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Peregrine Travel Centre

Coastal Japan & Korea: Wartime History and Samurai Heritage Cruise

Coastal Japan & Korea: Wartime History and Samurai Heritage Cruise

From AUD $19,500

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Description

Set sail on a journey tracing the length of Japan from the atomic legacy of Hiroshima to the wild frontiers of Hokkaido – an ultimate exploration of the maritime crossroads where ancient history, artistic heritage, and dynamic modern culture converge across Japan and South Korea. This deep-dive into regional contrasts navigates the dramatic Kanmon Strait and traces a route through culturally rich ports and islands accessible only by sea, culminating in the scenic shores of Hokkaido.
Your journey begins on Japan’s western coast in the samurai heartland of Hagi and the artistic Noto port of Wajima, famed for its thousand-year-old lacquerware. Sail to the historic, resilient cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Cross the sea to Busan, South Korea’s vibrant coastal hub, then explore the volcanic south in Kagoshima before heading north to Hakodate and the charming gateway of Otaru. Along the way, discover cultural enclaves like Sado Island (Ogi) and mainland ports including Uwajima, Sakaiminato, Maizuru, and Sakata.
Engage in onboard lectures on East Asian history and artistic traditions, refine your skills in photography workshops, and choose from exceptional shore excursions: visiting historic castles and samurai districts in Hagi, exploring Wajima’s ancient morning market, reflecting at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, experiencing Busan’s lively seafood markets, and discovering the canal-lined streets of Otaru. Every stop reveals new wonders in history, heritage, and human spirit: an unforgettable adventure across one of the world’s most historically and culturally rich seas.

