Silversea CruisesTokyo to TokyoItinerarySaturday - Tokyo, Japan
Sunday - Kobe, Japan The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before - with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cozy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara. Monday - Kobe, Japan
Tuesday - Hiroshima, Japan
Wednesday - Pusan, South Korea
Thursday - Nagasaki The accidental arrival of an off-course Portuguese ship in 1543 was the beginning of Nagasaki’s longtime role as Japan’s “Door to the West.” The missionary St. Francis Xavier visited briefly, and there was a substantial number of converts during the period known as the “Christian Century.” Eventually the Japanese authorities perceived the growing influence of Christianity to be a threat, leading to the banning of the religion. The Catholic Spanish and Portuguese were expelled in favor of the Dutch, who were felt to be more interested in trade than religion. All contact with foreigners was forbidden, and no Japanese were allowed to travel abroad. The only exception was the closely watched Dutch enclave of Dejima. Through this small outpost a trickle of Western thought and science continued to filter into the country, and Nagasaki became an important scientific and artistic center. When the city was again opened to the West in 1859, Nagasaki was quickly reestablished as a thriving industrial center, especially in shipbuilding, the industry that made it a prime target in World War II. On August 9, 1945 the second atomic bomb was dropped on the Mitsubishi Arms Works (the intended target was the shipyard), wiping out a third of the city and killing 75,000 immediately. Today it is hard to imagine the bombing ever took place; modern Nagasaki is one of Japan’s most picturesque cities. It is also home to the world’s largest shipbuilding facility and a thriving fishing industry.
Friday - Kagoshima Kagoshima’s history was dominated by a single family, the Shimazu clan, who ruled over the city for nearly 700 years. As an important trading center for China, outside contact played a significant part in this port city. The arrival of St. Francis Xavier in 1549 brought further outside influence, and a number of Japanese converted to Christianity. In the mid-19th century, the Tokugawa shogunate began to lose strength, and the Shimazu family was beginning to look toward the future. They built the first Western-style factory and smuggled 19 young men out of the country so they could learn foreign languages and technology in Britain. On their return, these men played an important part in the Meiji Restoration and the modernization of Japan. An important local figure during the Meiji Restoration was a samurai by the name of Saigo Takamori. He was an educator, scholar, philosopher, and poet, and played a major role in the restoration of the Emperor Meiji and the advancement of technology. When the ancient rights of the samurai class were rescinded, Takamori became disillusioned. He led a brief and unsuccessful rebellion, and eventually committed ritual suicide. To this day, he is remembered by many Japanese who visit the spot on Shiroyama Hill where he died.
Saturday - Beppu
Sunday - Day At Sea
Monday - Tokyo, Japan Cost of This Itinerary9 Night Trip:The least expensive cabin costs: The most expensive stateroom costs: |
