Japan

Japan

Overview

With the world's sixth longest coastline, more than 6,800 islands and islets, Japan and its seamless blend of ancient customs, ultramodern living, neon-lit cities, temples, rich culture and wildlife-filled national parks is perfect for exploring by expedition ship.

Surrounded by the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the East China Sea, Japan's archipelago of volcanic islands stretches along a northeast/southwest axis located on the Pacific Ring of Fire resulting in a dramatic landscape best explored by sea.

Our Japan cruises offer the ultimate way of both exploring and experiencing the best Japan has to offer as we sail from iconic cities to remote coastlines and islands. Carefully curated, our voyages are designed to showcase contemporary cities, modern museums and art galleries alongside medieval castles, shrines and temples to world famous gardens, samurai legacy, hot springs, incredible cuisine, sake, art and more.

Highlights on our Japan's National Parks, Art & Culture, Discover the Islands of Japan and Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea include the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, Uwajima's pearl precinct, the five-storey Pagoda of Miyajima, Mastue Castle, Japan's leading bonsai centre, Kanazawa's UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go, Matsue and Hagi's ancient castles and temples including the famed 'Ninja Temple', South Korea's 'museum without walls' Gyeongju, rarely visited and otherworldly Dogojima Island, Noshiro's national treasure Juniko (12 Lakes), Japan's sacred Red-crowned Cranes (tancho) in Kushiro, the remote islands of Rebun and Rishiri, Hakodate's island-dotted lakes and Fort Goryokaku, remote Sado Island widely considered a perfect miniature version of Japan, Karatsu's medieval heritage, Ube and Uwajima's incredible gardens and shrines, Hiroshima and the famous Shinto Shrine and Torii Gate on Miyajima Island, Takamatsu's proud bonsai history, the eco-paradise of Yakushima Island, the white sand beaches and coral gardens of Amami Oshima, Okinawa Island - the Hawaii of Japan, Hualien's world-famous Taroko National Park and Marble Gorge, Batan Island's harrowing WWII history, Vigan's fascinating architecture, the idyllic isles of Hundred Islands National Park, myriad wildlife and more.

We hope you will join us aboard Heritage Adventurer on an in-depth exploration of Japan's coastline and islands as we discover the unspoiled nature, primeval wilderness, incredible gardens, cultural treasures, traditional customs and futuristic cities resplendent with their unique charms.

Plan your Japan Tour today. Questions or ready to book your Japan expedition? Please contact us today or call toll free and speak with a Japan Travel Specialist.

Overview

With the world's sixth longest coastline, more than 6,800 islands and islets, Japan and its seamless blend of ancient customs, ultramodern living, neon-lit cities, temples, rich culture and wildlife-filled national parks is perfect for exploring by expedition ship.

Surrounded by the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the East China Sea, Japan's archipelago of volcanic islands stretches along a northeast/southwest axis located on the Pacific Ring of Fire resulting in a dramatic landscape best explored by sea.

Our Japan cruises offer the ultimate way of both exploring and experiencing the best Japan has to offer as we sail from iconic cities to remote coastlines and islands. Carefully curated, our voyages are designed to showcase contemporary cities, modern museums and art galleries alongside medieval castles, shrines and temples to world famous gardens, samurai legacy, hot springs, incredible cuisine, sake, art and more.

Highlights on our Japan's National Parks, Art & Culture, Discover the Islands of Japan and Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea include the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, Uwajima's pearl precinct, the five-storey Pagoda of Miyajima, Mastue Castle, Japan's leading bonsai centre, Kanazawa's UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go, Matsue and Hagi's ancient castles and temples including the famed 'Ninja Temple', South Korea's 'museum without walls' Gyeongju, rarely visited and otherworldly Dogojima Island, Noshiro's national treasure Juniko (12 Lakes), Japan's sacred Red-crowned Cranes (tancho) in Kushiro, the remote islands of Rebun and Rishiri, Hakodate's island-dotted lakes and Fort Goryokaku, remote Sado Island widely considered a perfect miniature version of Japan, Karatsu's medieval heritage, Ube and Uwajima's incredible gardens and shrines, Hiroshima and the famous Shinto Shrine and Torii Gate on Miyajima Island, Takamatsu's proud bonsai history, the eco-paradise of Yakushima Island, the white sand beaches and coral gardens of Amami Oshima, Okinawa Island - the Hawaii of Japan, Hualien's world-famous Taroko National Park and Marble Gorge, Batan Island's harrowing WWII history, Vigan's fascinating architecture, the idyllic isles of Hundred Islands National Park, myriad wildlife and more.

We hope you will join us aboard Heritage Adventurer on an in-depth exploration of Japan's coastline and islands as we discover the unspoiled nature, primeval wilderness, incredible gardens, cultural treasures, traditional customs and futuristic cities resplendent with their unique charms.

Plan your Japan Tour today. Questions or ready to book your Japan expedition? Please contact us today or call toll free and speak with a Japan Travel Specialist.

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Japan Expeditions

Discover The Islands Of Japan: A 12-day Voyage of Japan Between Tokyo & Osaka, Including South Korea
15% off selected cabins

Join us as we set sail and explore some of Japan’s iconic highlights alongside lesser-known and rarely-visited islands and destinations on one, unforgettable all-inclusive voyage aboard our luxurious, 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer.

24 Apr 2025, 4 May 2025

Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea: 11-day Japan Voyage Between Tokyo and Osaka, Including South Korea
20% off selected cabins

Experience all-inclusive luxury cruise travel on an unforgettable 11-day exploration of Japan, ‘the Land of the Rising Sun’ with Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising. Our voyage Eternally Sacred, Japan & South Korea has been carefully curated to showcase Japan’s seamless blend of ancient customs and ultramodern …

15 Apr 2025, 28 May 2025

Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension: The Ultimate Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand, via Papua New Guinea, to Japan

Set sail on a true adventure as we explore the reef-fringed tropical islands, historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters cruising Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Japan on this unforgettable 25-day cruise through paradise.

13 Mar 2025

Japan's National Parks, Art & Culture: A Circumnavigation of Honshu, Osaka to Osaka, including South Korea
15% off selected cabins

Join us on a discovery of some of Japan's finest art, wilderness and cultural experiences alongside renowned multi-disciplinary artist, Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate Lisa Reihana. Discover Naoshima, Japan's Art Island, and contemporary art museums plus internationally-renowned magna culture at Ishinomaki, …

14 May 2025

Western Pacific Odyssey - Extension: The Ultimate Birding Voyage from New Zealand, via Papua New Guinea, to Japan

Considered one of the 'must do' expeditions for any birder because of its opportunities to see some of the rarest pelagic seabirds in the world, guests have the option to disembark in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, or continue on a specially-priced extension through to Japan.

13 Mar 2025

Our ship: Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration. Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (…

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17 Oct 2024
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18 Apr 2024
WESTERN PACIFIC ODYSSEY 21 March – 18 April 2024 SYSTEMATIC LIST The taxonomy and English names used in this checklist generally follows …READ MORE
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