Japan is just like a haiku, its traditional short-form poem: its connections only become evident through experience. Explore the mysterious island realm of Japan with its seldom-visited west coast as well as the multifaceted richness of South Korea with the HANSEATIC nature. Your discovery will start with the natural beauty of Hakodate on the northern island of Hokkaido and a visit to Onuma Quasi-National Park*, where you will be amazed by its volcano, birds and vegetation.

Follow in the footsteps of the samurai* in Akita. Or study the symbiosis of the landscape and the mystical Namahage culture on a flight to the Oga Peninsula*.

The rhythm of Japan comes to life in charming Ogi on Sado Island with a traditional taiko drumming class*. The mines of the gold island of Sado* tell of how a former place of exile became one of the most productive sources of precious metals.

Architectural charm is an inherent part of Kanazawa, with its old geisha and samurai houses and the Kenroku-en Garden*, which perfectly combines a spacious setting with craftsmanship and tradition. The historic villages of Shirakawa-go* will add to these aesthetic impressions with buildings in the gassho-zukuri, or “folded hands”, style.

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. After your visit to the Golden Pavilion, you will admire Nijo Castle, or focus on the rich natural landscape: the Amanohashidate sandbar is as delicate as Japanese calligraphy. Enjoy a natural experience on the “bridge to heaven”* – walk through one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes with around 8,000 pine trees and long sandy beaches.

Will the Oki Islands draw you under their spell? The millions of years of geology and the remote location have created a very special ecosystem here, characterised by red rock formations and green vegetation. Enjoy wonderful views of the Sea of Japan from the 257 m (843 ft) tall Matengai Cliff on a hike along the Kuniga Coast*.

As a contrast, the spa city of Beppu demonstrates how bathing rituals shape the culture. Bathe like the samurai as you ease yourself into the hot thermal waters during your visit to an onsen*. The more than 60 stone Buddhas in Usuki*, made from lava and tuff around 1,000 years ago, are a special expression of Japan’s religion.

The picturesque coastal landscapes of the sacred island of Miyajima have inspired both art and literature. After landing, discover its allure: 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. Hiroshima symbolises a very eventful period in modern history – as a witness to global history*, your explorations of the area are shaped by remembrance.

The HANSEATIC nature charts a course towards Tsushima Island through the Kanmon Straits. This seldom-visited island in the middle of the Korea Strait has often been the scene for historic events.

In South Korea, you will enter another fascinating realm. From Busan, explore the relics of the old Silla dynasty in Gyeongju – a UNESCO World Heritage Site*, while the alternative coastal walk through Igidae Park* with its small suspension bridges reveals Korea’s close relationship with nature. To round off your experience, you can get to know the metropolis of Seoul with our optional post-cruise programme and find out even more about Korean history.