Authentic Japan Luxury Cruise

Authentic Japan Luxury Cruise 13 Days

Prices From £9,840pp
March to May | 12 nights

Authentic Japan Luxury Cruise 13 Days

Aboard: Le Soleal

Set sail for a 13-day voyage of discovery between Osaka and Busan, where ancient traditions, spiritual heritage, and Japan’s spellbinding natural beauty intertwine. This exceptional journey reveals the many faces of Japan, from its sacred shrines and tranquil gardens to its volcanic landscapes and coastal sanctuaries.

As you voyage through the serene waters of the Seto Inland Sea and along the southern shores of Kyūshū, each day brings a new opportunity to uncover the country’s timeless character. Explore Himeji’s UNESCO-listed white castle, walk the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails of Shingu, and admire the graceful torii gate of Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine. Discover the artistry of Takamatsu’s Ritsurin Garden, the contemplative beauty of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial, and the spiritual calm of Beppu’s cliff-carved Buddhas.

Throughout your voyage, enjoy an included excursion in every port of call, offering enriching insights into Japan’s culture, history, and landscapes. From Toba’s shimmering pearl coast to Nagasaki’s living heritage, and finally to the vibrant South Korean city of Busan, this luxury cruise is an invitation to experience the harmony between tradition and modernity, and to journey through a land that continues to inspire with its grace, resilience, and profound sense of peace.

Some departures may operate in reverse.

Highlights

  • Discover the essence of Japan on a luxury voyage aboard sailing from Osaka to Busan through the serene waters of the Seto Inland Sea and southern Kyūshū
  • Enjoy one included excursion per person, per port of call, with a choice of cultural, historical, and nature-based experiences curated by experts
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the majestic Himeji Castle, the sacred Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, and the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes of Shingu
  • Experience Japan’s spiritual heart, from the revered Ise Shrine in Toba to the tranquil Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu and the peaceful Shukkei-en Garden in Hiroshima
  • Witness the country’s resilience and remembrance in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, both symbols of hope and harmony reborn
  • Immerse yourself in Japan’s natural wonders, from Beppu’s volcanic hot springs and Miyazaki’s golden beaches to the dramatic silhouette of Kagoshima’s Sakurajima Volcano

What's Included

  • Full Board accommodation onboard including high-end gastronomy in all restaurants, and all beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars
  • One included excursion per person, per day, and per port, led by local guides
  • Landings (depending on the destination) by dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels
  • Dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers
  • 24-hour room service
  • Butler service for certain suites
  • Unlimited internet access onboard
  • Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
  • Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
  • All port and security charges



Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Osaka - Embark
1Day

Osaka - Embark

Your luxury voyage through Japan begins in the dynamic city of Osaka, where you will arrive independently and board your ship in the afternoon. You may wish to arrive a couple of days in advance to explore the city. A fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, Osaka exudes both energy and tranquillity. The impressive 16th-century Osaka Castle stands proudly among sleek skyscrapers, a reminder of the city’s rich past. Beyond its historic core, the lively streets of Dotonbori and the quirky Shinsekai district hum with life, their countless restaurants offering irresistible local flavours.

Toba
2Day

Toba

Our first stop takes us to the serene coastal city of Toba in Mie Prefecture, nestled within the picturesque Ise-Shima National Park. Overlooking a sheltered bay adorned with forested islands, Toba is renowned as the birthplace of cultured pearls and for its deep connection to Japan’s natural beauty and craftsmanship. Here, you may choose to visit the revered Ise Shrine, the spiritual heart of Japan and a sacred site closely associated with the Imperial family. Surrounded by ancient cedar trees and a sense of quiet devotion, it offers an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s enduring traditions.

Shingu
3Day

Shingu

To the southwest of the Japanese archipelago lies Shingu, a historic port town on the Kii Peninsula, the largest in Japan. This peaceful coastal community is the gateway to the Kumano Sanzan, a revered religious complex dedicated to three sacred mountains and home to the Kumano Hongū Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrines. The latter is famed for its ancient nagi tree, believed to have been planted in the 12th century and cherished as a symbol of protection. Pilgrims have journeyed here for centuries, and today these UNESCO World Heritage sanctuaries continue to radiate deep spiritual significance. From Shingu, a tranquil boat ride through the Dorokyo Gorge reveals dramatic cliffs and emerald-green waters that showcase the wild beauty of the Kumano River.

Himeji
4Day

Himeji

You may experience a sense of déjà vu as you approach Himeji Castle, its graceful white walls having starred in countless films and television dramas. Often called the Castle of the White Heron for the way its elegant rooftops appear to spread like wings above the town, this magnificent 15th-century fortress which was rebuilt in the 17th century is one of Japan’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At its base lies the exquisite Koko-en Garden, a serene oasis of nine distinct landscapes, each meticulously designed to reflect the changing beauty of Japan’s four seasons.

Takamatsu
5Day

Takamatsu

Once a fortified stronghold ruled by the Matsudaira clan, Takamatsu retains echoes of its feudal past around the remains of Tamamo Castle, famed for its rare seawater moats. Today, the city is celebrated for the exquisite Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s finest examples of classical landscape design. Created during the early Edo period, when gardening flourished as an art form, its serene ponds, sculpted pines, and graceful teahouses are framed by the gentle rise of Mount Shiun. This use of borrowed scenery, known as the shakkei technique, masterfully blends nature and design to create a setting of timeless harmony.

