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HANSEATIC spirit
FROM INCHON (SEOUL) TO TOMAKOMAI
Inchon (Seoul) - Tomakomai
Unknown Japan and South Korea: a meeting of opposites
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13.06.27 to 26.06.27|13 days
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HANSEATIC spirit
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SPI2709
The highlights of this cruise
The rich diversity of Korea, combined with the rarely visited west coast of Japan. Unlock the mystifying symbiosis of tradition and modern high-tech culture. Away from the usual routes, architecture and culture reveal a new Land of Smiles.
- Experience distant Japan up close: with an intensity that is only possible with a small ship
- Open-air museums to Asian architecture: marvel at the pagodas and castles, temples and tea houses
- Ancient values, new perspectives: discover a fascinating veneration of nature, bathing rituals, shrines and samurai
- Picture-perfect landscapes: flourishing gardens, holy islands, high mountains and vast national parks*
- Experts on board share the secrets of a culture and nature that would otherwise remain hidden
At anchor
Further information
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Mysterious, remote and little-known: in South Korea, you will enter a fascinating realm. In the “Land of Morning Calm”, at the south-eastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, the city of Busan conjures up the many faces of Asia. Here, traditional ceremonies and historic temples still have their place alongside more modern aspects. A trip on the Sky Capsule, a four-seater elevated rail carriage, offers impressive views of Busan’s coastline and hills. The city is also the starting point for discovering the relics of the old Silla dynasty and sacred sites in the form of colourfully embellished temples. Get a sense of the Koreans’ close relationship with nature along the dramatic coastline with its small suspension bridges. You can also satisfy your hunger for adventure with insights into the traditional lifestyle and local cuisine, including the Korean “fire meat” bulgogi.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- Visit Gyeongju – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Busan - pure nature and history
- Traditional tea ceremony
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Your cruise offers plenty of opportunities for individual discoveries – explore the centre of the coastal resort and the sandy beaches in Karatsu, for instance, or wander through its pine forests. You will be rewarded with profound insights into Japanese culture and nature. Opt to explore on your own or take a group excursion with your experts: Karatsu Castle is one of the most beautiful in Japan and is well worth a visit. The pagoda-style gem sits majestically on top of a hill. Whether you climb up or take the lift, from the top floor observatory you can enjoy far-reaching panoramic views over the historic region.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- Porcelain – Japanese white gold
- Trip to Fukuoka
- Karatsu Castle and floats
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Hiroshima symbolises a very eventful period in modern history – your exploration of the area will be shaped by memorials. Tracing the tragic events of 1945 will take you to the Peace Memorial Park, designed by star architect Kenzo Tange. Together with your experts on board, who will provide a commentary for your visit, experience Hiroshima as an impressive place of historic reflection, as well as a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Hiroshima Castle, also known as Rijo, will take you back to times long past. It is a perfect example of Japanese architecture in the traditional pagoda style and its museum tells the story of the samurai. With its variety of miniature landscapes, the Shukkeien Garden displays Japanese landscape gardening as an art form: pause for a while at the tea houses and Koi carp ponds to find inner peace and serenity.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- Hiroshima – witness to global history
- Unknown Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden and Mitaki temple
- Enchanting Iwakuni
- Saijo – the sake district in Higashi-Hiroshima with sake tasting
Tip from our travel concierge*:They say that the best oysters in Japan come from the bays around Hiroshima. See for yourself: in one of the many oyster restaurants, try steamed oysters or the substantial Japanese okonomiyaki pancake, which is a speciality of Hiroshima where it is also known as Hiroshimayaki.
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The picturesque coastline of the sacred island of Miyajima has inspired both art and literature. On an independent shore visit, discover its allure and one of Japan’s famous landmarks: the Itsukushima Shrine, one of the most photographed places in the country and a symbol of the ancient veneration of nature characteristic of Shintoism. At high tide, its 16 m (52 ft) high Torii, a red gate made of camphor wood, reflects in the water and appears to float there. There are over a hundred thousand Shinto shrines in Japan and this one is not only the most famous, but also one of the most beautiful.
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During lectures and talks on board, your experts will also talk about Japan’s location on a geological fracture zone of four tectonic plates. The resulting hydrothermal activity is, amongst other things, the basis for the onsen baths with healing hot springs. The spa city of Beppu demonstrates how bathing rituals shape Japanese culture. There are more than 2,000 of these healing baths in Japan, which is hardly surprising for a country in which almost every mountain is a volcano. Onsen are a great place to relax and unwind and enjoy their healing properties. Even the samurai asked for support from the deities while bathing in an onsen. Immerse yourself in this relaxing tradition.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- The Kunisaki Peninsula
- The hot springs at Beppu
- Traditional culture in Kitsuki and Beppu
- Usuki castle town
- In a small group: hike along Lake Shidaka
Tip from our travel concierge*:Relax and enjoy a traditional Japanese bath in a private onsen.
