Circumnavigation of Japan: Cultures & Traditions
Circumnavigation of Japan: Cultures & Traditions
Cruise overview
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About Tokyo
Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.
About Oarai
About Sendai
About Hakodate
Facing out on two bays, Hakodate is a 19th-century port town, with clapboard buildings on sloping streets, a dockside tourist zone, streetcars, and fresh fish on every menu. In the downtown historic quarter, a mountain rises 1,100 feet above the city on the southern point of the narrow peninsula. Russians, Americans, Chinese, and Europeans have all left their mark; this was one of the first three Japanese ports the Meiji government opened up to international trade in 1859. The main sights around the foot of Mt. Hakodate can be done in a day, but the city is best appreciated with an overnight stay for the illumination in the historic area, the night views from either the mountain or the fort tower, and the fish market at dawn. City transport is easy to navigate and English information is readily available. Evening departure trains from Tokyo arrive here at dawn—perfect for fish-market breakfasts.
About Akita
About Niigata
Niigata city is the capital of Niigata prefecture and faces the Japan Sea on the island of Honshu, the largest of the four islands that comprise Japan. With a population of 810,000, Niigata is the largest Honshu city along the Japan Sea coast. The city is located at 300 km northwest of Tokyo and the bullet train would take you there in only two hours. Niigata offers four distinct seasons throughout the year, and people may find the winter season to be the best time to visit as many people would come for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. However, you will find the place abundantly beautiful throughout the year as well. Niigata is famous for growing rice as well as fresh seafood. If you try white rice without any seasonings, you would be able to taste the difference and appreciate its flavour. Thanks to the quality of the rice, they produce great Sake in the area. If you have time, why don’t you extend your journey to one of the famous Sake Brewery?
About Sado
Sado is Japan’s sixth-largest island and depends mainly on fishing and agriculture. The island’s Tori Forest Park had been selected for the successful reintroduction of Crested Ibises into Japan –a bird that was down to what was believed to be a total world population of 12 birds in 1981. At that time the last five wild ibises found in Japan were taken into captivity on Sado and both Japan and China cooperated in a breeding programme for these birds. Fortunately the work has paid off and released Crested Ibises successfully nested in the wild again in 2012. Another attraction is the Sado Gold Mine. The adventurous can descend into the deep tunnels to see the conditions under which gold was extracted for almost 400 years.
About Kanazawa
The capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa once rivalled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) as a town rich in cultural achievements. Kanazawa escaped destruction during World War II and accordingly has been able to preserve many of the old districts in good shape. The city is famous because of Kenrokuen. Located next to Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen is classified as “One of the Three Gardens of Japan”. The garden has an artificial pond, and hills and houses are dotted within the 11.4 hectares. It has Japan’s oldest fountain using natural water pressure and a tea-house dating back to 1774. Close by is the Higashi Chaya Gai Geisha District, designated a National Cultural Asset and the biggest of the Geisha districts of Kanazawa. Some of the houses not only retain the original structure, but still are used as Geisha houses. Some of the streets have traditional shops creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Kanazawa is also known for its lacquer ware, Kutani-style pottery, gold-leaf workmanship and delicately painted silk kimonos.
About Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato is a small city almost totally surrounded by water: the Sea of Japan to the east, the Sakai Channel to the north and Lake Nakaumi to the west. Across the lake the towns of Matsue and Yasugi offer interesting experiences. Matsue is known as the “Town of Water” next to scenic Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi. It has one of the very few wooden castles that still remain in Japan. Touring the castle and boat rides on the Horikawa River and the castle’s moat are popular. Yasugi has the Adachi Museum of Art, a private museum that houses one of the finest collections of contemporary Japanese paintings, but also has a 165,000 square metres garden –with plants and rocks collected by the museum’s founder. Six different gardens show different scenarios depending on the season. These gardens have been selected as “Japan’s best garden” for several years.
