Immerse yourself in the mythology of Japan and the serene beauty of South Korea on this remarkable voyage aboard the Heritage Adventurer. Sailing from Osaka, our comprehensive exploration offers a marvellous balance of ancient castles, beautiful gardens and opulent temples and shrines combined with beautiful natural landscapes. Like all well planned itineraries we have included some of the best known highlights, but equally will also take you to some places where relatively few foreign tourists set foot. With the Heritage Adventurer we are able to visit out of the way islands and remote stretches of coast which would not be practical on a regular land tour or a larger cruise ship and it is in such places that we find timeless villages, rural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
Over the course of eleven nights we will witness a variety of cultures, natural wonders and architectural styles. Amongst the many highlights will be our visit to Kyoto including the breathtaking Golden Pavilion, and the iconic gardens of Koraku-en and Kenroku-en where we hope to see the cherry blossoms. We will discover the shrines and pagodas of Miyajima and the 17th century Matsue Castle, visit the Peace Memorial at Hiroshima, explore South Korea’s World Heritage Site of Gyeongju with its abundance of archaeological sites and Shikoku Island, one of Japan’s more traditional islands where we will learn about pearl cultivation. All this will be achieved with great ease sailing aboard the Heritage Adventurer and we will be joined on board by our expert Guest Speaker and excellent local guides who will provide an insight into the fascinating culture and history along the way.
Heritage Adventurer
The Heritage Adventurer is a pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. The vessel was purpose built for small ship adventures in 1991 in Finland’s Rauma shipyard. Formerly known as the MS Hanseatic, we know the vessel well and she is ideal for our small ship explorations. When required, the onboard fleet of 14 Zodiac landing craft enables guests to reach every spectacular site, no matter how remote and explore otherwise inaccessible fjords and waterways.
Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, the Heritage Adventurer now welcomes between 100 to 140 passengers (depending on region) ensuring ample space on board and the opportunity to accommodate more solo travellers than is usual for a vessel of this size. The vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere and you will be joined on board by a knowledgeable cruise team including a Guest Speaker who will provide informative talks in the comfort of the Presentation Theatre whilst the excellent crew will offer attentive service on board.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Osaka, Japan.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Osaka.
Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 Osaka.
After breakfast this morning our city tour will take in the soaring skyscrapers of Umeda, the bustling area of Dotombori and the imposing Osaka Castle. Whilst Kyoto was the city of courtly nobility and Tokyo the city of the samurai, Osaka was the city of merchants and takes pride in shedding the conservatism found elsewhere in Japan. After lunch, we will transfer to the port and embark the Heritage Adventurer. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail overnight.
Day 4 Koraku-en & Kurashiki.
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. After a Japanese lunch in a local restaurant, we will continue to Kurashiki where we explore the old merchant quarter and its fine 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 mingei movement including ceramics by Hamada Shoji.
Day 5 Hiroshima & Miyajima.
Arrive this morning in Hiroshima for our visit to the compelling Peace Memorial Park. The park is dotted with memorials, including the Cenotaph which contains the names of all the known victims of the A-bomb and the permanently lit “Flame of Peace”. Just outside the park, the A-Bomb Dome is a haunting reminder of the destructive forces that were unleashed on the city being one of the few original buildings to survive. In the museum we will see photos, videos and victim’s personal effects relating to the bomb. Over lunch we sail to Miyajima. Considered one of Japan’s top scenic wonders, Miyajima provides a picture postcard vista of the scarlet Torii gate, the giant camphor wood gates at the entrance to the Shinto Shrine. We will use the vessel’s Zodiacs to go ashore and explore the Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, founded in the 6th century and dedicated to three sea goddesses.
Day 6 Uwajima.
This morning we land on Shikoku Island at the port of Uwajima situated deep inside the saw-toothed coast of Uwajima Bay. The city of Uwajima is emerging as the nation’s largest pearl cultivation centre. Learn the process of implanting, harvesting, extracting and sorting pearls on a visit to a pearl farm. We will also see Uwajima Castle, which is built on top of the hill with panoramic views over the town and harbour and the Tensha-en Garden, built in the Samurai era. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe make your way to the Date Museum which exhibits items dedicated to the Date family, who ruled Uwajima from the castle for 250 years during the Tokugawa period.
Day 7 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 traditions. This morning we will explore the Teramachi District with its temples and shrines, the Jokamachi District, where we find the old samurai houses and also take time to explore Hagi Castle, Shizuki Park and Tokoji Temple. Return to the vessel for lunch and a leisurely afternoon on board as we sail towards South Korea.
Day 8 Masan for Haeinsa, South Korea.
Arriving in South Korea at the city of Masan we head inland to the Haeinsa Temple. Regarded as one of the three great temples in Korea, it was first settled in 802 AD and its name derives from a verse in a Buddhist Sutra as “reflections on a smooth sea”. In the 13th century when Korea was at war with the Mongols, the government commissioned the Triptaka Koreana, a complete copy of Buddhist scriptures, in the hope of Buddha’s intervention in the war. They were carved onto 81,258 double sided wooden blocks and stored on floor to ceiling shelves in the Janggyeong Panjeon building. We also visit the Daejokkwangjeon, the main worship hall of the temple. After lunch in a nearby restaurant we will return to Masan this afternoon where you may want to visit the vibrant fish market.
Day 9 Ulsan for Gyeongju.
