Discover the Islands of Japan
Single Cabins Available
Discover the Islands of Japan 12 Days
Aboard: Heritage Adventurer
From neon-lit Osaka to the cedar-scented forests of Yakushima, this voyage threads together the wild edges and cultural heartbeats of Japan, with a dash of South Korea’s coastal energy in Busan. Wander castle towers and samurai streets, stroll through living gardens and lantern-lit districts, and taste your way through markets where the sea sets the menu.
Along the way, encounter islands rich in wildlife and tradition, from Sado’s taiko drums and tub boats to rugged national parks and shoreline temples. With expert expedition guides, memorable shore excursions, and ever-changing coastal scenery, this is an adventure that blends nature, history and everyday local life into one remarkable journey.
Highlights
- Discover Japan by sea, pairing headline icons with quieter, rarely visited islands and coastal towns
- Experience an unforgettable expedition voyage blending comfort with immersive exploration
- Enjoy a rich mix of castles, temple precincts and historic districts, bringing samurai-era stories to life
- Wander some of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, from classic formal landscapes to vibrant seasonal blooms
- Explore wild Yakushima on nature walks through UNESCO-listed forests beneath ancient cedar giants
- Learn the craft of pearl cultivation in Uwajima and meet the communities shaped by Japan’s coastal industries
- Reflect in Nagasaki through poignant WWII sites and the city’s fascinating role as Japan’s “window to the world”
- Taste and see the energy of Osaka and Busan, with buzzing street life, markets, and unforgettable food culture
- Guided throughout by expert speakers and local guides
What's Included
- Transfers to and from ship for arrival and departure
- One night's hotel stay in Osaka pre-voyage
- All meals on board ship, with wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner
- All excursions shown in itinerary
- Programme of expert lectures and talks
- Flight from Niigata to Osaka post-voyage
Single Cabins Available
This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!
So much to experience
Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
Osaka
Osaka - Embark
Tamano/Uno-Ko
Uwajima
Yakushima
Nagasaki
Hagi
Busan, South Korea
Matsue
Kanazawa
Sado Island
Niigata - Osaka
A view from Above
All Aboard
Heritage Adventurer
Previously known as the MS Hanseatic, the Heritage Adventurer is a renowned authentic expedition ship. Purpose-built with ice-strengthened hull, the vessel combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Designed to match Heritage’s signature experiential expedition travel, the ship accommodates up to 140 guests in welcoming and spacious cabins that feature outside views, separate lounge areas, TVs, en-suite bathrooms and double or twin beds.
Communal areas include a lounge, two restaurant areas including an al-fresco bistro, gym and spa, lecture theatre, library, passenger lifts and outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.
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.
Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.
Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.
With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Chat Now
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation
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 a
Consultation