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Peregrine Travel Centre

Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery Cruise

Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery Cruise

From AUD $17,675

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Description

Join Swan Hellenic on a remarkable cultural discovery cruise from the vibrant shores of Manila to the historic city of Hiroshima. This immersive small-ship voyage offers a rare opportunity to explore the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines, the Taiwan Strait, and southern Japan. Sailing through lesser-travelled waters, you’ll uncover a fascinating blend of ancient traditions, spiritual heritage, and stunning natural beauty across East and Southeast Asia — all during the calm, temperate days of early summer. From the emerald islands of the Philippines to the serene temples of Kyushu, each stop reveals a distinct layer of regional identity.
Discover the Spanish colonial charm of Vigan, the unique island beauty of the UNESCO-listed Hundred Islands, and the timeless way of life in the remote Batanes and Sabtang Islands, where the Ivatan people maintain centuries-old customs. In Japan, explore sacred Christian sites in Sakitsu, stroll through the vibrant cityscape of Kagoshima, and reflect on history in the poignant setting of Hiroshima.
Perfect for culturally curious travelers seeking depth, authenticity, and comfort, this Philippines to Japan cruise blends remote island exploration with meaningful heritage experiences. Onboard Swan Hellenic’s elegant expedition ship, you’ll enjoy expert-led insights, refined service, and unforgettable moments in places rarely seen by mainstream tourism. Discover Asia’s cultural crossroads in signature Swan Hellenic style — immersive, enriching, and elegantly adventurous.

Trip Name
Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery Cruise
Days
12
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 Manila
Arrive in Manila today. The capital of the Philippines is a teeming, sprawling metropolis. Its flaws are no match for its creative, exciting energy, which infused everything from its art to food. There’s so much to see and do here: the city’s museums, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and the Chinese Cemetery are some of the highlights. Intramuros – the old Spanish walled town at the heart of the city – is unmissable. Explore if timings allow and be sure to sample some Filipino cuisine in all its bold sour, sweet and tangy glory. Alternatively, head straight to your home for the next several days. After a seamless check-in, settle into your cabin or stateroom and take time to explore your ship’s luxurious facilities.
Day 2 - Day 2 Hundred Islands, Quezon Island
Hundred Islands National Park in the Lingayen Gulf of the Philippines has 124 islands known for their unique mushroom shapes, formed from ancient seabeds influenced by shifting sea levels. Conservation efforts like giant clam replanting aim to protect the marine environment, once traversed by Spanish galleons. Governor's Island has a deck with a statue of St. Joseph and is the jump point for the 546m island-to-island zipline.
Day 3 - Day 3 Salomague Harbour (Vigan)
The Philippines' best preserved colonial town, the UNESCO-listed 16th century Vigan City lies an hour south of Salomague port. Vigan's unique fusion architecture blending Philippine, Chinese and European elements has "no parallel in East and Southeast Asia" per UNESCO. Cobblestoned Calle Crisologo is the lively main street of the Mestizo district, with its broad promenade (malecón), horse-drawn carriages and rustic mansions.
Day 4 - Day 4 Batanes Island
Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost province with capital Basco, was first occupied by Japan in WWII, leaving behind the hand-carved Dipnaysuhuan Tunnel, cut from volcanic rock. Today, Batanes is celebrated for its Ivatan heritage, with a resilient culture shaped by isolation and storms, reflected in its century-old stone houses. Diura Fishing Village showcases this enduring spirit, where traditional Ivatan fishing rituals continue today.
Day 5 - Day 4 Sabtang Island, Sabtang Harbour
A small island with a rustic vibe, Sabtang is one of four main inhabited islands of Batanes and features peaceful sandy beaches backed by verdant cliffs. Browse traditional products like woven baskets and the local berry wine. For a moderate hike, wind your way up occasionally steep, grassy ridges to breathtaking seascapes at the Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint. On Morong Beach, photogenic Mahayao Arch is a massive natural rock formation.
Day 6 - Day 5 Day at sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Day 7 - Day 6-7 Naha, Okinawa Island
Naha is the capital of the Okinawa prefecture, part of an archipelago of more than 160 islands that formed part of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, ruled by monarchs from the 1400s, until it became part of Japan in 1879. Ryukyu attractions include Shuri Castle, once home to Ryukyu royalty, and Naminouegu shrine. This seaside city also offers one of Japan’s best museums - the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum.
Day 8 - Day 8 Amami Oshima Island, Naze
Dreamy beaches, mangroves and cerulean seas make up the Amami Islands. The largest, Amami Oshima, was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom before brief US control after WWII. The Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum in Amami Park displays works by the late painter who lived here. Pristine beaches like Tomori have colourful marine life, while in the south, rivers weave round the Mangrove Primeval Forest, and rugged cliffs and giant pebbles hug the Honohoshi Coast.
Day 9 - Day 9 Sakitsu
Sakitsu Village, on the Amakusa Islands in western Kumamoto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site tied to Japan’s Hidden Christian history. Once a secret hub of worship during prohibition, it’s home to Sakitsu Church, known as the “Church of the Sea,” with a European Gothic exterior and rare tatami-mat interior. The village’s story is further told at the Minato-ya Museum, which displays artefacts used to practice the faith in secret.
Day 10 - Day 10 Kagoshima
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 11 - Day 11 Uwajima
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 12 - Day 12 Hiroshima
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 13 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-05-202620-05-2026AUD $17,675Oceanview D4
09-05-202620-05-2026AUD $18,550Balcony D5
09-05-202620-05-2026AUD $18,550Oceanview M4
09-05-202620-05-2026AUD $22,100Balcony M5
09-05-202620-05-2026AUD $30,925Suite
09-05-202620-05-2026AUD $35,350Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Sail past emerald isles, remote Batanes, and southern Japan’s quiet coasts
    • Encounter Ivatan islanders preserving centuries-old traditions and explore spiritual sites like Sakitsu and Hiroshima
    • Enjoy cultural excursions to Vigan’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kagoshima’s samurai heritage in Chiran

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