Island-hop your way from Japan to Taiwan aboard the National Geographic Resolution, experiencing a wide array of natural wonders, historic sites, and cultural treasures. This 14-day journey begins in Kobe with a visit to Himeji Castle, one of the first sites in Japan to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the Edo-period towns on the southern coast of Honshu, set sail to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, encountering contemporary art and age-old culinary traditions in Naoshima and Shodoshima Islands, the stunning architecture of Garyu Sanso Villa, and iconic shrine in Miyajima Island. Cruise south to snorkel and kayak among the gem-like islands of the East China Sea where you'll spend three days before exploring the diverse sites of northeastern Taiwan.
Highlights
Experience Japan’s Himeji Castle, historic towns of Ozu and Uchiko, and “floating” torii gate at Miyajima
Explore Naoshima, an island transformed by art and cutting-edge architecture
Snorkel the coral reefs of Kerama Island
Hike among ancient cedar trees in Yakushima’s rainforest
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Start the day with a visit to Himeji Castle, a 17th-century masterpiece of Japan’s early Shogun era. Known as “White Heron Castle” for its soaring architecture and whitewashed façade, the castle was one of the first sites in Japan to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, settle into your cabin aboard the National Geographic Resolution.
Follow the Seto Inland Sea west to Okayama, take a walk in Koraku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens. Designed in 1700, Koraku-en draws together bamboo groves and cherry trees, traditional teahouses, pine forests, and serene lakes. Later stop by the city’s black-walled Okayama Castle, or “Crow Castle.” In the historic center of nearby Kurashiki, stroll along a picturesque canal lined with willow trees and beautifully preserved granaries once used to store rice and other local produce. See the works of Japanese and European masters at the Ohara Museum of Art, and get a glimpse of the past at Ohashi House, the 18th-century home of a wealthy merchant.
Encounter an astounding range of art—from Monet’s "Water Lilies" to Yayoi Kusama’s polka-dotted pumpkins—on Naoshima, an island that has been transformed into a hub for art and artists. Continue to Shodoshima, a culinary mecca for some 400 years, producing soy sauce and delicate somen noodles, and more recently olives and olive oil. Here, admire seaside terraced rice fields and the stunning Kanka-Kei Gorge, and pay a visit to a soya house and museum.
Located just off the mainland, the island of Miyajima is home to one of Japan’s most iconic sites: Itsukushima Shrine. This World Heritage site is a shrine to women built in the sixth century and known for its crimson torii gate that seems to float on the sea at high tide. Spend the afternoon in Hiroshima, the epicenter of the world’s first nuclear bomb attack in 1945, now rebuilt as a center of peace and reconciliation.
Dock on the island of Shikoku, and travel to Uchiko. Venture into the historic district of Yokaichi to see beautifully preserved merchant houses built in the 19th century, when the region was a major producer of wax. Continue to Ozu and meander along alleyways of old houses from the Edo and Mejii Periods. Then admire the elegant architectural details of Garyu Sanso Villa, a thatched roof manor set on the banks of the Hijikawa River.
Sail south to Yakushima, a verdant island set at the tip of the main Japanese archipelago. Here, subtropical vegetation lines the coast while the interior harbors an ancient temperate rainforest that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head out for a hike to examine the island’s diverse plant and animal species, including enormous yakusugi cedars that date back more than a thousand years.
Just north of Okinawa, Amami Oshima is graced with white sand beaches, mangroves, and giant sago palms, as well as a vibrant artistic tradition. Trace its unique cultural heritage at the Amami City Folk Heritage Museum, and visit the Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum of Art, dedicated to the renowned Japanese artist who made his home here. This afternoon, relax on deck as the ship cruises along the island’s stunning coast.
Okinawa was the center of the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries and only became part of Japan in 1868. Learn about the kingdom’s historic importance and the devastating history of World War II on these islands. Visit the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, set on the site of the last battle on the southern tip of the main island. Then continue to pristine Kerama Island to spend the afternoon snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach.
Scattered in the East China Sea off the coast of Taiwan, these tiny islands offer some of the best coral reefs and beaches in the region. Spend three days exploring above and below the water. Ride a Zodiac through the mangroves to spot mudskippers, ruddy kingfishers, or whistling green pigeons. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and look for the elusive Okinawan dugong, a distant relative of the manatee
Dock in the port city of Keelung, situated on Taiwan’s northeastern coast. Trace the shore to Jinbaoshan Cemetery, where intricately carved graves lie among gorgeous seaside gardens filled with sculptures and interesting architecture. Then wander amongst the whimsical hoodoos of Yehliu Geopark, a narrow cape where the elements have whittled rock into thin spires and unusual shapes. Learn about mining culture at Jinguashi, site of the Taiwanese gold rush at the turn of the 20th century. Experience a traditional tea ceremony before returning the ship.
Day 14: Taipei | Home
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Disembark this morning and travel overland to Taipei. Here, get a close-up look at Taiwan’s traditional decorative arts at the exquisitely restored Baoan Temple. Continue to the National Palace Museum to see an unparalleled collection of Chinese art and artifacts that Chiang Kai Shek brought with him following the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$20,050
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Category 1
Fore Deck with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair 183 square ft. #406, 408, 411, 413, 415.
Standard Cabin Amenities
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Category 2
Fore Deck with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair 205 square ft. #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427
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Category 3
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 205 square ft. #512-524
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Category 4
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa, 205 square ft. #608, 610, 612, 613-623
Standard Cabin Amenities
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Category 5
Bridge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 205 square ft. #708, 709, 711, 713
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Category 6
Bridge Deck—Junior Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed 344 square ft. #710
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Category 7
Bridge Deck—Large Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet 430 square ft. #700-707, 712, 714-717
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Category A Solo
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 140 square ft. #504-510, 513
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Category B Solo
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 140 square ft. #604, 606, 609, 611
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinners
12 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
