Japan & South Korea Spring Highlights: All-Inclusive Heritage Expeditions Cruise with Hotel Stays, Bullet Train & Return Flights
Discover the grandeur of Japan and South Korea’s heritage on this nine-night small-ship luxury expedition. Your experience begins with included economy class flights from select Australian cities to Osaka, where you’ll enjoy a two-night five-star pre-cruise stay on 27 May 2025 and included hotel-to-port transfer the following morning.
On 29 May 2025, set sail to storied Hiroshima, Miyajima and beyond – uncovering Japan’s history and native wildlife along the way. Glide past unspoiled landscapes steeped in legend, including Gyeongju, South Korea where you’ll uncover the UNESCO-listed heritage of the ‘Golden City’ that once ruled the Korean Silla empire.
Set off on your escapades with use of Zodiac tender vessels on included excursions, then recline in comfort aboard your exclusive vessel, where you’ll be treated to all-inclusive meals and unlimited pours of select drinks throughout your sailing.
Upon disembarking in Kanazawa, bid farewell to the crew and transfer by bullet train to Tokyo Station for one night at the exquisite Grand Hyatt Tokyo before boarding your included flight home.
Your journey takes you from Australia to: Osaka – Takamatsu – Hiroshima – Uwajima – Shimonoseki – Hagi – Ulsan – Matsue – Kanazawa – Tokyo – Australia.
The Itinerary – From Osaka to iconic Tokyo with stops along Japan’s stunning coast
Set sail on a captivating cruise around Japan, departing from Osaka, known as the ‘kitchen of Japan’ for its eclectic and phenomenal foodie scene.
As you coast along Honshu, take in the beauty of the iconic five-story Pagoda of Miyajima, a symbol of spiritual harmony set against stunning natural scenery. Then reflect on history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where the eternal Flame of Peace burns as a solemn reminder of this city’s fraught wartime history.
Continue your journey to the historic Hagi Castle ruins before finding peace at the serene Zen Tokoji Temple—a perfect finale to this unforgettable voyage. Next, step back in time at the 17th century Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, offering a window into the country’s feudal past.
In Kanazawa, where your journey ends, stroll through the Teramachi District, dotted with temples and shrines, including the fascinating ‘Ninja Temple’. In the Jokamachi District, traditional Samurai houses stand proudly, preserving the spirit of the past.
Heritage Adventurer – Small-ship sailing with an intimate group of like-minded travellers
Your small-ship expedition takes place on Heritage Adventurer (max. 140 guests) – a multi-faceted expedition ship designed to access the shores of remote wildernesses, often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. A true icon in expedition cruising, the Heritage Adventurer is revered as the ‘Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising’ due to its distinguished history and refined design.
Purpose-built to take you closer to unspoiled vistas in comfort, style and safety, the ship carries Zodiac vessels, specially designed for remote sites and natural habitats. Your journey of discovery is further enhanced by expert guides and guest lecturers, and directed by local crew members who know the region intimately.
Indulge in freshly prepared cuisine featuring the best local ingredients, relax and enjoy a selection of local beers and wines at one of the bars, discover more about the places you’ve seen in the reference library and take in a lecture in the lounge, where daily expedition briefings and presentations are ready to engage and amaze you.
The Staterooms – Your private oasis with a view to the world outside
Heritage Expedition’s stylish staterooms marry modern design with innovative storage solutions for the ultimate in cruising comfort. Expect king-size beds (which can be converted into twin singles), housekeeping service, premium custom-blended bath products and more.
Deck 4 Superior Stateroom: Situated on Deck 4, this elegant stateroom features a heavenly king or twin beds where you can recharge after a day of adventure, along with a private ensuite and a porthole window, to make sure you don’t miss a moment of the passing scenery.
Deck 5 Superior Stateroom: Situated on Deck 5, the picture window this elegant stateroom features an even broader view.
Main Deck Single Stateroom: Step inside a stylish and cosy stateroom made just for one, located on the Main Deck and furnished with a plush king bed. Modern comforts include a wardrobe, sofa, desk and private ensuite, and two porthole windows for you to gaze at the gorgeous landscapes.
Superior Single Stateroom: Retreat to this enhanced private sanctuary made for one, featuring a large panoramic window.
