Cruising Japan's Inland Sea
and more
story and photos by Ted and Judy van der Veen

Hidden Treasures of Japan - the trip name catches our eye. Reading on, it promises "an in-depth journey to discover the cultural legacy of Japan and South Korea" with "manicured gardens, serene temples and modern innovations", all from aboard "the comfortably elegant M/V Spirit of Oceanus". We are tempted: Japan and Korea, two countries we have never visited and where we might hesitate to travel alone. But a cruise? Cruise ships are not our style. However, at 120 passengers, the Spirit of Oceanus is not in the same league as the monster liners, and while much bigger than any ship we have ever been on, it just might be "doable". An optional pre-cruise tour visits the heritage city of Kyoto. And the timing is right, two weeks in late September - early October. Add a generous early booking discount and we're hooked! Here then is the story of our 2008 tour to western Japan and South Korea.

With our Aeroplan points, we fly to Tokyo's Narita Airport, deciding to go a few days early to spend a few extra days in Kyoto and get over jet lag, and to return home a few days later to allow time to visit the Tokyo region as well. Arriving late afternoon, we have opted for a hotel near the airport. The Narita Hilton, a ten-minute free shuttle bus ride away, provides a comfortable room, an exquisite lobby overlooking a peaceful Japanese garden with falling water and a buffet breakfast. <more>