Coastal Japan & Korea: Wartime History and Samurai Heritage Cruise

What Awaits You

Set sail on a journey tracing the length of Japan from the atomic legacy of Hiroshima to the wild frontiers of Hokkaido - an ultimate exploration of the maritime crossroads where ancient history, artistic heritage, and dynamic modern culture converge across Japan and South Korea. This deep-dive into regional contrasts navigates the dramatic Kanmon Strait and traces a route through culturally rich ports and islands accessible only by sea, culminating in the scenic shores of Hokkaido. Your journey begins on Japan's western coast in the samurai heartland of Hagi and the artistic Noto port of Wajima, famed for its thousand-year-old lacquerware. Sail to the historic, resilient cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Cross the sea to Busan, South Korea's vibrant coastal hub, then explore the volcanic south in Kagoshima before heading north to Hakodate and the charming gateway of Otaru. Along the way, discover cultural enclaves like Sado Island (Ogi) and mainland ports including Uwajima, Sakaiminato, Maizuru, and Sakata. Engage in onboard lectures on East Asian history and artistic traditions, refine your skills in photography workshops, and choose from exceptional shore excursions: visiting historic castles and samurai districts in Hagi, exploring Wajima's ancient morning market, reflecting at Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, experiencing Busan's lively seafood markets, and discovering the canal-lined streets of Otaru. Every stop reveals new wonders in history, heritage, and human spirit: an unforgettable adventure across one of the world's most historically and culturally rich seas.

Expedition Highlights

A region of vivid contrasts, from coral seas and island cultures to ports shaped by trade and deep-rooted traditions, all brought to life by expert context.

Expert-led Talks

Learn more about this isolated polar region from our on board team of experts.

Japan in Detail

Experience Japan through places that still carry the country’s feudal and craft traditions, from castle towns to ports shaped by trade.

Caminhadas na Natureza

Desfrute de excursões conduzidas por especialistas a marcos históricos, templos serenos e parques nacionais.

Echoes of the Pacific War

Trace WWII history across the region, from island shores where rusted aircraft and shipwreck relics still sit in the landscape to places of remembrance, with expert context that brings the story into focus.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Trace the length of Japan from west to north, with a crossing into South Korea along the way. Each port brings a new chapter — from the atomic legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the samurai heartland of Hagi, the lacquerware traditions of Wajima, and the wild frontier shores of Hokkaido

NOTA: Este itinerário fornece informações gerais sobre cada destino. Esteja ciente de que alguns dos locais e destaques mencionados podem não estar abertos ou acessíveis no dia da nossa visita. Para o programa de tour mais preciso, recomendamos entrar em contato com seu agente Swan Hellenic ou agência de viagens mais perto da data de partida.

Visão Geral

Dia 1

Dia 1. Hiroxima

Hiroshima is a city of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, vividly portrays the aftermath of the atomic bombing. Designed by Kenzō Tange and inaugurated in 1955, the museum serves as a global symbol of peace, featuring a solemn cenotaph bearing the victims' names and the Flame of Peace, lit in 1964. The Genbaku Dome stands as the sole original structure left at the blast site

Dia 2

Dia 2. Uwajima

Uwajima, a bustling coastal city, is anchored by the elegant Uwajima Castle, one of twelve Edo-period survivors, with spectacular cityscapes for hikers ascending to its keep. The Tensha-en Garden is a tranquil space with bamboo groves, towering culms and seasonal blooms. In the nearby village of Uchiko, the Old Quarter's streets are lined with well-preserved wooden houses and merchant buildings, frozen in time from the 18th and 19th centuries

Dia 3

Dia 3. Kagoshima

Kagoshima, on the southwest tip of Japan’s Kyushu Island, is home to several glassmakers and potteries where artisans specialise in making Satsuma pottery and delicately cut Kiriko glassware. This city is a mix of classic Japanese architecture, modern high-rises and a spattering of Art Deco buildings. Observation points around the city provide dramatic views of Mount Sakurajima, an active volcano on a nearby island that regularly smokes

Dia 4

Dia 4. Nagasaki

Though devastated by an atomic blast in 1945, this resilient harbour city of Nagasaki still stands. The Atomic Bomb Museum and adjoining Peace Memorial Hall document the tragic history. A cable car ascends Mount Inasa for sweeping city views, while leafy Glover Garden features historic Western mansions. On tiny artificial Dejima Island, reconstructed 17th-century warehouses recall the former Dutch trading post

Atividades:

Atomic Bomb Museum & Peace Park

3,5 horas

Visit two of the must-see spots in Nagasaki with vivid reminders of the continuous threat of nuclear destruction. First, visit the Atomic Bomb Museum, with over 900 artifacts indicative of the city’s devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns. As you browse the displays, you will learn about the city’s culture before the bomb struck and the aftermath of the atomic blast. You can expect to see photographs of the widespread destruction to buildings. The museum candidly conveys the tragedy of the atomic bombings and hopes that nuclear weapons will be abolished. You’ll also visit Nagasaki Peace Park, commemorating the city’s destruction by the plutonium bomb dropped on August 9, 1945. The park’s main attraction is its collection of statues and sculptures donated by countries and groups all over the world. This includes the massive Peace Memorial Statue depicting a man with his right arm pointing to the sky to indicate the continued threat of nuclear destruction. Good to know The Atomic Bomb Museum has some graphic pictures and shows the atrocities of war, while these exhibits offer a profound and necessary look at history, they are emotionally intense and may challenge the sensitivities of some travelers. There is a moderate amount of walking at the Atomic Bomb Museum, therefore this guest may not be suitable for guests with walking difficulties. Please bring Japanese Yen for any optional purchases. Photo/video taking are restricted in the Atomic Bomb Museum.