Worsley Suite: Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, a comfortable chaise-lounge, a writing desk, an ensuite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat-screen entertainment system.
Heritage Suite: Discover the true meaning of cruising in luxury, with large double panoramic windows, a full lounge area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs, a grand marble bathroom with double basin, bathtub and shower, floor-to-ceiling storage and a flat-screen entertainment system.
- Bistro Dining Room & Lounge
- Observation Lounge
- Pool
- Fitness centre
- Jacuzzi
- Health, Wellbeing & Beauty Area
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Bridge Deck Lecture Lounge
- Onboard library
- Gift shop
- Zodiac vessels
- Shop
- Wi-Fi
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Your journey begins in Osaka and ends in Kanazawa, with two nights of pre-cruise accommodation and one night of post-cruise accommodation in Tokyo.
Your cruise departs Osaka on Day 3 (29 May 2025) and arrives in Kanazawa on Day 12 (7 June 2025), where you will catch an included bullet train transfer to Tokyo. Departure and arrival times will be advised prior to travel dates; please ensure you arrive in time for boarding.
Return international economy class flights from Melbourne (MEL) or Sydney (SYD) to Osaka International Airport (KIX) and from Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) are included in your package. Departures from other cities are available for a surcharge. Please see the ‘Fine Print’ for details.
Transfers between airports and hotels are not included, please plan accordingly.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Day 1: Osaka, Japan
Your journey begins as you depart Sydney or Melbourne on your included flights to Japan. Touchdown at Osaka International Airport (KIX), pass through customs and immigration and make your way to your pre-cruise stay at Swissotel Nankai Osaka.
Called ‘the nation’s kitchen’, bustling Osaka is the undisputed food capital of Japan. Grab a meal in Dotonbori, the city’s legendary dining and nightlife precinct – you can tell each restaurant’s specialty by the giant animatronic above each store – or head to ultra-hip Americamura for a glimpse of the city at its wackiest.
Accommodation: Swissôtel Nankai Osaka (Swiss Advantage Room) or similar
Day 2: Osaka
Spend the next two days getting to know Osaka in greater depth. Indulge in a lunch of Okonomiyaki, Osaka’s famous savoury pancake, or perhaps board a train to nearby Kyoto – unofficially dubbed Japan’s cultural capital. There, catch the light as it reflects off the Golden Pavilion – one of the most famous sights in the country – and ascend the steps of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which pass beneath a sacred collection of thousands of red torii gates.
This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hilton Osaka
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Osaka (Cruise embarkation)
Enjoy one last morning in Osaka, taking the chance to explore before you board the magnificent Heritage Adventurer in time for lunch. Perhaps you’ll stop at Minoh Park, home to the iconic 33-metre-high Minoh Waterfall and diverse wildlife including Japanese Salamanders and protected Mino Monkeys or explore Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Just make sure to arrive at the Oaska cruise terminal well in advance of embarkation.
Spend the day familiarising yourself with your luxe stateroom then, as dusk settles, toast this incredible escape over welcome drinks with your fellow travellers and captain.
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Takamatsu
Takamatsu, known as the ‘Gateway to Shikoku’ and recently dubbed the ‘Udon Kingdom’, is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. A visit to Ritsurin Park, one of Japan’s finest gardens, is a must for botanical enthusiasts, while Kinashi offers insight into traditional bonsai cultivation.
Art and history lovers should not miss a full-day excursion to Naoshima Island, where architectural gems and museums like the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House display captivating works by Japanese and international artists.
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Hiroshima
Continue to Hiroshima, a thriving city that holds a harrowing past. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, which stands testament to the fateful day in 1945 when Hiroshima became the target of a nuclear attack.
Following your visit to the ‘flame of peace’, journey to Miyajima Island, famed for its picturesque beauty, an iconic Torii Gate and the Daisho-in Buddhist temple. Nature enthusiasts can take a cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy a hike, taking in breathtaking views of the Shinto Shrine and Torii Gate below.
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Uwajima
This morning, glide into Shikoku Island, docking at the port of Uwajima, nestled deep within the jagged coastline of Uwajima Bay. Uwajima is fast becoming Japan’s leading centre for pearl cultivation, and during your visit to a local pearl farm, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the intricate processes of implanting, harvesting, extracting, and sorting pearls.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Uwajima Castle, perched atop a hill that offers sweeping views of the town and harbour, as well as the historic Tenshaen Garden, dating back to the Samurai era.