Trip Name
Coastal Japan & Korea: Wartime History and Samurai Heritage Cruise
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 115 meters Passenger Capacity: 158 Built: 2020-2021 The SH Minerva is a boutique expedition ship purpose-built for exploring far-flung destinations and remote polar regions in comfort and style. Crafted at Finland’s esteemed Helsinki Shipyard, she features a Polar Class PC5 ice-strengthened hull and advanced stabilisers, ensuring smooth sailing even in challenging waters. With just 158 guests served by 122 crew across nine decks, the atmosphere on board is intimate and welcoming. Elegant Scandinavian-inspired interiors, panoramic observation spaces, and a range of facilities – from the stargazing deck and library to the spa, heated outdoor pool, and fine dining venues – make every moment at sea a pleasure. Accommodation ranges from well-appointed oceanview staterooms to spacious premium suites, each offering thoughtful touches such as a flame-effect fireplace, Illy espresso machine, luxury toiletries, and complimentary binoculars for wildlife spotting. Many feature private balconies for uninterrupted views of the passing scenery. Attentive crew provide a warm, personalised service, ensuring that every guest feels at home while enjoying a journey that blends adventure with refined comfort. Whether navigating icy channels or gliding into sunlit harbours, the SH Minerva offers an unforgettable cruising experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Hiroshima (Japan)
Hiroshima is a city of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, vividly portrays the aftermath of the atomic bombing. Designed by Kenzō Tange and inaugurated in 1955, the museum serves as a global symbol of peace, featuring a solemn cenotaph bearing the victims' names and the Flame of Peace, lit in 1964. The Genbaku Dome stands as the sole original structure left at the blast site.
Day 2 - Day 2 Uwajima (Japan)
Uwajima, a bustling coastal city, is anchored by the elegant Uwajima Castle, one of twelve Edo-period survivors, with spectacular cityscapes for hikers ascending to its keep. The Tensha-en Garden is a tranquil space with bamboo groves, towering culms and seasonal blooms. In the nearby village of Uchiko, the Old Quarter's streets are lined with well-preserved wooden houses and merchant buildings, frozen in time from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Day 3 - Day 3 Kagoshima (Japan)
Kagoshima, on the southwest tip of Japan’s Kyushu Island, is home to several glassmakers and potteries where artisans specialise in making Satsuma pottery and delicately cut Kiriko glassware. This city is a mix of classic Japanese architecture, modern high-rises and a spattering of Art Deco buildings. Observation points around the city provide dramatic views of Mount Sakurajima, an active volcano on a nearby island that regularly smokes.
Day 4 - Day 4 Nagasaki (Japan)
Though devastated by an atomic blast in 1945, this resilient harbour city of Nagasaki still stands. The Atomic Bomb Museum and adjoining Peace Memorial Hall document the tragic history. A cable car ascends Mount Inasa for sweeping city views, while leafy Glover Garden features historic Western mansions. On tiny artificial Dejima Island, reconstructed 17th-century warehouses recall the former Dutch trading post.
Day 5 - Day 5 Busan (South Korea)
Busan, South Korea's second city, blends beaches and mountains with boutiques, lively cafes and delicious seafood in food alleys. The 120m-tall Busan Tower offers a sense of the skyscraper cityscape. Six beaches, including Haeundae and Gwangalli, attract visitors year-round. Gamcheon Culture Village, previously a slum, is now a kaleidoscopic haven of art nestled on the coastal mountain foothills, affectionately dubbed the "Machu Picchu of Busan."
Day 6 - Days 6 - 7 Sakaiminato (Japan)
A haven for seafood lovers, manga fans and nature enthusiasts, Sakaiminto’s offerings are fairly eclectic for the seemingly slow-paced port town. Fish markets and world-class seafood restaurants line the streets, offering delights including local delicacy, Matsuba snow crab. You can also feast on Pacific bluefin tuna, Sakaiminto salmon, Natsuki rock oysters, swordtip squid and plenty more. The city was also once home to local hero, Shigeru Mizuki, a celebrated manga comic artist. Visit the Mizuki Shingeru museum for a fascinating insight into his life and the world of manga. Stretch your legs and enjoy a hike up the volcanic Mount Daisen, the highest mountain in the region (1730m). Or you may wish to take a gentler trek though the tranquil and restorative beech and cedar forests whilst connecting with nature and indulging in the Japanese pastime of ‘forest bathing’.
Day 7 - Day 8 Maizuru (Japan)
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Day 8 - Day 9 Wajima (Japan)
Wajima, a port town on the northern Noto Peninsula, is famed for its Wajima-nuri lacquerware, which is renowned for its durability and displayed at the Museum of Lacquer Art. The thousand-year-old daily Asaichi (Morning) Market is the primary hub, buzzing with locals selling fresh seafood, produce and the distinctive lacquerware. Nearby, Kiriko Hall displays huge illuminated festival floats, some 15 metres tall, used in summer celebrations
Day 9 - Day 10 Ogi, Sado Island (Japan)
Sado, Japan's sixth largest island, has a quaint port at Ogi known for tarai-bune, traditional wooden boats. The island is also famous for its world-renowned taiko drummers, continuing a rich cultural tradition. Once a place of exile for artists and academics, Sado now draws visitors to its rugged coasts, hidden beaches and lush terrain for outdoor activities.
Day 10 - Day 11 Sakata (Japan)
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Day 11 - Day 12 Hakodate (Japan)
The city of Hakodate in Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost island and is well-known for its seafood, for sale daily at the morning market. Mount Hakodate, reached by gondola. watches over the bustling city. While the area is rich in hot springs, it is best known for the famous snow monkeys who bathe in the hot springs of Yunokawa Onsen at the Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden.
Day 12 - Day 13 Otaru (Japan)
An important port on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Otaru retains original architecture. Restored warehouses along its canal, lined with Victorian street lamps, house restaurants and boutiques selling sake, music boxes and renowned Otaru glass. Rooted in the herring industry, the town's trading history is evident from Hokkaido's first railway line terminal to the Herring Mansion on the outskirts, once owned by wealthy herring fishermen.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-05-202730-05-2027AUD $19,500Oceanview D4
18-05-202730-05-2027AUD $20,475Oceanview M4
18-05-202730-05-2027AUD $21,450Balcony D5
18-05-202730-05-2027AUD $22,425Balcony M5
18-05-202730-05-2027AUD $23,400Balcony D6
18-05-202730-05-2027AUD $34,150Suite
18-05-202730-05-2027AUD $39,000Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Sail the scenic Kanmon Strait, a storied waterway between Honshu and Kyushu lined with history and vibrant maritime life.
    • Step back in time in Gyeongju, where ancient temples, royal tombs, and centuries-old artefacts reveal Korea’s storied past.
    • Visit Miyajima Island to see the iconic “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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