Itinerary
- Day 1
Fukuoka
You arrive in Fukuoka and head to your luxury hotel in the city center. After settling in, there's a welcome reception to meet fellow travelers and get oriented for the next two weeks ahead.
- Day 2
Fukuoka
This morning you'll check out Shofukuji Temple, Kushida Shrine, and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum to get a sense of local history. In the afternoon, you can either take a scenic boat ride in Yanagawa or spend time at Fukuoka Tower and the castle ruins. By evening, head to the famous yatai food stalls where you'll try yakitori, oden, or ramen cooked right in front of you.
Included Activities
- Visit Shofukuji Temple, Japan's first Zen Temple
- Visit Kushida Shrine
- Visit Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
Optional Activities
- Kawakudari boat ride and Yanagawa Ohana - cruise along the 930km of canals in Yanagawa (Venice of Kyushu), visit the Tachibana family villa
- Visit Fukuoka Tower (234m tall) with 360-degree observation deck
- Explore Edo Period ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park
Landmarks Shofukuji Temple Kushida Shrine Hakata Machiya Folk Museum Fukuoka Tower Fukuoka Castle Yanagawa Yanagawa Ohana - Day 3
Fukuoka - Kitakyushu - Hiroshima
You'll drive to Moji Port District to see its international trading heritage, then visit the TOTO Museum to learn about Japan's high-tech toilet innovations. After that, it's on to the Shinkansen bullet train heading to Hiroshima. There you'll explore Peace Park and Museum, create an origami donation at Orizuru Tower, and check into your hotel. For dinner, try okonomiyaki, the local specialty savory pancake the region is known for.
- Meals
- Dinner (Okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese-style pancake specialty of the region)
Included Activities
- Visit Moji Port District
- Visit TOTO Museum
- Visit Peace Park and Museum
- Create origami donation at Orizuru Tower
- Sample Okonomiyaki dinner
Landmarks Moji Port District TOTO Museum Peace Park and Museum Orizuru Tower - Day 4
Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
A ferry takes you to Miyajima Island where you'll see Daisho-in Temple and the iconic floating Torii Gate at Itsukushima Shrine. You have free time in Hiroshima to explore on your own. If you're traveling April through December, there's an evening performance of Kagura, a Shinto ritual ceremonial dance, which offers a different perspective on Japanese traditions.
Included Activities
- Visit Daisho-in Temple
- Visit Itsukushima Shrine and floating Torii Gate
Optional Activities
- Kagura performance, a Shinto ritual ceremonial dance (April-December only)
Landmarks Daisho-in Temple Itsukushima Shrine - Day 5
Hiroshima - Okayama
The Shinkansen carries you to Okayama, where you'll visit Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens built 300 years ago. You'll also learn about the local sake brewing process and get to sample some examples. Then you check into your hotel for the next two nights and settle in.
Included Activities
- Visit 300-year-old Korakuen Garden
- Learn about sake brewing process and sample local sake
Landmarks Korakuen Garden - Day 6
Okayama - Naoshima Island
A ferry from Uno Port takes you to Naoshima Island, famous for its modern art museums and sculptures including Yayoi Kusama's giant pumpkin. You'll walk through the Art House Project's collection of abandoned buildings that have been turned into art installations. Lunch is at Benesse House, followed by visits to Lee Ufan Museum and Chichu Art Museum. By evening you're back in Okayama.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Benesse House)
Included Activities
- Visit Art House Project collection of abandoned houses, workshops, temple and shrine converted into art installations
- Visit Lee Ufan Museum
- Visit Chichu Art Museum
- Lunch at Benesse House
Landmarks Naoshima Island Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin Art House Project Benesse House Lee Ufan Museum Chichu Art Museum - Day 7
Okayama - Himeji - Osaka
The Shinkansen stops at Himeji Castle, Japan's most spectacular feudal castle and one of the few remaining original structures. Then you continue on to Osaka and check into your hotel for three nights with full club lounge access included in your special stay package.
