Premiere route from Hokkaido to Japan’s Inland Sea: between vibrant urban life and stunning nature
Landscapes as if painted by hand: white beaches, lush green forests and high mountains
Open-air museums to Asian architecture: admire pagodas, temples and tea houses
Active experiences on many hikes1
A quest to unveil the identity of Japan: thanks to an experienced, competent team of experts on board
Detour to South Korea – full of life and rich in culture
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change
At anchor
Further informations
Booming landscapes and inner reflection. Harmony and consensus. Mysteries and misunderstandings. Correct and sharpen your view of Japan like never before. The HANSEATIC inspiration lets you look deep into the soul of the island kingdom on a premiere route. A new route takes you to the main islands – with a detour to vibrant South Korea – all the way to the “South Seas of Japan” and, for the first time, to the Inland Sea in the heart of Japan. Your discoveries in the New Land of Smiles begin along the north-western coast of the main island of Honshu: Tsuruga, a charming coastal town in Fukui Prefecture, impresses with its rich history and diverse sights such as the Kehi-jingu Shrine1, the Museum of Humanity1 or the idyllic Kehi-no-Matsubara pine forest. A scenic drive takes you to the majestic Eiheiji Temple1, an important Zen monastery in the mountains and spiritual retreat.
Both geology and the remote location have created a very special ecosystem on the Oki Islands, characterised by red rock formations and green vegetation. Enjoy the constantly changing views of the sea from the 257 m (843 ft) tall Matengai Cliff on a hike along the Kuniga Coast1. Alternatively, you can visit Takuhi Shrine1 or explore the islands by bus and boat1.
Sakaiminato is famous for the whimsical bronze figures of the manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, who was born here. Daisen-Oki National Park looks like something from a Japanese ink painting – for example, with the “twin” of Mount Fujiyama – scenes that you can enjoy while hiking on Mount Daisen1. The Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine1 is considered one of the most important Shinto shrines. This is where newly-weds pray for a happy marriage and single people wish for a partner. Or you can visit the old samurai town of Matsue1, which has retained its original character. With a castle from the 17th century and the private Adachi Museum of Art – a remarkable collection of paintings and ceramics set amidst a beautiful Japanese garden.
Mysterious, remote and little-known: in South Korea, you will enter a fascinating realm. From Busan, a coastal hike through Igidae Park1 with its small suspension bridges reveals the close bond between Koreans and nature. You can let your senses revel in a Korean cookery course1. At the largest fish market in the country, you will discover typical food and ingredients with which you will prepare Korean “fire meat” bulgogi.
Back in Japan, Nagasaki will first tell you its moving story. But you will not only learn about the events around 1945 – the focus will also be on the country’s oldest stone bridge and oldest Christian church. Geishas are a symbol of traditional Japanese culture. The lifestyle and duties of this “person of the arts” will be explained to you personally during an authentic Japanese lunch in the company of a geisha1.
The rocky and green Koshikishima Islands lie off the west coast of the prefecture of Kagoshima and can only be reached by small ships. An ideal destination for the HANSEATIC inspiration: the Zodiacs take you ashore on Kamikoshiki-Shima, and you will discover the marvellous nature with beautiful beaches on hikes or walks with your experts.
In the south-west of Japan, the Nansei Islands are lined up over an area of 1,000 km (621 mi.) as the “South Seas of Japan”. Yakushima boasts a lush tropical landscape and ancient, mossy cedar forest. There are excellent hiking opportunities here, such as trekking1 in Shiratani-Unsuikyo National Park.
The spa city of Beppu demonstrates how bathing rituals shape Japanese culture. Even the samurai asked for support from the deities while bathing in an onsen. When you ease yourself into the hot thermal waters of Beppu1, you will be able to partake in this relaxing tradition for yourself. The more than 60 stone Buddhas in Usuki1, made from lava and tuff around 1,000 years ago, are a special expression of Japan’s religion.
Hiroshima symbolises a very eventful period in modern history – your exploration of the area will be shaped by memorials. The witness to global history1 excursion will touch on the tragic events of 1945 and take you to the Peace Memorial Park, designed by star architect Kenzo Tange. Hiroshima Castle1, a reconstructed castle, offers an insight into the samurai era. Hiroshima is an impressive place of remembrance, but also of hope and new beginnings. Discover the faces and stories of the city well into the evening: the HANSEATIC inspiration will be staying here overnight.
The picturesque coastal landscapes of the sacred island of Miyajima have inspired both art and literature. After landing, discover its allure on hikes: the Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. At high tide, the famous red gate is reflected in the water, symbolising the ancient veneration of nature characteristic of Shintoism.
Premiere destinations ahead. For the first time, the small expedition ship will be sailing into the Japanese Inland Sea – the Seto Inland Sea – which is still largely unknown to Europeans. The ship will take two days to explore the expansive new territory in the form of many rocks and small islands, mostly overgrown with pine trees and lined with sandy bays. Experience the idyllic setting of one of Japan’s first national parks as you land with the Zodiacs on the uninhabited island of Ujishima, where trusting sika deer and roe deer live. From Uno Port, you can explore contemporary and modern art on Naoshima during excursions1. When the traditional economy on the island collapsed, the Benesse Art Foundation created a lively art biotope here. Let yourself be surprised by crazy installations, spectacular sculptures and the museums designed by Japanese star architect Tadao Ando. Afterwards, urban life becomes an art form on the edge of this “Japanese Mediterranean”.
Osaka is a lively city with a rich history and modern flair. It is famous for its cuisine, including okonomiyaki and takoyaki. New culinary territory for you? Then get to know the specialities on a street food tour1. From Osaka, the route leads to the spiritual centre of the country in Kyoto1, the old imperial city with countless temples and lavishly decorated shrines. By the end of your cruise, the island kingdom of Japan will have revealed a large part of its true character to you as a gaikokujin – the polite Japanese term for a person from a foreign country.
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change
When the ship is at anchor, the ship’s tender boats or alternatively Zodiacs will be used.
At anchor
When the ship is anchored, there is no pier and the ship anchors in open water. The transfer to land is carried out using tender boats or zodiacs.
Golf
You head for the best and most beautiful greens in the world and are looked after by a PGA golf professional
Zodiac
Where even our small and few ships can't get any further, you can continue your adventures safely in robust inflatable boats (weather permitting).
Music
In an almost private atmosphere you can experience artists up close on the high seas or in front of the most beautiful places in the world.
Arrival and departure options
Sat, 07.06.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Tokyo
Optionally bookable
Sun, 08.06.2025
Overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Mon, 09.06.2025
Scheduled flight to Sapporo
Optionally bookable
Wed, 25.06.2025
Scheduled flight from Tokyo to Germany
Optionally bookable
Extend your trip
Our popular before and after programs include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
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Booming landscapes and inner reflection. Harmony and consensus. Mysteries and misunderstandings. Correct and sharpen your view of Japan like never before. The expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises let you look deep into the soul of the island kingdom. 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.
Price special
Limited offer: Travel for the best price with the SILVER fare
For this cruise, offers in the SILVER fare are available. You will find these under "Prices & Booking" after selecting the respective cabin/suite.
Sail into summer
Book by 20 Dec 2024 and get a discount of € 1,000 per person on this cruise (limited allotment, valid for the SILVER fare, cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, only for new bookings).
Simply enter the promotional code sh_25 in the field on your order overview before completing your online booking. Please pay attention to the exact spelling of the promotional code.
Included Services
Expedition and information
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
All around carefree
German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
Harbour and airport fees
Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the fares PLATINUM and GOLD
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
