Takamatsu, 9/16/2023, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Japan
Ritsurin Garden is, for all the Japanese who have the luck to live in a city like Takamatsu, one of the most visited places. You can spend hours just feeding the koi or admiring the trees and the gardening in this place that is full of beauty and peace.
In the afternoon, we went to visit Shikokumura, a traditional village, and we found some protection against the burning sun as we walked under the leafy trees and admired the waterfall.
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
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Yesterday, we visited Yakushima, the southernmost point of our journey, and now we head northeast into the Seto Inland Sea. Today, we visited the small town of Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Uwajima is famous for its delicious seafood, such as squid, sea bream, and yellowtail, as well as its pearl farms that produce beautiful pearls with the help of local oysters. Half the day was spent in the Date Samurai Museum and on the small hilltop in the center of town which houses the impressive Uwajima Castle. Some of us visited the Doi Pearl Farm and some got to take the pearls home. The other half of our outing was spent up in the mountains of Ehime Prefecture visiting the town of Uchiko, once home to around 30% of Japanese wax production. Japanese wax is of high quality and was expensive in many countries for a long time. This led to Uchiko becoming a very affluent and prosperous town, evidenced by the impressive architecture still visible today. We leave Shikoku behind and head over to the main island, to Hiroshima and Itsukushima for our next adventures.
Last night on National Geographic Resolution , we departed Japan and set sail for South Korea to immerse ourselves in its rich history through visits to four iconic sites. Our journey began at Cheomseongdae Observatory, an ancient astronomical marvel in Gyeongju, where we admired its historical significance and intricate design dating back to the Silla Dynasty. Next, we explored the Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex where the large burial mounds of Silla royalty evoked a deep reverence for the past. Walking among these ancient tombs, we learned about royal customs and burial practices from one of Korea’s most powerful dynasties. We then visited the Gyeongju National Museum which deepened our understanding of the region’s history. We discovered priceless artifacts from the Silla period, including golden crowns, sculptures, and relics that bring to life the kingdom’s artistic and cultural achievements. We followed this with a stop for a 21-course traditional Korean lunch, and it was divine. Finally, we headed to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we were captivated by its serene beauty, wandering through tranquil courtyards and admiring the intricate stonework and pagodas—stunning examples of Buddhist architecture. This day held many enriching experiences and as we returned to Japan, we left with a deeper appreciation for Korea’s history and cultural treasures.
The Sea of Japan welcomed us during our day at sea with sun and flying fish. It was finally time to catch up with some presentations about the history and geology of this region. Following, the hotel team prepared an amazing BBQ lunch on deck eight, and the expedition team secretly organized an after-lunch swim! We dropped the Zodiacs, and in the middle of nowhere we swam in the warm, blue waters of Japan. Tomorrow we will arrive in Busan, South Korea, but today we finished the day enjoying a magical sunset and a full moon in this beautiful environment.