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The Japan Culinary Adventure is a remarkable journey of discovery using Japanese cuisine as a window into the culture, art and ritual of this ancient society. Orion guests will have the opportunity to discover Japan and its ancient culture through the amazing diversity of Japanese food. At each port of call, this small ship cruise will discover a different Japanese dish, learn its history and visit local markets to shop for ingredients. Expert on board chefs will teach you how to prepare and present the world’s favorite Japanese dishes. And then of course, we’ll come together on board Orion II to enjoy traditional Japanese dining.

Japan Culinary Adventure onshore explorations will include the markets where the locals shop, like the famous Jalgachi Fish Market in Busan. We’ll explore the amazing variety of seafood, prepare mouth-watering Kobe beef, the most famous beef in the world, and learn why the notorious fugu puffer fish can be lethal and yet is sought by gourmet food lovers the world over. There can be no better way to experience Japan’s culture than through the complexities and culture of the Japanese food experience. The ritual, history and philosophy of the Japanese all find expression at their table. Enjoy every taste on this unique voyage of discovery. The Japan Culinary Adventure will feature master sushi chef Hideo Dekura.

Day 1 - Embark Orion II Kobe Japan

In 1180, Kobe was briefly the ancient capital of Japan and an important hub for trade with China and other countries. Today it is an important and vibrant city - this is the city that gave its name to the world famous Kobe beef. There are regular flights from Tokyo to Kobe to connect with Orion II

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Shimonoseki, Honshu Island

Home to the oldest Zen building in Japan, the Kozanji Temple built in 1327, as well as the highly toxic but much sought after puffer fish known as fugu. Shimonoseki has the largest wholesale fugu market in Japan and there is a great mystique surrounding this notorious dish. It must be prepared with absolute precision or else the toxin in certain parts of the fish can be fatal. Nevertheless, fugu sashimi is one of the most celebrated dishes in Japanese cuisine. The apprenticeship to prepare the fish carefully and extract the toxic parts can take a fugu chef up to three years. Gourmet diners will come from across Japan and the world to sample the sashimi and other dishes prepared from it. The Japanese have eaten fugu cor centuries and the soft roe of the fish is a highly prized delicacy. Many farmers produce new style of fugu, which is reputed to be non toxic. Does it really taste as good? Does it have the same thrill as the real thing? Just some of hte fascinating aspects to perhaps one of the most curious seafoods in the world.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 3 - Busan, South Korea

As Busan has been a close trading port with Japan from the 15th Century, there is a long history of cultural and cuisine exchange between the two countries. No visit to Busan is complete without a visit to the Jalgachi Fish Market. This is Korea's largest seafood market and arguably the best of its kind in the world, where every kind of edible sea creature is on sale. We'll explore tasting all the varieties of Korean seafood and the best ways of preparing them and it's great fun to pick your own fish and bargain with the friendly fish and eel traders. Some of the restaurants in this district are locally famous, with family recipes passed down the generations. Koreans love the braised fish and we'll learn on board how to prepare Saeng Sun Jim with market fresh snapper or cod with mushrooms, shredded cabbage and peppers.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 – Nagasaki, Kyushu Island

We'll explore all aspects of the cuisine of this fascinating city and the contact with European missionaries, Portuguese, Dutch and British traders that date from the 16th century. Its heritage as a fishing village gives Nagasaki a long tradition of seafood dishes and the influence of the European traders is evident in such dishes as Toruko rice (Turkish rice). During this part of our small ship cruise, the onboard team will focus on sushi and sake. Sushi is probably the best-known Japanese food in the world. Since Japan is a collection of rice growing islands surrounded by the ocean, a delicious fusion of rice and seafood was inevitable. Sushi is basically the combination of rice and raw fish, but discovering the art of creating sushi can take a lifetime. Our chefs will take you through the preparation of sushi rice and the correct way to roll sushi for the creation of such delicacies as sushi rolls with prawns, tuna and avocado. The perfect partner for sushi is the Japanese rice wine known as saki. Around 15% alcohol, sometimes sampled warm, other times chilled, there are many different types of sake and much ritual surround it consumption on convivial company. We'll also explore another aspect of Nagasaki. Although this is the site of the second World War II atomic bomb explosion, a visit to the Nagasaki Peace Park is an uplifting and memorable experience.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - At sea

Enjoy the day cruising aboard the Orion II

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands

Okinawa consists of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain over 1000km long. Aside from embracing rice as a stable, local food differs significantly. The Ryukyu Kingdom, the forbearer to Okinawa the Japanese prefecture, picked up much of its culinary styles and techniques from China, as well as other Asian trading national that include Thailand and Korea.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - At sea

Enjoy the day cruising aboard the Orion II

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 8 – Kobe, Honshu Island

As the Orion II cruises to Kobe, you will be introduced to the culinary specialty of the city. Kobe beef is famous for its reputation as being the world's most tender beef, renowned for its flavor. The well marbled texture derives from the special black breed of Wagyu beef cattle raised according to the strict precepts laid down by authorities in the Hyogo Prefecture. Kobe beef is high in demand and commands a premium price so it is well worth taking time to follow its proper preparation. During this part of the cruise, chefs will show you how to identify the famous cuts of beef and how to best prepare them as steak, sukiyaki, shabu shabu and teppanyaki.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Kobe, Japan

Prior to disembarkation you have the option to purchase a coach transfer from the port in Kobe to hotels in Osaka and Kyoto or to Kansai International Airport. Please see the expedition team onboard of you wish to arrange one of these transfers.

There are regular flights from Tokyo airport to Kobe airport.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.

Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilizing our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved on board and charged to your on board account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Arrival/Departure: The Inland Sea of Japan cruise begins in Kobe and ends in Aomori. Embarkation time is between 3:00 – 4:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am. Please schedule flights based on these time frames.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer on board to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring on board sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions:. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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