Journey to Japan

With the Acclaimed Author of Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden, Aboard the All-Suite Cruise ship MITSUI OCEAN FUJI

GUEST LECTURER

Arthur Golden, the acclaimed author of Memoirs of a Geisha, grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a member of a newspaper publishing family. He graduated from Harvard College in 1978, where he studied Japanese art and history and began learning the language. In 1980 he earned a master’s degree from Columbia University in East Asian Languages and Culture, studying Mandarin Chinese as well. He wrote his master’s thesis on the subject of Sino-Japanese relations during World War I.

During the summer of 1980, he studied advanced Mandarin at Beijing University, where he met another American student, Trudy Legge, who became his wife. Years later a piece he wrote looking back on their summer together in Beijing won a Silver Medal for travel writing from the American Society of Travel Writers.

After a year working in Tokyo as a magazine editor, he returned to the U.S. and began work on a book about Japanese culture, still thinking of a career in journalism, like many others in his family. A chance comment by his literary agent set him on the path to writing a novel instead.

Memoirs of a Geisha spent two years on The New York Times bestseller list and has sold millions of copies around the world in more than forty languages, as well as being made into an Oscar-winning film. It is consistently listed as one of the classics of historical fiction, as well as being ranked among the most beloved English-language novels.

Arthur and Trudy divide their time between the south coast of Massachusetts and Ann Arbor, Michigan, and have two children and four grandchildren.

View point of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

The Japanese tea ceremony, or Chanoyu, is rooted in Zen Buddhism

Mount Fuji, Lake Ashinoko, and the torii gate of the Hakone Shrine, Hakone

Buddhist Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo

Kyoto street scene

ITINERARY

Monday, August 24, 2026
DEPART THE US FOR TOKYO, Japan
Depart the US for Tokyo, Japan.

Tuesday, August 25
TOKYO/EMBARK THE MITSUI OCEAN FUJI
Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to the port to embark the cruise ship Mitsui Ocean Fuji and settle in for your 7-night voyage. Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner this evening as the ship sets sail. (D)

Wednesday, August 26
AT SEA
Relax aboard the ship, attend lectures, and participate in Japanese cultural events as the Mitsui Ocean Fuji spends the day at sea. (B,L,D)

Thursday, August 27
MUNAKATA, Kyūshū
The ship calls this morning in Munakata, an ancient city that prospered from trade with Korea and China. Our tour of the city includes Hetsu-gu, one of three local UNESCO World Heritage-designated Shintō shrines with buildings that date to the 12th century. Within its grounds is the Shinpokan Museum: a treasure house of artifacts dating from the 4th to 9th centuries, which were excavated on the nearby but forbidden island of Okinoshima. (B,L,D)

Friday, August 28
NAGASAKI
One of Japan’s most picturesque and cosmopolitan cities, Nagasaki was its only center for European trade from 1641 to 1850, while the rest of the country was isolated from the world. Nagasaki would have remained just another bustling port, except it was the second Japanese city devastated by the atomic bomb on August 9, 1945, ending WWII in the Pacific Theater. Pay a reflective visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum and nearby Peace Park. See also the contemplative Nishizaka Hill; artificial Dejima island, constructed in 1636 to segregate foreign traders from the local population; unique Fukusai-ji Zen temple; Shofuku-ji, which survived WWII and is among the world’s finest examples of Chinese Ming dynasty temple architecture; and the excellent Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture. (B,L,D)

Saturday, August 29
JEJU ISLAND, South Korea
Situated on the Korea Strait between Japan and South Korea, volcanic Jeju Island has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and is known for its natural beauty and traditional customs, particularly its haenyeo culture. These female free divers collect shellfish and seaweed from depths as much as 30 feet below the surface without the assistance of underwater breathing apparatuses. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we will explore Jeju’s striking volcanic landscape and attractive waterfalls. (B,L,D)

Sunday, August 30
AT SEA
Enjoy the day at sea as the ship cruises back to Japan. (B,L,D)