Dia 5

Dia 5. Busan

Busan, South Korea's second city, blends beaches and mountains with boutiques, lively cafes and delicious seafood in food alleys. The 120m-tall Busan Tower offers a sense of the skyscraper cityscape. Six beaches, including Haeundae and Gwangalli, attract visitors year-round. Gamcheon Culture Village, previously a slum, is now a kaleidoscopic haven of art nestled on the coastal mountain foothills, affectionately dubbed the Machu Picchu of Busan

Dias 6-7

Dia 6. Sakaiminato

A haven for seafood lovers, manga fans and nature enthusiasts, Sakaiminto’s offerings are fairly eclectic for the seemingly slow-paced port town. Fish markets and world-class seafood restaurants line the streets, offering delights including local delicacy, Matsuba snow crab. You can also feast on Pacific bluefin tuna, Sakaiminto salmon, Natsuki rock oysters, swordtip squid and plenty more. The city was also once home to local hero, Shigeru Mizuki, a celebrated manga comic artist. Visit the Mizuki Shingeru museum for a fascinating insight into his life and the world of manga. Stretch your legs and enjoy a hike up the volcanic Mount Daisen, the highest mountain in the region (1730m). Or you may wish to take a gentler trek though the tranquil and restorative beech and cedar forests whilst connecting with nature and indulging in the Japanese pastime of ‘forest bathing’

Dia 8

Dia 8. Maizuru

The port city of Maizuru in south-central Japan served as a major naval base and post-WWII repatriation port, where over 660,000 Japanese returned home - this history is remembered at the poignant Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum. Its scenic harbour, framed by forested hills, is overlooked by Goro Sky Tower atop Mt. Gorogatake. Brick Park evokes the city’s industrial past with Meiji-era warehouses housing the unique World Brick Museum

Dia 9

Dia 9. Wajima

Wajima, a port town on the northern Noto Peninsula, is famed for its Wajima-nuri lacquerware, which is renowned for its durability and displayed at the Museum of Lacquer Art. The thousand-year-old daily Asaichi (Morning) Market is the primary hub, buzzing with locals selling fresh seafood, produce and the distinctive lacquerware. Nearby, Kiriko Hall displays huge illuminated festival floats, some 15 metres tall, used in summer celebrations

Dia 10

Dia 10. Ogi, Ilha de Sado

Sado, Japan's sixth largest island, has a quaint port at Ogi known for tarai-bune, traditional wooden boats. The island is also famous for its world-renowned taiko drummers, continuing a rich cultural tradition. Once a place of exile for artists and academics, Sado now draws visitors to its rugged coasts, hidden beaches and lush terrain for outdoor activities

Dia 11

Dia 11. Sakata

Sakata, a port city on the Mogami river, thrived on rice and safflower trade. The traditional 1893 Sankyo Rice Storehouses, shaded by zelkova trees, are now a cultural hub with shops. The city's quiet streets feature preserved, wealthy Edo-era homes, including the Honma Museum of Art with fine art and gardens. South of the river, The Ken Domon Museum honours the famed photographer’s powerful work, including images of Hiroshima survivors

Dia 12

Dia 12. Hakodate

The city of Hakodate in Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost island and is well-known for its seafood, for sale daily at the morning market. Mount Hakodate, reached by gondola, watches over the bustling city. While the area is rich in hot springs, it is best known for the famous snow monkeys who bathe in the hot springs of Yunokawa Onsen at the Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden.

Dia 13

Dia 13. Otaru

An important port on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Otaru retains original architecture. Restored warehouses along its canal, lined with Victorian street lamps, house restaurants and boutiques selling sake, music boxes and renowned Otaru glass. Rooted in the herring industry, the town's trading history is evident from Hokkaido's first railway line terminal to the Herring Mansion on the outskirts, once owned by wealthy herring fishermen

Avaliações dos Hóspedes

Cada jornada da Swan Hellenic é concebida para inspirar curiosidade, ampliar horizontes e criar memórias duradouras. As experiências dos nossos hóspedes dão vida ao espírito de descoberta cultural e exploração que define nossas viagens.

O que eleva a Swan Hellenic acima dos concorrentes é a equipa de expedição e a dedicação ao turismo imersivo. Os palestrantes, naturalistas e guias especialistas são de classe mundial, oferecendo palestras fascinantes e garantindo excursões seguras e íntimas.

Rachel TaylorAustralia

Tudo foi absolutamente perfeito! Não houve nada do que reclamar. Foi incrivelmente divertido, e essa atmosfera fantástica foi mantida por toda a tripulação do primeiro ao último minuto da nossa estadia!

Alexander KorneevFinland

Uma expedição excelente! Poucos hóspedes, equipa muito atenciosa, portos de escala muito interessantes. As excursões foram variadas e divertidas!

Katie BrownCanada

Recomendo vivamente a Swan Hellenic! Cada aspeto do meu cruzeiro foi excecional. A comida foi fantástica e o navio é incrível. A tripulação satisfez todas as minhas necessidades de forma exemplar.

Robbie AsherUnited States

Do capitão aos guias de expedição, do pessoal de serviço à equipe de limpeza. 100 de 100 pontos!

Annette ClavinDenmark

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