Japan's National Parks, Art and Culture

Arrive in Osaka, Honshu’s largest port city, and see modern architecture and a busy dining scene alongside the 16th-century Osaka Castle. Transfer to your hotel and settle in for the first night. Join fellow travelers and expedition guides for dinner at the hotel.

Start with breakfast at the hotel, then explore Osaka with a choice of Minoh Park or Osaka Castle. Walk through Minoh Park, one of Japan’s smallest national parks, and see the 33-meter Minoh Waterfall, Japanese giant salamanders, and protected Mino monkeys. At Osaka Castle, visit the Main Tower and learn about the city’s history and warlords.

Alternatively, travel to Kyoto and visit the 12th-century Sanjusangen-do temple with its 1,001 statues. Walk through historic lanes associated with geiko and maiko culture, then browse Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” Later, board Heritage Adventurer and meet the Captain and Expedition Team.

Expect a day like no other as you explore Ise-Shima National Park. Often likened to a living museum the peninsula of Ise-Shima, or just ‘Shima’ as it is known to the locals, there is much to discover here including endless forests and abundant nature, rich maritime history, incredible coastal scenery, and Japan’s most sacred shrine complex Ise Jingū. Comprising some 125 different shrines hidden among a labyrinth of mossy walls and dating back to the third century Ise Jingū is considered the spiritual home of Shinto cosmology. Explore the grand shrine, Kotai Jingū, made entirely of Japanese cypress where no metal nails or screws have been used in its construction and, in accordance with Shinto practice, is rebuilt every 20 years in order to preserve its purity. Currently in its 62nd iteration, it was last rebuilt in 2013. Shima has been an official source of seafood for Japan’s imperial family since the 5th Century and the iconic amulet-wearing ama divers, female seabed foragers have been responsibly harvesting these waters since Japan’s Jomon era. At Ago Bay gaze out over the fascinating seascape created by more than 60 islands dotting the water and observe Shima’s sacred Meoto Iwa, Wedded Rocks, connected by a shimenawa rope near the Futami-Okitama Shrine.

Izu Oshima is the largest of the Izu Islands, a chain of islands lying to the south of the Japanese mainland, which preserves its own unique natural and human history. Mount Mihara towers over the landscape at the island’s center, to the east a dramatic cliff drops into the ocean, while gently sloping plains extend towards the west. Almost entirely covered by forests, Oshima Island was certified as a Japan Geopark in September 2010 in recognition of its unique status. This morning you explore and discover the unique plants and birds that call the island home as well as meeting the local inhabitants to discover their way of life.

After a morning at sea with presentations from the onboard experts you arrive in the port city of Ishinomaki. The city is renowned for the Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market and its colorful urban core showcasing its ‘manga’ culture – the art of Japanese comic books and illustrated novels – thanks to famed pioneer Shotaro Ishinomori and creator of the popular Kamen Rider series. Throughout the city, you can observe artworks and statues celebrating the importance of the artist and the art in Japanese culture. South of the city is Matsushima Bay, studded with more than 200 pine-covered islands and considered one of Japan’s three most iconic views, take the opportunity to explore this beautiful landscape from the shores or discover from the water.

With a Pacific shoreline of outstanding natural beauty, a clutch of fantastic cultural sights, thronging markets, and delectable seafood, there is a lot to see and experience during a visit to Hachinohe and the Aomori Region. Today there is the opportunity to explore the region’s fascinating connection with contemporary art through visits to two of Japan’s best contemporary art museums – the recently opened Hachinhoe Art Museum and the Towada Art Center. Reflecting a new approach to contemporary art, Hachinhoe Art Museum, also known as an ‘art farm’ offers a dynamic new interpretation of how and where art is created, housed in an innovative design intended to bring the community together to utilize the space. At Towada Art Center, one of Japan’s foremost contemporary art institutions, the striking Ryue Nishizawa-designed building features contemporary artists such as Leandro Erlich, Yayoi Kusama, and Ron Mueck. Alternatively, join a visit to the stunning Lake Towada, a thousand-year-old flooded double caldera some 400 meters above sea level, and its surrounding forest in Towada Hachimantai National Park. Lake Towada is the largest caldera lake on Honshu and is characterized by two large peninsulas which extend nearly a third of the way across the lake. On a clear day, Mt Towada is reflected in the still waters of the lake creating a picture postcard scene. While a short walk brings you to Oirase Stream with its beautiful and dynamic cluster of 30 waterfalls.

Adventures abound at Shikotsu-Toya National Park, named after its famous twin caldera lakes. Another picturesque natural hot spot, the park’s spectacular scenery including its impressive lakes, hot springs, and volcanic wonderland, are all easily accessible and offer multiple hiking and walking options. Activities here could include riding the cable car to the top of Mount Usu to take in the grand scale views over Lake Toya or visiting the geothermal spectacle of steaming vents and sulfurous streams at Jigokudani aka ‘Hell Valley’ and the Upopoy National Museum of the Ainu which stands on the shores of Lake Poroto where you have the opportunity to see and experience the Ainu culture including cuisine, music, and crafts. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore Muroran at your leisure, visit the scenic cape and lighthouse, or take in the city from above after a walk up Mount Sokuryo.

