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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 11 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 tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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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:
Variable
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
$8,395
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:
Variable
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
$9,185
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:
Variable
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
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
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:
Variable
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
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:
Variable
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
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:
Variable
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
EXPLORE

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:
Variable
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
Osaka's city lights after sunset
$6,390
EXPLORE

Expedition in the Seto Inland Sea

Osaka - Fukuoka - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Visit temples of Onimichi
  • Explore legendary Hari
  • Sail to Japan’s oldest sea route
  • Experience Nagasaki's heritage
Starts / Ends:
Kobe / Hagi
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Variable
Discover theLand of the Rising Sun, where the history of the samurai and the daintiness of the geishas exist side by side. With this brand-new itinerary,PONANTis taking you on a cruisefrom Osaka to Fukuoka aboard Le Soleal. This8-daycircuit allows you to discover the jewels to be found in the …
Cruise Details
0
Sunset over Nagasaki
$26,670
EXPLORE

Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture

15 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:
Japan / Japan
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Hiking, River Cruises, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Step back in time on a 15-day voyage into Japan’s riveting history, from the elegant shrines and merchant districts of the Meiji era in Tokyo to the poignant sites of World War II in Hiroshima to historic castle towns of the Edo period in Kobe. As you trace the shores of Honshu and the …
Cruise Details
0
Bears at Shiretoko National Park, located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, Japan.
$28,850
EXPLORE

A Journey from Nome to Tokyo: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture

20 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Resolution
  • See Pribilof Islands
  • Experience untamed Baby Islands
  • Hunt with the Aleuts
  • See Pacific Ring of Fire's wildlife
  • Tour Shitsugen National Park
  • See mirror-like lakes
Starts / Ends:
Anchorage / United States
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Discover the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire from Alaska to Japan. Explore the untamed islands of the Bering Sea and marvel at the millions of seabirds, northern fur seals, and bears in the Pribilof and Aleutian Islands. Watch towering volcanic cones on the rugged shores of Hokkaido, home to more …
Cruise Details
0
1-11 of 11 Results
TrustScore 4.9 | 209 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
total score
Based on 209 reviews on
review score
7 hours ago
I have travelled with Adventure Life previously and certainly eager to do it again. Kassandra made excellent and honest suggestions while taking the time to understand what was important to us.
Susan
review score
1 day ago
They answered every question and concern that I had and put me at ease. Very excited for this once in a life-time trip.
Customer Tim
review score
2 days ago
I am a returning client to Adventure Life and am very pleased with their commitment to put together a great trip. Clara replied and clarified to any and all questions we had.
Claire Palmer
review score
4 days ago
Jessica was very responsive to my questions and never balked when I asked her to go back and find more options. She really worked hard to find the right cruise for us.
Amy Siegel
review score
4 days ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
Gregg Chamberlain

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