About Busan
White-sand city beaches and hot-spring resorts may not be everyone's first image of Korea, but these are what Koreans flock to Busan for all year. And there are plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation, retail therapy, and even a touch of glamour every October with the Busan International Film Festival. Busan's beaches are the big summertime draw but there is plenty to be seen year round. Quintessential experiences include taking some rest and relaxation at a local spa and exploring the Beomeosa temple complex.
About Shimonoseki
About Itsukushima
The small island of Miyajima (“The Shrine Island”) is known for the Floating Torii Gate, which is one of “The Three Most Beautiful Views” of Japan. Built in the water, the Torii Gate leads to the Itsukushima Shrine and at high tide it seems to float. The Torii Gate is one of the most photographed sites in all of Japan. There are many more shrines and paths on Miyajima that are inviting to walk. Mount Misen has a cable car leading partly up to the top with nice views and wild monkeys and deer roaming the trails.
About Hiroshima
History buffs will want to write home Hiroshima. Despite being devastated in 1945, this Japanese city is known to all for its commitment peace – its ruin on the 6th August 1945 led to the end of the war and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) , is a constant reminder of the destruction that war brings. A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace Memorial Park brings quiet contemplation. The Flames of Peace – set in the park’s central feature pond – burn brightly and will continue to do so until all the nuclear bombs I the world have been destroyed. There are many other inspiring messages of hope around the city too; the Children’s’ Peace Monument just north of the park is a homage to little Sadako Sasaki, who was just two in 1945. When she developed leukemia in 1956, she believed that if she folded 1,000 paper cranes – a symbol of longevity and happiness in Japan – she would recover. Sadly she died before she finished her task but her classmates finished the rest. It is impossible to ignore the events of 1945 in Hiroshima, but this is far from a depressing place. The great efforts that have been made in rebuilding of the city over the years have given Hiroshima a vibrant, eclectic edge, with the downtown shopping area and street food stalls being well worth a visit. The proximity to Miyajima and its iconic, impressive, Torii gate should not be overlooked either. If you are lucky enough to visit during the unpredictable and short-lived Sakura (cherry blossom) season, then the extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom floating across the water to the red gate, means you can consider yourself one of the luckiest people on the planet.
About Kochi
About Kobe
Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. 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, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.
About Toba
About Shimizu
The salt and pepper cone of Japan's most famous natural landmark won’t fail to take your breath away, as it soars into the sky in a vision of spectacular symmetry. Make sure your camera is fully prepared before you dock in Shimizu’s port, where unparalleled views of the extraordinary Mount Fuji’s dramatic peak await. Take your time to soak up one of Japan's most iconic views, before dipping your toes into the rest of what this destination of tranquil temples has to offer. While there’s a bustling fish market, and a charming amusement park waiting close to the port, most new arrivals immediately set off in pursuit of the best views of Mount Fuji, or to see the stunning panorama on offer from the heights of the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Take the cable car up to the top, to experience the tranquillity around the forested shrine, and to enjoy its stunning architecture of deep scarlets and gleaming golds. You can also enjoy heart-stopping views out over the Bay of Suruga, and the tea plantations below.
About Tokyo
Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.
Handcrafted and extraordinary in every way, our Owner’s Penthouse Suites are the ultimate indulgence. Boasting the best views on board, a private spa pool on the spacious terrace, dedicated lounge and dining area, a super-sized bathroom with dual vitality mist showers, and a personalised butler service, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Suite Features
At an enormous 195m² in size, the Owner’s Penthouse Suites are located on Deck 9.
Suite names and amenities are the same across both Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, however, both have been thoughtfully curated to suit the cruising experience of these ships.
Spacious Terrace & Pool
Your curved terrace, complete with a personal private spa pool and sun loungers, is the perfect place to indulge in ultra-luxury relaxation.
Super-sized Bathroom
Featuring a super-sized bathroom, your relaxation and comfort are enhanced with a dual steam shower, therapeutic spa bath and guest powder room with dual vanity.
Priority Reservations & Embarkation
Guests in our Owner’s Penthouse Suite will enjoy the privilege of priority dining in the specialty restaurants as well as priority choice of Scenic Freechoice, Scenic Discovery, helicopter^ and submersible^ excursions. VIP embarkation and disembarkation are standard inclusions at the start and finish of your cruise.
