The Nansei Islands are a new land of smiles right at the beginning. Lush green islets with white sandy beaches and the scent of flowers make visitors think of Hawaii or Bora Bora. But first, the vibrant life of Naha, the capital of the Okinawa Islands, awaits you. You can discover Naha from a culinary perspective on a “Taste of Okinawa” cookery course*. The Nakagusuku Castle ruins* are one of the many monuments on the island and a legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled the region between the 15th and 19th centuries.

Largely undiscovered by tourism and rarely visited by cruise ships is Okinoerabu-Shima, an island belonging to the Amami archipelago. Join us on a journey of discovery where deep blue waters, coral reefs and pristine beaches meet an iconic limestone cave system. Tour the sights on your own or with our group of experts.

Lush cedar forest, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits you on Yakushima. When trekking in the cloud forest*, rhododendrons, mosses and lichens appear particularly mystical, accompanied by the sounds of numerous species of bird as well as macaques.

Ancient dynasties and eventful world history lie close together on Japan’s south coast. Visited for the first time and surrounded by mountain ranges, Uwajima will take you back to the Edo period with its historic castle. Explore cultural Uwajima* in the footsteps of the Date clan who once ruled the area.

The spa city of Beppu lets you immerse yourself in traditional bathing rituals on a visit to an onsen* with hot thermal water. A special expression of Japan’s religion are the more than 60 stone buddhas in Usuki*, made around 1,000 years ago.

Considered among the most famous landscapes of Japan, the picturesque stretches of coastline of the sacred island of Miyajima have inspired both art and literature. After landing, you can head out on your own and visit the island’s attractions as well as the Itsukushima Shrine. This world-famous shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of the god Susano-o-no-Mikoto and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An added highlight is the cable-car ride from the valley station to the highest point of the island, Mount Misen. Look forward to remarkable insights and views.

The architecturally interesting Hiroshima is a moving reminder of modern history. The witness to global history* excursion will touch on the tragic events of 1945 and take you to the Peace Memorial Park, designed by star architect Kenzo Tange. It houses the building that was formerly the Chamber of Commerce and now the city’s most important memorial, the Atomic Bomb Dome In addition to testimonies of an eventful history, Hiroshima also offers a lively side, which you can discover during individual explorations. A glass of sake brewed from polished rice, for example, is a must-try.

On a detour to South Korea from Busan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gyeongju* brings the ancient Silla dynasty to life, while a coastal walk through Igidae Park* with its small suspension bridges reveals Korea’s close relationship with nature.

Back in Japan, you will uncover secrets of culture and nature along the rarely visited west coast that remain hidden from most travellers. First, Karatsu tells of the Japanese world as you explore the coastal resort.

Both geology and the remote location have created a very special ecosystem on the Oki Islands, characterised by red rock formations and green vegetation. Get active here on a hike along the Kuniga Coast*.

Just like a “crane spreading its wings” – which is what the name of this harbour means – your understanding of Far East belief systems will unfold in Maizuru. From here, you will travel to the spiritual centre of the country: Kyoto – the old imperial city* with its myriad temples and extravagantly decorated shrines. Or devote yourself to a natural experience on the “bridge to heaven”*, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes.

Architectural charm is an inherent part of Kanazawa, with its old geisha and samurai houses and the Kenroku-en Garden and tea district*, which perfectly combines a spacious setting with craftsmanship and tradition.

Sado Island has a long history of unusual fishing boats: small and oval, like rice bowls. In the coastal town of Ogi, the rhythm is determined not through the beat of oars, but with a traditional taiko drumming class*. The mines of the gold island of Sado* are a special source of precious metals.

The wealth of Japan’s north coast, by contrast, lies in the heritage of the ancient warrior caste in Akita. The origins of the Kanto festival and the samurai district in Kakunodate* reveal colourful traditions. Alternatively, the sprawling coast and mystical Namahage culture form a fascinating symbiosis on an excursion to the Oga Peninsula*. The northern island of Hokkaido is also a natural beauty.

From Hakodate, your attention turns to the birds and vegetation of Onuma Quasi-National Park*. By the time your Far East adventure comes to an end, you will agree with Buddha’s maxim: it is better to travel well than to arrive.