Japan Expedition Cruises: Explore Japan's Ancient Sites and Culture

The Best Time to Visit Japan on Luxury Small Ship Cruises

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.

Experience Japan’s iconic Sakura/Cherry Blossom Season and Hanami Parties on our Cherry Blossoms of Japan Cruise. 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.