Monday, August 31
SHIMIZU, Honshu, Japan/HAKONE/SHIMIZU
From the port of Shimizu, take an excursion to Hakone in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Renowned for its rugged beauty and numerous hot springs, the scenic town of Hakone offers magnificent views of iconic Mount Fuji, Lake Ashinoko, and the notable vermillion torii gate of the Hakone Shrine. Our exploration includes the Hakone Open Air Museum, where contemporary sculptures spread across the grassy hillsides; and the superb Okada Museum of Art, which also has a lovely garden. Return to the Mitsui Ocean Fuji for our last night onboard. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, September 1
TOKYO/DISEMBARK
After breakfast, disembark in Tokyo to explore Japan’s vibrant and dynamic capital city. Today’s highlights include the colorful pagoda-style Buddhist Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple; and Meiji-jingu, a venerated Shintō shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shoken, who were pivotal figures in Japan’s modernization. After lunch, visit the Tokyo National Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Japanese art. Accommodations for the next two nights are at the Prince Park Tower Hotel (or similar). (B,L)

Wednesday, September 2
TOKYO
This morning, visit the tranquil grounds of the Imperial Palace, built upon the remnants of the Edo Castle complex, which was the seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate from 1603 until it was overthrown in the Meiji Restoration of 1868. Continue to beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen, with sections of garden designed in the Landscape, Formal, and Traditional Japanese styles. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B)

Thursday, September 3
TOKYO/KYOTO
Depart Tokyo this morning on the bullet train to Kyoto. The capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto is endowed with sublime temples, shrines, palaces and gardens. Upon arrival, visit the renowned rock garden at Ryoan-ji, which evokes a sense of mystery. Visit also Kinkaku-ji, the glittering Temple of the Golden Pavilion, surrounded by gardens. After lunch explore the Arashiyama district including Tenryu-ji, a Rinzai Zen Temple and garden built in 1339 in memory of contemporary Emperor Go-Daigo, and the winding paths of the spectacular Arashiyama bamboo grove. Our home for three nights is the Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei (or similar). (B,L)

Friday, September 4
KYOTO/HIMEJI/KYOTO
Travel for the day to the welcoming town of Himeji to explore the formidable fortress complex of Himeji-jo, the most magnificent example of Japan’s twelve surviving feudal-era castles, established in 1346 and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, visit the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History, housed in a striking modern building; and Himeji Koko-en, with its reconstructed samurai quarters and nine connected Edo-style gardens. Return to Kyoto in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Saturday, September 5
KYOTO
Visit Kiyomizu-dera this morning. Leading up to the “Pure Water Temple” are the atmospheric streets of Higashiyama, one of Kyoto’s best-preserved historic districts, lined with traditional architecture and shops selling local pottery and other local specialties. Halfway up Mount Otowa, Kiyomizu-dera offers superlative views of Kyoto from its wooden platform. Later, experience the ritual of Chanoyu (“the way of tea”) at a nearby temple. This intricately choreographed tea ceremony is embedded in Japanese culture, and reveals the art and refined method of Japanese etiquette and hospitality. Spend the afternoon at leisure for independent activities. In the evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner. (B,D)

Sunday, September 6
KYOTO/OSAKA/HOMEWARD
After breakfast, transfer to the Osaka airport for flights homeward. (B)

ALL ACCOMMODATIONS ABOARD MITSUI OCEAN FUJI ARE ELEGANT SUITES THAT COMBINE SPACIOUSNESS, COMFORT, AND LIGHT.

Each suite has an expansive and unobstructed ocean view, with a comfortably furnished living space and bedroom that can be divided by a partition at the occupants’ choice for a restful in-suite experience. Each private ensuite bathroom includes a bathtub and separate shower, sophisticated Japanese-style toilet, and a marble vanity thoughtfully designed to accommodate two sinks.

SUITES FEATURE:

● All suites have picture windows and 95% feature a private balcony with daybed or sun lounger for relaxation. Suites measure between 272 and 284 sq. ft.
● Queen or twin beds with luxury Egyptian cotton linen bedclothes and duvet.
● Lounge area with seating and dining/coffee table.
● Spacious walk-in wardrobe and vanity table.
● Plush robes, slippers, towels, and luxury bath products.
● Fully-stocked in-suite minibar, replenished once per voyage.
● Multi-lingual infotainment system with on-demand movies and TV channels.
● Individual climate and lighting control.