Have questions? We're here.
Mt. Fuji framed by Lake Kawaguchiko and cherry blossoms

Japan Archaeological Cruises

Travel made your way
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Japan trip. Call 800.344.6118
Start Planning My Trip
Filter (27 Results)
  • Start Date
    Months
    Years
  • Length
    to
  • Price
    to
  • Activity Levels
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Ships
  • Destinations
    • Japan
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
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
0
Brilliant color in Hokkaido
from $22,000
Save 5%
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
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
Osaka's city lights after sunset
from $8,150
EXPLORE

Sacred Japan and South Korea

Niigata to Osaka - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore remote Sado Island
  • Wander Kanazawa's gardens
  • Tour historic Matsue Castle
  • Discover ancient Gyeongju
  • Admire Miyajima's torii gate
  • Visit Hiroshima's Peace Park
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Osaka
Activities
Village Visits, Archaeological Site Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 10-day cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer along Japan's west coast from Niigata to Osaka, with a call in Ulsan, South Korea. Visit Sado Island's Taiko drumming heritage, Kanazawa's gardens, Hiroshima's Peace Park, Miyajima's torii gate, and Gyeongju's Silla ruins.
Cruise Details
0
Quiet street in the Sanmachi Suji historic district of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
from $4,855
EXPLORE

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

Small Group Tour - 12 Day Itinerary
  • Explore Tokyo Urban Culture
  • Relax Hakone hot springs
  • Discover Takayama Edo History
  • Visit Hiroshima peace park
  • Experience Hagi local homestay
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Kyoto
Activities
Homestays
Activity Level
Relaxed
Discover modern cities and ancient traditions on this 12-day tour through central and western Japan. The route navigates the Tokyo metropolis, the scenic Hakone ropeway, and the preserved Edo period streets of Takayama. A homestay in the samurai town of Hagi offers deep cultural insight before exploring the iconic temples of Kyoto.
Tour Details
0
Temple garden in Busan, South Korea
from $10,100
EXPLORE

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
Night view of Kobe Port, Japan
from $11,765
EXPLORE

Far East Mystique

Kobe (Osaka) Roundtrip - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Atlas Adventurer
  • Explore Kyoto Temples
  • Visit Hiroshima Memorials
  • Discover Yakushima Forests
  • Experience Jeju Volcanoes
Starts / Ends
Kobe / Kobe
Activities
Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 13-day roundtrip cruise from Kobe to Kobe aboard Atlas Adventurer. Explore Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Beppu, Yakushima, Sasebo, Jeju Island, Kagoshima, and Japan's scenic coastline while discovering UNESCO World Heritage sites, castles, temples, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, gardens, and coastal islands.
Cruise Details
0
Osaka's city lights after sunset
from $15,150
EXPLORE

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
EXPLORE

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
0
Colorful sunset over Kagoshima, Japan
from $11,765
EXPLORE

Shinto Shores & Samurai Legacies

Kobe Roundtrip - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Atlas Adventurer
  • Explore Kochi Castle
  • Visit Miyajima Shrine
  • Experience Beppu Onsen
  • Discover Busan Culture
Starts / Ends
Kobe / Kobe
Activities
Local Market Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Discover Japan on this 13-day cruise Kobe Roundtrip aboard Atlas Adventurer. Visit historic castles, Buddhist temples, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Beppu's geothermal hot springs, coastal villages, scenic islands, Kagoshima's volcanic landscapes, Busan in South Korea, and enjoy a day of scenic coastal navigation.
Cruise Details
0
Seaside Buddhist temple in Busan
from $11,525
Upgrade
EXPLORE

Japan and Korea cruise: Cultural Shores and Northern Landscapes

Hiroshima to Otaru - 12 Day Itinerary aboard SH Minerva
  • Discover Beppu Boiling Hells
  • Kanmon Strait scenic transit
  • Discover Sado Island's tarai boats
  • Explore Wajima Morning Market
Starts / Ends
Hiroshima / Otaru
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard SH Minerva through Japan with a visit to Busan, South Korea. Explore Hiroshima, Beppu, Karatsu, Sakaiminato, Ine, Maizuru, Wajima, Sado Island, Sakata, Hakodate, and Otaru. Discover regional crafts, coastal scenery, and authentic communities beyond Japan's major tourist destinations.
Cruise Details
0
Iconic garden of Ritsurin
from $13,450
EXPLORE

Japan's National Parks, Art and Culture

Osaka Roundtrip - 16 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Osaka Castle and Minoh Park
  • Discover volcanic Izu Oshima
  • Explore manga culture in Ishinomaki
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Park
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Osaka
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Japan on a 16-day expedition aboard Heritage Adventurer, traveling from Osaka through Ise-Shima, Izu Oshima, Sado Island, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, and Takamatsu. Visit shrines, castles, national parks, traditional villages, and coastal sites. The itinerary also includes Ulsan and Gyeongju in South Korea.
Cruise Details
0
Colorful sunset over Kagoshima, Japan
from $10,500
Upgrade
EXPLORE

Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring the Philippines and Japan

Manila to Hiroshima - 11 Day Itinerary aboard SH Minerva
  • Visit Hundred Islands National Park
  • Visit UNESCO-listed Vigan City
  • Explore historic Naha landmarks
  • Explore Uwajima Castle grounds
Starts / Ends
Manila / Hiroshima
Activities
Snorkeling
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an 11-day cruise aboard SH Minerva from Manila to Hiroshima, visiting the Hundred Islands, Vigan, Miyakojima, Zamami Island, Naha, Amami Oshima, Kagoshima, and Uwajima. Explore coral reefs, historic towns, cultural landmarks, and scenic coastlines.
Cruise Details
0
13-24 of 27 Results

Let us match you to your best adventure.

Talk with an expert trip planner 800.344.6118

Plan My Trip
Sandra Fernandez employee profile
Sandra F.
A young woman walks through a field of flowers
Japan

Chat Japan with a specialist

Our team is waiting and ready to talk with you about your next adventure. So go ahead and book an appointment with one of our specialized trip planners.

Let's Chat
800.344.6118

Where is your next adventure?

Contact Chat Call

Why Travel With Us?

We Save You Time and Stress

Skip the endless research and information overload—our deep destination expertise helps you design a more seamless trip in a fraction of the time.

More Value, Less Risk

Our extensive travel experience helps you avoid common pitfalls, maximize your time, and get the most out of every part of your trip.

Rewards That Go Further

Secure your 5% Past Traveler Rewards across a wide range of ships and destinations - not a single brand and not just cruises.

As Featured In

How it Works

Connect

No cost, no commitment. Talk with our experts about your dream trip.

Plan

Share your travel style—we match you with the right itinerary or create one just for you.

Book

Lock in knowing every detail is handled and you’re fully supported.

Travel

Enjoy a seamless journey—and unlock 5% off your next adventure.