A key city in the Tohoku region since medieval times, Akita was once a castle town of the Satake clan, but today is a vibrant, prosperous city that seamlessly honors its past while still embracing its young energetic spirit. Noted for its burgeoning art community, there are several fine museums to explore including the Hirano Masakichi Art Museum housing a collection of work by Western and Japanese artists as well as the Akita City Folklore Museum. Venture inland to discover the Kakunodate Samurai District, a living museum that showcases the samurai way of life in a picturesque setting that remains largely unchanged since it was established in 1620. Beyond Kakunodate in the mountainous spine of Honshu is Mount Akita-Komagatake where there are excellent hiking opportunities in sub-alpine and alpine habitats at the southernmost extension of Towada-Hachimantai National Park.

Today you will explore remote Sado Island off the coast of Niigata. The entire island is designated as one of Japan’s Geoparks and comprises the mountain ranges of Osado and Kosado flanking the Kokunaka Plain. Once a destination of political exile, it now boasts its own rich cultural and religious life incorporating puppet theater, Okesa folk songs, Ondeko drumming and demon dances. Home to the Japanese Crested Ibis, extinct on the mainland, and the iconic Taraibune Tub Boats, which you will have the opportunity to experience, this island off the beaten path combines stunning natural scenery including Senkakuwan Bay and Ogi Peninsula, and wilderness and wildlife with a rich history including gold and silver mining, Samurai warrior culture and unique agri- and aqua-culture practices. Sado Island is widely considered a perfect miniature version of Japan. Here, you will visit the Shukunegi Village National Important Preservation Area and learn more about traditional taiko drumming at the Sado Island Taiko Center.

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 hundreds of 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, 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.

From the port of Sakaiminato you visit Matsue, the ‘town of water,’ which nestles between a scenic lake and a large lagoon. You visit the cultural attractions of the town, including the 17th-century Matsue Castle, before enjoying a boat ride along the local canals. After lunch on board, spend the afternoon at leisure or visit the Adachi Museum of Art, which is set in a beautiful natural environment. The museum is renowned for its superb Japanese gardens and collection of contemporary Japanese paintings, comprising some 1,500 of the country’s most highly regarded paintings produced after the Meiji period.

Today you cross the Sea of Japan to Ulsan in South Korea where the plan to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. The capital of the Shilla Dynasty and dating back to the first millennium, Gyeongju is known as ’the museum without walls and is full of ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture. Enjoy strolling through hundreds of excavated monuments, temples, tombs, and pagodas, and experience Korean delicacies, and cultural performances, and visit the National Museum with its gold jewelry, metal weapons, and distinctive pottery. Today provides a perfect taste of the best South Korea has to offer.

The largest city on the island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is the union of the castle town of Fukuoka on the west bank of the Naka River and the merchant town of Hakata on the east bank. This buzzing metropolis combines an effortless blend of trendy Yatai food stalls (which made Lonely Planet and The New York Times 2023 travel lists) with vibrant art installations, historic ruins and colorful coastal parks. During your time here there may be opportunities to explore the northern city of Kitakyushu and the famed Kokura Castle, TOTO Museum and Kawachi Wisteria Garden or Nanzoin Temple with its reclining bronze Buddha (thought to be the world’s largest bronze statue). At the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which is built on the gravesite of poet and scholar Sugawara no Michizane, is surrounded by beautiful gardens, ponds and more than 6,000 plum trees.

Despite its history including being the site of the world’s first atomic bomb attack on the 6 August 1945, Hiroshima is a vibrant and thriving cosmopolitan community. The plan is to visit the beautiful Peace Park and Museum, with its somber cenotaph containing names of atomic bomb victims, and the permanently lit ‘Flame of Peace’. After visiting the Peace Park, travel to Miyajima Island, considered one of Japan’s most scenic spots, and the location of the Torii Gate and the Daisho-in Buddhist temple. For those after a nature fix, ascend Mount Misen on Miyajima Island by cable car and enjoy a hike, admiring the views below of the Shinto Shrine and Torri Gate.

Shikoku Island’s Takamatsu has had a long history as a port town earning itself the nickname ‘Gateway to Shikoku’, although more recently locals have been calling it ‘Udon Kingdom’. If you have an interest in plants a visit to Ritsurin Park, considered one of Japan’s finest gardens, is sure to be a highlight. Next, you enjoy a visit to Kinashi, one of Japan’s main bonsai production centers, where you learn about traditional methods of growing bonsai. For those interested in history and art you may wish to travel to Naoshima Island for a full-day excursion. Shikoku Island is known for its art and this excursion to Naoshima have you admiring its architecture and art museums, including Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House, featuring work by Japanese and international artists.

This morning sail back into Osaka, after breakfast there is a complimentary coach to a central hotel or to the Osaka airport. To allow time for disembarkation procedures and travel from Osaka, it is not recommended booking flights departing before 1300 hours.