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Cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji

Through the Heart of Japan

Tokyo to Fukuoka - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Coral Geographer
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Embark on a 15-day journey through the heart of Japan aboard the Coral Geographer. Start in Tokyo and sail towards the Sea of Japan. Explore Shimizu Island and visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center for breathtaking views of the iconic mountain. Visit Shingu shrines and the Daimon-Zaka trail. Choose between exploring the vibrant city of Osaka or the historic city of Kyoto, experiencing the Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima, and learning about soy sauce at the Marukin Museum in Shodoshima. Visit Hiroshima and the famous Itsukujima Shrine in Miyajima. Explore Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama and discover the natural beauty of Tsushima. Explore Jeju Island's lava tubes in South Korea, visit Arita's pottery town, and visit the Goto Islands. Conclude your journey in Fukuoka, where you'll disembark and bid farewell to your fellow travelers.
Cherry blossoms frame Osaka castleHiroshima Peace Memorial or Atomic Bomb DomeRiverside view of HiroshimaNight view of Kobe Port, JapanA woman admires the spring cherry blossoms, dressed in a kimonoCherry blossoms in historic KyotoOsaka's city lights after sunsetMt. Fuji surrounded by cherry blossomsHiroshima Peace MemorialBasaltic columns of Jeju IslandCherry blossoms and Mount Fuji
Highlights
  • Begin in Tokyo, sailing towards the scenic Sea of Japan
  • Explore Shimizu Island and visit Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center
  • Discover Shingu’s Kumano shrines and Daimon-Zaka trail hike
  • Choose Osaka's food tour or Kyoto's ancient temples and gardens
  • Experience Tokushima's Awa Odori Festival and Otsuka Museum of Art
  • Visit Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and historical Shukkeien Garden
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Tokyo | Embark

Arrive at the Tokyo International Cruise Line Terminal at 2:00 pm and connect with the Expedition team for check-in at 3:30 pm. Begin the journey aboard the Coral Geographer at 4:30 pm, allowing time to settle in your stateroom before the 7:00 pm departure towards the mystical Sea of Japan. Familiarize yourself with the ship's amenities as the adventure begins. Join tonight for the Captain’s welcome drinks, where you can mingle with the crew and fellow passengers as the ship sails into the evening sun.

Day 2-14: Exploration

Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximize the guest experience. Below are the highlight destinations of your voyage.

Shimizu Island
Shimizu, translating to ‘pure water’ in Japanese, is one of Japan’s most scenic ports, with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji. This is the entry port into Japan. From here, visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center, constructed to commemorate the mountain’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The center boasts a viewing deck and a variety of exhibitions pertaining to the volcano’s seismology, history, and cultural significance. The building has an inverted conical form that reflects in the pond outside to reveal the shape of the iconic mountain. Afterwards, enjoy self-exploration to discover the city, including street markets and local food. Also enjoy a visit to the nearby Fujisan Sengen Shrine.

In the afternoon, visit the Obuchisasaba Tea Plantation area. Take a walk between sites to enjoy local tea and a short presentation on the long history of this famous tea plantation with spectacular views of Mount Fuji.

Shingu
Guests visit important shrines located in Shingu City on the southeast coast of the Kii Peninsula: Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.

For keen walkers, the 4-hour Daimon-Zaka trail can be traversed through tall cedar forests. This is an impressive cobblestone staircase slope that runs from the base of the valley to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi waterfall.

Drive through the stunning Dorokyo Gorge, stopping for unforgettable photo opportunities.

Kobe Port to Osaka / Kyoto
Today, choose to explore Osaka or Kyoto for the day.
Osaka: Immerse yourself in colorful, bustling Osaka, the food capital of Japan, where ancient and modern architecture collide. Visit Osaka Castle, join a guided tour of famous Dotonbori Street, stroll through Kuromon Market, and take it all in from the observation deck in the Umeda Sky Building.
Kyoto: Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a blend of modern and traditional, famous for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. Learn of the rich history of this area as you visit these places, as well as the local street market, Nishiki Market, well-known for its fantastic takeaway food.

Tokushima
The region has particularly fertile soil and produces many different types of vegetables and fruit shipped to the mainland, including Naruto sweet potatoes, the citrus fruit "sudachi," lotus roots, and strawberries. Tokushima is most famous for the Awa Odori Festival, which celebrates Awa Japanese traditional dance.

Start the expedition with a quick stop to enjoy the picturesque scenery at Whirlpool Viewpoint on your transfer to a local town. Shop the local establishments or hike along tracks to the viewpoints above the town.

In Tokushima, visit the Otsuka Museum of Art, which houses hundreds of artwork pieces, including massive replicas of the Sistine Chapel. After lunch, walk the streets between temples or visit the famous local Sake Brewery.

Shodoshima
One of the first islands born to the gods in the creation myth of Japan, Shodoshima translates to 'small bean island,’ a fitting name for an island where traditionally soybean crops were processed into soy sauce, though it is better known more recently for its olive plantations.

Learn about this time-honored condiment with a 400-year-old history at the Marukin Soy Sauce Historical Museum. Experience the making of the famous Japanese noodle and try your hand at dividing the noodles with long chopsticks. Hike or cable car in the Kankei Gorge, ranked as one of Japan’s most beautiful gorges.

