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All Cruises to Japan

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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 Otaru, known for its charming canals and picturesque snowy winters, 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 21 Japan cruises start from $6,390 to $114,770 for cruises of 8 to 25 daysContact one of Adventure Life's Japan cruise specialists for help planning a seamless trip.
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Night view of Kobe Port, Japan
$7,650
$1500 FC
EXPLORE

Sacred Japan and South Korea: A Voyage from Kobe to Tokyo, Including South Korea

Osaka - Tokyo - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Kanazawa's rich arts scene
  • Visit Kanazawa's open air market
  • Try traditional pottery making
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Starts / Ends:
Osaka / Tokyo
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set sail on this 10-day Sacred Japan and South Korea expedition cruise from Osaka to Tokyo aboard Heritage Adventurer. Discover Japan's ancient heritage and traditional culture in contrast with the world's most advanced technological civilization. Explore ancient castles, serenely beautiful …
Cruise Details
0
A woman admires the spring cherry blossoms, dressed in a kimono
$8,478
EXPLORE

Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Kobe Roundtrip - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Discover Kobe's history
  • Explore Takamatsu's Ritsurin Garden
  • Visit Hiroshima's Peace Memorial
  • Delve into Sakaiminato's richness
Starts / Ends:
Kobe / Kobe
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set sail on a 9-day cruise aboard Le Soléal to uncover Japan's treasures.Begin in Kobe, renowned for its famous marbled beef, and journey to Takamatsu to visit the tranquil Ritsurin Garden and learn the art of making udon noodles. Hiroshima's Peace Memorial shares a poignant story, …
Cruise Details
0
Cherry blossoms frame Osaka castle
$6,430
EXPLORE

Secular Treasures in the Land of the Rising Sun

Osaka - Kobe - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore Hiroshima's Peace Memorial
  • Wander through Hagi's streets
  • Discover Busan's ancient districts
  • Delight in Kochi's lush landscapes
Starts / Ends:
Osaka / Kobe
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Local Market Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on an 8-day voyage aboard Le Soléal to explore the secular treasures in the Land of the Rising Sun. Begin in Osaka and set sail to Hiroshima, where the Peace Memorial stands as a poignant symbol of resilience. Discover Miyajima Island's Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage …
Cruise Details
0
$8,395
Save 20%
EXPLORE

Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea: Japan Voyage Between Tokyo and Osaka, incl. South Korea

Tokyo - Osaka - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Kanazawa's rich arts scene
  • Visit Kanazawa's open air market
  • Try traditional pottery making
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Starts / Ends:
Osaka / Tokyo
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set sail on this 10-day Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea expedition cruise from Tokyo to Osaka aboard Heritage Adventurer. Discover Japan's ancient heritage and traditional culture in contrast with the world's most advanced technological civilization. Explore ancient castles, …
Cruise Details
0
A young woman walks through a field of flowers
$7,180
EXPLORE

The Best of Japan

9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore the famous Korakuen Gardens
  • Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial
  • See Kagoshima & Sakurajima Volcano
  • Honor the events at Nagasaki
  • Discover medieval Japan
Starts / Ends:
Maizuru / Osaka
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set sail for the "Land of the Rising Sun" on this 9-day voyage aboard the luxurious Le Soleal. Experience a blend of modernity and tradition in your ports of call. Japan opens its doors to you and reveals its imperial past, where the history of the Samurais rubs shoulders with the subtle …
Cruise Details
0
$9,185
Save 20%
EXPLORE

Discover the Islands of Japan: A 12-day Voyage of Japan Between Tokyo & Osaka, Including South Korea

Tokyo - Osaka - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Experience Japan
  • Cruise travel to Matsue, Hagi
  • Visit iconic gardens in Japan
  • Visit Fukuoka and Dazaifu
  • Visit the 'Museum Without Walls'
Starts / Ends:
Tokyo / Osaka
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Explore Japan's hidden gems on this 12-dayVoyage of Japan Between Tokyo & Osaka, Including South Koreaaboard Heritage Adventurer. Immerse in the culture, history, and natural beauty of seldom-visited destinations like Matsue, Hagi, and Yakushima Island. Visit pearl farms in Uwajima and …
Cruise Details
0
Seaside Buddhist temple in Busan
$7,580
EXPLORE

Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Maizuru - Hakodate - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore Kenroku-en Garden.
  • Discover Silla culture in Gyeongju.
  • View modern Japanese paintings.
  • Visit Buddhist temples in Busan.
Starts / Ends:
Maizuru / Hakodate
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set sail on this 8-day cruise along Japan's northern coast aboard Le Soleal from Maizuru offers a superb introduction to its traditions and customs through a wide variety of carefully curated shore excursions in each port of call. An opportunity to sample feudal castles, Buddhist temples, …
Cruise Details
0
Matsue Castle
$9,175
$1500 FC
EXPLORE

Eternal Japan and South Korea: A Voyage from Tokyo to Kobe

Tokyo - Kobe - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Discover the Pagoda of Rurikoji
  • Visit the Haeinsa Temple
  • Explore the town of Matsue
  • Marvel through Koraku-en
  • Visit the 'Museum Without Walls'
Starts / Ends:
Tokyo / Kobe
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
On this 12-day tour, explore Japan's unique heritage, culture, and stunning natural landscapes aboard the Heritage Adventurer, the perfect vessel for a voyage through the 'Land of the Rising Sun'. Visit ancient castles, serene gardens, and opulent temples and shrines in Matsue, Hagi, …
Cruise Details
0
Sunlit shrine in an Osaka cemetery
$33,890
EXPLORE

Natural Wonders of Japan and Taipei

Osaka - Keelung (Taipei) - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Visit the Earthquake Museum
  • See the Korakuen Garden in Okayama
  • Explore the city of Hiroshima
  • Discover the Zamami Island
Starts / Ends:
Osaka / Keelung
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 15-day Asia cruise exploring the Natural Wonders of Japan and Taipei aboard Scenic Eclipse II. Begin your journey in Osaka, a dynamic city best loved for its culinary excellence, exuberant nightlife, and vibrant locals. A few highlights you can visit on your journey are Kobe's …
Cruise Details
0
Japanese tea ceremony
$7,770
EXPLORE

Japan, Natural Archipelago and Secular Heritage

Osaka - Kagoshima - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Jacques Cartier
  • Explore Tomonoura's landscapes
  • Discover Moji's Meiji-era streets
  • Unveil Busan's contrasting charms
  • Experience Nagasaki's ambiance
Starts / Ends:
Osaka / Kagoshima
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
On this enchanting 9-day cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier, explore Japan's Natural Archipelago and Secular Heritage. Departing from Osaka, sail to Tomonoura, inspired by Hayao Miyazaki's Ponyo. Discover Shimokamagari and Mitarai's fishing villages, then explore Moji's Meiji-era …
Cruise Details
0
Evening lights over the Otaru canals
$11,870
EXPLORE

Expedition on the Kitamae Route

Otaru, Hokkaido - Osaka - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Learn about Kitamae route
  • Enjoy local seafood specialties
  • Sail to the small island of Sado
  • Discover spectacular view of Busan
Starts / Ends:
Otaru / Osaka
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Discover the Empire of the Rising Sun, its numerous customs, and iconic landmarks. From Otaru, go on a brand-new 12-day trip in the footsteps of Japanese merchants using the Kitamae maritime route to Osaka in the mid-18th century. Visit the island of Honshu's north coast, notably the lovely …
Cruise Details
0
Cherry blossoms in historic Kyoto
$11,490
EXPLORE

Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines

Osaka - Maizuru - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Discover Himeji’s UNESCO castle
  • Sail to Kyushu to explore Toba
  • Explore the Miyajima Island
  • Experience the contrasts of Busan
Starts / Ends:
Osaka / Maizuru
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 13-day cruise aboard Le Soleal, immersing in Japanese ancestral traditions and legendary shrines. Explore Himeji's UNESCO castle and Miyajima's iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Witness Hagi's UNESCO town and Beppu's hot springs. Cross to South Korea for Busan's vibrant …
Cruise Details
0
Osaka's city lights after sunset
$12,250
$1500 FC
EXPLORE

