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Japanese Drumming

Journey To Japan

Guam to Tokyo14 nightsAll InclusiveFrom $11,900.00* PP

Venture to the Mariana Islands to uncover pivotal World War II history at Tinian and Iwo Jima. Explore the pristine marine environments of Rota, Pagan and Maug island. As we continue to the Japanese Ogasawara and Izu archipelagos, be among the first visitors from abroad to explore remote Japanese islands including Chichijima, Hahajima and Mukujima. Step ashore to witness the lifestyle of traditional Japanese fishing villages, encounter native wildlife and take to the water to discover untouched marine ecosystems. Be immersed in local culture by witnessing the traditional kashitate dance and hachijo taiko drum performance at Hachijojima. Explore Shimizu’s bustling seafood market and take to the hiking trail to enjoy rustic ropeways and unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji’s iconic silhouette. Join us on an adventure combining history, culture and striking biodiversity as we venture to the Japan that lies off the beaten track.

  • Enjoy time exploring the rich biodiversity of the Northern Mariana Islands of Rota, Pagan and Maug by swimming, snorkelling and diving in its aquamarine waters
  • Visit three of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Ogasawara Islands: Hahajima, Chichijima and Mukojima
  • Learn of WWII history at Tinian, where the Enola Gay was loaded with the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima and see the famous location of the ‘Raising the Flag’ at Iwo Jima
  • Visit the Hattori residence to experience the kashitate dance and hear the traditional hachijo taiko drum performance
  • On the volcanic ash slopes of Torijima, view the largest known population short-tailed albatrosses that are known to breed on only four islands in the North Pacific
  • Enjoy bird watching opportunities with possible sightings of rare endemic species including the Izu Island thrush of Mikurajima
  • Visit Shimizu, one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji and explore the rich tea plantations located on the Nihondiara Plateau
  • Learn about unique geology, botany and wildlife including encounters with whales, dolphins, schools of tuna and green sea turtles as we visit remote Japanese islands
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Itinerary

Coral_Expeditions_Journey_to_Japan_Guam_Nights

Guam

Guests are required to make their own way to the pre-cruise check-in location at Hilton Guam Resort and Spa at 2pm. From the check-in venue there will be a transfer to the ship, where we will board Coral Adventurer in Guam at 4:00pm for a 7:00pm departure.

Settle into your cabin 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.

Rota

As the southernmost island of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) with picture-perfect palm-fringed beaches and aquamarine waters that invite snorkelling and kayaking, Rota is known as ‘friendly island’ with its relaxed ambience. The island is home to diverse flora and fauna including the endemic and endangered rota white-eye bird, Mariana fruit bat and Mariana cow.

Learn about WWII history at the Old Japanese Cannon which overlooks Mount Tapingot, known as ‘wedding cake mountain’ for its multi-layered topography. Snorkel or scuba to the undersea walls, shipwrecks and vivid coral reefs that surround the islands.

Tinian

See the megalithic House of Taga stone pillars on Tinian Island. Visit the historic WWII site where the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber Enola Gay was loaded with the atomic bomb bound for Hiroshima. Stroll along the harbour at San Jose, the island’s largest village and swim in the clear waters of Taga Beach.

Japanese Zero

Pagan Island is an active volcanic island located some 320km north of Saipan. Here we will step ashore to visit the small local community and explore the island’s lava areas. We will learn of the island’s World War II history and visit the Japanese Zero wreck and other artifacts.

Maug Island is a remote volcanic caldera and a is flagged as an Important Bird Area for its populations of Micronesian megapodes, red-tailed tropicbirds, brown noddies, Micronesian myzomelas and Micronesian starlings. Enjoy excellent birding opportunities and snorkel or dive to explore the island’s pristine coral reef ecosystem.

Iwo-Jima-RAISING-THE-FLAG

Our introduction to Japan is the volcanic island of Iwo Jima where the WWII 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.

Coral-Expeditions-spinner-dolphin

The largest of the Ogasawara Islands, mountainous Chichijima with its subtropical forests is rimmed by steep rocky cliffs that bound pristine white-sand beaches. Populations of humpback and sperm whales frequent the ocean during annual migrations, along with year-round pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins.

Swimmers, snorkelers and kayakers may have the opportunity to see these graceful creatures up close. Nesting turtles and large populations of sea birds may be seen at Minamijima Island, a small uninhabited island with an eroded tunnel carved into a cliff connecting a scenic bay to the ocean beyond the island.

Ogasawara Island Group

Hahajima is one of only two inhabited islands (Chichijima being the other) in the Ogasawara Island Group. Like Chichijima Island, Hahajima is home to unique flora and fauna. Walking trails crisscross the long, narrow island offer the opportunity to potentially see bird species such as the protected bonin honeyeater and boobies along with endemic plants such as sekimon trees. Limestone karsts and caves with exposed tree roots overhead can be walked through, while Ross Museum and the history Okimura Cemetery offer insight into the lives of islanders who once lived here.