Included Activities
- Visit Himeji Castle
Landmarks Himeji Castle - Day 8
Osaka
You'll wander through Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, which has been around for almost 400 years, then explore Kuromon Ichiba Market, known locally as Osaka's kitchen. Next is a Sumo Museum visit in Kehayaza where you'll learn about wrestler history, training, and watch demonstrations. Later, take advantage of your club lounge benefits and explore the lively Dotonbori area and Hozenji Yokocho food alley.
Included Activities
- Wander through Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
- Explore Kuromon Ichiba Market
- Private visit to Sumo Museum with welcome ceremony, Jinku (traditional folkloric songs) demonstration, and wrestler demonstration
Optional Activities
- Explore Dotonbori entertainment area and Hozenji Yokocho food alley
Landmarks Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street Kuromon Ichiba Market Sumo Museum Kehayaza Dotonbori Hozenji Yokocho - Day 9
Osaka - Nara - Kyoto
You'll drive to Todaiji Temple, a World Heritage site from 752 with an enormous 15-meter tall bronze Buddha statue inside. The nearby Nara Park is home to curious deer you can see. Then it's on to Kyoto where you'll participate in a Japanese tea ceremony dressed in traditional kimono. Check into your special stay hotel with executive lounge access. There's also an optional traditional ryokan experience available if pre-booked.
Included Activities
- Visit Todaiji Temple, World Heritage-listed Historic Monument of Ancient Nara
- See 15-metre tall bronze Buddha statue
- Visit Nara Park and see the deer
- Japanese tea ceremony while dressed in traditional kimono
Optional Activities
- Stay in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn with tatami mat flooring, futon beds, sliding shoji doors, private bath, included dinner and breakfast) - must be pre-booked before departure
Landmarks Todaiji Temple Nara Park - Day 10
Kyoto
You explore Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion completely covered in gold leaf with its beautiful gardens. A traditional rickshaw ride takes you through the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Then choose between the Samurai and Ninja Museum for hands-on armor and weapon experience, or Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with exceptional feudal era palace architecture.
Included Activities
- Explore gardens and visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Ride through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by traditional rickshaw
Optional Activities
- Samurai & Ninja Museum - 30-minute guided tour, wear authentic Samurai armor, hold a sword, throw ninja stars and shuriken
- Visit Nijo Castle, UNESCO World Heritage Site, built 1603 as residence of first shogun
Landmarks Kinkaku-ji Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Samurai & Ninja Museum Nijo Castle - Day 11
Kyoto - 5 Lakes District
There's an optional early morning visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine to see the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates. The Shinkansen takes you to Hakone where you explore Chokokuno Mori, an open air museum. Then you drive to the Fuji Five Lakes district beneath Mt Fuji and settle into your hotel, enjoying views of the lake from your room.
- Meals
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Early morning visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine to beat the crowds and see its thousands of vermilion torii gates
Landmarks Fushimi Inari Shrine Chokokuno Mori Mount Fuji - Day 12
5 Lakes District - Tokyo
Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum dedicated to Japanese textile artist Kubota and his acclaimed tsujigahana technique kimonos. You'll drive to Tokyo for lunch, then explore teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum with immersive displays created by projectors, lights and computers. Check into your 5-star luxury special stay hotel with direct access to four subway lines, overlooking Imperial Palace and Hie Jinja Shrine. Select your dining choice from Ninja Akasaka, Nobu Tokyo, or izakaya nightlife experiences.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
- Visit teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum
Optional Activities
- Dinner at Ninja Akasaka with ninja-themed dining experience
- Dinner at Nobu Tokyo, fusion of traditional Japanese and Peruvian cuisine
- Izakaya Nightlife - Yaki-tori and Kushiyaki dinner at local bars in traditional Japanese style
Landmarks Itchiku Kubota Art Museum teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum Imperial Palace Hie Jinja Shrine - Day 13
Tokyo
Spend time in Asakusa, Tokyo's historic low city with narrow traditional laneways and historic shopfronts. Pay respects at Sensoji Temple, the city's oldest Buddhist temple built in 645. Choose between exploring Meiji Shrine's tranquil evergreen forest and crossing the world's busiest pedestrian crossing at Shibuya near the famous Hachiko dog statue, or stroll through Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens and explore Shinjuku's shopping and entertainment districts.
