Japan is a fascinating combination of unique heritage and culture contrasting with the sprawling metropolises of the world’s most advanced technological civilisation. Made up of 6,852 islands, the perfect way to explore the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ is by sea and the Heritage Adventurer is the ideal vessel for such a voyage. Our fascinating itinerary offers the opportunity to visit ancient castles, serenely beautiful gardens and opulent temples and shrines combined with witnessing some of Japan’s stunning natural landscapes.
During our voyage we will visit the historic and serene castle town of Matsue and the ancient feudal town of Hagi, experience the tranquillity of scared Miyajima and discover one of Japan’s most famed gardens, Koraku-en. Although we will also visit the awe-inspiring contemporary landscape of Tokyo, what makes our itinerary truly unique is our visits to parts of Japan where relatively few tourists set foot such as Shikoku Island, one of the more traditional islands where we learn about pearl cultivation and our excursion inland from Ube to the picturesque five-storied Pagoda of Rurikoji Temple which dates back to 1442.
In addition to our partial circumnavigation of Japan, our course takes us past the south eastern tip of South Korea where we will spend a day in Gyeongju, the ‘Museum Without Walls’ and also visit the Haeinsa Temple, considered one of the three great temples in Korea. Such places invoke the strongest of memories and allow you to immerse yourself in the myth and mystique of these ancient lands whilst returning each evening to the peace and comfort of our vessel. Helping us understand all we will see and experience, and travelling with us throughout the voyage, will be our expert Guest Speaker and Japanese guides who will add immeasurably to your enjoyment and understanding of this captivating country.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Heritage Adventurer
We are delighted to have chartered the Heritage Adventurer, 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 Tokyo, Japan.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Tokyo.
Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 Tokyo to Kanazawa.
After breakfast in the hotel our morning city tour will include the Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple. We continue to the train station to join our bullet train to Kanazawa where, on arrival, we will transfer to the Heritage Adventurer and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 4 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 and 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 5 Matsue.
From the port of Sakaiminato 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 along the local canals. After lunch on board spend the afternoon at leisure or visit the Adachi Museum of Art which is set in a beautiful natural environment. The museum is 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 6 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 this afternoon is free to relax or perhaps 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.
Day 7 Ulsan, South Korea.
Crossing over to South Korea we embark on 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’s 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 8 Masan for Haeinsa.
From our berth in 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 Tripitaka 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 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 selling the daily catch.
Day 9 Ube, Japan.
After a leisurely morning at sea we return to Japan and the port of Ube for our exploration of the historic, southern Yamaguchi prefecture. There will be a choice of tours and you may wish to travel inland to visit the picturesque five-storied Pagoda of Rurikoji Temple and the surrounding park. Dating back to 1442, the pagoda was built in memory of Yoshihiro Mori Terumoto who ruled the area during this period. Alternatively drive to Hofu Tenmangu, believed to be the oldest Tenmangu in Japan having been built in 903 at the site where the court officials and scholar Sugawara Michizane stopped on his way to Fukuoka following his exile. Afterwards visit the museum which houses more than 20,000 national treasure items, including swords, armoury, calligraphy and scrolls. We will then have a chance to explore the beautiful gardens.
Day 10 Uwajima.
This morning we land on Shikoku Island and 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 and we will 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. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Day 11 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 victims’ personal effects relating to the bomb. Over lunch we sail to Miyajima which is considered one of Japan’s top scenic wonders and 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 our Zodiacs to go ashore and explore the Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, founded in the 6th century and dedicated to three sea goddesses.
Day 12 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 will also be the opportunity 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 13 Kobe to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Osaka airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 26 April to 8 May 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Deluxe Twin/Double Cabin with Portholes | £8395 | £7895 |
| 2 Superior Twin/Double Cabin with Panoramic Windows | £8695 | £8195 |
| 3 Superior Twin/Double Cabin with Panoramic Windows | £8995 | £8495 |
| 4 Worsley Suite with Panoramic Windows | £9995 | £9495 |
| 5 Heritage Suites with Double Panoramic Windows | £10495 | £9995 |
| 6 Deluxe Twin/Double Cabin with Portholes for sole occupancy | £8395 | £7895 |
| 7 Superior Twin/Double Cabin with Panoramic Window for sole occupancy | £9695 | £9195 |
| 8 Superior Twin/Double Cabin with Panoramic Window for sole occupancy | £9995 | £9495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHA260423
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the Heritage Adventurer on a full
board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard team
including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Overnight hotel accommodation in Tokyo with breakfast • Gratuities
• Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Heritage Adventure Deckplan
Heritage Adventurer
We are delighted to have chartered the Heritage Adventurer, 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.
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Ship Directory
Ship DirectoryWe are delighted you have chosen the Heritage Adventurer for your upcoming voyage. Formerly known as the MS Hanseatic, the vessel was purpose built for small ship adventures. Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, the Heritage Adventurer now welcomes between 100 to 140 passengers (depending on region) ensuring ample space on board.
The vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere and you will be joined on board by a knowledgeable cruise team who will provide informative talks in the comfort of the Presentation Theatre whilst the excellent crew will offer attentive service on board. When required, the onboard fleet of 14 Zodiac landing craft enable guests to reach every spectacular site, no matter how remote, and explore otherwise inaccessible fjords and waterways. We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
ADAPTORS
Adaptors for hairdryers, mobile phones etc. can be borrowed from Reception. However, it is recommended to bring your own.
AIR-CONDITIONING
The entire ship is air-conditioned. All cabins feature individual temperature controls. In order to keep the air-conditioning system working efficiently, please keep doors closed when in use.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins.
CABINS
On board there are 80 spacious and well-designed cabins. All feature a sitting area, en-suite bathroom with shower, spacious wardrobe and dressing table.
All cabins have the following facilities:
• Television
• Electrical outlet - European round two round prongs
• Hairdryers - available from Reception for use during the voyage
• Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled)
• Safe
• Toiletries: body soap and body lotion
• Telephone
The majority of cabins have two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request. Please advise the Noble Caledonia Reservations Department or, once on board, Reception if you would like a double bed. Please note that cabins 403 & 404 have fixed twin beds whilst cabins 609, 610, 611 & 612 have a fixed double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please also note that all cabins have a shower whilst cabins 609, 610, 611 & 612 also have a bathtub.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free or low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods you require we recommend that you take some with you, although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to the Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your requirements.
DINING & DRINKING
Meals are served in a single seating in the dining room on Deck 4 with unassigned tables, for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. The menu is international, with a focus on local specialities. Sensational 270-degree views provide a stunning backdrop to meals here along with an international wine list featuring many outstanding regional wines. Simple, fast and delicious meals and snacks are also on offer in the relaxed Bistro on Deck 6. Perfect for early risers to enjoy tea, coffee and light breakfast options, the Bistro provides great views and opens directly onto a covered and heated teak-deck outdoor dining area. A selection of wines, spirits, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water are available to purchase from the bar and Lounge on Deck 5 which features seating for all guests. Sink into an armchair, relax on one of the many spacious loungers and watch the world go by through the panoramic windows or make new friends at the communal seating. House beer, house wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on board.
DISEMBARKATION
Your Cruise Director/Expedition Leader will provide you with detailed disembarkation information prior to the end of your cruise. This will include transfer information (where applicable). If you should have any specific queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Cruise Director / Expedition Leader as soon as possible after embarkation.
DRESS CODE
The dress code on board is defined as casual. During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required. However, please refrain from wearing shorts during evening meals in the Restaurant. You may wish to wear something a little dressier for the welcome and farewell dinners, for example, a jacket and tie for gentlemen and occasion wear for ladies. No “black tie” is necessary. It is recommended to wear footwear at all times whilst on board.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220V/50Hz (European standard) and a 220V razor socket. This is only suitable for low voltage electrical appliances, e.g. mobile phone or camera charger. We recommend that you bring a two-pin European adaptor for the 220V plug. If you require electrical medical equipment, please notify the Noble Caledonia Reservations Department as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
It is mandatory that all guests participate in the safety briefing, which is normally scheduled to take place prior to departure from the port of embarkation. In the unlikely event of an emergency you will be informed by a loudspeaker announcement. You will be asked to collect your lifejacket from the cabin, proceed to the marked Muster Station and must follow instructions given by the Captain or crew members.
GOING ASHORE
Wait in public areas or in your suite until an announcement is made with instructions to disembark. Sailing times for each port are listed in the Daily Programme. Please note sailing times and ensure that you return back to the vessel at least 30 minutes prior to departure. In some ports a passport or port landing card must be carried when going ashore. This will be announced over the PA System if required. If the ship is in a remote area and you hear a continuous blast of the ship’s horn then please return immediately to the landing site. When leaving the ship at any time, always ensure you have checked IN/OUT at the gangway.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to ensure hygiene standards and to protect the health of passengers and crew you will find hand sanitisers at key positions around the ship, particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the wardrobe in your cabin. Please complete the laundry list and leave it together with the bag of items to be laundered on your bed in the morning. Your laundered items will be returned within 48 hours. There are no public launderette or ironing facilities on board. In the interest of safety please do not use an electric iron in your suite. An ironing service is available at reasonable cost. Dry cleaning facilities are not available on board. In the interest of the environment, towels will not be automatically changed every day. Please put used towels on the bathroom floor if you wish them to be changed for fresh towels. Towels left hanging on the towel rack will not be changed.
LEISURE FACILITIES
Featuring spectacular ocean views, the well-equipped gym is adjacent to the pool, hot tub and sauna in Deck 7’s wellbeing zone. The zone has an elliptical cross trainer, treadmill, rowing machine, stationary bikes, TRX as well as free weights, yoga mats and fitness balls. Surrounded by relaxed teak seating including sun loungers, the open-air saltwater pool can be heated. Encased in glass the hot tub ensures all-weather use, perfect for those who like to relax with a view following a day of exploring. The ship also features a dry-heat Finnish sauna and European steam room on Deck 7. Towels are provided with changing room and shower amenities nearby.
