Journey To Japan

From your optional charter flight from Cairns, board Coral Adventurer at Colonia Port, Tomil Harbour, Yap at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure. Settle into your stateroom and relax as we set sail across the Pacific Ocean. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

Snorkel on coral reef gardens off a truly deserted islet in a remote part of the world. Enjoy the tropical vista of white sand beaches, colourful coral reefs home to sea turtles, coconut crabs and sea birds. There is also opportunity to visit the Ulithi Turtle Project and the vibrant community village.

Gather in front of the Men’s Meeting house where the captain will meet with the High Chief to thank him and the village community for welcoming us on Mogmog Island. Adhering to all customary traditions, walk about the village to visit and photograph the traditional buildings and sites. Local guides will give informative talks on the Men’s House and the Women’s house and their traditional functions, the traditional Mogmog Turtle Platform, as well the traditions and customs and social structures of Mogmog Island. Stroll through the village market with demonstrations of traditional woven baskets and purses, as well handwoven lava-lava, loom weaving demonstrations and other wooden handicrafts.

Sorol is a remote and rarely visited coral atoll, located 122 nautical miles south of Ulithi. Our visit to the atoll’s small community will be a first for expedition cruising.

Our last coral atoll exploration in Micronesia before our Journey to Japan beings. Learn of the World War II history.

A special event at the ocean’s deepest trench on Earth will be experienced by all guests. We will each sign a commemorative scroll, which is then placed into a steel pipe, sealed, and drop to the bottom of the ocean. If conditions permit, enjoy an ocean swim.

Today we circumnavigate the volcanic island of Iwo Jima where the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima took place along with the site of Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal’s famous photo Raising the Flag which was photographed on Mt. Suribachi. The famous photograph won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize – the only time an image has won the prize the year it was captured. Your onboard team will share the story of WWII devastation and battles in this area in 1945.

Shimizu, translating to ‘pure water’ in Japanese is one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji. This is our entry port into Japan. From here we will visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, constructed to commemorate the mountain’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The centre boasts a viewing deck and a variety of exhibitions pertaining to the volcano’s seismology, history, and cultural significance. The building has an inverted conical form that reflects in the pond outside to reveal the shape of the iconic mountain.

We will also enjoy a scenic view as we take a cable car ride to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. The shrine has a history of over 400 years, and enshrines Lord Tokugawa Leyasu, who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603 that brought peace to Japan for 265 years. The beautifully decorated shrine buildings were designated as a National Treasure in 2010.

Today we walk to the top of Mount Mihara, an active volcano with major eruptions occurring at intervals of 100–150 years. Mount Mihara has featured in several Japanese pop culture movies including The Return of Godzilla. This nature walk is moderate with several routes to the crater, where you can spot small fumes coming out. Tables and seats are along the way and amenities at the top. Enjoy the views to and from the volcano, including Mount Fuji which can be seen in the distance.

On Hachijojima Island see the landscape changed by volcanic eruptions and enjoy hot springs and waterfalls within moss draped forests with blooming hydrangeas, aloe, and freesia. Hikes with unbeatable views are on offer here where you can observe the unique nature and grazing cows. At the Hattori Residence be immersed in local culture with a Kashitate dance and Hachijo Taiko drum performance, learn about kimono traditions and wander the ancient stone-walled laneways of this historical site.

The coast of Miyakejima is largely formed by lava cooling which has created interesting geo-spots over time. Megane Rock (spectacle rock) is one such result, formed by two enormous arches lined together which have eroded over time to create a formation resembling a pair of spectacles. This unique volcanic landscape is home to flora and fauna that thrive in this challenging terrain. The island is famous for its bird watching opportunities with sightings of the Izu Island thrush – a designated natural treasure. Walk along the volcanic trails and explore the landscape while encountering wildlife at this extraordinary destination.

Our voyage ends in the Japanese capital of Tokyo. Disembark Coral Adventurer at 8:30 am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew.