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*Valid until June 2, 2026. Promotion based on availability and subject to change without notice.
Watercolor Workshops Abroad Japan Watercolor Workshop Cruise
Sail and paint Japan on an unforgettable creative journey designed for watercolor artists and curious travelers alike. In partnership with Silversea Cruises, this immersive voyage aboard the luxurious Silver Moon explores Japan’s rich contrast of ancient tradition and modern energy, from peaceful coastal towns and historic temples to busy cities and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Along the way, you will enjoy opportunities for travel sketching and artistic inspiration at every turn, capturing everything from glowing lantern-lined streets and mountain vistas to cherry blossoms, fishing harbors, and Japanese gardens.
Complemented by small-group classroom-style instruction onboard, this experience combines cultural discovery, luxury cruising, and creativity into a truly one-of-a-kind painting holiday through Japan.
Japan Watercolor workshop cruise includes:
- 5 half-day (avg. ~3 hr/day) watercolor workshops led by professional instructor, Marni Maree
- 14-nights luxury suites with butler service
- Art of the Japanese Brush Experienc in Hiroshima
- Art of Gold Leaf Experience in Kanazawa
- Miyako Geo Park Excursion
- All onboard meals and premium dining experiences
- Unlimited wines and spirits
- Onboard gratuities and daily wifi
Japan workshop cruise DOES NOT INclude:
- Flights
- Art supplies
- Travel Insurance (required)
- Additional excursions not mentioned
- Additional alcohol, meals and food not mentioned
- Any additional and optional activities
- Airport transportation to and from ports
Activities and Excursions Cruise Workshop Itinerary
We partner with Silversea Cruises to offer you an unforgettable Japan Cruise, paired with Paint By Destination’s signature Watercolor Workshop Cruise experience.
*Please note that the itinerary, port-of-calls, and schedule are subject to change at any time without notice.
Sample Japan Itinerary:
- Day 1 - Tokyo, Japan (Oct 24): Embark aboard the luxurious Silver Moon in Tokyo and settle into your suite before joining us for a welcome gathering and dinner at sea.
- Day 2 - Day at Sea (Oct 25): Enjoy your first half-day watercolor workshop onboard while sailing around Japan.
- Day 3 - Kobe, Japan (Oct 26): Discover Kobe’s vibrant streets, historic neighborhoods, and famous culinary scene. Optional excursions available.
- Day 4 - Kobe, Japan (Oct 27): A second day in Kobe allows for deeper exploration or optional excursion to Kyoto or Osaka.
- Day 5 - Kochi, Japan (Oct 28): Visit traditional markets, samurai history, and coastal landscapes.
- Day 6 - Hiroshima, Japan (Oct 29): Art of the Japanese Brush Experience featuring the famous handcrafted Kumano brushes and a visit to the Fudenosato Kobo Museum.
- Day 7 - Day at Sea (Oct 30): Relax onboard with a classroom-style workshop session at sea.
- Day 8 - Busan, South Korea (Oct 31): Experience colorful neighborhoods, coastal temples, seafood markets, and Korean culture in Busan.
- Day 9 - Day at Sea (Nov 1): Enjoy your third workshop session at sea day:
- Day 10 - Kanazawa, Japan (Nov 2): Art of the Gold Leaf Experience with visits to the Nagamachi Samurai District and Higashi Chaya Geisha District.
- Day 11 - Day at Sea (Nov 3): Your fourth half-day workshop session onboard as we continue north through Japan.
- Day 12 - Hakodate, Japan (Nov 4): Explore Hakodate’s historic architecture, seafood markets, and panoramic mountain views.
- Day 13 - Miyako, Iwate, Japan (Nov 5): Visit the coastline during our Miyako Geo Park Excursion and sketch the peaceful fishing villages.
- Day 14 - Day at Sea (Nov 6): Your fifth and final workshop session onboard, farewell gathering, and time to reflect on the journey together through Japan.
- Day 15 (Nov 7) - Disembarkation in Tokyo
Japan 2027 Pricing & Payments
To secure your spot on the workshop, a deposit and workshop fee is required. $750 USD of the total deposit due is non-refundable at the time of booking. The remaining deposit is fully refundable until May 27, 2027.
*This trip is priced at double occupancy (shared room) and shows the price for an entry level cabin. Please click the “Book Now” button to view pricing and add-ons for alternative cabins.
Pricing and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices are always in USD ($) unless otherwise specified. Single room rates are priced at 200% of the double occupancy rate.
Watercolor Workshop Cruise Inclusions & exclusions
What’s Included
- 5 half-day (avg. ~3 hr/day) watercolor workshops led by professional instructor, Marni Maree
- 14-nights luxury suites with butler service
- Art of the Japanese Brush Experienc in Hiroshima
- Art of Gold Leaf Experience in Kanazawa
- Miyako Geo Park Excursion
- Internal transport to and from activities
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Unlimited wines and spirits
- Onboard gratuities and daily wifi
What’s Not Included
- Flights
- Art supplies
- Travel Insurance (required)
- Additional excursions not mentioned
- Additional alcohol, meals and food not mentioned
- Any additional and optional activities
- Taxis or transfers on personal time
- Airport transportation to and from ports
Why Travel With Us Who is this trip for?
This trip is perfect for creative, curious travelers looking to experience Japan beyond the typical tourist path. Designed for artists of all levels (beginner friendly) and culturally minded travelers alike, this journey is about slowing down and immersing yourself in the beauty, traditions, and atmosphere of Japan during the autumn season.
From the energy of Tokyo to peaceful temple towns surrounded by beautiul Japanese maple trees, this voyage is ideal for those interested in Japanese culture, ancient East Asian history, art, architecture, food, and experiencing a different rhythm and perspective of life. Along the way, guests will have the opportunity to travel sketch and paint to capture the colors and feeling of Japan in the autumn.
Important Information for Japan:
- Flights: You will be flying into Tokyo (HND or NRT) on October 24, 2027 and out of Tokyo (HND or NRT) on November 7, 2027.
- Transportation: This is a cruise-based itinerary aboard the Silver Moon. All travel between ports is by ship, with shore excursions departing directly from the dock at each port of call. We will always prioritize comfort, and you'll have plenty of time to explore at each destination.
- Workshop Sessions: Five half-day instructional workshop sessions are included onboard during the voyage. Outside of scheduled instruction time, you are welcome to enjoy painting, travel sketching, and creatively exploring at your leisure.
- Weather: Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Japan, with comfortable temperatures, crisp air, and beautiful Japanese maple trees and foliage. Expect average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to upper-60s°F depending on the region, with cooler mornings and evenings. We recommend packing layers, comfortable walking shoes, and light outerwear for exploring temples, gardens, coastal towns, and autumn landscapes.
marni maree
meet your watercolor instructor
She teaches at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA, where she has a studio and Gallery. Marni also teaches in her home studio in Springfield, VA, and at various other workshops and online. Her students come to class from all over the United States and Costa Rica.
Why Join Our Group Trips? Watercolor Workshops Around The World
Ready to set sail and paint with us?