a confectionery artisan. If you’re ready for an adventure, an excursion to some nearby islands might be just what you need.
After spending two nights aboard the vessel, you’re sure to feel refreshed and ready to experience the last half of your journey.
(Optional 2-Day Trip to Ehime and Takamatsu)
Head south across the picturesque Shimanami Kaido, a toll toad and an impressive series of bridges that connects the main island of Honshu with the smaller island of Shikoku, and spend your day enjoying intriguing architecture - ranging from castles to contemporary works by Tadao Ando - museums, and if you fancy a bath, take a dip in one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, Dogo Onsen.
Your second day will take you east to Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture, known as the “Udon-Noodle Prefecture.” Well-known for its olive production and of course its Sanuki udon, Takamatsu is home to various museums, galleries, and Ritsurin Garden, which is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. With plenty of things to see, it’s easy to spend a day here - and if you’re up for island hopping, you can visit some of the surrounding islands, such as Inujima, Megijima, Ogijima, and Shodoshima. As our itinerary includes Naoshima (considered part of Kagawa Prefecture), you can easily continue on your journey access the island by boat from Takamatsu, taking you on to the next portion of your trip.
*If you are interested in discovering a deeper side of Japanese spirituality, we recommend joining the Shikoku Pilgrimage, taking you around the island of Shikoku to visit a selection of 88 Buddhist temples.
(OpTIONAL Half-Day TRIP TO KURASHIKI)
A hop, skip, and 88 miles east of Hiroshima will take you to Okayama Prefecture, which is home to a city known as Kurashiki. Its Bikan Historical Quarter is famous for its quaint canals bordered with walkways lined with traditional kominka architecture. The canals serve as a focal point around which numerous cafes, confectioneries, galleries, restaurants, and various shops operate. You can easily spend a day exploring the area, and when you’re done, the Sanyo Shinkansen can get you back to Tokyo to wrap up your vacation.
DAY 10-11 (NAOSHIMA)
Whether you decide to visit Kurashiki or Ehime and Takamatsu, the “Art Island” of Naoshima is a TOKI recommendation for anyone interested in classic or contemporary art, nature, or simply something different. At just over 5 mi², Naoshima was formerly a site used by the metal industry, but the island has since become a place that attracts artwork from all over the world. On a beautiful day, we recommend hopping on a rental bike to cycle to destinations. You don’t want to miss out on the gorgeous scenery along the way.
The Chichu Art Museum will impress you not only with famous works by Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria, but also with environmentally conscious architecture designed by one of the world’s most well-known architects, Tadao Ando. Built underground to preserve the scenery, the museum is incredibly spacious and bright. You will also enjoy the detailed and dynamic design at the hot spring, I <3 Yu.
Day 12 (Tokyo)
Reflect on your long stay and tell us what you have missed and where you would like to revisit. This is the last chance for you to get some last-minute shopping and visits done until next time you visit Japan.