Itozaki
6Day

Itozaki

Nestled along the tranquil shores of the Seto Inland Sea, Itozaki offers a serene glimpse into the timeless heart of Hiroshima Prefecture. Here, shimmering waters meet misty mountain silhouettes, creating a landscape that feels both peaceful and poetic. This quiet port town invites travellers to slow down and connect with Japan’s enduring spirit, far from the rush of modern life. From Itozaki, it is only a short journey to Onomichi, a charming historic city celebrated for its winding hills, literary heritage, and nearly twenty ancient temples and shrines that embody the country’s deep spiritual tradition.

Miyajima Island & Hiroshima
7Day

Miyajima Island & Hiroshima

This morning we will arrive in the heart of the Seto Inland Sea where we will find Miyajima, the revered “island sanctuary” celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and spiritual tranquillity. Rising gracefully from the water, the island’s iconic vermillion torii gate marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, a masterpiece of Shinto architecture that appears to float at high tide. Widely regarded as one of Japan’s most scenic and sacred sites, Miyajima enchants visitors with its serene forests, gentle coastal views, and the quiet reverence that seems to infuse every corner of this holy island.

Later in the afternoon we will make our way to Hiroshima. A visit to Hiroshima is both deeply moving and inspiring. Spreading along the sheltered coast of Honshu’s Seto Inland Sea, the city looks confidently to the future while honouring its poignant past. The Peace Memorial Park and the preserved Genbaku Dome stand as powerful symbols of remembrance and hope, inviting quiet reflection. Beyond its history, Hiroshima reveals a vibrant, cosmopolitan spirit, with lively streets, excellent cuisine, and a thriving nightlife. Amid the urban energy, moments of calm can be found in places like Shukkei-en Garden, a beautifully restored landscape of ponds, bridges, and tea houses that reflects the city’s enduring harmony and resilience.

Beppu, Oita
8Day

Beppu, Oita

Beloved by the Japanese for its rejuvenating onsen, or natural hot springs, Beppu is a city devoted to the art of relaxation. Steam rises from the earth in gentle plumes, creating an atmosphere of calm and renewal that draws visitors from across the country. From here, a short journey leads into a lush, tranquil valley where sixty magnificent stone Buddhas, carved into the cliffs between the 12th and 14th centuries, rest in quiet contemplation. The Mangetsuji site, surrounded by bamboo groves and rice fields, radiates a deep sense of serenity. Designated a National Treasure of Japan, this sacred place offers a profoundly moving glimpse into the country’s spiritual heart.

Miyazaki
9Day

Miyazaki

Steeped in legend and natural beauty, Miyazaki is often called the cradle of Japanese mythology and is a hidden gem on the sun-kissed southern coast of Kyūshū. Blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches, and dramatic coastal rock formations, it invites both exploration and quiet reflection. At its heart lies the stately Miyazaki-jingū Shrine, nestled among ancient forests and tranquil gardens that radiate timeless serenity. Here, visitors can experience the kagura, a sacred dance and song ritual performed by shrine priests and attendants, offering a captivating glimpse into Japan’s enduring spiritual and cultural traditions.

Kagoshima
10Day

Kagoshima

At the southern tip of Kyūshū lies the vibrant seaside city of Kagoshima, forever defined by the presence of Sakurajima, its majestic and still-active volcano rising across Kinko Bay. Life here unfolds in harmony with the rhythms of the mountain, where fine volcanic ash often dusts the streets and rooftops in a quiet daily reminder of nature’s power. Among the most striking sights is the partially buried torii gate, its top just visible above the ground after being engulfed by a massive lava flow in 1914. Standing before it, visitors can feel both awe and reverence for the immense, untamed force that continues to shape this dramatic landscape.

Nagasaki
11Day

Nagasaki

Located on the north-west coast of Kyūshū, Nagasaki is a city of remarkable depth and resilience, where layers of history and culture intertwine. Despite the devastation of 1945, Nagasaki has rebuilt itself with grace, preserving many beautiful historic sites such as the 19th-century Oura Catholic Church and its tranquil garden, the revered Suwa Shrine, and a number of serene Buddhist temples. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum offers a moving reflection on the city’s past, while nearby, the Memorial Peace Park invites quiet contemplation among sculptures and artworks gifted from around the world which provide symbols of hope, remembrance, and enduring peace.

Karatsu
12Day

Karatsu

Fringed by golden beaches and a vast pine forest planted centuries ago to shield the coast from sea winds, Karatsu Bay is a place of natural beauty and quiet charm. From the heights of Karatsu Castle’s donjon or nearby Mount Kagami, sweeping views reveal the shimmering waters of the Genkai Sea. Along the northern tip of the Higashi-Matsuura Peninsula, the ocean has sculpted the striking Nanatsugama Caves, seven basalt formations carved by centuries of waves. The city itself is celebrated for its exquisite Karatsu ware pottery, whose elegant forms and subtle glazes reflect both Japanese artistry and Korean influence. These masterpieces, along with displays of samurai armour, can be admired in local galleries and within the castle’s museum.

Busan - Disembark
13Day

Busan - Disembark

Your luxury voyage concludes in Busan, South Korea’s vibrant second city, where it will sadly be time to disembark. You may wish to spend some further time here to uncover some of the city’s many delights. Nestled between rolling hills and the gentle waters of the Sea of Japan, this dynamic harbour city enjoys a mild climate and a welcoming spirit. With its golden beaches, scenic landscapes, and warm-hearted locals, Busan offers the perfect finale to your journey.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Le Soleal
Luxury vessel

Le Soleal

Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, is new in June 2013. Contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. There are passenger lifts to all decks. The ship is a purpose-built luxury expedition ship with ice-strengthened hull suitable for sailing in polar waters.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Japan adventure for you.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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