Join the first expedition cruise ship to discover Japan’s Ryukyu Islands on a journey rich with insights into the nature, culture and communities of these unexplored outposts.
Set sail from Fukuoka and begin your journey in Nagasaki to learn of the region’s wartime history, study internationally influenced architecture and explore traditional shrines and temples. Venture deep into the remote Okinawan Islands to encounter lifestyles of those who make their living by the sea, including at the fishing village of the Suwanosejima. Learn of ancient mythical legends tied to Okinoerabujima and discover the pristine marine ecosystems of the Kerama Islands. Walk amongst towering cedars in the ancient woodland of Yakujima, kayak through the undeveloped forested scenery of Iriomote Island and look on in awe of the strombolian eruption of passing volcanic landscapes.
Bear witness to traditional island lifestyles as you make your way through a region seldom visited by Western travellers.
- Be among the few overseas tourists to set foot on the remote Ryukyu Islands and learn about the culture and tradition of these coastal communities
- Walk through UNESCO listed thousand-year-old cedar forests and view a 25m tall giant cedar tree estimated to be up to 7,200 years old
- At Naha, Okinawa, watch glassmaking in the traditional Ryukyu style and witness the 600-year-old practice of Hanhaui textile weaving
- Swim, snorkel, kayak and dive to explore Japan’s diverse underwater ecosystems including at the pristine Kerama Island Group
- Venture into Okinoerabujima’s limestone caves to be surrounded by twinkling stalactites and stalagmites
- Encounter rare endemic wildlife including the Ludith’s Jay and Amami black rabbit at Amami Oshima
- Learn of Ryukyu culture and history and hear songs played on the traditional Sanshin instrument
- Enjoy an after dark stargaze from the Astronomical observation tower on Hateruma Island