Group Size: 70-94 across all sponsors Price: Starting from $9,990 per person, double occupancy Co-sponsored with: Cornell's Adult University Select, Dartmouth Alumni Association, National Trust Tours, World Affairs Council
Join us on a remarkable 8-night journey through Japan, aboard the elegant Island Sky, when temples, shrines, gardens, and castles are enhanced by the fresh greenery of spring. Begin in Kanazawa, a refined coastal city often called a “mini-Kyoto,” known for its preserved samurai and geisha districts, exquisite seafood, and Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Immerse yourself in Japanese traditions and customs with a traditional tea ceremony or a hands-on workshop crafting delicate wagashi Japanese sweets.
Explore historic castles, from Matsue Castle, featuring Japan’s second largest original wooden keep, to Kokura Castle, the only castle in Fukuoka Prefecture with a main keep. Discover the artistic wonders of Naoshima Island, including a private lecture with celebrated author Pico Iyer, or stroll the paths of Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens. Marvel at the iconic red torii of Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, appearing to float on the sea at high tide, and spend a day in South Korea, visiting Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom and a UNESCO World Cultural Site.
Along the way savor the flavors of Japanese and Korean Cuisine. At each port, a variety of thoughtfully designed excursions allows you to personalize your journey, from exploring sacred temples and celebrated gardens to visiting contemporary art sites or participating in hands-on activities.
Aboard the all-suite Island Sky, every cabin offers sweeping sea views and marble-appointed bathrooms. Enjoy attentive, personalized service from the dedicated crew, dine on international cuisine, relax in the lounges, browse the library, or take in the scenery from the observation deck.
Enhance your voyage with a 2-night pre-extension in Tokyo, or continue with a 3-night post-extension exploring the cities of Nara and Kyoto
Schedule by Day
Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select the "print page" button above.
Depart home on an overnight flight to Komatsu. Crossing the international date line, you will arrive on April 11.
Upon arrival at Komatsu Airport (KMQ), you will be met and transferred to the refined Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, ideally located near Kanazawa Station and convenient to the city’s celebrated gardens and samurai districts. This evening, gather for a welcome orientation and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Meals: D
Enjoy a choice of full day excursions. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, renowned for its traditional gassho zukuri farmhouses with steeply pitched thatched roofs, or travel to Yamanaka Onsen, set along the scenic Kakusenkei Gorge and long celebrated for its restorative hot springs. Both options include a traditional Japanese lunch.
Embark the Island Sky in the late afternoon. This evening, attend the Captain’s welcome dinner on board. The ship remains in port overnight.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
After Lecture #1, visit Kenroku-en, considered one of Japan’s three most celebrated landscape gardens. Created by the Maeda lords, it is known for its winding paths, tranquil ponds, stone lanterns, and carefully tended pines that reflect the changing seasons. Continue to Kanazawa’s preserved samurai district, where narrow lanes and earthen walls offer a glimpse into the lives of Edo period retainers. Enjoy free time for lunch ashore or return to the ship.
This afternoon, take part in a traditional tea ceremony and then visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, whose circular design and light filled galleries showcase a dynamic collection of contemporary works; or join a hands on wagashi workshop to learn how these seasonal sweets are crafted, followed by an introduction to local arts and crafts traditions. Depart in the early evening.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Arrive in Matsue and choose your morning adventure: visit the Adachi Museum of Art, famous for its exceptional Japanese gardens and collection of modern Japanese paintings, or explore Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, and enjoy free time wandering the charming Samurai Quarter with its traditional streets and historic homes. In the afternoon, relax at sea while attending Lectures #2 and #3.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Spend a full day in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Korea’s Silla Kingdom, uncovering its remarkable history and culture. Begin with the Flying Horse Tomb, famed for its intricate carvings, then explore the National Museum to view treasures from Korea’s past. Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, a stunning example of Buddhist architecture, and experience local cultural entertainment. Attend Lecture #4 during the day.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Attend Lecture #6 in the morning before heading out to explore this lesser-known corner of Nagasaki Prefecture.
Choose between two memorable excursions. Take a scenic cruise aboard the Kujukushima sightseeing boat, weaving through the 208 islands that stretch from Sasebo to Hirado. After your cruise, head up to Tenkaiho Observatory for sweeping views of Sasebo Port and the island-dotted horizon amid spring blooms.