Amenities & Features
- Spacious terrace with lounge area, sun loungers and private spa pool
- Spa Day Bed - transforming for in-suite private spa experience
- A separate bedroom with luxury king-size Scenic Slumber Bed and his and hers walk-in wardrobe
- Personalised butler service
- Therapeutic spa bath
- Dual vitality mist shower with colour light therapy
- Guest powder room, dual vanity, VIP amenities and Dyson hairdryer
- Walk-in robe
- In-suite dining with seating for up to eight guests
- A full complimentary mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagnes and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stocked daily
- Canapes and petite fours delivered to your suite
- Complimentary laundry service~
- Guaranteed dining reservations
- Priority choice of shore excursions
- VIP embarkation and disembarkation
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air
- The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society Bureau Veritas
Marvel at incredible panoramic seascapes from the front of Scenic Eclipse as you relax on your spacious terrace in our luxurious Panorama Suites.
Located on Deck 6 and 8 at the front of the Discovery Yacht and overlooking the bow, these remarkable suites feature a spacious curved terrace, perfect for marvelling at incredible wildlife and landscapes.
Suite Features
Ranging in size from 105-110m², grandeur and style are taken to a whole new level in our Panorama and Grand Panorama Suites.
Suite names and amenities are the same across both Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, however, both have been thoughtfully curated to suit the cruising experience of these ships.
Separate Lounge & Bedroom
These grand suites include a host of special features and services. Curl up in your lounge with a kindle e-book from your in-suite library and sip your favourite aperitif, personally delivered by your butler. All before enjoying an intimate dining experience, in the plush and private surroundings of your suite. Even from the comfort of your bedroom, you’ll never miss a photo opportunity – accessing the outside world through your drop-down balcony window, with the gentle touch of a button, and with your in-suite binoculars.
Spacious Terrace
Your curved terrace is the perfect place to relax on a sun lounger and be the first to spot wildlife and incredible landscapes.
Luxurious Bathroom
The luxurious Panorama Suite bathrooms feature a vitality mist shower with colour light therapy, full bath, dual vanity, VIP amenities and Dyson hairdryer.
Priority Reservations & Embarkation
Guests in our Panorama Suites will enjoy the privilege of priority dining in the specialty restaurants as well as priority choice of Scenic Freechoice, Scenic Discovery, helicopter^ and submersible^ excursions. VIP embarkation and disembarkation are standard inclusions at the start and finish of your cruise.
Amenities & Features
- Spacious terrace with sun loungers and in-suite binoculars for optimal viewing
- Bedroom suite with luxury king size Scenic Slumber Bed, reading alcove, walk-in robe, desk, ambient lighting options and HDTV
- Spacious bathroom with vitality mist shower with colour light therapy, full bath, dual vanity, VIP amenities and Dyson hairdryer
- Personalised butler service, in-suite beverage and dining service
- Separate lounge and dining area with a four-seat dining table, cinema surround HDTV with Bose® speakers
- A full complementary mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagne and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stocked daily
- Complimentary laundry service~
- Priority dining in specialty restaurants and guaranteed dining reservations
- Priority choice of shore excursions
- VIP embarkation and disembarkation
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air
- The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society Bureau Veritas
Imagine returning from an exhilarating day of all-inclusive excursions to your private hideaway and relaxing in your luxurious spa bath. Our indulgent Spa Suites will provide the ultimate rejuvenation.
Suite Features
Ranging in size from 46-50m², our Spa Suites are located on Deck 8 and 9.
Suite names and amenities are the same across both Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, however, both have been thoughtfully curated to suit the cruising experience of these ships.
Lounge and Sleeping Area
With a premier location on the higher Decks 8 and 9 and an impressive 46-50m2 in size, our opulent Spa Suites provide the most inviting of ultra-luxury retreats. Featuring a separate sleep zone with a four-poster king-size Scenic Slumber Bed, a lounge area as well as a private verandah, they are the perfect retreat after a day of discovery.
