Through The Heart Of Japan

Tokyo Departures: 

Arrive at Tokyo International Cruise Line Terminal to board Coral Geographer at 4:00pm. There is time to settle into your stateroom during the afternoon. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as we set sail towards the Sea of Japan. After your onboard orientation, the Expedition team will brief guests on upcoming activities .  

Fukuoka Departure:  

Board Coral Geographer at Chuo Wharf Cruise Centre, Fukuoka at 4:00pm. Once on board there is time to settle into your stateroom and get acquainted with your fellow travellers. After your onboard orientation, the Expedition team will brief guests on upcoming activities. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners. 

Shimizu is one of Japan’s most beautiful ports, offering views of Mt Fuji looming over Sugura Bay. From here we will visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, and learn about this enigmatic World Heritage Site and its importance to the Japanese people. The centre boasts a viewing deck and a variety of exhibitions pertaining to the volcano’s seismology, history, and cultural significance.  

We will also visit another highlight of Shizuoka prefecture; the tea plantations. Take a walk through the tea fields and enjoy tasting samples as your local guides explain the tradition behind tea in Japan. 

Ship Location:  At berth 

Adventure scale: Low to moderate – walking tour of tea plantation up moderate inclines, slightly uneven ground 

Travel time:  Approximately 2hrs return via coach 

Today, explore the Kii Peninsular as pilgrims have done over the past 1000 years – either on foot for by coach. Discover the birthplace of spirituality and the fusion of Japan’s 2 key religions  in the mountains and valleys of the Kumano Kodo region. Guests will have the choice of two excursions. 

Option 1: 

For keen walkers, the Daimonzaka trail can be traversed through tall cedar forests. This is an impressive cobblestone staircase slope that runs from the base of the valley to Nachi Taisha Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple. Hikers are rewarded with incredible view of Japan’s highest single-drop waterfall at Nachi Falls. 

Option 2: 

Alternatively, explore 2 of the Kumano’s most sacred temples on a guided tour via coach. Local guides will introduce guests to the fusion of Buddhism and Shintoism in found in the shrines throughout the region. Guests will also discover the geological formations of Dorokyo Gorge which offers unforgettable photo opportunities. 

Ship Location:  At berth 

Adventure scale:

Daimonzaka: Moderate to difficult – walkers must be able to climb 300+ stairs up an incline over uneven cobblestones. There are shorter portions of the trail that are able to be walked – please speak to our Reservations Team if you have concerns about participating in this excursion. 

Shrines via road: Low to moderate – shrines will be accessed via coach however guests still need to be able to climb up to 50+ stairs to access interior sections of the temples. 

Drive times: Daimonzaka: Approximately 40 min round trip via coach 

Shrines via road: Approximately 2hrs round trip via coach 

Today, you may choose to explore Osaka or Kyoto for the day. 

Option 1  

Immersive yourself in colourful, bustling Osaka, the food capital of Japan, where ancient and modern architecture collide. Join a guided tour of famous Dotonbori Street, stroll through Kuromon Market and take in the view of Japan’s 2nd largest city in from the observation deck in Umeda Sky Building. 

Option 2 

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a blend of modern and traditional, famous for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Learn of the rich history of this area as we visit these places as well as local street market, Nishiki Market, well-known for its fantastic food options. 

Ship Location:  At berth 

Adventure scale: For both excursions: Moderate: Guest need to be able to walk unassisted for 30 min to 1hr at a time, including up stairs and low inclines. 

Drive times:  For both excursions: approximately 2-3 hrs return via coach. Kyoto and Osaka are both major cities and can be impacted by heavy traffic.  

Tokushima is located on the north-western tip of Shikoku island, and is most famous for the Awa Odori Festival that celebrates Japanese traditional dance every August. 

Today we will marvel at the naturally-forming Naruto Whirlpools and enjoy the coastal views on a short walk from the viewpoint. At the Otsuka Museum of Art, guests will have the opportunity to explore hundreds of artwork pieces including massive replicas of the Sistine Chapel.  

For those interested in Japanese architecture, there is also an optional walk along the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage that connects 2 scenic temples related to the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. 

Back on board Coral Geographer there will be an opportunity to sample whisky from a local producer as they explain their production processes.  

Ship Location:  At berth 

Adventure scale:  Whirlpools and museum – Easy to Moderate: Guest need to be able to walk unassisted for approx.. 30 min to, including up stairs and low inclines. 

