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Springtime Splendour in Japan Cruise: A 10-Day Exploration of Japan in Spring

Springtime Splendour in Japan Cruise: A 10-Day Exploration of Japan in Spring

From AUD $9,996

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Description

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.

Trip Name
Springtime Splendour in Japan Cruise: A 10-Day Exploration of Japan in Spring
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 124 metres Passenger Capacity: 140 Built: 1991 Heritage Adventurer, built in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard, is a pioneering expedition vessel purpose-designed for Polar exploration. Renowned as the "Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising," she holds the highest passenger ship ice-class rating (1A Super) and has set records for both northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, including traversing the Northwest and Northeast Passages. Originally accommodating 184 guests, she now carries 140 expeditioners for more spacious and comfortable voyages, supported by a fleet of 14 Zodiacs for immersive expedition experiences. Measuring 124 m in length with an 18 m beam and 4.97 m draft, Heritage Adventurer has a gross tonnage of 8,378 gt and is powered by twin 3,940 hp engines, reaching a maximum speed of 15 knots and cruising at 12 knots over a range of 8,600 nautical miles. As Heritage Expeditions’ flagship, she continues to deliver personalised, authentic expedition travel with a focus on comfort, style, and unparalleled access to remote polar regions. Read About Our Experience on Board Heritage Adventurer  

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Osaka
Arrive at Honshu’s largest port city Osaka where modern architecture and a vibrant dining scene are nestled alongside the 16th Century shogunate Osaka Castle and make your way to your 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 - Day 2 - Osaka
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring Osaka, opportunities here include visiting Minoh Park and Osaka Castle. With an area of just 9.6 square kilometres (963 hectares) Minoh Park is one of Japan’s smallest National Parks and home to iconic 33-metre high Minoh Waterfall and diverse wildlife including Japanese Giant Salamander and protected Mino Monkeys. Explore Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, take in the views from Osaka Castle Main Tower and relive dramatic stories of warlords and Osaka’s fascinating history. Alternatively, enjoy an excursion to Kyoto, where you can explore the city’s spiritual heritage at the 12th-Century temple Sanjūsangen-dō and its 1,001 statues. Stroll through Kyoto’s historic and iconic lanes, where 16th-Century geiko and maiko culture is brought to life, before visiting Nishiki Market, known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, to discover the city’s renowned culinary delights. Board Heritage Adventurer as your Captain and Expedition Team welcome you later this afternoon.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Hiroshima/Miyajima
Despite its history, including being the site of the world’s first atomic bomb attack on 6 August 1945, Hiroshima is a vibrant and thriving cosmopolitan community. We plan to visit the beautiful Peace Park and Museum, with its sombre cenotaph containing names of atomic bomb victims and the permanently lit ‘Flame of Peace’. We plan to time our visit to Miyajima Island to experience the floating Torii Gate. Considered one of Japan’s most scenic spots it is also the location of the famed Daisho-in Buddhist temple. Choose to indulge in fresh local oysters and ice cream, while native Sika deer wander the streets, and enjoy the views of the Itsukushima Shrine and Torri Gate.
Day 4 - Day 4 - 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 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 5 - Day 5 - Oki Islands
Picturesque, otherworldly and rarely visited, the Oki Islands are an archipelago in the Sea of Japan, part of the Daisen-Oki National Park and a UNESCO registered Global Geopark. Accordingly, these islands are home to some outstanding coastal and island scenery to explore and experience. Rich in history, these anachronistic islands combine clear water beaches, bays, inlets and coves with impressive towering cliffs and rock formations to the dense forests, ancient sacred sites and steep mountains, including Mt Daimanji which rises more than 600-metres. This evening, upon arrival at the port of Sakaiminato, you will have the opportunity to join an evening excursion and experience the beauty of Matsue by night.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Matsue
Discover Sakaiminato, entry point to Matsue. It is also 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 only 12 original 17th Century castles in Japan. 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 Japanese Giant Salamander. You may visit the picturesque Yuushien Garden which coincides with the iconic annual Yuushien Peony Festival, the Adachi Museum of Art or learn about the art of Japanese paper making at the Yakumo-mura village. Alternatively, you may wish to spend some time exploring the picturesque streets and local canals.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Ulsan, South Korea
Today we cross the Sea of Japan to Ulsan in South Korea, where we plan to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. The capital of the Silla Dynasty and dating back to the first millennium, Gyeongju is known as ‘the museum without walls’ and is full of ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture. Enjoy strolling through hundreds of excavated monuments, temples, tombs and pagodas, and experience Korean delicacies, cultural performances, and visit the National Museum with its gold jewellery, metal weapons, and distinctive pottery. Today provides a perfect taste of the best South Korea has to offer.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Shimonoseki, Japan
This morning, we return to Japan and Shimonoseki Port perched above the 650-metre-wide Kanmon Straits and tucked away at the western end of Japan’s main island Honshu. Surrounded by water on three sides, Shimonoseki is rightly famous for its seafood and, in addition to being considered the gateway to Kyushu, is also known as ‘Japan’s Pufferfish/Fugu Capital’ – the potentially deadly local delicacy requiring takumi-level preparation by specially trained Fugu chefs. Other highlights include city’s iconic Kanmon Bridge spanning Honshu and Kyushu Islands, world famous Karato Fish Market and the beautiful Akama Shinto Shrine built to honour drowned child Emperor Antoku. Our excursions today include time to explore Kokura Castle and its rich history at the crossroads of Japanese history, and discover the beautiful Shiranoe Botanical Garden, accompanied by its resident gardeners. There is also time to explore the world famous Karato Fish Market, adjacent to where Heritage Adventurer, is docked and visit Akama Shinto Shrine on the shores of the Kanon Strait.
Day 9 - Day 9 - 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. For those interested in art you may wish to travel to Naoshima Island – Japan’s stunning art island. Your time exploring Naoshima Island will have you admiring its architecture, art museums and Labyrinth of Cherry Blossoms, including Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House, featuring work by Japanese and international artists including the iconic pumpkins by Yayoi Kusama.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Osaka
This morning sail back into Osaka, 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.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-04-202726-04-2027AUD $9,996Main Deck Triple
17-04-202726-04-2027AUD $10,236Superior Triple
17-04-202726-04-2027AUD $11,276Deck 4 Superior
17-04-202726-04-2027AUD $11,996Deck 5 Superior
17-04-202726-04-2027AUD $13,556Main Deck Single
17-04-202726-04-2027AUD $15,556Worsley Suite
17-04-202726-04-2027AUD $15,556Superior Single
17-04-202726-04-2027AUD $17,996Heritage Suite

Inclusions

    • Spring voyage through Honshu during the tail end of the cherry blossom season
    • Visit cultural icons including Kyoto, Hiroshima and the floating torii at Itsukushima Shrine
    • Explore the dramatic Oki Islands and historic Ulsan on a 10-day expedition from Osaka

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