Japan & South Korea 2027

Sea & Music aboard EXPLORA III

26 October to 5 November 2027

The Musical Highlight

This musical voyage takes you aboard EXPLORA III from Tokyo along the Japanese coast to Busan in South Korea and back to Tokyo. Ports of call include Nagoya, Osaka, Kochi, Hiroshima, Beppu, Nagasaki and Shimonoseki.

At least eight musical performances and events are planned, both on board and ashore. The featured artists include Maxim Vengerov, Marina Rebeka, Bomsori Kim, Jan Lisiecki, Arturo Chacón-Cruz and Chu Yi-Bing. They will be joined by the Sea & Music Orchestra, assembled especially for this voyage with musicians from leading Japanese orchestras.

Jan Lisiecki will perform a piano recital, Marina Rebeka will present a programme of operatic arias, and Bomsori Kim will give a violin recital. In Nagasaki, Maxim Vengerov will perform alongside his daughters as the Vengerov Trio. Towards the end of the voyage, concerts at sea will feature cellist Chu Yi-Bing and Mexican tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz.

Maxim Vengerov at the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple in Kyoto

One of the most memorable days of this journey takes you from Osaka to Kyoto on 28 October 2027.

At the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, Nobutaka Yoshizawa will first perform on the koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument, followed by Junya Okochi on the shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. Maxim Vengerov will then perform Bach's Chaconne.

The included programme also features a guided tour and a Japanese lunch. Part of the musical programme will take place in the Reception Hall, an underground building designed by Japanese architect Shin Takamatsu.

Mozart on Japan's Culture Day

On 3 November 2027, the Sea & Music Orchestra, assembled especially for this voyage, will perform a programme of Mozart's music at Umi no Hall in Shimonoseki. The concert coincides with Bunka no Hi, Japan's national Culture Day.

Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine

An included excursion from Hiroshima takes you to the island of Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its red torii gate standing in the water. There, you will be personally welcomed by Shinto priest Daiyu Yoshida.

The Itinerary

26 October - Tokyo: Embarkation
27 October - Nagoya: Piano recital by Jan Lisiecki
28 October - Osaka: Day trip to Kyoto with a concert at Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
29 October - Kochi: Recital by Marina Rebeka
30 October - Hiroshima: Excursion to Miyajima
31 October - Beppu: Violin recital by Bomsori
1 November - Busan, South Korea
2 November - Nagasaki: Vengerov Trio
3 November - Shimonoseki: Sea & Music Orchestra at Umi no Hall
4 November - At sea: Farewell concerts with Chu Yi-Bing and Arturo Chacón-Cruz
5 November - Tokyo: Disembarkation

Your Home at Sea – EXPLORA III

EXPLORA III is an all-suite luxury ship operated by Explora Journeys. Even the Ocean Terrace Suites offer 28 m² of interior space plus a private terrace. Larger Penthouses and Residences are also available.

On board, you will find a variety of restaurants, bars and lounges, several swimming pools, and spacious wellness and fitness facilities. Dining in the included restaurants, a wide selection of beverages, your in-suite minibar, Wi-Fi and gratuities are all included in the voyage fare. Additional charges may apply for exclusive culinary experiences.

Voyage Prices

26 October to 5 November 2027, 11 days / 10 nights

Ocean Terrace Suite

28 m² + approx. 7 m² private terrace

The Ocean Terrace Suite offers a spacious living and sleeping area with large windows and direct access to your private terrace. Facilities include a walk-in wardrobe, chest of drawers, individually controlled air conditioning, Smart TV and minibar.

Price per person based on double occupancy: €11,500

Single occupancy: on request, limited availability

Ocean Grand Terrace Suite

28 m² + approx. 11 m² private terrace

The Ocean Grand Terrace Suite offers the same generous interior space but features a larger private terrace. Facilities also include large windows, a walk-in wardrobe, chest of drawers, individually controlled air conditioning, Smart TV and minibar.

Price per person based on double occupancy: €13,950

Single occupancy: on request, limited availability

Additional Penthouse and Residence categories are available on request.

Included in the Voyage Price

• 10 nights aboard EXPLORA III in your selected suite category
• At least eight musical performances and events on board and ashore
• Day trip from Osaka to Kyoto, including a concert with Maxim Vengerov and traditional Japanese musicians at Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, as well as lunch
• Concert by the Sea & Music Orchestra at Umi no Hall in Shimonoseki
• Excursion to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima
• Recitals and concerts by the featured artists
• Artist talks, autograph sessions and meet-and-greets
• Dining in the included restaurants, selected beverages on board and an in-suite minibar
• High-speed Wi-Fi and gratuities
• Transfers to concert venues where required
• Personal assistance throughout the voyage

The detailed concert programme will be announced no later than six months before departure. Concert seating will be allocated according to the suite category booked.

Programme subject to change.

Tokyo Before Your Cruise

If you would like to explore Tokyo in greater depth, you can arrive as early as 23 October 2027.

The three-day pre-cruise programme includes visits to Meiji Shrine, Omotesando, Aoyama and Shibuya. An architectural tour introduces buildings designed by Tadao Ando, SANAA, Toyo Ito, Herzog & de Meuron and Kengo Kuma. The programme also includes teamLab Borderless, Japanese craftsmanship and a kaiseki dinner, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal.

You will stay at Bellustar Tokyo in Shinjuku, where the guest rooms are located on the 39th floor and above. The pre-cruise programme can be booked as an addition to your voyage.

Your Individual Journey to Tokyo

We will arrange suitable flights to Tokyo and can also organise transfers and additional hotel stays before or after your cruise.

Interested in this musical voyage to Japan and South Korea?

Make a booking enquiry with no obligation

Telephone: +49 30 219 64804

Email: info@musictravelhideaways.com

This journey is offered through Music Travel Hideaways as an intermediary. Full details of the tour operator and the applicable booking terms and conditions will be provided with your personalised offer.