Join us for this unusual voyage which combines some of Japan’s best known highlights with visits to some of the lesser known islands and ports of southern Japan and a day spent in South Korea’s World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. So many of Japan’s treasures are accessible from the coast and our ten night cruise allows you to immerse yourself in the myth and mystique of these ancient lands whilst returning each evening to the peace and comfort of the Heritage Adventurer.
Sailing south from Kanazawa we visit some intriguing places including Shikoku Island where a slower pace of life is enjoyed and Yakushima Island which is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s mega cities with its towering mountains and ancient forest. Here we can enjoy nature at its best with walks to appreciate the diverse fauna including the impressive old cedars. Amongst the many highlights of our itinerary will be the iconic gardens of Kenroku-en and Koraku-en, our visit to the ancient feudal town of Hagi, the abundant archaeological sites of Gyeongju revealing ancient Korean history and our exploration of Nagasaki where we will gain further insight into its World War II history as well as its role in international trade during the isolation period. In addition we will explore Northern Kyushu and the vibrant city of Fukuoka from where there will be the option to visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine which dates back to the 16th century.
Our comprehensive itinerary is a wonderful mix of culture, history and the natural world which will be achieved with ease from aboard the Heritage Adventurer. We will discover the many facets of Japan in the company of a small group of fellow like-minded passengers, our expert Guest Speaker and Japanese guides who will travel with us and bring to life all that we see and experience.
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 Tokyo.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Tokyo.
Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure.
Day 3 Tokyo to Kanazawa.
After breakfast in the hotel a morning city tour will include the Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple. Continue to the train station to join the bullet train to Kanazawa where, on arrival, we transfer to the Heritage Adventurer. 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. 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 on the local canals. After lunch on board maybe spend the afternoon at leisure or 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 1,500 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. The museum 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 for Gyeongju, 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 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 Fukuoka, Japan.
Today we arrive in Fukuoka, the largest city on the island of Kyushu. The city was formed in 1889 when two towns merged, the castle town of Fukuoka and the merchant town of Hakata. Even though the city is called Fukuoka, the name Hakata is still widely used throughout the city. This morning we will set out to explore part of Northern Kyushu starting in the city of Kitakyushu where we will visit the Kokura Castle, which was originally built in 1602 but rebuilt in 1959 after a fire. Our next stop will be the TOTO Museum which showcases the companies’ products, the most famous being its electronic toilets which are hard to miss when visiting Japan, and Japan’s passion and drive for electronics. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will head into the countryside to the Kawachi Wisteria Garden, where for a few weeks each year you can walk through this private garden taking in its spectacular displays of wisteria flowers. We will return to the ship in Fukuoka in the late afternoon. Alternatively today there will be the option to explore the spiritual side of Kyushu with a tour to Nanzoin Temple which is known for its reclining bronze Buddha, thought to be the largest bronze statue in the world. From here we will travel to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which is built on the gravesite of poet and scholar Sugawara no Michizane and has become a place for students to pray for success in their exams. The shrine sits in beautiful gardens with ponds, bridges and over 6,000 plum trees. Return to the ship for lunch with an afternoon at leisure. Please note the Kawachi Wisteria Garden is seasonal and only open for a short period when the trees are in bloom. Should the Wisteria Garden close early for the season then an alternative visit will be arranged.
Day 9 Nagasaki.
This morning we explore Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II. Tour the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden. This afternoon we will visit Dejima which was an artificial island off Nagasaki built during the Edo Period to house Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It was also the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku isolation period for 200 years until Japan reopened to the world.
Day 10 Yakushima.
Today we arrive on the island of Yakushima which became Japan’s first World Heritage Site in 1993. Yakushima is famous in botanical circles for many great garden plants, including dwarf plants that have evolved to grow smaller than their mainland cousins. We will spend time here on nature walks, including Yakusugi Land, a nature park populated by a number of the island’s ancient cedar trees such as the Buddhasugi, Futagosugi and Sennensugi. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 11 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. 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 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 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 13 Osaka to London.
Disembark this morning and enjoy a city tour of Osaka to explore this lively metropolis. Whilst Kyoto was the city of courtly nobility and Tokyo the city of the samurai, Osaka was the city of merchants and is known for its bright lights, excellent food and ambitious architecture. As we explore the city, take in the soaring skyscrapers of Umeda, the bustling areas of Dotombori known for its nightlife and the imposing Osaka Castle. After lunch and some free time we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 14 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
3 to 16 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: SCHA030525
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the Heritage Adventurer on a full board basis • Overnight hotel accommodation in Tokyo with breakfast • 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 before your cruise we have arranged a two night extension.
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.
After breakfast in the hotel, we will have a full day tour of Tokyo including the Hama Rikyu Gardens, an attractive landscaped garden in central Tokyo including seawater pools that change with the tides. Continue to the Nezu Museum houses the private collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art of Nezu Kaichiro. After lunch we see the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower before returning to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. (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
1 to 4 May 2025 Category Price Twin £1295 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), 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 after your cruise, we are offering a two night extension.
The Itinerary
Day 1 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. We will see the Todaji Temple and Kasuga Shrine before taking lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Kyoto and check into our hotel. The evening is free for independent exploration. (B, L)
Day 2 Kyoto.
After breakfast at the hotel discover Kyoto, Japan’s former historic capital and Emperor’s home for nearly 1,000 years. A morning tour will include the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and the Ryoanji Temple which is the site of one of Japan’s famous rock gardens. 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 for a city tour including Osaka Castle, Dotombori and Umeda. After lunch in a local restaurant we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. (B, L)
Day 4 London.
Arrive today.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
15 to 18 May 2025 Category Price Twin £1295 Single £1495 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Kyoto, tours as described, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch), 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
Winter in Japan
An escorted tour discovering the winter wildlife & wonders of Japan
Winter in Japan Accommodation
Itinerary at a glance
- Tokyo / Kushiro / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Kyoto / Matsumoto / Jigokudani / Obuse
Temples & Gardens of Ancient Japan
A voyage from Osaka to Kanazawa including South Korea aboard the Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer
Itinerary at a glance
- Osaka / Koraku-en & Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Miyajima / Uwajima / Hagi / Haeinsa / Gyeongju / Matsue / Kyoto / Kanazawa
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000