Discover the Islands of Japan

Japan

Discover the Islands of Japan

Japan

Trip overview & key details

Trip information

Destination

Japan

Duration

11 Days , 10 Nights

Ship

Heritage Adventurer

Start Date

April 19, 2026

End Date

April 29, 2026

Embarkation

Tokyo - Kanazawa

Disembarkation

Osaka

Adventure highlights

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 :

Tokyo

Arrive at Japan’s famed neon-lit capital Tokyo, where tradition meets ultramodern and towering skyscrapers sit alongside ancient temples, and make your way to the hotel where our group will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 :

Tokyo/Kanazawa

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and travel by Shinkansen, ‘bullet train’, to Kanazawa. This afternoon we will board Heritage Adventurer and settle into life on board. We will also take the opportunity to introduce you to your expedition team and our voyage plans as we moor overnight with your evening free to explore.

Day 3 :

Kanazawa

Options today include exploring the historic mountain settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, high in the remote mountains of the Shogawa River Valley in Hakusan National Park. Take in the sights on mountain walks and experience the unique cultural traditions including the region’s iconic Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old, designed to withstand the heavy snow in winter and provide a large attic space for cultivating silkworms. Alternatively explore the rich art centre of Kanazawa discovering some of the unique styles of Japanese art. Kanazawa is rightly famous for its Kutani-style pottery, exquisite lacquerware, gold-leaf workmanship, hand painted silk, and classical Noh dance-drama performed since the 14th Century. Wander winding cobblestone streets, elegant restaurants, craft galleries and visit the impressive Edo-period Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and explore the Omicho Market boasting everything from flowers, to crafts and food. This evening, join the expedition team in the Bridge, Observation Lounge or up on the Observation Deck as we set sail for Matsue.

Day 4 :

Matsue

This morning we arrive at the port of Sakaiminato, entry point to Matsue, known as ‘the town of water’ due to being situated between Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi. We plan to visit Matsue Castle, a national treasure and one of Japan’s few largely intact 17th Century castles. Other options today may include exploring Daisen-Oki National Park, steeped in beauty and history it’s also the home of rare flora and fauna including the giant salamander, visiting the picturesque Yuushien Garden which coincides with the iconic annual Yuushien Peony Festival, the Adachi Museum of Art, learning about the art of Japanese paper making at the Yakumo-mura village, or perhaps you may wish to spend some time exploring the picturesque streets and local canals.

Day 5 :

Hagi

Hagi was a minor fishing port until Mori Terumoto fortified it in 1604 and it was Mori Samurai that helped spark off the anti-Tokugawa revolt in the mid-19th century. Today it is better known for its traditional pottery making. This morning we will explore the Teramachi District with its temples and shrines, the Jokamachi District, where we find the old Samurai houses and also take time to explore Hagi Castle, Shizuki Park and Tokoji Temple. This afternoon travel to the outskirts of the city and the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum which is dedicated to a large collection of Hagiyaki pottery which was highly prized in the Edo period as wares for tea ceremonies. Alternatively, discover the natural wonders of 300 million year old limestone Akiyoshido Cave.

Day 6 :

Busan, South Korea

Today we cross the Sea of Japan to South Korean metropolis Busan, known for its beautiful beaches, bustling city streets, Buddhist temples, cinematic legacy, mountains and the largest fish market in South Korea. This city by the sea is rightly famous for its seafood, surf and street food. Options today could include exploring the labyrinthine streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, decorated with various murals and art pieces crafted by the locals themselves, its brightly coloured houses earning it the title ‘the Santorini of South Korea’, and wandering the endless isles of the Jagalchi Fish Market sampling some of the local delicacies. One of the few Buddhist temples by the sea, ascend 108 steps to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple which promises to answer at least one wish through sincere prayers, enjoy a new perspective from 411 metres at BUSAN X the SKY tower, marvel at the engineering feat and city icon that is the Busan Gwangandaegyo Bridge, while natural beauty and cutting-edge design collide on Dongbaekseom Island, an island of camellia trees and location of Nurimaru APEC House – a contemporary recreation of a traditional Korean pavilion.

Day 7 :

Nagasaki

Arrive this morning in Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II. We will tour the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum and Dejima Island which was built during the Edo period to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It was also the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (isolation) period. For 200 years, until Japan reopened the country in the 19th Century, Dejima was its only window to the world. With the reopening of the port to Westerners in the latter half of the 19th Century, Nagasaki blossomed as a prosperous and sophisticated international city. Suitable housing was required for the sudden influx of foreigners who made their homes here and many of the stone and clapboard residences that were built during this period survive today and are preserved in Glover Garden which we will visit this afternoon. The best known European-style residence here is Glover House, built in 1863, was the setting for Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly.

