8 Night Cruise sailing from Kobe to Niigata aboard Heritage Adventurer. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Kobe.

Cruise Overview:

'The land of the Rising Sun', Japan is a fascinating combination of ancient heritage and traditional culture contrasting with the sprawling metropolises of the world's most advanced technological civilisation. Made up of 6,852 islands, the perfect way to explore these seldom visited destinations is by sea and the Heritage Adventurer is the ideal vessel for such a voyage.

Set sail on this authentic 10-day expedition cruise as our unique itinerary sees us exploring ancient castles, serenely beautiful gardens and opulent temples and shrines combined with witnessing some of Japan's stunning natural landscapes.

Experience all-inclusive luxury cruise travel as we venture to destinations such as the historic and serene castle town of Matsue, the ancient anachronistic town of Hagi, and experience the tranquillity of sacred Miyajima. Discover one of Japan's most famed memorials at historic Hiroshima, dedicated to remembering the lives lost from one of the most difining moments of World War II.

Although we will also visit Japan's awe-inspiring contemporary landscape, what makes our itinerary truly special is our visits to parts of Japan where relatively few tourists set foot such as Sado Island - widely considered a perfect miniature Japan and thriving cultural capital filled with performing arts, natural scenery, samurai history, and more.

Our exploration of Japan also takes us to the south eastern tip of South Korea where we will spend a day in Gyeongju, the 'Museum Without Walls' and also visit the Haeinsa Temple, considered one of the three great temples in South Korea. Such places invoke the strongest of memories and allow you to immerse yourself in the myth and mystique of these ancient lands while returning each evening to the peace and comfort of our vessel.

Helping us understand all we will see and experience, and travelling with us throughout the voyage, will be our expert Guest Speakers and Japanese guides who will add immeasurably to your enjoyment and understanding of this captivating country.

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.

Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.

Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.

Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 – 28 days.

Founded in 1985 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands, through the Pacific, and around New Zealand on their purpose built expedition ships.

Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.