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Japan Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology of Japan on a small ship cruise with Adventure Life. With a variety of 17 unique expeditions ranging from 8 to 29 days, this month is the perfect time to delve into the cultural and natural treasures of Japan. Sail from Kobe to Tokyo, exploring Kanazawa's arts scene and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, or embark on a 17-day journey through Ryukyu Islands for wildlife encounters and stargazing on Hateruma Island. If you prefer a shorter trip, an 8-day cruise along Japan's northern coast from Maizuru to Hakodate offers an introduction to Japan's customs with visits to Kenroku-en Garden and Buddhist temples. Immerse yourself in Japan's history, culture, and stunning landscapes on a voyage that caters to all activity levels. Don't miss the chance to explore the Land of the Rising Sun and its unique offerings. Contact one of Adventure Life's Japan specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • Japan
Colorful sunset over Kagoshima, Japan
from $11,806
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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%
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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
Activities
Wildlife Viewing
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
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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
0
Brilliant color in Hokkaido
from $22,000
HALF DEP
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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
Cherry blossoms frame Osaka castle
from $15,600
Up to 40%
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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
0
Colorful sunset over Kagoshima, Japan
from $11,765
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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
Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits, 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
Classical Noh dance-drama
from $13,450
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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
Seaside Buddhist temple in Busan
from $11,525
Upgrade
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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
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
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
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
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