Luxurious Spa
Step into the private sanctuary of your Spa Suite and soak in a steaming bath drawn by your butler. Gaze out over your verandah to the vistas beyond and sip on a glass of Champagne – heaven.
Scenic Eclipse I features the signature double-sized Philippe Starck-designed spa bath, while Scenic Eclipse II offers a luxurious circular spa bath overlooking your verandah. Exclusive to these suites, the baths provide the perfect way to rejuvenate after your day of activities.
There are variations between the Spa Suite configurations on Scenic Eclipse I and II, and these distinctions are subject to the respective ship's specifications and design.
Private Verandah
Your private verandah is the perfect place to unwind. Be immersed in the tranquillity of the sea or be the first to catch sight of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Amenities & Features
- Luxury king-size Scenic Slumber Bed, separate sleeping zone and lounge area with reading chair
- An expansive bathroom with a rectangular spa bath on Scenic Eclipse I and circular spa bath on Scenic Eclipse II
- A steam shower, with oversized head and soothing light therapy
- Dual vanity basins, luxurious amenities and Dyson hairdryer
- Walk-in robe
- A full complimentary mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagnes and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stoked daily.
- Personalised butler service
- Complimentary laundry service~
- Guaranteed dining reservations
- Priority choice of shore excursions
- VIP embarkation and disembarkation
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air
- The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society Bureau Veritas
Our generously-sized Grand Deluxe Verandah Suites are your own private hideaway, furnished with the finest ultra-luxury amenities, including a plush king-size bed, pillow menu, walk-in wardrobe and a lounge area to relax in after a day of discovery.
Suite Features
Ranging in size from 32 - 34m², located on Deck 5 to 8, each suite includes:
Lounge & Sleeping Area
Your private hideaway is furnished with the finest ultra-luxury amenities, including plush king-size bed, pillow menu and a lounge area where you can relax after a day of discovery.
Private Verandah
Admire your window to the world. These incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed suites feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto sprawling vistas, spectacular seascapes and marvellous marine life. Your private verandah or terrace is the perfect place to unwind as a new world of wonder moves by.
Amenities & Features
- A private verandah with in-suite binoculars for optimal viewing
- Luxury king-size Scenic Slumber Bed
- Separate sleeping zone and lounge area
- En-suite bathroom with shower and vanity
- Luxury bathroom amenities and Dyson hairdryer
- Ambient lighting options
- Personalised butler service
- A full complimentary mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagne and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stocked daily
- In-suite beverage and dining service
- HDTV entertainment system and Bose® speakers
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air
- The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society Bureau Veritas
Our spacious Verandah & Deluxe Verandah Suites are thoughtfully designed with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto a private verandah or terrace. Enjoy unwinding in the separate lounge area with your choice of refreshment.
Suite Features
Ranging in size from 32 - 34m², located on Deck 5 to 8, each suite includes:
Lounge & Sleeping Area
Your private hideaway is furnished with the finest ultra-luxury amenities, including plush king-size bed, pillow menu and a lounge area where you can relax after a day of discovery.
Private Verandah
Admire your window to the world. These incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed suites feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto sprawling vistas, spectacular seascapes and marvellous marine life. Your private verandah or terrace is the perfect place to unwind as a new world of wonder moves by.
Amenities & Features
- A private verandah with in-suite binoculars for optimal viewing
- Luxury king-size Scenic Slumber Bed
- Separate sleeping zone and lounge area
- En-suite bathroom with shower and vanity
- Luxury bathroom amenities and Dyson hairdryer
- Ambient lighting options
- Personalised butler service
- A full complimentary mini-bar stocked with wines, Champagne and spirits personalised to your preference, including illy coffee and specialty teas re-stocked daily
- In-suite beverage and dining service
- HDTV entertainment system and Bose® speakers
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) provides 100% fresh air
- The highest sound insulation as per the marine class society Bureau Veritas
Scenic Eclipse II
Designed as a sister ship to Scenic Eclipse, our newest Discovery Yacht features enhanced wellness experiences in the Senses Spa and a new Sky Bar and Vitality pool on Deck 10. Scenic Eclipse II will sail the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere in 2024 and 2025, including the next frontier of East Antarctica, Australia, the South Pacific and Asia.
