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Japan Cruises

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Small ship cruises through Japan's beautiful coastal towns and villages are the perfect way to experience the country's stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. From Hagi, famous for its samurai culture and ancient castles, to Kurashiki, known for its scenic canals and beautifully preserved Edo-period charm, each port of call offers something unique and memorable. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of Kanazawa and Matsue on a hiking excursion through rugged mountain scenery, explore ancient archaeological sites, and experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand. Our top 13 Japan cruises start from $2,000 to $78,832 for cruises of 6 to 20 days. Contact one of Adventure Life's trip planners to start planning your cruise to Japan.
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    • Japan
Colorful sunset over Kagoshima, Japan
from $11,806
EXPLORE

The Best of Japan

Osaka to Busan - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Miyajima floating torii
  • Explore Hiroshima Peace Park
  • Hike Yakushima cedar forests
  • See Nagasaki atomic bomb memorial
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Busan
Activity Level
Variable
Embark in Osaka on a 9-day Japan’s Inland Sea and southern islands cruise aboard Le Soleal. Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima’s iconic torii gate, Beppu hot springs, Uwajima Castle, Yakushima’s ancient cedar forest, and Nagasaki’s historic sites.
Cruise Details
0
Cherry blossoms frame Osaka castle
from $8,150
Save 20%
EXPLORE

Springtime Splendor in Japan Cruise

Osaka Roundtrip - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit Osaka Castle landmark
  • Miyajima Torii Gate views
  • Oki Islands coastal landscapes
  • Shimonoseki seafood market visit
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Japan on a 10-day expedition cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer. Travel from Osaka through Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hagi, Oki Islands, Matsue, Shimonoseki and Tamano. Visit castles, temples, gardens and markets, walk historic districts and explore coastal landscapes across the Seto Inland Sea and Sea of Japan.
Cruise Details
0
Sunset over Nagasaki
from $29,990
No SS
EXPLORE

Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture

16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Resolution
  • Enjoy castles and samurai district
  • Discover ancient ruins of Gyeongju
  • Visit Matsue's art museum
  • See Naoshima, the art-filled island
  • Tour three Japanese gardens
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Kyoto
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 16-day expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, exploring Japan and South Korea's cultural and historic sites. Visit Himeji Castle, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, Naoshima's art attractions, and Gyeongju's ancient temples. Discover samurai heritage in Matsue, scenic gardens, and traditional villages.
Cruise Details
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Brilliant color in Hokkaido
from $22,000
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Japan’s Western Shores: Ancient Traditions and Natural Beauty

Osaka to Sapporo - 16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Resolution
  • Explore Osaka castle and gardens
  • See Miyajima floating torii views
  • Niigata sake tasting experiences
  • Hokkaido historic fishing villages
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Otaru
Activities
Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 16-day Japan and South Korea cruise aboard National Geographic Resolution visiting Osaka, Miyajima, Busan, Kanazawa, Sado Island, Aomori, and Sapporo. This itinerary combines cultural landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, regional cuisine, scenic coastlines, and local traditions across northern Japan and Korea for cultural experience.
Cruise Details
0
Temple garden in Busan, South Korea
from $10,100
Save 20%
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Discover the Islands of Japan

Tokyo to Osaka - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore vibrant Tokyo highlights
  • Visit Matsue Castle
  • Explore Busan's streets and temple
  • Walk among ancient cedar trees
  • Study pearl cultivation in Uwajima
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day cruise through Japan and South Korea aboard the Heritage Adventurer and discover historic sites, UNESCO landmarks, bustling markets, and serene gardens. Travel via bullet train, explore charming villages, visit famous cities like Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Busan, and delve into natural wonders such as Yakushima Island.
Cruise Details
0
Cherry blossoms frame Osaka castle
from $15,600
EXPLORE