Shikoku Pilgrimage  – Easy to moderate. Each temple is comprised of around 30 stairs to access the interior. Trail between each is flat over concrete and minor cobblestones. 

Drive times:  Both excursions are approximately 1hr round trip via coach

Shodoshima translates to ‘small bean island’ – a fitting name for an island where traditionally soybean crops were processed into soy sauce. 

Learn about this time-honoured condiment with a 400-year-old history as we meet local producers on a walking tour in the Soy Sauce District. Experience the making of the famous Somen noodle. 

For those who wish to stretch their legs, there is an opportunity to enjoy a guided through Kankakei Gorge to its volcanic peaks and formations. On the return journey guests will enjoy the views from the ropeway cable cars.  

Ship Location:  At anchor, xplorer transfers to local port for activities 

Adventure scale: Moderate to high: Walking through the Soy Sauce district is over cobbled streets; guests must be able to stand for approximately 30 minutes in an unconditioned room. 

Kankakei Gorge requires very good fitness and the ability to walk down hill over varied terrain unassisted for approximately 1hr. 

Drive times: 1hr return approximately via coach. 

Forever linked to the World War II tragedy that saw an atomic bomb dropped on the city in 1945, Hiroshima has since been rebuilt while retaining some historical heritage, with the Peace Memorial Park now the city’s most prominent feature. Enjoy a guided tour of the A-bomb area, park and museum, or enjoy free time in the city. 

The famed Itsukujima shrine is one of Japan’s most recognisable symbols with its Shinto shrine and red torii gate seemingly floating upon the Seto Inland Sea. Itsukujima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Treasure. Stroll around the island on a guided or self-walk tour amongst the deer that wander the same sites. 

Ship Location:  Miyajima at anchor, xplorer transfers to local port 

Hiroshima berth 

Adventure scale: Moderate: Guests must be able to walk and remain on their feet for 30 min to 1hr at a time, walking over flat concrete and minor cobblestones 

Drive times: Approximately 1hr return on coach  

Access to Miyajima Island is via our xplorer vesse 

Matsuyama offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage – particularly through its connections to ancient and modern media.   

Explore the ancient castle-building techniques at Matsuyama Castle; one of Japan’s twelve original castles constructed in the early 1600’s. We have the option to use the cable car or hike up to Matsuyama Castle, where guests can enjoy views of the surrounding city and walk through the historic castle buildings. 

Guests will also explore Matsuyama’s charming streets lined with traditional ryokan inns and shops selling local delicacies.  

There is also an optional opportunity to participate in the time-honored bathing traditions at Dōgo Onsen, a cultural treasure that inspired the magical bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Participation requires advance selection as bookings need to be obtained. 

Ship Location:  At berth 

Adventure scale:  Moderate: Guests must be able to walk and remain on their feet for 30 min to 1hr at a time. The walk up to Matsuyama Castle is short but steep and therefore requires a good level of fitness. 

Drive times: Approximately 1hr return via coach 

Karatsu, located on the northwest coast of Kyushu, is a traditional port town with a long and interesting history.  Even its name alludes to its importance – (kara for China and tsu for port). 

Guests will dive deep into Karatsu’s history  and its strategic role as a trading gateway at the local museum, uniquely located within the walls of the refurbished Karatsu Castle. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding bay from the top of the castle’s keep. 

Discover the Forest of Environmental Arts; a locally-led project created to revitalise old woodlands around the hilsides of Sakureyama. Here guests can enjoy several walks through the woodlands and changing autumn scenery.  

Ship Location: At berth 

Adventure scale: Easy to moderate: Guests must be able to walk and remain on their feet for 30 min to 1hr at a time. The top of Karatsu Castle can be accessed via stairs or elevator.  

Drive times:  Approximately 1.5 hr return via coach 

Roughly halfway between the Japanese mainland and the Korean Peninsula, Tsushima has always stood as a border territory between South Korea and Japan. Explore its isolation from the mainland has created an abundance of natural beauty and untouched forests. 

Option 1 Hikers will enjoy the challenging trail to the summit of Mt Shimizu, which weaves its way through the ancient walls of the old castle. At the summit, be rewarded with panoramic views of the island and blue ocean below. 

Option 2 

We visit the local Museum with interesting artifacts dating back to the 14th century highlighting the importance of Tsushima during trade between Japan, China and South Korea. 

All guests will have the opportunity to walk the grounds of the peaceful Bansho-in temple, famous for its winding staircase that leads to an ancient burial ground favoured by the Lords of Tsushima.  

(Vessel to conduct exit clearance from Japan to cross to South Korea.) 

Ship Location: At berth 

Adventure scale: 

MT Shimizu hike – Moderate to difficult: Guests must be able to walk uphill unassisted over uneven ground and cobblestone stairs.  In places the trail is interrupted by tree roots. 

Local museum – Easy 

Bansho-in temple – Moderate : main temple is easy to access over some cobblestone stairs. If guest wish to visit the graveyard area this is accessed via approx. 130 steep uneven stairs. 

Drive times:  Approximately 1hr return via coach 

Today we have an exciting day exploring the island of Jeju, located off of the coast of South Korea. 

The island was shaped by powerful geological and volcanic forces, which guests will delve into further during our excursions. 

Manjanggul lava tubes are regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere in the world and are recognised by UNESCO as a Global Geopark site for its unique underground formations. 

Embark on a guided hike of Seongsan Sunrise Peak, located in an ancient caldera of long extinct volcano. For those that prefer a shorter walk, there are plenty of viewpoints and seating areas located around the base of the mountain. 

Of course, no visit to South Korea is complete without a delicious Korean-style lunch. This will typically be beef and vegetable rice bowls, or delicious K-BBQ . 

(Today we enter and exit South Korea.) 

Ship Location: At berth 

Adventure scale: Moderate: Guests must be able to walk and remain on their feet for 30 min to 1hr at a time. The hike to Seongsan Sunrise Peak is strenuous but not compulsory. 

Drive times: Approximately 4 hours round trip on coach with several stops enroute. 

Sasebo is a charming city located in Nagasaki Prefecture, known for its rich maritime heritage, scenic coastal beauty, and unique handicrafts. Guests will have 2 options for excursions today.  

Option 1: 

Visit the historic town of  Arita where Japan’s fine porcelain was first produced around 400 years ago. Here we meet with local producers who will show us the process of creating Arita-yaki pottery; which is now the most highly regarded pottery across all Japan. After, explore the quaint township decorated by disused pottery shards. 

Option 2: 

Visit a local Sake brewery which dates back to the mid 1800’s. The owners and craftspeople will guide our group on a tour of the facility and offer tastings of their most popular spirits. 

(Ship, guests, and crew will return to Japan and clear in with officials.) 

Ship Location: At berth 

Adventure scale: Low- Moderate: Guests must be able to walk and remain on their feet for 30 min to 1hr at a time . 

Drive times: Approximately 1 hour round trip via coach 

The Goto Islands are comprised of 5 large islands – Nakadori being the 2nd largest. Persecuted Christians settled here after foreign trade and religion was banned during the Edo period, and continued practicing their faith in secret until the ban was lifted in the 1870s.  

Here, we visit Kashiragashima Village and discover how the ‘Hidden Christians’ persevered for the continuation of their beliefs.  

There is also an optional guided walk through a forest where subtropical and subalpine forest combine, and along the scenic beach foreshore.  

Ship Location:  At berth 

Adventure scale: Moderate: Guests must be able to walk and remain on their feet for 30 min to 1hr at a time. The hike through Kashiragashima is over uneven forest ground and requires a good level of mobililty and balance particularly if there has been recent rain. 

Drive times: Approximately 2 hours round trip on coach  

Fukue Island is the largest of the group with hilly terrain and stunning coastal scenery created by lava flows after the eruptions of Mt Onidake. There are 2 options for our visit to Mt Onidake. 

Option 1: 

Embark on a long scenic hike up and around the crater of Mt Onidake, taking in  views across the Sea of Japan and Lava-shaped coastline.  

Option 2 

Enjoy a short walk to a viewpoint on Mt Ondiake followed by the opportunity to fly handmade ‘Baramon’ kites made by the locals of Fukue. 

Ship Location: At berth 

Adventure scale: Easy to moderate: Guests must be able to walk and remain on their feet for 30 min to 1hr at a time depending on the hiking option selected.  

Drive times: Approximately 1 hour round trip on coach  

Fukuoka arrivals: Our voyage ends in the Japanese port of Fukuoka. Disembark Coral Geographer at 8:30am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew.Fukuoka has great shopping, some of the best cuisine and accessibility to nature nearby. 

Tokyo arrivals: Today you will disembark at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. Say farewell to new found friends and disembark Coral Geographer at 8:30am. The terminal is well located for onward travel to central Toyko, or either of the International Airports.