A premiere – from Japan’s South Sea Islands along the rarely visited west coast to Hokkaido in the north
A small ship makes it possible: the land of smiles off the beaten track
Picture-perfect landscapes: flourishing gardens, holy islands, huge mountains and vast national parks
Ancient values, new perspectives: fascinating veneration of nature, bathing rituals, shrines and samurai
Open-air museums to Asian architecture: admire pagodas, temples and tea houses
At anchor
Further informations
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 course1. The Nakagusuku Castle ruins1 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 forest1, 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 Uwajima1 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 onsen1 with hot thermal water. A special expression of Japan’s religion are the more than 60 stone buddhas in Usuki1, 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 history1 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 Gyeongju1 brings the ancient Silla dynasty to life, while a coastal walk through Igidae Park1 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 Coast1.
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 city1 with its myriad temples and extravagantly decorated shrines. Or devote yourself to a natural experience on the “bridge to heaven” 1, 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 district1, 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 class1. The mines of the gold island of Sado1 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 Kakunodate1 reveal colourful traditions. Alternatively, the sprawling coast and mystical Namahage culture form a fascinating symbiosis on an excursion to the Oga Peninsula1. The northern island of Hokkaido is also a natural beauty.
From Hakodate, your attention turns to the birds and vegetation of Onuma Quasi-National Park1. 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.
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
Wed, 21.05.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Taipei
Optionally bookable
Mon, 09.06.2025
Scheduled flight to Tokyo Overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Tue, 10.06.2025
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
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the previous cruise INS2506 and save € 1,500 per person or with the subsequent cruise INS2508 and save € 1,400 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare).
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)
