Discover the Islands of Japan

Arrive at Japan’s famed neon-lit capital of Tokyo, where tradition meets ultramodern and towering skyscrapers sit alongside ancient temples, and make your way to the hotel where the group will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening, meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring Japan's famed capital. Later, travel by Shinkansen, "bullet train," to Kanazawa where you will board Heritage Adventurer and settle into life on board. You'll also be introduced to your expedition team and the voyage plans as we moor overnight, with your evening free to explore.

Options today include exploring the historic mountain settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, high in the remote mountains of the Shogawa River Valley in Hakusan National Park. Take in the sights on mountain walks and experience the unique cultural traditions including the region’s iconic Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old, designed to withstand the heavy snow in winter and provide a large attic space for cultivating silkworms. Alternatively, explore the rich art center of Kanazawa, discovering some of the unique styles of Japanese art. Kanazawa is rightly famous for its Kutani-style pottery, exquisite lacquerware, gold-leaf workmanship, hand painted silk, and classical Noh dance-drama performed since the 14th century. Wander winding cobblestone streets lined with elegant restaurants and craft galleries, and visit the impressive Edo-period Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and explore the Omicho Market boasting everything from flowers to crafts and food. This evening, join the expedition team in the Bridge, Observation Lounge, or up on the Observation Deck as we set sail for Matsue.

This morning, arrive at the port of Sakaiminato, entry point to Matsue, known as "the town of water" because of its setting between Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi. The plan is to visit Matsue Castle, a national treasure and one of Japan’s few largely intact 17th century castles. Other options today may include exploring Daisen- Oki National Park, steeped in beauty and history. It’s also the home of rare flora and fauna including the giant salamander You may also visit the picturesque Yuushien Garden, which coincides with the iconic annual Yuushien Peony Festival, the Adachi Museum of Art, learning about the art of Japanese paper making at the Yakumo-mura village, or perhaps spend some time exploring the picturesque streets and the local canals.

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. This morning, explore the Teramachi District with its temples and shrines, the Jokamachi District, where you'll find the old Samurai houses, and also take time to explore Hagi Castle, Shizuki Park, and Tokoji Temple. This afternoon, travel to the outskirts of the city and the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to a large collection of Hagiyaki pottery thT was highly prized in the Edo period as wares for tea ceremonies. Alternatively, discover the natural wonders of 300 million-year-old limestone Akiyoshido Cave.

Today, cross the Sea of Japan to the South Korean metropolis of Busan, known for its beautiful beaches, bustling city streets, Buddhist temples, cinematic legacy, mountains, and the largest fish market in South Korea. This city by the sea is rightly famous for its seafood, surf, and street food. Options today could include exploring the labyrinthine streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, decorated with various murals and art pieces crafted by the locals themselves, its brightly colored houses earning it the title "the Santorini of South Korea," and wandering the endless isles of the Jagalchi Fish Market, sampling some of the local delicacies. At one of the few Buddhist temples by the sea, ascend 108 steps to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which promises to answer at least one wish through sincere prayers, enjoy a new perspective from 1,350 feet at BUSAN X, the SKY tower, marvel at the engineering feat and city icon that is the Busan Gwangandaegyo Bridge, while natural beauty and cutting-edge design collide on Dongbaekseom Island, an island of camellia trees and the location of Nurimaru APEC House ? a contemporary recreation of a traditional Korean pavilion.

Arrive this morning in Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II. Tour the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum and Dejima Island, which was built during the Edo period to accommodate 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 the country in the 19th century, Dejima was its only window to the world. With the reopening of the port to Westerners in the latter half of the 19th Century, Nagasaki blossomed as a prosperous and sophisticated international city. Suitable housing was required for the sudden influx of foreigners who made their homes here and many of the stone and clapboard residences that were built during this period survive today and are preserved in Glover Garden, which we plan to visit this afternoon. The best known European-style residence here, Glover House, built in 1863, was the setting for Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly.

Sail to the very south of Kyushu and the island of Yakushima, which became Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and has a particularly diverse flora. Spend the afternoon on a choice of nature walks in Yakusugi Land in Yakushima National Park, home of the endemic Yakushima macaque, and populated by a number of the island's renowned ancient cedar trees, such as the Buddha Sugi, Futago Sugi, and Sennen Sugi, which are over 3,000 years old.

Shikoku Island and the port of Uwajima, situated deep inside the saw-toothed coast of Uwajima Bay, is the destination for today. The city of Uwajima is emerging as the nation's largest pearl cultivation center and you will learn the process of implanting, harvesting, extracting, and sorting pearls on a visit to a pearl farm. You will also see Uwajima Castle, which is built on top of the hill with panoramic views over the town and harbor, and the Tenshaen Garden, built in the Samurai era. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

From the port of Uno-Ko, 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. This afternoon, continue to Kurashiki to explore the old merchant quarter and its 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 that includes rare works by Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir as well as collections from Japan’s famous Mingei movement including ceramics by Hamada Shoji.

This morning, sail into Honshu’s largest port city, Osaka, where modern architecture and a vibrant dining scene are nestled alongside the 16th century shogunate Osaka Castle. After breakfast there will be a complimentary coach to a central hotel or the Kansai International Airport. To allow time for disembarkation procedures and travel from Osaka, we do not recommend booking flights departing before 1300 hours.