Included Activities
- Visit Asakusa district
- Visit Sensoji Temple
Optional Activities
- Visit Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing - explore evergreen forest complex, walk world's busiest pedestrian crossing, see famous Hachiko dog statue
- Cultural Shinjuku and Gyoen Gardens - stroll through Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens for cherry blossoms, visit Shinjuku's shopping and entertainment districts
Landmarks Asakusa Sensoji Temple Meiji Shrine Shibuya Crossing Hachiko statue Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens Shinjuku - Day 14
Tokyo
Get a bird's eye view of Tokyo from Tokyo Sky Tree at 634 meters tall. Participate in an interactive private group lesson playing taiko drums with renowned masters. You'll have the rest of the day free for last-minute shopping before joining fellow guests for your farewell dinner this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit Tokyo Sky Tree - panoramic views from world's tallest tower at 634 metres
- Interactive private group Taiko drum lesson with renowned Taiko masters
- Farewell dinner
Landmarks Tokyo Sky Tree - Day 15
Tokyo - Ho Chi Minh City
You transfer to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. After arriving, check into your downtown hotel in the heart of the city. Meet your Tour Director and fellow guests at your welcome dinner to kick off the second leg of your journey.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner)
Included Activities
- Meet Tour Director and fellow guests at welcome dinner
- Day 16
Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and spend the morning learning about this hidden underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war. You'll return to the city for a pho lunch, then the afternoon is yours to relax. Pick your dining experience from a vespa night tour with local street food, Mandarine Restaurant with imperial Hue cuisine, Noir Dining in the Dark, a Saigon vintage jeep street food experience, or buffet at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Pho lunch)
Included Activities
- Visit Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about Viet Cong operations
- Pho lunch
Optional Activities
- Vespa ride night tour - experienced driver navigates traffic, stops at best local spots for authentic Vietnamese street food and unlimited drinks
- Dinner at Mandarine Restaurant - imperial Hue court style with individual Vietnamese dishes
- Dinner at Noir Dining in the Dark - restaurant supporting blind and visually impaired community
- Vintage Jeep street food and bars experience in Saigon
- Dinner at Buffet 19 at your hotel
Landmarks Cu Chi Tunnels - Day 17
Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Cruise
After breakfast you check out and visit the War Museum and Reunification Palace, famous for the 1975 tank invasion. Then it's a coach transfer to My Tho where you board the Scenic Spirit cruise ship. There's a cocktail reception and ship orientation, followed by your welcome dinner. After settling into your private suite with personal butler service, you'll sail for about 4 hours to Cai Be and anchor overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Welcome dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit War Museum
- Visit Reunification Palace
- Cocktail reception hosted by Cruise Director
- Welcome dinner
- Scenic Spirit cruise embarkation
Landmarks War Museum Reunification Palace - Day 18
Cai Be - Sa Dec
Start with a gourmet champagne breakfast, then explore Cai Be. Choose between a sampan tour to Tan Phong Island with water hyacinth weaving and fruit orchards, rice-paper and sweet factories, or afternoon tea at Le Longanier French colonial house with traditional Vietnamese music, or a hands-on cocktail making class on ship. Later you sail to Sa Dec, explore the wet market by sampan, and visit the home of the Chinese merchant that inspired 'L'Amant' novel. Swim at sunset before enjoying a themed dinner and lion dance performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Gourmet champagne breakfast), Lunch (Lunch whilst sailing to Sa Dec), Dinner (Themed dinner on board with lion dance performance by locals)
Included Activities
- Gourmet champagne breakfast
- Explore Cai Be
- Lunch whilst sailing to Sa Dec
- Evening themed dinner on board
- Lion dance performance by locals
Optional Activities
- Sampan tour to Tan Phong Island - water hyacinth weaving workshop, motorised buggy through fruit orchards, rice-paper and sweet factory workshop in Cai Be town
