Starting in Guam, Silver Explorer will sail through the Northern Marianas and Japan’s southern islands to finally reach Kobe. This nature-laden voyage will lead you from active volcanoes to tranquil gardens, and will also shed light on the history of the final stages of World War II in the Pacific. See UNESCO World Heritage Sites and others that are considered among the most famous views or sites in Japan. Visit Japan’s “Galapagos of the East” around Chichi-Jima and pay your respects to World War II’s sombre history at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. Visit one of Japan’s three famous gardens and photograph the scarlet “floating” torii gate on this sweeping journey by sea. Throughout the voyage, learn about the history, geology, wildlife and botany of these locations from lecture presentations offered by your knowledgeable onboard Expedition Team.
Voyage Highlights:
Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas –
The Northern Mariana Islands are a chain of tropical islands in the western Pacific Ocean, and Saipan is the largest of the Marianas. The area has a wealth of World War II sites, such as the Last Command Post, where Japanese troops made their final stand against the invading US forces. Nature lovers may spot some of the endemic bird species, including the Mariana Fruit Dove and the endangered Mariana Moorhen, Mariana Swiftlet and Nightingale Reed-warbler.
Maug Islands, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas –
Maug is made up of three small elongated islands that mark the outer rims of its largely submerged 2.5-km-wide caldera (the cauldron-like depression formed by a volcano). It is not unusual to spot dolphins at the southern entrance of this beautiful natural harbour created by the caldera, as well as over a dozen species of seabirds, shore birds and even land birds.
Chichi-Jima, Ogasawara Islands, Japan –
The Ogasawara Islands have earned the nickname “Galapagos of the Orient” for the unique plant and animal species that have evolved here, and as such is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The “father island” is the largest in the Ogasawara family and another interesting avian destination. Minamijima has a much-photographed natural coral arch reflected in a small turquoise blue lagoon.
Hiroshima and Miyajima, Japan –
Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in central Hiroshima. This was Ground Zero for the Atomic Bomb dropped on August 6, 1945. The Peace Memorial Museum surveys the history of Hiroshima and the advent of the nuclear bomb. The nearby small island of Miyajima (“The Shrine Island”) is home to the floating torii gate. Built in the water, the torii gate leads to the Itsukushima Shrine and at high tide it seems to float.
Okayama, Japan –
Okayama is home to the renowned Koraku-en Garden. Although severely damaged by bombs in WWII, the descriptions and paintings from the Edo period permitted an exact reconstruction to its original, elegant state. This rebuild has earned the site the designation of “Special Scenic Location.” Okayama is also home to the Ohara Museum, the first Japanese museum to permanently exhibit western art.
Cultural Highlights:
- Stand at Hiroshima Ground Zero and experience the sombre history of this and other crucial World War II sites.
- Step lightly through one of Japan’s most famous gardens, world-renowned for the unique elegance and design.
Wildlife Watch List:
- Birds: Bridled and Golden White-eye, White-throated Ground Dove and Mariana Fruit Dove, Mariana Moorhen, Mariana Swiftlet, Nightingale Reed-warbler , Micronesian Megapode, Micronesian Starling, White-collared Kingfisher, Short-tailed Albatross
- Bottlenose and spinner dolphins
- Marianas fruit bat, coconut crab
- Sperm whales, green sea turtles
Please Note: Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.
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