Tokyo to Tokyo

Roundtrip Tokyo - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Moon
  • Witness the iconic Shibuya crossing
  • Experience Osaka Kuromon Market
  • Visit Kochi Makino Botanical Garden
  • Wander Busan colorful alleyways
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Tokyo
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 15-day East Asian cruise from Tokyo aboard the Silver Moon, visiting Osaka, Kochi, Hiroshima, Busan, Kanazawa, Hakodate, and Miyako. Enjoy sightseeing, local cuisine, and beautiful landscapes before concluding your journey back in Tokyo.
Cruise Details
0
Osaka's city lights after sunset
from $15,150
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Authentic Japan

Osaka to Busan - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore Busan’s cultural treasures
  • Explore Osaka's vibrant cityscape
  • Tour Himeji’s iconic castle
  • View Takamatsu’s famous gardens
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Busan
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day cruise across Japan and South Korea aboard Le Soleal, starting in Osaka and ending in Busan. Explore iconic destinations like Himeji Castle, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, and Miyajima's Torii Gate.
Cruise Details
0
Seaside Buddhist temple in Busan
from $9,290
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Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Busan - Osaka - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore vibrant Busan
  • Walk samurai streets
  • Sail Kanmon Straits
  • Admire sacred torii
Starts / Ends
Busan / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 9-day cruise from Busan to Osaka aboard Le Soleal, exploring South Korea and Japan’s cultural and coastal highlights. Discover Busan’s temples, Sakaiminato’s folklore, historic Hagi, scenic Kanmon Straits, Beppu’s onsen, sacred Miyajima, Hiroshima, Tamano, and vibrant Osaka.
Cruise Details
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Classical Noh dance-drama
from $13,450
Save 20%
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Japan's National Parks, Art and Culture

Honshu, Osaka to Osaka - 16 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit Kanazawa's center of the arts
  • See wildlife in Izu Oshima Islands
  • See iconic landmarks of Miyajima
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 16-day Japan's National Parks, Art, and Culture expedition cruise from Osaka to Osaka, including South Korea, aboard Heritage Adventurer. An unforgettable circumnavigation of Japan's main island, Honshu, and exploration of its wilderness, arts, culture, and rich history.
Cruise Details
0
Cherry blossoms frame Osaka castle
from $7,520
EXPLORE

Odyssey in the heart of Japan’s subtropical islands

Osaka - Keelung (Chilung) - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore Kumano Sanzan
  • Hike Yakushima Forest
  • See Sakurajima Volcano
  • Taste Keelung Streetfood
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Keelung
Activities
Snorkeling
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail from Osaka to Keelung on a 10-day cruise aboard Le Soleal that explores historic temples in Shingu, volcanic landscapes in Kagoshima, ancient cedar forests in Yakushima, and Okinawa’s beaches. Visit local markets, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and end in Taiwan’s Keelung, known for its food scene and coastal parks.
Cruise Details
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Blue water in Inarajan natural pools in Guam
from $2,000
No SS
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Ocean Voyage: From Guam to Osaka

Guam to Osaka - 6 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Discover Guam Chamorro traditions
  • Admire waves from the upper deck
  • Savor Osaka unique seafood flavors
  • Discover sailing techniques
Starts / Ends
Guam / Osaka
Activities
Spa Relaxation
Activity Level
Variable
Board the Le Soleal for a 6-day ocean voyage perfect for sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join this non-stop journey. Enjoy ship amenities, and learn about life at sea. Set sail from Guam's beaches and historic sites, cruise through the Western Pacific, and arrive in vibrant Osaka.
Cruise Details
0
View of the Haystack Hill, Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, Alaska, USA.
from $30,583
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Alaska to Japan: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture

Eastbound - 20 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Resolution
  • Sail on Baby Pass near Dutch Harbor
  • St. Paul fur seals
  • Cruise beside St. George cliffs
  • Witness Aleutian wildlife
Starts / Ends
Otaru / Anchorage
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits, Local Market Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Travel from Sapporo through Hokkaido, the Aleutian Islands, and Alaska on a 20-day cruise aboard National Geographic Resolution. Explore Otaru, Aomori, Kushiro, Dutch Harbor, St. Paul, and Nome while visiting seafood markets, temples, volcanic coastlines, and remote wildlife habitats.
Cruise Details
0
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