Ship Facts
| Speed | 17 | ||||||||||
| Width | 22 | ||||||||||
| Length | 168 | ||||||||||
| Capacity | 228 | ||||||||||
| Currency | USD | ||||||||||
| Language | en-US | ||||||||||
| Crew Count | 176 | ||||||||||
| Deck Count | 8 | ||||||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||||||
| Cabin Count | 114 | ||||||||||
| Launch Year | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 17085 | ||||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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||||||||||
| Large Cabin Count | 0 | ||||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | 0 |
Deck 10
- Sky Deck Bar
- Sky Deck Pool
- Cabanas
- Elevator
Deck 9
- Owner's Penthouse Suite
- Two-bedroom Penthouse Suite
- Spa Suite
- Elevator
Deck 8
- Panorama Suite
- Spa Suite
- Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Verandah Suite
- Helicopter Hangar
- Helipad
- Elevator
Deck 7
- Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Verandah Suite
- Yacht Club
- Yacht Club Outdoor Dining
- Hanging Chairs
- Elevator
- Yoga & Pilates
- Gym & Fitness Area
- Wheelhouse
Deck 6
- Grand Panorama Suite
- Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Verandah Suite
- Elevator
- Spa Vitality Pool
- Senses Spa
Deck 5
- Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Deluxe Verandah Suite
- Verandah Suite
- Elevator
- Self-Service Laundry
- Lumière
- Azure Bar & Café
- Scenic Épicure
- Observation Lounge & Library
- Observation Terrace
- Marina Entrances
Deck 4
- Elevator
- Koko's
- Night Market @ Koko's
- Sushi @ Koko's
- Chef's Table @ Elements
- Elements
- Guest Services
- Scenic Lounge
- Scenic Bar
- Boutique
- Theatre
Deck 3
- Elevator
- Marina Entrances
- Medical Centre
- Self-Service Guest Laundry
- Discovery Centre
With up to 10 unique dining experiences featuring a range of flavours and cuisines, you can pick the setting to match your mood.
Dining and beverages curated to your tastes
- Culinary team of over 38 chefs from 15 countries
- More than 3,000 recipes in the menu repertoire curated to reflect the regions we sail in
- Locally sourced produce
- Delectable options to suit all dietary requirements - from gluten-free to vegetarian, vegan and more
- Premium selection of beverages available all day
- A range of over 100 premium Champagne, sparkling, red, white, rosé and dessert wines, with daily selections inspired by your destination
Koko's Asian Fusion
Night Market @ Koko's
Night Market @ Koko’s features a classic teppanyaki grill. Enjoy real interaction with the chef as he guides you on an inspired journey of the night market dishes from Asia, India and the Middle East, preparing dishes right in front of you. This experience is not the usual show you may envisage, where food is thrown and eggs cracked on the grill. Rather, it is an intimate dining experience for only eight guests and the chef. There are waiters continuously circulating with beverages and making sure the guests are well attended. Bookings are required for the Night Market @ Koko’s dining, located on Deck 4.
Elements
Chef's Table @ Elements
Lumière Restaurant & Champagne Bar
Sushi & Sake Bar @ Koko's
Azure Bar & Café
Yacht Club
Chef's Garden @ Épicure
In-Suite Dining
Scenic Eclipse II takes ocean cruising to a whole new level of luxury and elegance. Your time on board will be one of world-class indulgence and absolute discovery. From the ultimate spa experience to the spacious lounges and bars, outdoor terraces, pool and jacuzzis, not to mention the theatre and of course your own private verandah, the luxurious wonders on board Scenic Eclipse never cease.
Observation Lounge
State-of-the-Art Theatre
Sky Bar
The Sky Bar can be found on Deck 10.
Sky Deck
The Sky Deck can be found on Deck 10.