Today we will take a full day excursion to magnificent Gyeongju, a World Heritage Site, which is often described as the world’s finest open-air museum embracing ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture. As the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty, Gyeongju cultural heritage dates back to the first millennium. Today, as we stroll through some of the hundreds of excavated monuments, temples, tombs and pagodas, there will be time to explore the National Museum with its exceptional collection of finely worked gold jewellery, metal weapons and distinctive pottery. At lunch time, we will sample Korean delicacies and enjoy a cultural performance of traditional dance.
Day 10 Matsue, Japan.
After a relaxing morning at sea we will arrive into the port of Sakaiminato from where we visit Matsue, the ‘town of water,’ which nestles between a scenic lake and a large lagoon. We will visit the cultural attractions of the town including the 17th century Matsue Castle before enjoying a boat ride on the local canals. Alternatively, visit the Adachi Museum of Art which is set in a beautiful natural environment and well known for both its superb Japanese gardens and its collection of contemporary Japanese paintings, comprising approximately 1500 of the country’s most highly regarded paintings produced after the Meiji period.
Day 11 Maizuru for Kyoto.
From our berth in Maizuru we drive inland to Kyoto, Japan’s former historic capital and Emperor’s home for nearly 1,000 years. Our full day tour begins with a visit to the bamboo forest before continuing to the World Heritage Site of Tenryu-ji Temple, ranked first amongst the city’s five great Zen Temples. After lunch we continue to the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which was built as a retirement villa for the Shogun and converted into a Buddhist Temple after his death. Built on the edge of a tranquil pond with the second and third stories covered in gold leaf we can walk through the peaceful gardens and marvel at the reflection in the still waters. Alternatively, spend the morning at the quaint fishing village of Ine, famous for its “funaya” boat houses which line the bay. Enjoy a walk through the village and a boat tour in the bay for the picturesque views from the sea.
Day 12 Kanazawa.
Kanazawa is a thriving centre of the arts, long known for its lacquerware, outstanding collectable pottery of the Kutani style, gold-leaf workmanship, delicate hand painting of silk for kimonos and Noh theatre dramas. The narrow and winding cobblestone streets have a quaint photogenic charm with old fashioned streetlamps and wooden lattice windows hiding elegant restaurants and craft galleries. Around each bend is a traditional house, museum, art gallery, craft shop, historic samurai residence and even a geisha house to explore. The fascinating open-air market displays a vast variety of items from flowers to fish and local handicrafts. Next to the Kanazawa Castle ruins is one of Japan’s premier highlights, the famed Kenroku-en Garden, ranked among the country’s top three gardens.
Day 13 Kanazawa to Tokyo.
We will disembark this morning and take the bullet train to Tokyo. On arrival enjoy an afternoon city tour including the Meiji shrine and Sensoji Temple before we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The evening is free to explore further at your own pace.
Day 14 Tokyo to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
23 April to 6 May 2025 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Deluxe Twin/Double Cabin with Portholes | £9995 | £9495 |
2 Superior Twin/Double Cabin with Panoramic Windows | £10295 | £9795 |
3 Superior Twin/Double Cabin with Panoramic Windows | £10495 | £9995 |
4 Worsley Suite with Panoramic Windows | £11995 | £11495 |
5 Heritage Suites with Double Panoramic Windows | £12495 | £11995 |
6 Deluxe Twin/Double Cabin with Portholes for sole occupancy | £10995 | £10495 |
7 Superior Twin/Double Cabin with Panoramic Window for sole occupancy | £11295 | £10795 |
8 Superior Twin/Double Cabin with Panoramic Window for sole occupancy | £11495 | £10995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHA230425
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Osaka & Tokyo with breakfast • 10 nights aboard the Heritage Adventurer on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Heritage Adventure Deckplan
Heritage Adventurer
The Heritage Adventurer is a pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. The vessel was purpose built for small ship adventures in 1991 in Finland’s Rauma shipyard. Formerly known as the MS Hanseatic, we know the vessel well and she is ideal for our small ship explorations. When required, the onboard fleet of 14 Zodiac landing craft enables guests to reach every spectacular site, no matter how remote and explore otherwise inaccessible fjords and waterways.
Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, the Heritage Adventurer now welcomes between 100 to 140 passengers (depending on region) ensuring ample space on board and the opportunity to accommodate more solo travellers than is usual for a vessel of this size. The vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere and you will be joined on board by a knowledgeable cruise team including a Guest Speaker who will provide informative talks in the comfort of the Presentation Theatre whilst the excellent crew will offer attentive service on board.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some additional time in Tokyo after your cruise we have arranged a two night extension.
The Itinerary
Day 1 Tokyo, Japan.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will enjoy a full day tour of Tokyo which will include time at the attractive Hamarikyu Gardens and the Tsukiji Outer Market where we will learn about traditional Japanese foods. After a barbeque lunch we will continue to the Nezu Museum. This private museum showcases over 7,000 objects including calligraphy, sculptures and textiles whilst outside we can stroll through the Japanese gardens. This evening is free for independent exploration. (B, L)
Day 2 Tokyo.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore independently. (B)
Day 3 Tokyo to London.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
6 to 8 May 2025 Category Price Twin £1295 Single £1495 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Tokyo, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch), excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Autumn Colours in Japan
An escorted tour discovering the Gardens, Temples & Cities of Japan
Japan Accommodation
Itinerary at a glance
- Tokyo / Hakone / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Okayama / Kurashiki / Takamatsu
Islands of Japan
A voyage from Kanazawa to Osaka aboard the Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer
Itinerary at a glance
- Tokyo / Kanazawa / Matsue / Hagi / Gyeongju / Fukuoka / Nagasaki / Yakushima / Uwajima / Koraku-en / Kurashiki / Osaka
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000