Brochures Brochures
1800 079 545 Australia +61 7 4040 9999
1800079545
Coral Expeditions Mobile menu
Close
Japanese Drumming

Journey To Japan

Yap to Tokyo14 nightsAll InclusiveFrom $12,590.00* PP

Venture north through the Western Pacific from the rarely seen Federated States of Micronesia towards the unique islands of Tokyo Bay. Set sail from Yap and explore remote coral atolls and small villages of Ulithi, Sorol and Fais that will welcome expeditioners for the first time. Enjoy relaxing days at sea with our crew leading wellness activities along with Japanese whiskey and tea tastings and cooking presentations. Partake in a special ceremony onboard as we pause above the “Challenger Deep”, the ocean’s deepest point on earth at the Mariana Trench. Cruise past on a circumnavigation of Iwo Jima and learn of the historic World War II battles.

Upon our arrival in Japan, explore one of Japan’s most scenic ports at Shimuzu, with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji and take a cable car to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Walk to the top of Mount Mihara, an active volcano with several moderate nature routes to the crater. Be immersed in local culture by witnessing the traditional kashitate dance and hachijo taiko drum performance at Hachijojima. In Yokohama, discover the Great Budha of Kamakura and the gilded wooden statue of Kannon before enjoying a traditional lunch and free time to explore. Join us on an adventure that will combine the striking biodiversity of Micronesia’s remote coral atolls and Japan’s ancient culture and traditions.

  • Snorkel on coral reef gardens and stroll the idyllic beaches of a truly deserted islet in a remote part of the world at Ulithi Atoll
  • Cross over Challenger Deep – the oceans deepest trench on Earth and participate in a special event
  • Enjoy relaxing days at sea with onboard wellness activities, lectures, workshops and tastings
  • Visit Shimizu, one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji and explore the Taisha Shrine in the foothills of Mt. Fuji
  • Walk to the top of Mount Mihara, an active volcano with several moderate nature walk routes to the crater
  • Be immersed in local culture with a Kashitate dance and Hachijo Taiko drum performance at Hachijojima
  • Visit the colossal copper statue of Amida-butsu (the Great Buddha) constructed over 750 years ago, has been designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government.
REQUEST A PRINTED BROCHURE

Itinerary

Coral Expeditions_Journey to Japan_Yap_14-Nights

Guam

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.

 

 

Atolls - Ulithi

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.

coral-expeditions-spice-islands-papaya-island

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.

Challenger Deep Scrolls

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.

Iwo-Jima-RAISING-THE-FLAG

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 - Kunozan Toshogu Shrine1

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.

Oshima, Japan - Mount Mihara

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.

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.

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 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 travelling 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.

Important: Please bring your physical passport with you on all international departures.

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.

Micronesia: Ship management and onboard immigration agent will transport and process the required tourist arrival Visa in passports with officials at the local airport. No impact on guests’ excursions will occur.

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

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.
Federated States of Micronesia: US cash mostly in Yap and Ulithi
Japan: JPY (Japanese Yen)

Pre-Cruise Flights: For guests embarking the ship in Yap, a charter flight from Cairns to Yap will be available. Make your way to Pullman Cairns International for SailSAFE check-in at 7:00am. A coach transfer will then take you to Cairns International Airport at 8:00am.

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: For guests embarking the ship in Yap, a charter flight from Cairns to Yap will be available. Make your way to Pullman Cairns International for SailSAFE check-in at 7:00am. A coach transfer will then take you to Cairns International Airport at 8:00am.

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

Other Itineraries You May Be Interested In

West Papua Raja Ampat and Micronesia

West Papua, Raja Ampat & Micronesia

Darwin to Yap | 16 Nights

Save 10% on this adjoining cruise

Yakushima Cedar Trees

Through Japan’s Ryukyu Islands

Fukuoka to Keelung | 16 Nights

Subscribe to Be Among The First To Know

Sign up to join our community and be notified of new releases, special offers & behind the scenes articles.