A mysterious island nation of unsurpassed natural beauty, Japan is laden with ancient spiritual rituals, rich culture and storied tradition. This 13-day, 12-night land and sea voyage showcases sites from the ethereal temples, jewel box pagodas and shogun castles of Kyoto to the latticed merchant houses of Hagi’s samurai district. On a specially arranged excursion to Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine, marvel at its iconic "floating" Torii gate on the Seto Inland Sea. Explore eight different UNESCO World Heritage sites in two countries. Stroll through traditional landscaped gardens, dine on fresh local foods and sample saki. In castles, temples, parks and memorial sites, discover the varied and unforgettable appeal of Japan and South Korea, featuring an 8-night, all‑inclusive cruise on the expedition small ship Heritage Adventurer. Guest speaker Pico Iyer, a leading visionary on global culture and author of numerous books and essays, will enhance your journey with informative lectures and commentary. Augment your visit with a pre-tour extension in Tokyo and/or a post-tour extension in Osaka.

  • Trip Itinerary

    Day 1: Depart Home City
    Day 2: Osaka, Japan/Kyoto
    Day 3: Kyoto
    Day 4: Kyoto
    Day 5: Kyoto/Kobe/Himeji/Embark HeritageAdventurer
    Day 6: Miyajima/Hiroshima
    Day 7: Hagi
    Day 8: Sakaiminato/Matsue
    Day 9: Ulsan, South Korea
    Day 10: Nagasaki, Japan
    Day 11: Fukuoka
    Day 12: Uno Ko
    Day 13: Osaka/Disembark ship/Return to Home City
     

  • Trip Highlights

    • Journey round-trip for 8 nights from Osaka, Japan aboard Heritage Adventurer, an exclusively chartered, small ship. Itinerary also includes a 3-night hotel stay in Kyoto.
    • Specially arranged excursion to Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine to see its iconic "floating" 
      Torii gate in the Seto Inland Sea.
    • Guest speaker Pico Iyer is a leading visionary on global culture and author of numerous books, essays and other writings.
    • Eight UNESCO World Heritage sites: Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto; Himeji-jo; Itsukushima Shinto Shrine; Hiroshima Peace Memorial; Town of Hagi; Nagasaki in Japan; Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju Historic Areas in South Korea.
    • Himeji-jo, the finest surviving example of Japanese castle architecture.
    • Itsukushima, the Shinto shrine built over water.
    • Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
    • Town of Hagi.
    • Cheonmachong Tomb, a royal burial ground in the Gyeongju Historic Areas.
    • Bulguksa Temple, a top example of religious architecture.
    • Tokyo Pre-Tour Extension and Osaka Post‑Tour Extension. (Available at additional cost.)