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Maizuru, with its charming red brick buildings, opens the doors to a world full of history – your experts on board will become passionate narrators as they shed light on the various chapters of Japan’s past. Former naval buildings and numerous museums reflect the importance of the port during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904/05 and the city’s development into a naval base. Here, your understanding of the Far Eastern world of faith will also unfold like a “crane spreading its wings”, which is what the name Maizuru means. The city is the perfect starting point for visiting the spiritual centre of the country: Kyoto* – the old imperial city with countless temples and lavishly decorated shrines is a highlight of this cruise.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- Kyoto – the old imperial city
- Temples, tea and old shrines in the picturesque town of Uji
- Myotsu-ji- and Jingu-ji temples
- Nature experience on the “Bridge to heaven” – the Amanohashidate sandbar
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Kanazawa is famous for is gold leaf production, which has been perfected here over the centuries. The skill required to process the precious metal into wafer-thin sheets has earned the city an international reputation as the “gold leaf capital”. The architecture and cultural history of the town have a glitter of their own. In the traditional geisha district, you can visit many of the well-preserved tea houses from the Edo period, where geishas once entertained their guests. Another district offers an insight into the lifestyle of the samurai, with historic houses, traditional Japanese gardens, tatami mats and original furniture. By contrast, the famous Kenrokuen Garden perfectly combines spaciousness and seclusion, artistry and tradition, coolness and harmony.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- The historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
- Takayama – the “Little Kyoto” of the Japanese Alps
- Kanazawa with Kenrokuen Garden, tea district and samurai house
- Kenrokuen Garden with tea ceremony
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In Japan, fishing is considered a male domain, but on Sado Island, women have carved out a niche for themselves in the fishing industry: they fish from flat, round, wooden barrel boats – a unique cultural heritage. With the increasing mechanisation of fishing, the number of women fishing from these barrel boats has fallen sharply. Nevertheless, efforts are being made to preserve this unique tradition and pass it on to future generations.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- Island tour of Sado
- Gold island of Sado: visit a gold mine
- Traditional taiko drumming class and barrel boat trip
- E-bike tour along the coast
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As in many regions of Japan, the samurai caste was once an important part of society in Akita Prefecture – the samurai were feudal rulers and warriors known for their loyalty and military service. The city of Akita is an invitation for you to explore the old samurai district of Kakunodate with its traditional architecture. The Akita, an ancient Japanese dog breed, is said to have been the samurai's faithful companion. In 1931, it was declared a national treasure by Emperor Hirohito. The Akita Museum of Art is a more modern creation: the iconic building with a free-standing staircase and triangular skylight was designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- In the footsteps of the samurai: Akita and the samurai district
- Excursion to Japan’s deepest lake with boat trip
- Oga Peninsula: scenic tour to the land of the Namahage demons
- Discover Akita with market visit and Senshu Park
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At the south-eastern tip of Japan's second largest and northernmost main island, Hokkaido, lies the city of Hakodate, dominated by its local mountain at 335 m (1,099 ft) above sea level. From its summit or from the Goryokaku Tower, you can enjoy beautiful views of the city with its famous star-shaped fortress. Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open to foreign ships in 1854. This led to the development of the historic Motomachi district, with its 19th century buildings in the European style. Also of architectural interest is the Future University Hakodate designed by Tokyo architect Riken Yamamoto: with features from 1970s structuralism, the building is a successful example of the high-tech style made famous by Norman Foster.
Experience more
Selected shore excursions*
- City tour of Hakodate with market visit and Goryokaku Fort
- Visit to Onuma National Park
* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
Arrival and departure | optionally bookable
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Sat, 12.06.2027
Scheduled flight from Germany to Seoul
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Sat, 26.06.2027
Journey to Sapporo
Scheduled flight to Tokyo
Overnight stay with breakfast -
Sun, 27.06.2027
Scheduled flight from Tokyo to Germany
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Extend your trip
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Our popular before and after programmes 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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Price special
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the previous cruise SPI2708 or the subsequent cruise SPI2710 and save € 1,000 per person (applies to the PLATINUM fare).
