The Islands of Japan

Your journey starts in Tokyo where you will meet fellow travellers and your expedition guides.

The following day you will board the famous bullet train and cross the country to Kanazawa.

Explore the historic mountain village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO site in Hakusan National Park, known for its Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Alternatively, visit Kanazawa, famed for its pottery, lacquerware, gold-leaf art, and Noh theatre. Wander cobblestone streets, visit Kenrokuen Garden, and explore Omicho Market. This evening, join the expedition team as we sail towards Matsue.

Arriving at Sakaiminato, the gateway to Matsue, known as ‘the town of water’, you will visit Matsue Castle, a 17th-century national treasure. Other options include exploring Daisen-Oki National Park, Yuushien Garden during its Peony Festival, the Adachi Museum of Art, learning Japanese papermaking at Yakumo-mura village, or wandering the picturesque streets and canals.

Hagi, once a minor fishing port fortified in 1604, is now famed for its traditional pottery. Explore the Teramachi District’s temples, Jokamachi’s Samurai houses, Hagi Castle, Shizuki Park, and Tokoji Temple. In the afternoon, visit the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum or explore the 300-million-year-old Akiyoshido Cave, a natural wonder of limestone formations.

Today, you cross the Sea of Japan to Ulsan, South Korea, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju, the Silla Dynasty capital. Known as “the museum without walls,” Gyeongju is rich in ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture. Explore temples, tombs, and pagodas, enjoy Korean delicacies and cultural performances, and visit the National Museum’s treasures.

Fukuoka, Kyushu’s largest city, blends trendy yatai food stalls, vibrant art, historic ruins, and coastal parks. Explore Kitakyushu, Kokura Castle, TOTO Museum, Kawachi Wisteria Garden, or visit Nanzoin Temple’s reclining bronze Buddha, the world’s largest. Discover Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to poet Sugawara no Michizane, surrounded by gardens, ponds, and over 6,000 plum trees.

Arrive in Nagasaki, the second city hit by an A-bomb during WWII. Visit the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, and Dejima Island, once home to Dutch traders during Japan’s isolation period. In the afternoon, explore Glover Garden, featuring European-style homes from the 19th century, including Glover House, the inspiration for Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.

This morning, as the ship sails towards the southern tip of Kyushu, you’ll head to Yakushima Island, Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its diverse flora. In the afternoon, you can choose from nature walks in Yakusugi Land, part of Yakushima National Park. Discover ancient cedar trees, like the Buddha Sugi and Sennen Sugi, and spot the endemic Yakushima Macaque.

This morning, explore Shikoku Island and Uwajima, Japan’s largest pearl cultivation centre. Visit a pearl farm to learn about the process and see Uwajima Castle, offering panoramic views of the town and harbour. Stroll through the Samurai-era Tenshaen Garden before enjoying a leisurely afternoon in the city.

Today you will visit the renowned 17th-century Koraku-en Garden, featuring 28 acres of trails, ponds, and cherry trees, this is one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens. In the afternoon, explore Kurashiki’s old merchant quarter with 17th-century white warehouses, willow-lined canals, and koi fish. You may also visit the Ohara Museum, showcasing works by Matisse, Picasso, and Japan’s Mingei movement.

Your voyage ends today in Osaka. From here we can arrange for you to explore the local area, including the 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, before you move on to your next stop.