- Afternoon tea at Le Longanier French colonial house with local band and traditional Vietnamese songs performance
- Hands-on cocktail/mocktail making class on ship with fresh local ingredients
Landmarks Tan Phong Island Cai Be Sa Dec wet market House of Huynh Thuy Le - Day 19
Tan Chau - Border Crossing
This morning offers yoga, gym, or sauna on board. Choose from a sampan through Tra Su Bird Sanctuary with over 100 waterbird species, a traditional village experience on Evergreen Island with xe loi rickshaw and colorful Cao Dai temple visit, or a speedboat to Chau Doc city and Tay An temple followed by a sampan through Vinh Te canal. After lunch on ship, you sail to the Vietnamese-Cambodian border for immigration and overnight sail to Phnom Penh.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning yoga class
- On-board gym
- Sauna access
- Lunch on board
- Border crossing
Optional Activities
- Tra Su Bird Sanctuary - sampan through tranquil waterways with mangroves, 850 hectare eco-reserve with 100+ waterbird species
- Evergreen Island morning with local farmers, xe loi (three-wheeled rickshaw) ride to Cao Dai temple
- Speedboat to Chau Doc city and Tay An temple at Sam Mountain, sampan to Vinh Te canal, visit Chau Doc riverfront
Landmarks Tra Su Bird Sanctuary Tra Su Forest Evergreen Island Cao Dai temple Tan Chau Chau Doc Tay An temple Sam Mountain Vinh Te canal - Day 20
Phnom Penh
You arrive in Phnom Penh early morning. After breakfast, choose between visiting the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for historical insight, a hands-on cooking class with a local chef at the market, or a remork tuk tuk tour of French architecture and backstreets ending at Central Market. Return to ship for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax. Later join the Phnom Penh by City Lights tour, explore nightlife, and visit a local rum distillery for Scenic Sunset Drinks tasting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on board)
Included Activities
- Lunch on board
Optional Activities
- Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum tour - explore former prison documenting Khmer Rouge regime
- Hands-on cooking class - market visit with local chef and prepare your own Cambodian lunch
- Remork (tuk tuk) tour of French architecture and backstreets, Central Market shopping
Landmarks Killing Fields Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Central Market - Day 21
Phnom Penh - Oudong
A short bus drive takes you to Oudong, Cambodia's ancient capital. You'll experience life at the peaceful monastery with monks and nuns, possibly witnessing festivals or traditional rituals. Back in the city, discover the opulent Royal Palace and the famous Silver Pagoda built in the 1860s on the riverfront. Watch a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children's Organisation on board, then enjoy a Sundowner cocktail reception as the ship departs for Silk Island.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Oudong monastery and experience monks' and nuns' life
- Visit Phnom Penh's Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Cambodian Student and Children's Organisation cultural performance
- Sundowner cocktail reception on Sundeck
Optional Activities
- Participate in festivals and traditional rituals at Oudong monastery
Landmarks Oudong Royal Palace Silver Pagoda - Day 22
Silk Island - Angkor Ban
Explore Oknha Tey, also called Silk Island, dedicated to silk weaving. Travel by traditional tuk tuk to the farm, meet workers, and learn about silk production. Return to ship for lunch and free time to relax by the pool with cocktails. Later, travel to Angkor Ban, a small settlement with historic wooden houses over 100 years old that survived Khmer Rouge destruction. Learn traditional ways to wear the krama scarf as the ship sails toward Kampong Cham.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Oknha Tey silk farm by traditional tuk tuk and learn silk production
- Explore Angkor Ban and historic wooden houses
- Learn to wear krama (traditional Cambodian scarf)
Landmarks Oknha Tey Angkor Ban - Day 23
Wat Hanchey - Kampong Cham
Meet novice monks at Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery. Walk or drive to the top for elevated views. Receive a traditional blessing, learn Buddhist prayer, and participate in an alms ceremony. Sail back to Kampong Cham and choose between exploring Phnom Pros mountaintop pagoda with Buddha Garden and monkeys, visiting Wat Nokor Bachey, exploring Kampong Cham's French colonial shop houses and rubber plantation with betel nut village, or visiting Kho Penh Village on Bamboo Island by remork. Return to ship to enjoy sunset before your farewell dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner with crew)
