At once spirited and relaxed, Osaka is a dynamic city best loved for its culinary excellence, exuberant nightlife and vibrant locals. Transfer to Scenic Eclipse at your leisure, where your journey into wonder begins with a warm greeting by the crew and a glass of Champagne as you step onboard. Meal: D. Arrive this morning in the harbour city of Kobe on the island of Honshu. Compact and condensed between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe has a long history of maritime trade. Yet, despite its centuries-old role as a significant port, beautiful Kobe is a modern-looking city, having been completely rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1995. You may choose to explore on your own to learn more about this event at the Earthquake Museum. Meals: B. L. D. This morning, you will arrive at the port of Uno, the gateway to the garden city of Okayama, the second-largest city in the Chugoku region. Choose to spend your day strolling immaculately manicured gardens, admiring historic architecture or contemplating thought-provoking art. Okayama is home to the stunning Korakuen Garden, which was commissioned by a feudal lord in 1687 as a place to receive guests. Styled in the traditional Japanese aesthetic with elegant ponds, bridges and sculptural plants, the Korakuen is ranked as one of the top three landscaped gardens in Japan. It sits across the Asahi River from Okayama Castle; dubbed ‘Crow Castle’ due to its black exterior, visitors can tour the historical exhibits here and take a bizenyaki pottery class in the castle park studio. Meals: B. L. D. Overnight you will have arrived at Takamatsu, the capital of Kagawa. Gazing upon the Seto Inland Sea, the port of Takamatsu is the gateway to the sea’s many stunning islands. From here you can travel along the longest road bridge in the world, the Seto Ohashi Bridge. Explore the ruins of the waterfront Takamatsu Castle, wander the tranquil Ritsurin Koen garden, built by feudal lords in the Edo Period, and enjoy the local specialty of ‘sanuki udon’ noodles, famed for its delightful texture. With an overnight stay in Takamatsu, you have ample opportunity to explore. Meals: B. L. D. This morning, sail to the port of Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. After lunch, Imabari awaits your discovery. Set on the glittering Seto Inland Sea, this port city is a haven for avid cyclists. Pedal a portion of the spectacular, 70-kilometre Shimanami Kaido route, which traverses several bridges, including Tatara Ohashi, the second-longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. Those who prefer to remain on two feet can enjoy touring Imabari Castle, Oyamazumi Shrine, and lofty Kirosan Observatory Park perched atop Mount Kiro. You’ll have time to take in the sunset at the latter before descending to enjoy the local fare of yakibuta tamago meshi, a delicious roast pork dish. Meals: B. L. D. Arriving into port this morning, your day may begin with a moment of reflection on a visit to Hiroshima. Perhaps one of the most significant sites of modern warfare, this city ravaged by the atomic bomb during World War II has risen to become a living symbol of peace and rebirth. Enrobed in sombre history, inspiring perspective, and striking natural beauty, Hiroshima is a destination you will long remember. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and World Heritage listed Atomic Bomb Dome, where you can absorb the importance of Hiroshima’s history and admire the city’s determination to endure and overcome.

Return aboard to journey toward the small island of Miyajima this afternoon. Well-loved for its serene, water hemmed views, Miyajima is known for its Itsukushima shrine and enormous torii gate, which, at high tide, appears to float above the water. Meals: B. L. D. Today, spend time discovering the unrelenting beauty of mountainous Matsuyama on the island of Shikoku. Set on the edge of the gentle Seto Inland Sea, this city is a historic delight with the hilltop Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle its crowning jewel. One of Japan’s twelve originally surviving castles, visitors may ascend Mount Katsuyama via chairlift to admire the complex that includes two keeps, multiple turrets and cherry blossom-fringed grounds. Meals: B. L. D. Sail into the petite seaside city of Uwajima this morning. Uwajima is home to one of the 12 surviving castles of the Edo Period, which presides gracefully over the city from an elevated plain. The Date clan resided in Uwajima Castle for 260 years and a more in-depth understanding of their rule can be gleaned from the nearby Date Museum, adjacent to the spectacular Tensha-en gardens. Not far beyond the city limits, tenderly preserved townships nestle into iridescently green mountains that conceal dramatic gorges, such as Nametoko. Inhale the fresh mountain air and keep an eye out for deer, hawks and monkeys. Meals: B. L. D. Admire the dramatic landscape of Kagoshima on your journey toward the cit this morning. At the southern tip of Kyushu, Mount Sakurajima volcano rises dramatically from the ocean, painting a handsome and attention-stealing backdrop. Unearth the feudal history and explore the palm-lined streets of Kagoshima or opt to spend the day on board, appreciating the stunning aspects of Sakurajima from the elegant Sky Bar. Take in the sun in a secluded cabana, revive with a dip in the Vitality Pool, and sip your favourite cocktail from the bar. Meals: B. L. D. The largest island in the Satsunan chain, Amami Oshima is an unspoiled haven for a diverse eco-system of endemic flora and fauna. Stroll the soft-sanded beaches and immerse in the temperate waters of this natural gem. Uncover the immaculate beauty of the protected Kuroshio-no-Mori Mangrove Park. Before you return to the comfort of your Discovery Yacht this afternoon, take the opportunity to sample the local specialty of Keihan chicken rice, a dish that’s origins can be traced back to the Edo period. Meals: B. L. D. Renowned for its white-sand beaches and stunning waters populated with fascinating marine life, Zamami is the second-largest of the Kerama Islands. Slip below the surface for a refreshing swim or snorkel to marvel at the fervent underwater activity. Explore the charming seaside village and simply take in the tranquil scene. Meals: B. L. D. Rich with tradition and fascinating history, Okinawa has a captivating heritage enhanced by its breathtaking Pacific-hemmed beauty. Explore the prefectural capital of Naha to discover this former epicenter of the Ryukyu Kingdom. You may visit Kokusai Street to shop for mementos and absorb the vibrant local culture, or perhaps learn more about the Shuri Castle and the historic precinct. Meals: B. L. D. This morning, wake-up to find Ishigaki Island beckoning from your balcony in a dazzling spectrum of blue-green hues. Part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, the island is home to Japan’s southernmost city and is the gateway to the captivating Yaeyama Islands. You may choose to revel in the sun, sea and vibrant coral reef of the island’s southern coastline; take a gentle hike to the north-east Hirakubo Peninsula or stroll the fascinating city centre. Meals: B. L. D. Enjoy a relaxed morning on board today as Scenic Eclipse II arrives in port at midday. The city of Hualien sits on the east coast of the island of Taiwan, famed for its beautiful coastline. It’s the gateway to Taroko Gorge National Park, one of Taiwan’s most famous sites. The landscape of Taroko Gorge has been formed by the great forces of nature, from typhoons and earthquakes to millions of years of erosion. Today, it is a patchwork of marble gorges, bright blue rivers and pockets of untouched forest. There are challenging trails for experienced hikers or gentler routes that take you past ancient temples, tumbling waterfalls and hidden caves. Meals: B. L. D. Today, it is time to farewell Scenic Eclipse after 15 magical days on board. Be sure to fit in one last indulgent breakfast at the Yacht Club or ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can take your time packing up. Meal: B.