Day 8 :

Yakushima

During our morning at sea we sail to the very south of Kyushu and the island of Yakushima which became Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and has a particularly diverse flora. We will spend the afternoon on a choice of nature walks in Yakusugi Land in Yakushima National Park, home of the endemic Yakushima Macaque, and populated by a number of the island’s ancient cedar trees, such as the Buddha Sugi, Futago Sugi and Sennen Sugi, which are over 3,000 years old.

Day 9 :

Uwajima

This morning we explore Shikoku Island and the port of Uwajima situated deep inside the sawtoothed coast of Uwajima Bay. The city of Uwajima is emerging as the nation’s largest pearl cultivation centre and we will learn the process of implanting, harvesting, extracting and sorting pearls on a visit to a pearl farm. We will also see Uwajima Castle which is built on top of the hill with panoramic views over the town and harbour and the Tenshaen Garden, built in the Samurai era. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Day 10 :

Tamano

From the port of Uno-Ko we will visit one of Japan’s most famed gardens, Koraku-en, which translates as ‘garden of pleasure after’. This 17th Century formal garden has 28 acres of walking trails, ponds, plum and cherry trees. This afternoon we will continue to Kurashiki where we explore the old merchant quarter and its 17th Century wooden warehouses painted white with traditional black tiles, along a canal framed with weeping willows and filled with koi. There is also a chance to visit the Ohara Museum of Art which includes rare works by Matisse, Picasso and Renoir as well as collections from Japan’s famous Mingei movement including ceramics by Hamada Shoji.

Day 11 :

Osaka

This morning we sail into Honshu’s largest port city Osaka where modern architecture and a vibrant dining scene are nestled alongside the 16th Century shogunate Osaka Castle. After breakfast there will be a complimentary coach to a central hotel or the Kansai International Airport. To allow time for disembarkation procedures and travel from Osaka, we do not recommend booking flights departing before 1300 hours.

Ship gallery

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Ship details & cabin information

Ship overview

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 (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.

Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.

Cabin information & pricing

Available cabins

Cabin details

Main Deck Triple
Description

Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

Deck level

Deck 3

Availability
Available

Pricing & Options

Base Price
$8,815.00

per person

Currency Options
AUDA$13,155.00
USD$8,815.00
GBP£6,780.00
NZDNZ$14,335.00
EUR€8,445.00

Cabin Layout

Cabin Layout

Current location

Last known position

Latitude: -51.949269

Longitude: 164.250071

Last updated: 1/14/2026

Location: Kimberley region, Western Australia (Indian Ocean)

What's included & excluded

Included in your expedition

  • Landing fees
  • pre cruise bullet train transfer and post cruise transfer
  • one night hotel accommodation equivalent to your on board accommodation (incl. dinner/breakfast)
  • all on board ship accommodation with meals
  • house beer
  • wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • and all shore excursions and activities. Programme of lectures by noted naturalists.

Excluded

  • All items of a personal nature
  • laundry
  • drinks
  • gratuities. International/domestic flights
  • visas and travel insurance.

Important Note

Itineraries serve as a guideline only. Routes may change due to ice, weather, or wildlife conditions. Landings depend on site availability, permits, and AECO rules. Official sailing plans and landing slots are set before the season, yet the expedition leader makes the final decisions. Flexibility remains essential on expedition cruises.

Price & Booking

Price start from:

$8,815.00

per person

Book this cruise before someone else takes your favorite cabin!

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Travel Advisor

Sarah Johnson

Senior Nature Travel Advisor

10+ years experience in the travel industry
250+ successful trips planned

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Read Real Experiences From Our Travelers

Read Real Experiences From Our Travelers

Experience Overview

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4.8/5 Average Rating

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Based on 4 verified reviews

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TripAdvisor Certified

This journey was incredible! The stunning landscapes and raw power of nature amazed me. Perfect locations, cozy accommodations, and smooth transport. I've already booked my next adventure!

John Doe

John Doe

Verified Traveler

This journey was incredible! The stunning landscapes and raw power of nature amazed me. Perfect locations, cozy accommodations, and smooth transport. I've already booked my next adventure!

Alice Smith

Alice Smith

Verified Traveler

This journey was incredible! The stunning landscapes and raw power of nature amazed me. Perfect locations, cozy accommodations, and smooth transport. I've already booked my next adventure!

Michael Brown

Michael Brown

Verified Traveler

This journey was incredible! The stunning landscapes and raw power of nature amazed me. Perfect locations, cozy accommodations, and smooth transport. I've already booked my next adventure!

Sophia Johnson

Sophia Johnson

Verified Traveler

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our tours, travel, and bookings.

Who are these nature trips suitable for?

These nature trips are suitable for anyone who loves the outdoors, including families, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Who are these nature trips suitable for?

Nature trips are suitable for families looking for quality time together.

Nature trips are suitable for families looking for quality time together.

These nature trips are suitable for anyone who loves the outdoors, including families, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

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