Join us as we set sail and explore some of Japan's iconic highlights alongside lesser-known and rarely-visited islands and destinations on one, unforgettable all-inclusive voyage aboard our luxurious, 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer. Made up of 6,852 islands, the perfect way to explore Japan's seldom visited destinations is by sea and Heritage Adventurer is the ideal vessel for such a voyage. Combining a thrilling mix of culture, history and the natural world our authentic expedition cruise will see us exploring ancient castles, serenely beautiful gardens and opulent temples and shrines combined with witnessing some of Japan's stunning natural landscapes. Experience all-inclusive luxury cruise travel as we explore Japan's second-largest city, Osaka, famous for its vibrant nightlife and street food. Discover Kyoto's famed 1001 Senju Kannon statues, historic Pontocho Alley, Nishiki Market and Fushimi's sake heritage. Venture to destinations such as the historic and serene castle town of Matsue, the ancient anachronistic town of Hagi. Experience the tranquillity of Yakushima Island, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Japan's mega cities with its towering mountains and ancient forest. We'll also moor at Uwajima, one of Japan's premier pearl producers with the opportunity to visit one of the city's traditional pearl farms. Among the many highlights of our itinerary will be the iconic garden of Kenroku-en and one of Japan's most famed gardens the 28-acre formal 17th Century Koraku-en garden and Yuushien Garden, home to 250 types of peonies. Our voyage also visits parts of Japan where relatively few tourists set foot such as Sado Island - widely considered a perfect miniature Japan and thriving cultural capital filled with performing arts, natural scenery, samurai history, and more. During our exploration of Nagasaki, we will gain further insight into its World War II history as well as its role in international trade during the isolation period. We will also spend a day in the laidback metropolis of South Korea's Busan famous for its beautiful beaches, markets, mountains and temples. Helping us understand all we will see and experience, and travelling with us throughout the voyage, will be our expert Guest Speakers and Japanese guides. They will add immeasurably to your enjoyment and understanding of this captivating country.









Join us as we set sail and explore some of Japan's iconic highlights alongside lesser-known and rarely-visited islands and destinations on one, unforgettable all-inclusive voyage aboard our luxurious, 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer. Made up of 6,852 islands, the perfect way to explore Japan's seldom visited destinations is by sea and Heritage Adventurer is the ideal vessel for such a voyage. Combining a thrilling mix of culture, history and the natural world our authentic expedition cruise will see us exploring ancient castles, serenely beautiful gardens and opulent temples and shrines combined with witnessing some of Japan's stunning natural landscapes. Experience all-inclusive luxury cruise travel as we explore Japan's second-largest city, Osaka, famous for its vibrant nightlife and street food. Discover Kyoto's famed 1001 Senju Kannon statues, historic Pontocho Alley, Nishiki Market and Fushimi's sake heritage. Venture to destinations such as the historic and serene castle town of Matsue, the ancient anachronistic town of Hagi. Experience the tranquillity of Yakushima Island, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Japan's mega cities with its towering mountains and ancient forest. We'll also moor at Uwajima, one of Japan's premier pearl producers with the opportunity to visit one of the city's traditional pearl farms. Among the many highlights of our itinerary will be the iconic garden of Kenroku-en and one of Japan's most famed gardens the 28-acre formal 17th Century Koraku-en garden and Yuushien Garden, home to 250 types of peonies. Our voyage also visits parts of Japan where relatively few tourists set foot such as Sado Island - widely considered a perfect miniature Japan and thriving cultural capital filled with performing arts, natural scenery, samurai history, and more. During our exploration of Nagasaki, we will gain further insight into its World War II history as well as its role in international trade during the isolation period. We will also spend a day in the laidback metropolis of South Korea's Busan famous for its beautiful beaches, markets, mountains and temples. Helping us understand all we will see and experience, and travelling with us throughout the voyage, will be our expert Guest Speakers and Japanese guides. They will add immeasurably to your enjoyment and understanding of this captivating country.
Before the cruise
Day-by-day stops
After the cruise

Heritage Expeditions
Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration. Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel. Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.
1 promotion applies to this voyage. Click any offer for full terms.
210+ days before departure: 10% penalty 121–209 days before departure: 25% penalty 0–120 days before departure: 100% penalty Heritage Adventurer: 25% non-refundable deposit, balance due 90 days before departure; Antarctic voyages — balance due 120 days, deposit forfeited 179-121 days, total loss within 120 days. Heritage Explorer: 25% non-refundable deposit, balance due 60 days before departure, total loss within 60 days. We strongly recommend travel insurance with cancellation cover (minimum USD $150,000 Subantarctic / USD $250,000 Antarctic). Name change fee: $0 USD
All guests must hold comprehensive travel insurance covering baggage loss, cancellation and curtailment, medical, accident, and repatriation / emergency evacuation. Minimum coverage: USD $150,000 per person for Subantarctic / South Pacific / Japan / New Zealand voyages; USD $250,000 per person for Antarctic voyages. Repatriation / emergency evacuation cover should include polar evacuation. Proof of insurance must be submitted before final payment, otherwise Heritage Expeditions reserves the right to cancel the booking.
Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy
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