ASUKA III Cruises
Four days round-trip from Kobe. On the night of the Kumano fireworks the ship lies at anchor offshore, the bursts over the water set against the dark hills; the next day, Gamagori.
In Kobe the mountains and the sea are only a few streets apart. The Kitano houses were built for foreign merchants in the Meiji era, the stone buildings of the old foreign settlement are now shops, and the waterfront lights up after dark. From the terminal, Sannomiya is a walk or a short ride away.
From the Airport to the Pier：Kansai International Airport、Kobe Airport、Sannomiya
Half a Day Before Boarding：Kitano Ijinkan、Kobe Port Tower、Former Foreign Settlement、Nankinmachi
One More Day After Disembarking：Nada Sake Breweries、Arima Onsen、Mount Rokko
Local flavours：Kobe Beef、Akashiyaki、Nada Sake、Western Pastries
On Aug 17, anchor in the Kumano Sea without disembarking, and view the Kumano Grand Fireworks Festival with over 300 years of history from the deck. Approximately 10,000 rounds (planned) will be launched in succession, with the highlight being the powerful 'sea self-detonation' technique where firework shells are dropped into the sea and explode on the surface.
Sea Fireworks、Sanshakudama Fireworks、Sea Surface Fireworks Scroll
Gamagori faces Mikawa Bay and is known for its coastal scenery and shrines and temples. Takeshima Island with its Yaotomi Shrine dedicated to the god of good fortune, the accessible autumn foliage of Korankei Gorge, and Okazaki Castle associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu together create the colorful late-autumn landscape of Mikawa.
Mikawa Bay and Korankei: Day Route：Takeshima (Yaotomi Shrine)、Korankei、Okazaki Castle、Hatcho Miso Village
Local flavours：Mikawa Bay Seafood、Gamagori Mandarin Orange、Mikawa Eel、Hatcho Miso Cuisine