LIFT
All passenger decks can be reached by lift. Please do not use the lift in the case of a fire or an emergency, the lift may be closed during periods of inclement weather.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Medical services are available 24 hours a day. There is a Doctor and Nurse on board and crew members are trained in first aid. Cabin visits by the ship’s Doctor are available. Please note that all consultations and services are charged for.
NOBLE CALEDONIA TEAM
Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests you may have.
ONBOARD ACCOUNT
All passengers will have their own “ship account” which allows you to sign a receipt for any expenses and then settle your bill at Reception at the end of the cruise. You will need to register your card at Reception shortly after sailing. If you are sharing a suite with a friend and would like separate bills, please inform Reception. Prices on board are shown in US Dollars. All final accounts will be presented in British Pounds. Your ship’s account can be paid by:
• Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard)
• Cash (US Dollars)
Debit cards and pre-paid credit cards may not automatically be accepted. Please let us know in advance if you plan to use one.
PASSPORTS
All passports are collected by the Purser upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities at each port of call and are returned at the end of the cruise.
PRESENTATION THEATRE
Enjoy informative and entertaining lectures on history, biology, wildlife, and ecology in the comfort of the Presentation Theatre located on Deck 2. With state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, the onboard team will bring your adventure to life through interactive presentations and discussions.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday experience and appreciate the time you take to complete the questionnaire. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in at Reception.
SAFE
There is a safe in every cabin located in the closet. The safe can be programmed with your own code, instructions can be found inside the closet door and cabin staff will be available to assist upon embarkation. It is recommended that you leave money and other valuables in the safe. Kindly remember to remove all items from the safe before disembarking the ship at the end of your cruise.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck plans
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Heritage Adventure Deckplan
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Heritage Adventure Deckplan
Travelling with You
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Meri Arichi
Meri Arichi is a Senior Teaching Fellow at SOAS, University of London where she lectures on the history of Japanese art. She studied Art History in London and Florence and worked in Christies in London from 1989 to 1993. She returned to university in 1993, and received her PhD from SOAS in 2003 and a post-doctoral fellowship from the CSJR (Centre for the Study of Japanese Religions) at SOAS in 2003. Her area of research interest is Buddhist art of Japan, particularly focusing on the Shinto-Buddhist syncretism in Medieval Japan. She is the convenor for the Japan and Korea module of the SOAS postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art Courses, leads tours to Japan and lectures freelance for The Arts Society. She has taught short courses at the British Museum, V&A and Courtauld Institute of Art Summer School.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some more time in Tokyo we have arranged a two night extension.
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Tokyo, Japan.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Tokyo.
Arrive today and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore independently.
Day 3 Tokyo.
Enjoy a full day tour to see the sites of Tokyo including the attractive Hama Rikyu Gardens and the Edo Tokyo Museum. (B, L)
Day 4 Tokyo.
Enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace. Continue as per day 2 of the main itinerary. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
24 to 27 April 2023 Category Price Twin £1195 Single £1495 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Tokyo, full day tour of Tokyo, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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If you would like to spend some time in Kyoto and discover the city of Nara, we are offering a two night extension.
Todaiji Temple, Nara
The Itinerary
Day 1 Kobe, Nara & Kyoto, Japan.
Disembark this morning and drive to Nara. During the 8th century Nara was Japan’s capital for 74 years and many of the temples and shrines from this era still remain. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue on to Kyoto. Check in to our hotel and the evening is free for independent exploration. (B, L)
Day 2 Kyoto.
This morning we will discover Kyoto, Japan’s former historic capital and Emperor’s home for nearly 1000 years. After our visit return to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Kyoto to London.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to Osaka airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
8 to 10 May 2023 Category Price Twin £1095 Single £1395 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Kyoto, meals as stated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Timeless Japan
Discover the cultural treasures of Japan & the ancient wonders of South Korea aboard the Heritage Adventurer
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON
Heritage Adventurer
Itinerary at a glance
- Tokyo / Mount Fuji / Kumano / Takamatsu / Koraku-en / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Miyanjima / Hagi / Ulsan / Matsue / Kyoto / Kanwaza / Tokyo
13 nights
from
£7895
Next Departure:
16 April 2023
Temples & Gardens of Ancient Japan
A voyage from Kobe to Kanazawa including a call into South Korea aboard the Heritage Adventurer
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Heritage Adventurer
Itinerary at a glance
- Kobe / Takamatsu / Koraku-en / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Miyajima / Uwajima / Yakushima / Nagasaki / Dejima / Hagi / Ulsan / Matsue / Kanazawa / Tokyo
13 nights
from
£8695
Next Departure:
7 May 2023
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000