Friday, March 19 – Saturday, April 3, 2027
We’re all looking forward to seeing you join us for our 2027 Members’ Tour of Japan called Gardens and Cherry Blossoms. The journey features 6 nights on the Mitsui Ocean Fuji with 8 nights on land, a visit to SORA Botanical Garden Project, and a walk in the footsteps of George Morikami.
The full itinerary, including both the cruise and the land tour, can be found here and a downloadable PDF of the guide can be found here.
For information on the cruise ship Mitsui Ocean Fuji, life on board, the suites, dining, and onboard activities, please visit their website here.
There will be an in-person session about the cruise on Wednesday, October 7 in the Kamiya Room at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Susan Winters will be available on site to answer your questions and make reservations. James Rodgers, our Collections Manager and Registrar, will be giving a video presentation at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. to show life on a Mitsui Ocean Cruise.
Q & A
Will there be English-speaking guides or signage?
Yes, all tours will be in English. The Mitsui Ocean Fuji also has English-speaking staff as well as signs and menus in English.
What are the rooms like?
The hotel rooms will all be standard or deluxe and all include breakfast. Onboard the Mitsui Ocean Fuji, all rooms are veranda suites with ocean views and are 272 sq. ft. in size. The ship holds 458 guests.
What is included in the price?
Mitsui Ocean Cruises are inclusive of most beverages such as specialty coffees, wine, beer and cocktails, Wi-Fi, and one half-day shore excursion in every port with English speaking guides. Gratuities are included for the onboard portion of the cruise. Gratuities for the land portion of the trip are not included but appreciated. As a special for Morikami Members, several amenities will be included at no extra price. This includes one Hokusai fine dining experience, a tea ceremony, a presentation of the Gin Cart, and an Omakase sushi experience.
Are there any garden visits?
Yes, we will have an exclusive tour of the SORA Botanical Garden Project and meet with internationally acclaimed garden artist Seijun Nishihata. Our tour of Yokohama includes a visit to the beautiful Sankeien Garden. In Kyoto, we will have a special tour of the Murin-an Garden as well as a visit to the Zen Garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While in Yokohama, we’ll be visiting the delicious Ramen Museum. Once we’re in Chiran, we’ll have tours of the Chiran Tokko Peace Museum and several different samurai residences. The next day, we’ll explore Hirado Castle and spend time at the Matsuura Historical Museum. Time spent in Kyoto will include visits to Nijo Castle, Ryoan-ji Temple, and the spectacular Kiyomizudera. The last two days will be spent visiting Miyazu, Japan – home of George Morikami. There we’ll see his boyhood home and spend time on Amanohashidate, the famous land bridge in Miyazu, Bay.
What meals are provided?
All meals are included when on board the ship. Meals included during the land portion vary by the day. Breakfast is included daily. Please see the itinerary for details.
What activities can be done on the ship?
Entertainment venues with live musicians, vocalists, and contemporary Broadway-style production shows filled with exquisite choreography, dazzling costumes and unforgettable musical scores. Japanese traditions include Rakugo, the art of Japanese comic storytelling, craft making, a curated Japanese book collection and special lectures on Japanese culture, tradition and lifestyle.
Pricing
For the full cruise and land tour package, the price is $13,295 for double occupancy and $17,295 for single occupancy. Please let us know if you are traveling by yourself and wish to be partnered up to take advantage of the lower fee. Partnering is not guaranteed. Pricing is available for those only interested in the cruise portion or the land portion. Please email Susan Winters at susan@hellodreamtriptravel.com for more information. Please note that these prices do not include the price of air fare, insurance, or any other incidentals.
How much is the deposit, and when is it due by?
The deposit is $1350 per person for double occupancy and $1750 per person for single occupancy. Final payment date is November 19, 2026. A $250 per person Hello, Dream Trip Travel administrative fee is non-refundable. Additional cancellation terms and any applicable supplier cancellation charges will be provided with your reservation information. The deposit must be made by credit card. The balance can be paid by ACH/e-check, Personal Check, wire transfer, or Zelle with no extra fee. Payment by credit card will be charged a 3.75% fee. There is no credit card fee on the deposit.
What information do you need to make a reservation?
Please complete this form and email it to Susan directly. Let her know in your email about a good day and time to contact you by phone. She will get your credit card number for the deposit over the phone, and will follow up with a letter and questionnaire about your medical and dietary needs.
For everyone who books before September 8th, their name will be put into a drawing for a $250 gift certificate to the Kodama Spa on board the Mitsui Ocean Fuji, courtesy of Hello, Dream Trip Travel.
