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, Eternal Japan & South Korea and 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, Eternal Japan & South Korea and 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

Eternal Japan and South Korea: A Voyage from Tokyo to Osaka

This fascinating itinerary offers the opportunity to visit ancient castles, serenely beautiful gardens and opulent temples and shrines combined with witnessing some of Japan's stunning natural landscapes. During our 12-day voyage aboard Heritage Adventurer we will visit the historic and serene castle town of Matsue and the ancient, anachronistic town ...

28 Apr 2024

Grand Pacific Odyssey: A Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand to Japan

Set sail on a true adventure as we explore reef-fringed tropical islands, visit historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters cruising from New Zealand to Japan on the incomparable 29-day Grand Pacific Odyssey.

21 Mar 2024

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

Join us on a discovery of some of Japan's finest art at Naoshima, Japan's Art Island, and contemporary art museums plus internationally-renowned magna culture at Ishinomaki, Ise Jingū's sacred shrines & more. Explore wilderness and wildlife at UNESCO registered Dogojima Island, Shikotsu-Toya National Park, & living museum Ise-Shima National Park.

24 May 2024

Sacred Japan & South Korea: A Voyage from Osaka to Niigata - Tokyo, Including South Korea

Experience all-inclusive luxury cruise travel as we venture to destinations such as the historic and serene castle town of Matsue, the ancient anachronistic town of Hagi, and experience the tranquillity of sacred Miyajima. Discover one of Japan's most famed memorials at historic Hiroshima, dedicated to remembering the lives lost from ...

8 May 2024

Western Pacific Odyssey: Birding Cruise from New Zealand to Japan

New Zealand to Japan via Norfolk Island, New Caledonia and Melanesia Known in birding circles, simply as the ‘WPO', this expedition incorporates many of the key birding areas in the South West Pacific. First offered in 2007, it is now considered one of the ‘must do' expeditions for any birder ...

21 Mar 2024

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 Exploration Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt 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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18 Apr 2023
  The recent "Western Pacific Odyssey: Birding Cruise from New Zealand to Japan" expedition aboard Heritage Adventurer has concluded. The ...READ MORE
17 Apr 2023
The recent "Western Pacific Odyssey: Birding Cruise from New Zealand to Japan" expedition aboard Heritage Adventurer has concluded. The Species ...READ MORE
23 Mar 2023
While most ships are known for passing in the night, pioneering expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions brought its sister vessels toget...READ MORE
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