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Shimonoseki
After a leisurely morning at sea, arrive at Shimonoseki Port, perched above the 650-metre-wide Kanmon Straits at the western tip of Honshu, Japan’s main island. Encircled by water, Shimonoseki is famed for its seafood and holds the title of ‘Pufferfish Capital of Japan’, where the notorious fugu is skillfully prepared by master chefs.
Choose to explore the striking Kanmon Bridge, connecting Honshu to Kyushu, the vibrant Karato Fish Market and historic Akama Shinto Shrine – a tribute to the young Emperor Antoku – on your own before today’s excursions. Either visit Mekari Park – showcasing a mural of the Battle of Dan-no-ura, held in 1185 – Kokura Castle or take a peaceful stroll through the Shiranoe Botanical Garden, guided by local gardeners.
There’s also time to wander through the Karato Fish Market, conveniently near the port, and visit Akama Shinto Shrine along the Kanmon Strait.
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Hagi
Once a modest fishing port, Hagi was transformed in 1604 when Mori Terumoto fortified it, and Mori’s samurai played a pivotal role in the anti-Tokugawa revolt of the mid-19th century. Today, the city is renowned for its traditional pottery. The morning’s explorations take you to Teramachi District, known for its temples and shrines, and Jokamachi District, full of historic Samurai houses.
The visit also includes Hagi Castle, Shizuki Park and Tokoji Temple. In the afternoon, choose to visit Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum – which houses an extensive collection of Hagiyaki pottery, highly esteemed during the Edo period for tea ceremonies – or explore the natural splendours of Akiyoshido Cave, a 300-million-year-old limestone marvel.
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Ulsan, South Korea
Today, your journey crosses the Sea of Japan to Ulsan, South Korea, with a planned visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. As the capital of the Silla Dynasty, dating back to the first millennium, Gyeongju is renowned as ‘the museum without walls’ for its rich tapestry of Korean history and Buddhist culture.
Wander through a wealth of ancient monuments, temples, tombs, and pagodas, and savour Korean delicacies while enjoying cultural performances. The National Museum, featuring exquisite gold jewellery, metal weapons and distinctive pottery, is a highlight. This day promises an immersive experience of South Korea’s rich heritage.
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Matsue, Japan
This morning, arrive at the port of Sakaiminato, gateway to Matsue, often called ‘the town of water’ for its location between Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi. The day includes a visit to Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few well-preserved 17th-century castles.
Other options include exploring scenic Daisen-Oki National Park, home to rare flora and fauna like the giant salamander, visiting the enchanting Yuushien Garden, admiring exhibits at the Adachi Museum of Art, learning about traditional Japanese paper making at Yakumo-mura village or strolling through the charming streets and canals of Matsue.
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Kanazawa
This morning glide into Kanazawa, the final port of your epic Japanese expedition. Opt to visit the historic mountain village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the remote Shogawa River Valley within Hakusan National Park, or explore Kanazawa, a vibrant centre of Japanese art.
Renowned for its Kutani-style pottery, exquisite lacquerware, goldleaf craftsmanship, hand-painted silk and traditional Noh theatre, Kanazawa offers charming cobblestone streets, elegant restaurants, and craft galleries aplenty. Don’t miss the renowned Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, and the bustling Omicho Market, where you can find everything from flowers and crafts to delicious local foods.
Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Kanazawa – Tokyo
While Kanazawa offers plenty of things to do, Tokyo is only 2.5-hours away by bullet train. Disembark after breakfast and your final farewells to board the Shinkansen to Tokyo Station and check in at Grand Hyatt Tokyo (or similar) for your post-cruise stay in Japan’s ultimate metropolis.
Depending on your schedule and interest, you might opt to find serenity in the heart of the big city at Meiji-jingu and Yoyogi Park, scramble through Shibuya Crossing or drink with the locals at Shinjuku.
Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Tokyo (King Room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Tokyo, Japan
This morning, check out of your accommodation and make your own way to Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) for your included flight to select Australian cities.
Meals: Breakfast