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Colorful sunset over Kagoshima, Japan

Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring the Philippines and Japan

Manila to Hiroshima - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard SH Minerva
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Embark on an 11-day cruise aboard SH Minerva from Manila to Hiroshima, calling at destinations across the Philippines and Japan. Visit the Hundred Islands and the UNESCO-listed city of Vigan before crossing to Japan. Explore Miyakojima's coral reefs, Zamami Island's clear waters, Naha's historic landmarks, Amami Oshima's mangroves, Kagoshima's views of Mount Sakurajima, and Uwajima Castle. Conclude in Hiroshima with visits to Peace Memorial Park, the Peace Memorial Museum, and the Genbaku Dome. Between ports, enjoy observation decks, onboard lectures, and comfortable facilities. This itinerary combines coastal scenery, island nature, historic cities, and cultural landmarks across the Philippines and southern Japan.
Relax in the beautiful PhilippinesA view of a cobblestone street in Vigan CityCarriage at San Agustin Church in Intramuros, old town Manila, Philippines, UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe rugged terrain around UwajimaView from the terraced fields of UwajimaHiroshima Peace Memorial or Atomic Bomb DomeRiverside view of HiroshimaColorful sunset over Kagoshima, Japan
Highlights
  • Explore Hundred Islands National Park with scenic viewpoints
  • Visit UNESCO-listed Vigan featuring preserved historic architecture
  • Explore Naha with Shuri Castle, Naminoue Shrine, and Okinawa's attractions
  • Explore Uwajima Castle and stroll through the peaceful Tensha-en Garden
Activities
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: Manila | Embark

Arrive in Manila and discover the Philippines' capital before boarding your expedition ship. Visit Intramuros, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, the Chinese Cemetery, and the city's museums if time permits. Taste traditional Filipino cuisine and experience the city's local culture before embarkation. After check-in, settle into your cabin or stateroom and explore the ship's onboard facilities as your voyage begins.

Day 2: Quezon Island, Hundred Islands

Visit Hundred Islands National Park in the Lingayen Gulf, home to 124 islands with distinctive mushroom-shaped formations. See Governor's Island, enjoy panoramic views from its viewing deck, and find the starting point of the island-to-island zipline. Learn about local marine conservation projects, including giant clam restoration, while exploring this protected coastal destination.

Day 3: Salomague Harbour (Vigan)

The Philippines' best preserved colonial town, the UNESCO-listed 16th century Vigan City lies an hour south of Salomague port. Vigan's unique fusion architecture blending Philippine, Chinese and European elements has "no parallel in East and Southeast Asia" per UNESCO. Cobblestoned Calle Crisologo is the lively main street of the Mestizo district, with its broad promenade (malecón), horse-drawn carriages and rustic mansions.

Day 4: Day at sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 5: Miyakojima, Miyakojima Island

Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture's fourth largest island, is almost entirely ringed by a vibrant fringing coral reef, which protects its celebrated coastlines and provides a paradise for marine life. The island's jewel is Yonaha-Maehama Beach, a 7km stretch of pristine white sand, consistently ranked among Japan's finest. Its calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and watersports. On the opposite side of the island in the southeast, Yoshino Beach attracts snorkellers with colorful fish and an equally magnificent coral reef.

Day 6: Zamami Island, Kerama National Park

Zamami is one of the Kerama Islands, a small island group lying around 40 kilometers west of Okinawa. The Keramas were designated a national park in 2014, recognized for exceptionally clear waters shaped by weak currents and minimal agricultural runoff. This protected seascape is ideal for snorkeling, with good chances of encountering sea turtles, while on shore, birdwatchers can look for both local and migratory species. The village of Zamami, on the island's north coast, is small enough to walk in an hour, with a local history museum and a ridge trail that opens onto views of the surrounding island chain.

Day 7: Naha, Okinawa Island

Naha is the capital of the Okinawa prefecture, part of an archipelago of more than 160 islands that formed part of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, ruled by monarchs from the 1400s, until it became part of Japan in 1879. Ryukyu attractions include Shuri Castle, once home to Ryukyu royalty, and Naminouegu shrine. This seaside city also offers one of Japan’s best museums - the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum.

Day 8: Amami Oshima Island, Naze

Dreamy beaches, mangroves and cerulean seas make up the Amami Islands. The largest, Amami Oshima, was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom before brief US control after WWII. The Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum in Amami Park displays works by the late painter who lived here. Pristine beaches like Tomori have colourful marine life, while in the south, rivers weave round the Mangrove Primeval Forest, and rugged cliffs and giant pebbles hug the Honohoshi Coast
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Day 9: Kagoshima

Kagoshima, on the southwest tip of Japan’s Kyushu Island, is home to several glassmakers and potteries where artisans specialise in making Satsuma pottery and delicately cut Kiriko glassware. This city is a mix of classic Japanese architecture, modern high-rises and a spattering of Art Deco buildings. Observation points around the city provide dramatic views of Mount Sakurajima, an active volcano on a nearby island that regularly smokes.
 

Day 10: Uwajima

Uwajima, a bustling coastal city, is anchored by the elegant Uwajima Castle, one of twelve Edo-period survivors, with spectacular cityscapes for hikers ascending to its keep. The Tensha-en Garden is a tranquil space with bamboo groves, towering culms and seasonal blooms. In the nearby village of Uchiko, the Old Quarter's streets are lined with well-preserved wooden houses and merchant buildings, frozen in time from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Day 11: Hiroshima | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Hiroshima is a city of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, vividly portrays the aftermath of the atomic bombing. Designed by Kenzō Tange and inaugurated in 1955, the museum serves as a global symbol of peace, featuring a solemn cenotaph bearing the victims' names and the Flame of Peace, lit in 1964. The Genbaku Dome stands as the sole original structure left at the blast site.

Ship/Hotel

SH Minerva

SH Minerva Sailing through Icebergs

SH Minerva

5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.
SH Minerva in Arntarctica
Minerva sundeck
Minarva Jacuzzi

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$18,350 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Minerva Ocean View
Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Minerva Ocean View
Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Minerva BAlconyMinerva Balcony
Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Minerva BalconyMinerva BAlcony
Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Minerva BAlconyMinerva Balcony
Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Minerva Suite
Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
Minerva Premium Suite
Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • 24-hour room service
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (kayaking not included – however this can be pre-booked)
  • Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
  • 24/7 self service laundry
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Spa Treatments
  • Several optional activities you can participate in for an extra cost. These include kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, and private Zodiac tours on request and based on availability.
  • Premium wines and spirits from the bar menu
  • Purchases from the ship’s boutique
  • Laundry expenses
  • Premium WiFi packages

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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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