Japan's National Parks, Art and Culture

Honshu, Osaka to Osaka - 16 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit Kanazawa's center of the arts
  • View wildlife on Dogojima Island
  • See iconic landmarks of Miyajima
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Starts / Ends:
Osaka / Kobe
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Explore Japan's National Parks, Art, & Culture on this 16-day cruise from Osaka to Osaka, including South Korea, aboard Heritage Adventurer. Experience Japan's seamless blend of ancient customs with ultramodern living, incredible wilderness, wildlife, & renowned arts as you cruise …
Cruise Details
0
Evening lights over the Otaru canals
$9,430
EXPLORE

Expedition to the Kitamae route

Otaru, Hokkaido - Osaka - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Discover local arts of Wajima
  • Enjoy local cuisine and seafood
  • Experience Japan's rich culture
  • Discover spectacular view of Busan
Starts / Ends:
Otaru / Osaka
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Discover the Empire of the Rising Sun, its numerous customs, and iconic landmarks. From Otaru, go on a brand-new 12-day trip in the footsteps of Japanese merchants using the Kitamae maritime route to Osaka in the mid-18th century. Visit the island of Honshu's north coast, notably the lovely …
Cruise Details
0
Experience the unique architecture of Asia.
$8,280
EXPLORE

Japan, Natural Archipelago and Secular Heritage

Kagoshima - Osaka - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Jacques Cartier
  • Explore cliffs and rock formations
  • Succumb to the charms of Amakusa
  • Discover the vibrant city, Busan
  • Unveil Moji's captivating panoramas
Starts / Ends:
Kagoshima / Osaka
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set off on a 9-day cruise exploring Japan's Natural Archipelago and Secular Heritage aboard Le Jacques Cartier. Departing from Kagoshima, the cruise heads west to the Koshikijima Islands, revealing raw beauty in monumental cliffs dating back 80 million years. Explore Amakusa, a refuge for …
Cruise Details
0
Colorful trees in Osaka
$11,695
EXPLORE

Western Pacific Odyssey - Extension

25 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Sail through Hauraki Gulf
  • Explore Norfolk Island's birds
  • Rare seabird and marine sightings
  • Visit rainforests and beaches
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Osaka
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 25 day expedition from Auckland to Kavieng with Heritage Adventurer, a birdwatcher's dream come true. Explore the Mokohinau Islands, Norfolk Island, and New Caledonia, encountering rare seabirds like the New Zealand Storm Petrel and Kagu. Immerse yourself in the rich history of …
Cruise Details
0
New Caledonia
$11,695
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Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension

25 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Sail through Hauraki Gulf
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Visit the remote Bonin Islands
  • Experience Bougainville Island
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Osaka
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Join the Grand Pacific Odyssey, a 25-day cruise from New Zealand to Japan aboard Heritage Adventurer. This adventure balances remote island visits, coral reef snorkeling, cultural exchanges, and wildlife encounters. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site Norfolk Island, French-influenced New Caledonia, …
Cruise Details
0
A young woman walks through a field of flowers
$11,280
EXPLORE

Odyssey In The Heart of Japan’s Subtropical Islands

12 Day Itinerary aboard Le Jacques Cartier
  • Explore Amami Oshima
  • Discover Kerama's famed blue sea
  • Experience Kumejima's cultural rich
  • See Yonagunijima's rugged cliffs
Starts / Ends:
Osaka / Ishigaki
Activities:
Local Market Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set off from Osaka on Le Jacques-Cartier, embarking on a 12-day cruise through the heart of Japan's subtropical islands.Discover Amami Oshima, where lush peaks meet coral reefs and Okinawan culture flourishes. After Iheyajima, sail south to Zamami in the Kerema archipelago, famed for its …
Cruise Details
0
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