Springtime Splendour in Japan Cruise

Coinciding with the tail end of Japan’s famed Cherry Blossom season and Japan’s most enchanting season, Heritage Expeditions brand new 10-day Springtime Splendour in Japan Cruise will immerse you in the beauty of the soul of Japan.

Considered one of the best times to visit Japan, this all-inclusive cruise will see you exploring Japan’s main island, Honshu, the southern wonders of Honshu, the UNESCO registered Global Geopark of Oki Islands as well as South Korea’s Ulsan. Combining Japan’s ancient culture and storied history with the vivid beauty of spring, this voyage explores castles, gardens and sacred shrines, dramatic coastlines and geological wonders, all while savouring the flavours of Japan’s indelible culture and world-renowned experiences, cuisine and sake.

Departing from Osaka, dubbed the ‘Nation's Kitchen’ and Japan’s bustling commercial centre, our Japan spring cruise will visit iconic highlights alongside rarely visited gems only accessible by expedition ship. Discover Kyoto’s famed 1,001 Senju Kannon statues, historic Pontocho Alley, Nishiki Market and Fushimi’s sake heritage. Sail the Seto Inland Sea and visit historic Hiroshima and its Peace Memorial Park and eternal Flame of Peace, marvel at Miyajima’s famed floating Torii Gate and sacred Itsukushima Shrine. Travel along the Sea of Japan to discover the 300-million-year-old Akiyoshido Cave in the former samurai-dominated Hagi.

Sure to be a highlight is the hidden-gem, Oki Islands. Part of the Daisen-Oki National Park and a UNESCO registered Global Geopark, these dramatic and sparsely populated islands are home to soaring cliffs, pristine coves and Mt Daimanji, which is more than 600 metres above sea level. We will also explore Mt Daisen on the mainland, another dramatic highlight of this volcanic region.

Discover Japan’s ‘Pufferfish/Fugu Capital’ in Shimoneseki where we will have the opportunity to sample this local delicacy at the world famous Karato Fish Market. In Ulsan, South Korea discover ancient Gyeongju, capital of the Silla Dynasty and visit the Gyeongju National Museum, while having the opportunity to experience authentic Korean cuisine and cultural performances.

Surrounded by changing colours of springtime Japan, we plan to visit, Shiranoe Botanical Garden the elegant Yuushien Garden, alongside one of Japan’s three great gardens, the 28-acre formal 17th Century Koraku-en Garden.

History and culture connoisseurs will relish visits to Adachi Museum of Art and Ohara Museum of Art and Japan’s renowned art island Naoshima, while chances to explore Osaka, Hagi, Kokura and Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few original 17th Century castles, will transport you back to feudal Japan.

Further enhancing your Japan cruise, on board expert guest speakers and Japanese guides, as well as local, on the ground guides, will share Japan’s ancient history, customs and traditions of this captivating country as this unforgettable adventure unfolds.

Excludes

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