2024-04-15, 16 Nikko

Detailed description of Nikko

Nikko (pop 80 000), nestled amidst the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, is a city steeped in history, natural beauty, and cultural significance. It's renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Shrines and Temples, breathtaking landscapes, and charming traditional atmosphere.

Toshogu*** Shrine: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine complex is known for its elaborately decorated buildings, which are covered in carvings of dragons, mythical creatures, and other auspicious symbols.

Kegon Falls: is ranked among Japan's three most beautiful waterfalls. The waterfall is located in Lake Chuzenji National Park and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Detailed description of Nikko

Other ports in the Japan voyage

2024-04-06 Tsuruga, Japan

Detailed description of Tsuraga.

Tsuruga is a port town right on the coast of Tsuruga Bay south of Fukui Prefecture with a prosperous history as a strategic transportation center. In addition to its coastline, forests, and wetlands, Tsuruga has ancient temples. It also has well-preserved historical sites that provide a glimpse into times past. It is, of course, famous for seafood.

Kehi Jingu Shrine in Tsuruga, Fukui prefecture, is the icon of the city. It has been called 'Kei-san (not Kehi-san)' and loved by local people for centuries. Originally built in 702, it was burnt down many times by wars and fire, and the current shrine buildings were all reconstructed after WWII except for the red torii gate at the entrance. This torii is the third tallest wooden torii in Japan. Built in 1645, it still stands strong and welcomes visitors with its magnificence.

Other ports to be visited

Detailed description of Tsuraga.

2024-04-06 Sakaiminato, Japan

The city (pop. 32 000) is home to a number of museums, including the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, the Sakaiminato City Museum, and the Yumigahama Aquarium. Sakaiminato is also a popular destination for seafood lovers, and the city has a number of restaurants that serve fresh crab, tuna, and other seafood.

In 1928, Shigeru Mizuki was born in Sakaiminato. Mizuki went on to become a famous manga artist, and his work often featured yokai, or Japanese spirits and monsters.

Other ports to be visited

Detailed description of Sakaiminato