A Journey Through Time on the Novitsky Adventure – Japan & Busan, 2025

As the Novitsky family prepares to embark on an unforgettable cruise across Japan and South Korea, each destination on the itinerary reveals a deeper layer of history, wonder, and cultural immersion. From ancient shrines to retro food alleys, this is more than a trip—it's a living storybook of the past and a celebration of shared discovery.

June 19, 2025 – Board Our Cruise

Tokyo, a vibrant tapestry of futuristic skylines and ancient roots, will serve as the starting pulse of the Novitsky journey. With traditions folded seamlessly into tech-forward streets, this arrival sets the tone for contrast and curiosity.

June 20, 2025 – Shimizu & Mt. Fuji

From Tokyo, the family ventures to Shimizu for a full-day tour dedicated to one of Japan’s most sacred sites—Mt. Fuji. For centuries, this volcano has captivated monks, poets, and samurai with its spiritual pull and towering beauty. The guided tour with Yasuhiro M. promises a passage through history and geology:

• Shiraito Waterfalls, where Mt. Fuji’s ancient snow emerges 30 years later in cascading, “white-thread” strands.

• Lake Tanuki, a serene mirror for Mt. Fuji's majesty.

• Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, the spiritual starting point for Mt. Fuji pilgrims for over a millennium.

• Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center, which brings the volcano’s symbolic power to life through immersive storytelling and architecture.

Through this journey, the Novitskys won’t just see Mt. Fuji—they’ll understand why it lives in the soul of Japan.

June 21, 2025 – Osaka & the Hedgehog Café

The journey continues to Osaka, a city that thrives on personality and flavor. The family will begin with a delightfully quirky visit to Cafe Harry Wood, a hedgehog café where charm meets curiosity. It's an experience that blends Japan’s affinity for kawaii culture with its unique hospitality.

Later that evening, the Novitskys will dive into Osaka’s culinary soul with Syed Atif Y. on the "Flavors of the Night" tour:

• Umeda Sky Building – panoramic city views from a floating garden observatory.

• Shinsekai – retro Showa-era vibes, deep-fried kushikatsu, and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.

• Dotonbori – Osaka’s neon heart, where street food, laughter, and selfies beneath the Glico sign await.

Every bite tells a story, and every neighborhood whispers of its past.

June 22, 2025 – Kyoto Ramen Tour

From bustling Osaka, the Novitskys will board a train to the historic lanes of Ichijyoji Ramen Street in Kyoto, guided by Hiroki D. But this isn’t just about food—it’s about cultural identity. Ramen, though a relatively modern icon, embodies Japan’s spirit of regional pride, innovation, and soulful eating.

Each bowl offers a taste of Japan’s history of resilience and adaptation—from post-war survival to culinary artistry. The slurps may be loud, but they’re full of meaning.

June 23, 2025 – Kochi: Castles, Markets, and Samurai

The next stop is Kochi, a city that feels like a time capsule. As one of Japan’s only remaining original castles, Kochi Castle will place the Novitskys in the footsteps of feudal lords and samurai heroes like Sakamoto Ryoma.

Wandering through Chikurin-ji Temple and possibly the Makino Botanical Garden, they’ll glimpse Japan’s spiritual and natural devotion. A visit to Hirome Market will offer a feast for the senses, echoing the merchant history and community life that thrived around castle towns.

From shrine to street food, Kochi will be a living chapter of Japan’s Edo-era past, still vibrant in modern life.

This editorial sets the stage for a transformative cultural adventure. As the days unfold, the Novitskys will not just witness history—they will step into it, taste it, and carry it home.

June 24, 2025 – Hiroshima & Miyajima: From Tragedy to Peace

The Novitskys will continue their journey to Hiroshima, a city marked by one of the darkest days in modern history but also transformed into a global beacon of peace. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum will serve as a poignant reminder of resilience, remembrance, and the hope that history must never repeat itself.

Afterward, the family will take a ferry to Miyajima Island, home of the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. With its torii gate appearing to float on the sea at high tide, this sacred site has enchanted visitors for centuries.

If time permits, they’ll ascend Mount Misen, where monkeys, deer, and panoramic views await, adding nature’s calm to a day of reflection.

From war to wonder, this day bridges heartbreak and harmony.

June 26, 2025 – Busan, South Korea: Beaches, Temples, and K-Dreams

Crossing the sea to South Korea, the Novitskys will wake to the seaside charm of Busan. At Haeundae Beach, they’ll watch the NBA draft from a local sports bar, soaking up global culture Korean-style.

For a taste of tradition, a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple—a rare seaside Buddhist temple—offers crashing waves and quiet prayer. Meanwhile, colorful streets like Gamcheon Culture Village whisper tales of post-war resilience through art.

Modern yet rooted in heritage, Busan will offer the Novitskys a vibrant contrast to Japan’s formality.

June 28, 2025 – Hakodate: Forts, Food, and Starry Views

Back in Japan, the Novitskys land in Hakodate, one of the country’s first international port cities. They’ll explore the Morning Market, famous for its fresh squid and friendly bustle, then step back in time at Goryokaku Park, a star-shaped Western-style fort from the 1800s.

Historic Motomachi District, with its hilltop churches and European architecture, tells the story of foreign influence in Japan’s Meiji-era modernization. As night falls, they’ll ride the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway to capture the million-dollar view of sparkling lights meeting the sea.

This city of stars offers a twinkling reminder of how cultures have met and mingled.

June 29, 2025 – Aomori: Apples, Lanterns, and Ancient Echoes

Aomori brings the Novitskys to Japan’s northern coast, a place where Nebuta Festival floats glow like mythic warriors. They may visit the WA-RASSE Nebuta Museum, trace the prehistoric footsteps at Sannai Maruyama, and marvel at Showa Daibutsu, one of Japan’s largest seated Buddha statues.

With a bite of apple ice cream from A-Factory Market, and a stop at Hirosaki Castle, the family will connect with Japan’s agricultural, artistic, and spiritual roots.

Here, ancient and modern thrive side by side—one lantern flicker at a time.

June 30, 2025 – Yokohama: Future Meets Flavor

As the final port, Yokohama is a fitting crescendo. At the Cup Noodles Museum, the Novitskys will learn how instant ramen fueled a postwar generation—and even astronauts! In bustling Chinatown, they’ll savor dumplings and hunt for the perfect trinket.

To cap it off, a spin on the Cosmo Clock Ferris Wheel will offer one last sky-high view of Japan—part farewell, part dream.

This journey across seas and centuries will be more than a vacation. It will be a family’s moving tribute to resilience, ritual, and the rhythm of cultures that continue to inspire.

Adventure awaits. Memory is in the making.