Alternatively, take a short boat ride to the island of Hirado. In April, the terraced rice fields around Kasuga Village are a vibrant green, creating a striking landscape. Once a key center of early European trade and missionary activity, Hirado preserves this history in its churches and cultural landmarks. Visit St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church, which commemorates the introduction of Christianity to the region and blends Western architectural influence with its Japanese setting.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Begin the morning with Lecture #6, followed by a visit to the TOTO Museum to explore the history and innovations behind one of Japan’s most iconic companies. Continue to the Mojiko Retro Area, a historic port district known for its preserved early 20th-century architecture and charming streets. In the afternoon, choose your excursion: explore Kokura Castle and its scenic gardens, or venture into the Akiyoshido Limestone Cave, one of Japan’s largest cave systems, famous for its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. This evening, settle in for Lecture #7.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
This morning, arrive in Kure and enjoy a 45 minute scenic transfer to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where thoughtfully curated exhibits and memorials provide meaningful context for the events of 1945 and the city’s enduring commitment to peace. Pause at the Atomic Bomb Dome, preserved as a powerful symbol of resilience, and place paper cranes at the Children's Peace Monument in remembrance of those lost and in quiet reflection on a more hopeful future. After lunch on board, continue to Miyajima by Zodiac, one of Japan’s most celebrated scenic islands. Explore the iconic Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, renowned for its “floating” torii gate rising from the water at high tide. Enjoy free time to stroll through charming streets, browse local shops, and take in the island’s natural beauty. Return to the ship and spend the late afternoon relaxing or admiring the coastal scenery as you cruise the Inland Sea, dotted with picturesque islands and calm waters.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Spend the morning on Naoshima Island, touring the remarkable Chichu Art Museum, the contemporary Benesse House Museum, and the innovative Naoshima New Museum of Art. Enjoy a guest lecture by acclaimed author Pico Iyer, offering insights and reflections on art and culture. In the afternoon, join your fellow travelers for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Disembark in Kobe and take group transfers to Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) for flights home, or continue your journey with an optional extension to Nara and Kyoto.
Meals: B
Pricing
More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.
Cabin Category
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Category 1, Standard Suite
$9,990 per person
$15,890
Category 2, Superior Suite
$11,900 per person
$18,990
Category 3, Premium Suite
$13,400 per person
Inquire
Category 4, Corner Suite
$14,900 per person
Inquire
Category 5, Deluxe Balcony Suite
$16,900 per person
Inquire
Category 6, Owner's Balcony Suite
$17,400 per person
Inquire
Category 7, Island Suite
$18,900 per person
Inquire
One hotel night and eight nights aboard Island Sky • Meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary include nine breakfasts, eight lunches, and nine dinners • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures and presentations • Shared airport transfers on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Captain’s welcome and farewell wine receptions • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunches and dinners aboard Island Sky • Professional tour managers throughout the program • Expert Japanese guides on shore and aboard Island Sky
U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (December 11, 2026) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
One night at Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Eight nights aboard Island Sky
Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Tokyo
April 8 - 11, 2027
Arrive in Tokyo and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant energy, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with contemporary life. After settling into The Prince Park Tower, explore the Tokyo National Museum and the historic Asakusa district, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple. Discover the sights and flavors of Japan with a visit to the famed Tsukiji fish market and the culinary treasures of Kappabashi. Your introduction to Japan concludes with a smooth bullet-train ride to Kanazawa, where the main program begins.
Overnight: The Prince Park Tower (two nights)
Meals: 2B, 2L
Rates to be announced
Optional Post-Tour Extension: Nara and Kyoto
April 20 - 23, 2027
After disembarking the ship in Kobe, travel to the historic city of Nara, celebrated for its temples and artistic heritage. Explore the Nara National Museum and marvel at the Great Buddha before continuing to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart. Settle in for a three-night stay at the elegant Westin Miyako Kyoto, complete with an onsite onsen. Discover iconic sites and landmarks, and enjoy free time to wander the streets, soak in the atmosphere, and experience the charm of this timeless city.
Overnight: Westin Miyako Kyoto (three nights)
Meals: 3B, 2L, 2D
Rates to be announced
What to Expect
Activity Level 3
This a moderately strenuous program that is, at times, physically demanding and busy. Daily excursions involve up to one mile of walking at a time, often on uneven terrain. In some instances, elevators are unavailable, and stairs may not have handrails. You will be required to remove your shoes while visiting temples, shrines, and a number of other sites. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for an onshore excursion (there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist). Participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. All participants will be required to follow safety/sanitization protocols set forth by HAA or Criterion Travel, our tour operator; local staff; and host country laws.
The Island Sky is a 59-cabin luxury expedition ship. She provides an abundance of public space and state-of-the-art amenities for relaxation, scenic viewing, and taking in lectures.
This a moderately strenuous program that is, at times, physically demanding and busy. Daily excursions involve up to one mile of walking at a time, often on uneven terrain. In some instances, elevators are unavailable, and stairs may not have handrails. You will be required to remove your shoes while visiting temples, shrines, and a number of other sites. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for an onshore excursion (there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist). Participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. All participants will be required to follow safety/sanitization protocols set forth by HAA or Criterion Travel, our tour operator; local staff; and host country laws.