Hiroshima
Forever linked to the World War II tragedy that saw an atomic bomb dropped on the city in 1945, Hiroshima has since been rebuilt while retaining some historical heritage, with the Peace Memorial Park now the city’s most prominent feature. Shukkeien Garden dates as far back as the 1600s, with its valleys, mountains, and forests represented in miniature, with tea houses amongst the gardens, an ideal spot to take time to enjoy the idyllic surroundings. Enjoy a guided tour of the A-bomb area, park, and museum. You may wish to enjoy free time in the city.

Miyajima
The famed Itsukujima shrine is one of Japan’s most recognizable symbols, with its Shinto shrine and red torii gate seemingly floating upon the Seto Inland Sea. Itsukujima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national treasure.

Other important sites are Daisho-in, a temple of Shingon Buddhism, and Reikado Hall, located on Mt. Misen, the highest peak on Miyajima. Walking paths link Miyajima’s cultural sites and Maple Valley, providing the ideal pace with which to absorb centuries-old customs. Stroll around the island on either a guided or self-walk tour with a map, amongst the deer that wander the same sites, and take in the beauty of the island.

Matsuyama
High on Mount Katsuyama, Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s twelve original castles and stands at the heart of the city of Matsuyama. Constructed in the early 1600s, the original tower collapsed after being struck by lightning. A three-story tower was added to the site two hundred years later. Use the cable car or hike up to Matsuyama Castle, where you can enjoy views of the surrounding city.

Next, visit Ishiteji Temple, where pilgrims dressed all in white are frequent. An inner temple connects to the main temple grounds via a dimly lit cave and a 200-meter-long tunnel that houses Buddhist statues, carvings, and drawings. Or, enjoy free time at Dogo township, known for its hot spring onsen.

Karatsu
This trading hub is known for its safe harbor and close proximity to other foreign trading ports. Explore the island’s many idyllic surrounds, including the Nanatsugama limestone caves, the bustling city area and markets, climbing to historic Karatsu Castle, and one of Japan’s top waterfalls, Mikaeri Falls.

Tsushima
Roughly halfway between the Japanese mainland and the Korean Peninsula, Tsushima was once a single island before a canal divided the island in two in the 1600s, then into three islands in the 1900s with a second canal constructed. Though in reality, there are approximately 100 islands that collectively make up Tsushima with its abundance of natural beauty and untouched forests. Discover native flora and fauna as you hike up Mt. Shimizu to visit the ancient Banshoin Temple, one of Japan’s three great graves, built in 1615.

Hike the Mt. Shimizu trail above the township to the castle ruins, where 360° views are on offer, and then down through oak and cedar forests, or take a moderate walk to the first viewpoint with a great view of the township below.
For those not wanting to hike, enjoy the beautiful Izuhara traditional township.

Visit the local museum, which has interesting artifacts dating back to the 14th century.

Jeju (South Korea)
Jeju Island’s Manjanggul lava tubes are regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere in the world and are recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark site for their unique geological features and volcanic landforms.

Today guests have the option to walk for 60 minutes to Seongsan Sunrise Peak (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with ocean and island views.

Dine for lunch at a local restaurant before heading off to explore the Manjang Lava Caves.

Sasebo Islands
Visit the historical pottery town of Arita, where Japan’s fine porcelain was first produced around 400 years ago. Arita-yaki pottery is now the most highly regarded pottery across all of Japan, with its 'secret ingredient’ kaolin, the essential mineral required to make fine porcelain.

Spend a relaxed afternoon visiting the well-known viewpoint over what is known as the 99 Islands, visit the Arita township with shops to purchase local items, or enjoy free time at the local shopping area near the port (within walking distance).

Aokata and Nakadori Islands
The Goto Islands are best known for Christianity; while religion was banned, the ‘hidden Christians’ settled here and continued practicing their faith in secret until the ban was lifted in the 1870s. Goto Island translates into English as the ‘five island chain,’ with Nakadori and Aokata Islands being two of the most populated. Visit the Kashiragashima village and church, the beautiful Yagotame Park, and Narao Shrine.

Fukue Island
Also a member of the Goto Islands, Fukue Island is the largest of the group, with hilly terrain, temples, and churches.

Either hike Mt. Onidake, a dormant volcano that offers excellent views of the area, or choose the shorter hike option followed by a visit to Dozaki Church.

Day 15: Fukuoka | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Our voyage ends in the Japanese port of Fukuoka. Disembark Coral Geographer at 8:30 a.m. and bid farewell to new-found friends, the master and crew.

Fukuoka has great shopping, some of the best cuisine, and accessibility to nature nearby.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Geographer

Coral Geographer
Coral Geographer Deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,995 2-3 travelers
Coral Deck Stateroom
Coral Deck Stateroom
Located on the Coral Deck, these 17 Sq m staterooms are furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite bathroom has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Twin porthole windows give you views of the world outside.
Promenade Deck Stateroom
Promenade Deck Stateroom
Located on the Promenade Deck, these 17 Sq m staterooms are furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite bathroom has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.
Coral Geographer
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
These 21.4 Sq m staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite bathroom has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. Along with special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 3.5 sq m private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two.

Notes

Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
  • Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry Service
  • Entry visas/Travel permits
  • Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Internet 
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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