Treasures of Japan & South Korea by Sea

Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea 9 Days

Prices From £7,050pp
April to May | 8 nights

Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea 9 Days

Aboard: Le Soleal

Set sail aboard Le Soléal for a remarkable voyage between Busan and Osaka, exploring Japan’s serene coastal landscapes, spiritual heritage, and timeless traditions. This elegant journey reveals the country’s quieter side, where sacred shrines, peaceful gardens, and volcanic valleys meet lively port towns and cultural treasures.

Begin in Busan, South Korea’s vibrant harbour city, before crossing the Kanmon Straits to uncover the historic beauty of Sakaiminato, Hagi, and Mojiko. Experience the tranquillity of Beppu’s hot springs, the spiritual allure of Miyajima Island, and the reflective calm of Hiroshima, where history and hope coexist in perfect harmony. Before your voyage concludes in Osaka, enjoy the gentle charm of Tamano, gateway to Kurashiki’s white-walled canals and the majestic Seto Ohashi Bridge.

With one included excursion per person, per port of call, this voyage aboard Le Soléal offers an unforgettable journey through Japan’s cultural heart.

Various departures available. Some departures will operate in reverse.

Highlights

  • Sail in luxury from Busan to Osaka, exploring Japan’s serene coastal landscapes and rich cultural heritage
  • Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the sacred Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the historic Hiroshima Peace Memorial
  • Explore Hagi’s samurai past, Sakaiminato’s artistic charm, and Mojiko’s beautifully preserved Meiji-era streets
  • Relax in Beppu’s famed volcanic hot springs and admire the peaceful cliffside stone Buddhas nearby
  • Stroll through Kurashiki’s picturesque canals and see the engineering marvel of the Seto Ohashi Bridge from Tamano
  • One included excursion per person, per port of call, offering a choice of immersive experiences curated by experts

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
  • A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
  • Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Busan to the ship on the day of embarkation
  • Transfer from the ship to the airport in Osaka at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
  • 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

Busan - Embark
1 - 2Days

Busan - Embark

Your adventure begins in Busan, South Korea’s vibrant coastal metropolis where tradition meets modernity along the shores of the Sea of Japan. After arriving independently, embark your luxury vessel and settle into life on board. With the ship anchored overnight, there’s time to explore the city’s lively districts and rich cultural offerings, from colourful markets and seaside temples to the inviting waterfront promenades. As evening falls, enjoy the welcoming energy of Busan and the anticipation of the voyage ahead.

The following morning, soak up the final charms of Busan, perhaps exploring a local market, wandering along Haeundae Beach, or visiting the elegant Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, beautifully perched on the rocky shoreline. The city’s friendly atmosphere and coastal scenery offer a memorable start to your journey. Return to the ship for a relaxed afternoon as you prepare to set sail. In the late afternoon, your vessel departs Busan, gliding out across the tranquil waters and marking the beginning of your voyage through Japan’s enchanting islands.

Sakaiminato
3Day

Sakaiminato

Located on the south-west coast of Honshu, the lively port of Sakaiminato welcomes you with its blend of maritime charm and whimsical creativity. Best known as the birthplace of comic artist Shigeru Mizuki, the town celebrates his fantastical world with a dedicated walking route lined with more than a hundred bronze statues of his beloved characters. Beyond its playful spirit, Sakaiminato delights visitors with its fresh seafood specialities, bustling markets, and sweeping views of Mount Daisen and the Yumigahama Peninsula, where sea and sky meet in a panorama of serene beauty.

Hagi
4Day

Hagi

Next up we journey to Hagi, a charming city in southern Honshu cradled by mountains and interlaced with waterways flowing from the Abu-gawa River. Built on its delta, Hagi is often called a “city of water,” where history and tranquillity merge. The remnants of its 17th-century castle still stand gracefully in Shizuki Park, a serene reminder of its feudal past. Once a cradle of the Meiji Restoration, Hagi’s old town invites exploration through narrow streets lined with samurai residences, merchant houses, and traditional Hagi-yaki pottery workshops, each revealing the city’s proud cultural heritage and timeless artistry.

Mojiko & Crossing the Kanmon Straits
5Day

Mojiko & Crossing the Kanmon Straits

Next, we arrive at Mojiko, a charming port town at the mouth of the Kanmon Straits and the northern gateway to Kyūshū, one of Japan’s four main islands. Once a bustling entry point for traders and travellers, Mojiko now invites visitors to wander its beautifully preserved streets, where elegant buildings from the Meiji era evoke the spirit of late 19th-century Japan. A visit to the Mojiko Retro Observation Room rewards you with sweeping views over the coastline and nearby Shinto shrine, creating a picture-perfect panorama that captures the quiet grace and nostalgic beauty of this historic harbour town.

Later today we sail through the Kanmon Straits, the storied waterway that separates the islands of Honshu and Kyūshū and links the Sea of Japan with the Seto Inland Sea. This scenic passage offers an unforgettable glimpse of traditional Japan, showcasing a landscape of quaint fishing villages, seaside shrines, and verdant hillsides rising above rugged granite cliffs. As you glide through these tranquil waters, take in the harmony between nature and heritage that defines so much of Japan’s coastal beauty.

Beppu, Oita
6Day

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.

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.

Tamano
8Day

Tamano

Our last full day sees us visit Tamano, a sun-drenched port city on the island of Honshu, beautifully set between the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea and the deep green forests that rise behind it. This peaceful coastal town offers a glimpse of Japan’s gentle rhythm of life, where sea breezes mingle with the scent of pine. Nearby, the charming Kurashiki, known as the “white-walled city”, invites you to wander its historic canal district lined with elegant Edo-period warehouses and traditional homes. Before returning to the ship, take in the impressive sight of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, an architectural marvel stretching 12.5 kilometres across the sea, a symbol of connection and quiet grandeur at the heart of this serene region.

Osaka - Disembark
9Day

Osaka - Disembark

Your voyage concludes in the dynamic city of Osaka, 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. 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.

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.

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.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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Outside the uk
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Call us
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+ 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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