Included Activities
- Meet novice monks at Wat Hanchey
- Receive traditional blessing from monk
- Learn Buddhist prayer in pagoda
- Participate in alms ceremony
- Farewell dinner with crew
Optional Activities
- Phnom Pros mountaintop pagoda with Buddha Garden and local monkeys, Wat Nokor Bachey (unique blend of Angkorian and new temple)
- Explore Kampong Cham history - French colonial shop houses, Central Market, local rubber plantation, betel nut village
- Visit Kho Penh Village on Bamboo Island via remork, bamboo bridge or ferry for rural farmer lifestyle experience
Landmarks Wat Hanchey Phnom Pros Wat Nokor Bachey Central Market Kho Penh Village Bamboo Island - Day 24
Mekong Cruise - Siem Reap
You journey to Siem Reap with stops at Kampong Tom and the Angkorian bridge in Kampong Kdei. Check into your luxury hotel styled with French-inspired architecture and local furnishings for three nights. This evening, enjoy VIP premium reserved seating at the colorful Cambodian Phare Circus featuring theatre, music, dance, and modern circus arts telling Cambodian stories.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Kampong Tom
- Visit Angkorian bridge in Kampong Kdei
- VIP premium reserved seating at Phare Circus
Landmarks Kampong Tom Angkorian bridge Kampong Kdei Phare Circus - Day 25
Siem Reap
Start with a champagne buffet breakfast at your hotel. Choose from multiple options: visit 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple with pinkish sandstone then Landmine Museum, or Senteurs d'Angkor workshop making soap and cosmetics, or village walk through Ta Brak, or Tonle Sap sailing through floating villages (July-February), or Angkor Wildlife Aquarium with behind-the-scenes tour, or hot air balloon flight over Angkor Wat then Lotus Flower workshop. In the afternoon visit Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, during perfect afternoon light. Evening is free to shop at night markets.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Champagne buffet breakfast at hotel), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Champagne buffet breakfast at hotel
- Afternoon visit to Angkor Wat
Optional Activities
- Visit Banteay Srei Temple (Ladies Temple, 10th-century) and Landmine Museum (founded 1997)
- Senteurs d'Angkor workshop - hands-on production of soap, cosmetics, balms, candles, and local spices
- Village walk through Ta Brak Village
- Sail on Tonle Sap (July-February) UNESCO biosphere reserve, experience floating village life
- Angkor Wildlife Aquarium - behind-the-scenes tour, animal care and feeding sessions, meet park stars
- Tethered balloon ride over Angkor Wat and Siem Reap skyline, visit Lotus Flower workshop
Landmarks Banteay Srei Temple Landmine Museum Ta Brak Village Tonle Sap Angkor Wildlife Aquarium Angkor Wat Siem Reap night markets Pub Street - Day 26
Siem Reap
Experience an early morning Scenic Enrich to watch sunrise over Angkor Wat followed by champagne breakfast at a special temple location prepared by a Scenic-sponsored local bakery school. Visit the jungle-covered Ta Prohm Temple, then explore Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. Your afternoon is free to explore markets or relax at your luxury hotel. Tonight you'll attend an exclusive private gala dinner at Prasat Kravan, a 10th-century temple, with free flow drinks and Apsara dancer performances by candlelit temple ruins.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Champagne breakfast at special temple location prepared by Scenic-sponsored NGO-supported local bakery school), Lunch, Dinner (Private magical gala themed dinner at Prasat Kravan with free flow drinks and Apsara dancer performance in front of candle-lit temple ruins)
Included Activities
- Early morning sunrise viewing over Angkor Wat
- Champagne breakfast at temple location (prepared by NGO-supported local bakery school)
- Visit Ta Prohm Temple
- Visit Angkor Thom
- Visit Bayon Temple
- Private magical gala themed dinner at Prasat Kravan with free flow drinks and Apsara dancer performance
Landmarks Angkor Wat Ta Prohm Temple Angkor Thom Bayon Temple Prasat Kravan - Day 27
Siem Reap
Bid farewell to fellow travelers and the Scenic team as you depart Cambodia. Transfer to the airport and head home with memories from your two-week journey through Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
