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Cruise Itinerary

Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
31 Mar 2026	Tokyo, Japan
1 Apr 2026	Tokyo, Japan
1 Apr 2026	Shimizu (Shizuoka), Japan
2 Apr 2026	Shimizu (Shizuoka), Japan
3 Apr 2026	Nagoya, Japan
4 Apr 2026	Owase, Japan
5 Apr 2026	Kochi, Japan
6 Apr 2026	Uwajima, Japan
7 Apr 2026	Busan, (Pusan) South Korea
8 Apr 2026	Fukuoka, Japan
9 Apr 2026	Hiroshima, Japan
9 Apr 2026	Miyajima Japan
10 Apr 2026	Tamano, Japan
11 Apr 2026	Osaka, Japan

This departure is from Tokyo to Osaka.

Heritage Expeditions’ Cherry Blossoms of Japan Cruise has been carefully curated to celebrate Japan’s iconic Sakura/Cherry Blossom Season and Hanami Parties as we sail from Tokyo to Osaka on this 12-day all-inclusive, small-ship expedition cruise.Combining a thrilling mix of Japan’s ancient culture, rich history and incomparable natural world, with a focus on Japan’s cherry blossoms, our authentic expedition cruise will see us exploring castles, serenely beautiful gardens and opulent temples and shrines combined with witnessing some of Japan’s stunning natural landscapes, wonders and enjoying world-famous cuisine and sake.Setting sail from Tokyo, Japan’s neon-lit and frenetic capital, our Cherry Blossoms of Japan Cruise will explore some of Japan’s iconic highlights alongside lesser-known and rarely visited coastlines, accessible only by expedition ship, from Honshu to Shikoku, Kyushu and across to South Korea’s counterculture capital Busan.Cruise the Seto Inland Sea and visit Japan’s renowned art island Naoshima, historic Hiroshima and its Peace Memorial Park and eternal Flame of Peace, marvel at Miyajima’s famed floating Torii Gate and observe and photograph the iconic sight of towering Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms. In Kochi explore 8th Century Chikurin-ji Temple with its five-storied pagoda and stunning gardens; discover Fukuoka’s trendy yatai food stalls, vibrant art installations, historic ruins and colourful coastal parks; and one of Japan’s most famed gardens the 28-acre formal 17th Century Koraku-en garden at Tamano. We’ll also moor at Uwajima, one of Japan’s premier pearl producers with the opportunity to visit one of the city’s traditional pearl farms, explore Owase’s Edo-period village, Nagoya’s eclectic culture and history, and much more.
Further enhancing our voyage, on board expert guest speakers and Japanese guides, as well as local, on the ground guides, will share Japan’s ancient history, customs and traditions of this captivating country as our adventure unfolds.

***Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse.***

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.

Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.

Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.

Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 – 28 days.

Founded in 1985 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands, through the Pacific, and around New Zealand on their purpose built expedition ships.

Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.