Japan circumnavigation cruise, arts and culture

Price
US $12250 excluding flights
Duration
16 Days
Countries
Japan, South Korea
More info
Includes: landing fees, pre-cruise bullet train transfer and post cruise transfer, one night hotel accommodation (incl.
dinner/breakfast), house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and all shore excursions and activities.
Make enquiry

Description of Japan circumnavigation cruise, arts and culture

We are pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising, invite you to join them on an unforgettable circumnavigation of Japan’s main island Honshu and exploration of its wilderness, arts, culture and rich history.

This voyage has been specially designed to explore and experience Japan’s seamless blend of ancient customs with ultramodern living, incredible wilderness, wildlife and renowned arts as we cruise from iconic cities to remote coastlines and islands.

Highlights include Kanazawa’s thriving center of the arts, long known for its lacquerware, outstanding collectable pottery of the Kutani style, goldleaf
workmanship, delicate hand painting of silk for kimonos and classical Noh theatre dramas performed since the 14th Century, and Naoshima Island – Japan’s Art Island. Visit two of Japan’s best contemporary art museums – the recently-opened Hachinhoe Art Museum and the Towada Art Center, celebrate Japan’s internationally-renowned magna culture at Ishinomaki, explore the living museum Ise- Shima National Park and Japan’s most sacred shrine
complex Ise Jingu.

Our voyage will see us visiting the iconic Japanese island-dotted seascapes of Matsushima and Argo Bays and discovering the unique plants, wildlife and
wilderness hiking trails on UNESCO registered Global Geopark Dogojima Island and Izu Oshima Island, Bandai-Asahi National Park and the impressive lakes,
hot springs and volcanic wonderland of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Also on our itinerary is the iconic the five-storey Pagoda of Miyajima, sobering Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park with its eternal Flame of Peace, a day in South Korea’s Ulsan visiting the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site Gyeongju – the ‘museum without walls’ and Karatsu’s medieval heritage.

We hope you can join us for this rare opportunity to sail around Japan exploring its unspoiled nature, world renowned arts scene, culture and history.

Map

Price information

US $12250 excluding flights
Includes: landing fees, pre-cruise bullet train transfer and post cruise transfer, one night hotel accommodation (incl.
dinner/breakfast), house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and all shore excursions and activities.
Make enquiry

Check dates, prices & availability

Travel guides

Expedition cruising
Japan
If you haven’t been there, just talk to someone who has. People get hooked on Japan. On their rituals, quirkiness, history and innate welcoming nature...

Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) vacation so that you can travel knowing it will help support the places and people that you visit, and the planet. Read how below.

Planet

During our long involvement in visiting remote islands (over 35 years) we have been instrumental in developing responsible visitor guidelines, and we are aware of the need to travel with minimal impact on the natural environment, and educate and support our passengers to follow our lead, and respect the needs of different ecosystems.

Many issues confront animals and their habitats, the world's oceans and isolated ethnic groups. We share unique, pristine, and wild place with you, as well as taking action. We aim to provide eco-education for our passengers whilst onboard through on-board lectures and information throughout voyages.

All waste generated on our expeditions is disposed of in a responsible manner. The vessel complies with MARPOL where possible and allowable we practice recycling, otherwise all non-recyclable waste is brought back for disposal at approved sites.

Our goal in managing our vessel is to minimise fuel consumption and emissions with regular servicing and a proactive maintenance programme. We annually clean and antifoul our vessel's hull to reduce the risk of biofouling. When selecting our specialist expedition equipment, we research this carefully to ensure that they are the most suitable and environmentally responsible. Group sizes are kept small to minimize impact and enhance visitor experience.

People

During our Asian voyages we visit local historic sites, Wildlife Management Areas, and use local guides, such as wildlife and dive guides, wherever possible to support the local knowledge-base and economy. During this voyage we will visit and support Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan’s largest marshland and national park including the Kushiro (Red-Crowned) Crane Reserve, Fukushimagata Wetlands, Towada Hachimantai National Park, Bandai Asahi National Park, Daisen-Oki National Park and more. We allow time for passengers to explore local markets, and visit local artists, artisans craftspeople and assist in sustaining their craft and traditions, as well as create a money flow. We provide opportunities for passengers to meet with remote and isolated locals and learn about their unique culture and life in remote areas, and encourage respect of local customs and traditions. Where required and able we aim to use local resources and services.

Throughout our voyages scientific research is incorporated, both through the logistical support of research projects and as an integral part of our voyages, and conservation programs are supported with funds, advocacy and logistical assistance.

We work with a number of conservation and wildlife organisations, are a Birdlife International Species Champion and regularly welcome scientists on board. Through our True Young Explorer Scholarships we enable young scientists, conservationists, educators, authors and artists to travel and experience wild places otherwise off limits. We choose to travel in small groups, maintain industry leading staff to guest ratios ensuring we operate in the most environmentally responsible manner while maximising the opportunities for education and advocacy both ashore and aboard.

Popular similar vacations

Japan luxury small ship cruise

Japan luxury small ship cruise

From US $7650 10 days excluding flights

A Voyage from Osaka to Niigata-Tokyo, Including South Korea

The best of Japan luxury cruise

The best of Japan luxury cruise

From £4955 - £4960 9 days excluding flights

Osaka to Fukuoka; a blend of modernity & tradition

Japan & South Korea small ship cruise

Japan & South Korea small ship cruise

From US $9175 12 days excluding flights

Japan Cruise from Tokyo to Osaka, including South Korea