Through the Heart of Japan: Tokyo to Fukuoka Cruise - Premium Adventure

Board the Coral Geographer from Tokyo Bay at 4pm for a 7pm departure. Settle into your cabin and relax as we set sail towards the Sea of Japan.

This evening, join the Captain's Welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets. Stay: Coral Geographer (D).

These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. Below are the key destinations we visit between days 2 to 14 of the cruise itinerary:

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

Shingu - Shingu (meaning ‘new shrine’) is home to the hilltop kamikura shrine – climb 538 steps to the shrine to see Gotobiki Iwa (the holy rock) and picturesque scenery from this elevated viewpoint. The area also hosts a stunning section of the Kumano River, Dorokyo Gorge, and pilgrimage routes to the Unesco-listed Kii Mountain Range. Explore the city centre to connect with the local food, culture and history and set off on the Daimonzaka trail – an impressive cobblestone staircase that leads from the valley up to the temples.

Osaka/Kyoto - Today, you may choose to explore Osaka or Kyoto for the day. Time permitting, we may travel by bullet train. Immerse yourself in colourful, bustling Osaka, the food capital of Japan, where ancient and modern architecture create a diverse cityscape. Visit Osaka Castle, join a guided tour of bustling Dotonbori Street, stroll through Kuromon Market and take it all in from the observation deck in Umeda Sky Building. Alternatively, Kyoto city, once the capital of Japan, is famous for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Learn about the rich history of this area as we visit these places and the local street market, Nishiki Market, well-known for its fantastic takeaway food.

Tokujima - The Iya Valley is a remote, mountainous valley with dramatic steep-sided mountain slopes strung with suspension bridges known as kazurabashi, which are constructed from mountain vines. These were once the only means for moving people and goods through the challenging terrain; the Wild Monkey Bridge is open to visitors who can pull themselves across the river in a wooden cart suspended on a rope. We take a sightseeing boat cruise through the Oboke Gorge, admire artworks and artefacts at the Otsuka Museum of Art, visit a Buddhist temple and experience an Awa dance performance, which is celebrated annually at a festival dedicated to this dance style.

Shodojima - One of the first islands born to the gods in the creation myth of Japan, Shodojima literally means ‘small bean island’, a fitting name for an island where traditionally soybean crops were processed into soy sauce, though is better known more recently for its olive plantations. Learn about this time-honoured condiment at the Marukin Soy Sauce Historical Museum. Experience the making of the Japanese somen noodles and try dividing the noodles with long chopsticks. Visit Misaki no Bunyojyo, the elementary school featured in the classic Japanese film Twenty-Four Eyes (1954).

Miyajima - The Unesco-listed Itsukujima Shrine is one of the most recognisable symbols in Japan with its shinto shrine and red torii gate seemingly floating upon the Seto Inland Sea. Other important sites are: Daisho-in, a temple of Shingon Buddhism; and Reikado Hall, on Mount Misen, the highest peak on Miyajima. Walking paths link Miyajima’s cultural sites with Maple Valley, providing the ideal pace to absorb centuries-old customs. Stroll around the island, among the deer that wander the same sites, and take in the beauty.

Hiroshima - Forever linked to the Second World War, Hiroshima has since been rebuilt while retaining historical heritage, with the Peace Memorial Park now the most prominent feature in the city. Shukkeien Garden dates as far back as the 1600s with valleys, mountains and forests represented in miniature with teahouses among the gardens an ideal spot to enjoy the idyllic surrounds.

Matsuyama - High on Mount Katsuyama, Matsuyama Castle is one of the 12 original castles in Japan and stands at the heart of Matsuyama city. Constructed in the early 1600s, the original tower collapsed after being struck by lightning. A three-storey tower was added to the site 200 years after. Pilgrims dressed all in white are a frequent site at Ishitji Temple, where an inner temple connects to the main temple grounds via a dimly cave and 655ft (200m) long tunnel that houses Buddhist statues, carvings and drawings.

Karatsu - This trading hub is known for its safe harbour and close proximity to other foreign trading ports. Here we explore many idyllic surrounds, including the Nanatsugama limestone caves, and the bustling city area and markets. We also climb to historic Karatsu Castle and see the beautiful Mikaeri Falls.

Tsushima - Roughly halfway between the Japanese mainland and the Korean Peninsula, Tsushima was once a single island before a canal divided the island in two in the 1600s, then into three islands in the 1900s when a second canal was constructed. In reality, there are approximately 100 islands that collectively make up Tsushima with an abundance of natural beauty and untouched forests. Discover native flora and fauna and visit the ancient Banshoin Temple, one of the three great graves built in Japan in 1615.

Jeju (South Korea) - Jeju Island’s Unesco-listed Manjanggul lava tube is regarded as the finest lava tube system in the world with unique geological features and volcanic landforms. The Jeonbang Falls is the only waterfall in South Korea that tumbles directly into the sea, while Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is a flat-topped crater that rose from the sea many years ago. The near-circular crater is popular for its walking trails and elevated position to view the sunrise or sunset.

Sasebo - The Maritime Self-Defence Force Sasebo Museum displays historical naval vessels alongside the former Sasebo Navy Club, which dates to the late 1800s. At Mukyudo, an air-raid shelter is unique among Japan’s countless shelters as it was built by school children in the style of a school. The historical pottery town of Arita is where Japan’s fine porcelain was first produced around 400 years ago. Arita-yaki pottery is now the most highly regarded pottery across Japan with its ‘secret ingredient’ kaolin the essential mineral required to make fine porcelain. We try making our very own Arita ceramics.

Aokata and Nakadori islands, Goto Islands - The Goto Islands are best known for Christianity; while religion was banned, the ‘hidden Christians’ settled here and continued practicing their faith in secret until the ban was lifted in the 1870s. Goto Islands translates into English as the ‘five-island chain’, with Nakadori and Aokata two of the most populated. There are around 50 churches dotted across the prefecture, such as the Unesco-listed Kashiragajima Church with its stone construction, and other interesting sites we visit include the Whale Museum and the Stone Monuments of Wakamatsu Island.

Fukue Island - Also a member of the Goto Islands, Fukue is the largest of the group with a hilly terrain, temples and churches. Be welcomed into port with wind instruments and a traditional drum performance. Hike Mount Onidake, the dormant volcano, learn about the local history at the city museum, cruise Abunze Coast to view the lava rock formations and soak in the natural beauty of the island with its beaches, mountains and craggy coastline.

(B/L/D).

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

Please be advised, disembarkation time is approximately scheduled for 8:30am; but is subject to possible delays in arrival and customs. Therefore, we recommend extending your stay in Japan and spend the night in Fukuoka (B).