Short-tailed-albatross-

The uninhabited outcrop of Mukojima and nearby Tori-Shima is home to an important nesting site for a colony of black-footed albatrosses and Laysan albatrosses. Cruise past the active volcano of Tori-Shima Island which houses a weather station, volcanic research station, and is also a bird sanctuary. Albatrosses, Tristrams storm petrels, common kestrels and blue rock thrush may be sighted, along with whales and dolphins.

Hachijojima - Taiko Drum Performance

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.

Izu Island Thrush - Mikurajima

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.

Shimizu - Tea Plantation, Nihondiara Plateau

Shimizu, translating to ‘pure water’ in Japanese is one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji. With a mild climate, the area is home to rich tea plantations located on the Nihondiara Plateau. Visit the famous tea plantations, explore the historic township with a bustling seafood market and museum, discover the photogenic miho-no-matsubara pine grove and take to a hiking trail to enjoy rustic ropeways.

Tokyo-Fuji

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.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling. 



Fares & Availability

Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

1 Available

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

1 Available

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

22 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

10 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

3 Available
Book this Departure

Bridge Deck Suites

Private Balcony - 37.5m2

6 Available

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

23 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

16 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

9 Available
Book this Departure

Prices are per person twin share, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD).  Booking Terms & Conditions >
For solo traveller rates see our Solo Traveller Program >


Additional Information

Inclusions:

  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
  • Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
  • Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging

Not Included:

  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Travel Insurance
  • SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are traveling to/from
  • Alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)

Visa and Health & Travel Information

Please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from the time the expedition commences, and two blank pages. Please email a scanned colour copy of your passport identification page to our team at [email protected] no later than 45 days prior to your departure.

The travel advice information below is for Australian guests only. If you are an non-Australian passport holder travelling on these departures, please contact your relevant government department, embassy or your travel agent for applicable information.

Travelling guests are fully responsible for arranging their own health and visa requirements to travel abroad.

Guam/Marianas: Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit Guam for tourism purposes for up to 45 days. For international guests please check https://esta-center.com/en/guam/index.html

Japan: Australian citizens are visa-exempt for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. For international guests please check https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

A clear copy of a government issued COVID International Vaccination Certificate that shows dates of all vaccine shots, and the type of vaccine will need to be emailed to our team on [email protected] no later than 45 days prior to departure. Please see your doctor or travel clinic to plan any vaccinations you may need at least 8 weeks before you leave.

Japan
When arriving in Japan, all passengers are required to complete a customs declaration form and submit to a customs inspection. The customs declaration form asks for information about the items that you are bringing into Japan, including their value and quantity. The customs inspector may ask you to open your bags and suitcases for inspection. 

There are a number of items that are prohibited from being brought into Japan, including fruits and vegetables, meat, plants, certain medications, firearms, explosives, controlled substances and more. If you are bringing any of these items into Japan, you must declare them to the customs inspector. You may be required to pay a duty or a fine. 

Here are some specific items that you may need to declare when entering Japan: 

  • Medicines: You are allowed to bring a limited amount of medicines into Japan for personal use. However, you must declare all medicines to the customs inspector and have a valid prescription from a doctor. 
  • Alcohol: You are allowed to bring a limited amount of alcohol into Japan for personal consumption. However, you must declare all alcohol to the customs inspector and pay a duty. 
  • Tobacco: You are allowed to bring a limited amount of tobacco into Japan for personal consumption. However, you must declare all tobacco to the customs inspector and pay a duty. 
  • Currency: You are allowed to bring a limited amount of currency into Japan. However, you must declare all currency to the customs inspector if the amount exceeds ¥1 million. 
  • Controlled substances: Controlled substances are prohibited from being brought into Japan. If you are bringing a controlled substance into Japan for medical purposes, you must have a valid prescription from a doctor. 

If you are unsure whether or not an item is prohibited from being brought into Japan, you can contact the Customs and Tariff Bureau for more information. 

We do not have currency exchange onboard. Guests are advised to exchange money into local currency prior to departure from their home port. Currency exchange and eftpos style point of sale is increasingly available in the regions we visit. We recommend carrying small denominations.
Guam/Marianas: USD
Japan: JPY (Japanese Yen)

Pre-Cruise Flights: Please ensure you have secured your own flights to Guam prior to your voyage. We encourage guests to arrive at least one day prior to their schedule departure. There are flights to Guam Won Pat International Airport with airlines including Cathay Pacific or Qantas.

Post-Cruise Flights: Please ensure you have secured your own flights for your onward journey. There are flights from Tokyo International Airport to Australia with airlines including Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Philippines Airline and Qantas.

Pre-Cruise: Guests are required to make their own way to the pre-cruise check-in location at Hilton Guam Resort and Spa at 2:00pm. From the check-in venue there will be a transfer to the ship. (Check-in Location Address: 202 Hilton Road Tumon Bay, Tamuning, Guam)

Post-Cruise: After disembarking the ship at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal our crew will be on hand to assist with directing guests to taxi ranks and onward travel plans.

Ship-Information---Coral-Discoverer---Great-Barrier-Reef
More Information -JAPAN

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