With the world’s sixth longest coastline and more than 6,800 islands and islets, Japan and its seamless blend of ancient customs, ultramodern living, neon-lit cities, temples, rich culture and wildlife-filled national parks is perfect for exploring by expedition ship.

Surrounded by the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, Japan’s archipelago of volcanic islands stretches along a northeast/southwest axis located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, resulting in a dramatic landscape that is best explored by sea.

KRC Expeditions Japan cruise offers the ultimate way of both exploring and experiencing the best that Japan has to offer. We travel in comfort and ease on an off-the-beaten-path to areas that larger vessels cannot access. This allows for a truly unique, intimate cultural emersion sailing from iconic cities to remote coastlines and islands. Carefully curated, our voyages are designed to showcase contemporary cities, modern museums and art galleries alongside medieval castles, shrines and temples, world famous gardens, samurai legacy, hot springs, sake, exotic art and more!

We’ve included everything you need in order to get the most out of your cruise, so you won’t have to spend a penny extra if you don’t want to. Our all-inclusive program provides you with unique encounters, sure to become the highlight of your adventure. Handpicked by our KRC designers, you’ll meet locals from ancient communities, take part in insightful activities and adventures, and embark on guided tours of some of the most prestigious and pristine locations in the world. There is something for everyone on this expedition – from low impact to the more active guest – and our excursions of cultural tours to guided hikes provide an alternative perspective on our destination.

Itinerary

Pre-Tour: Seoul, Korea: June 11-15, 2026:  5-Days
Information coming soon

Day 1 (Mo): Osaka - Embarkation

Arrive at Honshu’s largest port city of Osaka, where modern architecture and a vibrant dining scene are nestled alongside the 16th Century shogunate Osaka Castle. Make your way to your ship where you will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening, meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner onboard as your Captain and Expedition Team welcome you and we set sail for Takamatsu

Day 2 (Tu): Takamatsu

Shikoku Island’s Takamatsu has had a long history as a port town, earning itself the nickname ‘Gateway to Shikoku’, although more recently locals have been calling it “Udon Kingdom.” If you have an interest in flora and fauna, a visit to Ritsurin Park, considered one of Japan’s finest gardens, is sure to be a highlight. Next you will enjoy a visit to Kinashi, one of Japan’s main bonsai production centers, where you will learn about traditional methods of growing bonsai.

Day 3 (We): Uwajima & Shimonoseki

This morning, we reach Shikoku Island and the port of Uwajima, situated deep inside the saw–toothed coast of Uwajima Bay. The city of Uwajima is emerging as the nation’s largest pearl cultivation center and we will learn the process of implanting, harvesting, extracting and sorting pearls on our visit to a pearl farm. We will also see Uwajima Castle, which is built on top of the hill with panoramic views of the town, harbor and Tenshaen Garden, built in the Samurai era. In the afternoon we sail to Shimonoseki where we dock and prepare for a magical Shabbat together.

Day 4 (Th): Hiroshima & Miyajima

Despite a history that includes being the site of the world’s first atomic bomb attack on August 6, 1945, Hiroshima is a vibrant and thriving cosmopolitan community. We plan to visit the beautiful Peace Park and Museum, with its somber cenotaph containing names of atomic bomb victims, and the permanently lit ‘Flame of Peace’. After visiting the Peace Park we will travel to Miyajima Island, considered one of Japan’s most scenic spots and the location of the Torii Gate and the Daisho-in Buddhist temple. For those looking
for a nature fix, ascend Mount Misen on Miyajima Island by cable car and enjoy a beautiful hike, admiring the views below of the Shinto Shrine and Torri Gate.

Day 5 (Fr) Fukuoka

The largest city on the island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is the union of the castle town of Fukuoka on the west bank of the Naka River and the merchant town of Hakata on the east bank. This buzzy metropolis combines an effortless blend of trendy vibrant art installations, historic ruins and colorful coastal parks. During our time here we explore the northern city of Kitakyushu and famed Kokura Castle, TOTO Museum and Kawachi Wisteria Garden or Nanzoin Temple with its reclining bronze Buddha (thought to be the world’s largest bronze statue) and the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which is built on the gravesite of poet and scholar Sugawara no Michizane and surrounded by beautiful gardens, ponds and bridges with more than 6,000 plum trees.

Day 6 (Shabbat) Fukuoka

Day of Shabbat programming, prayer and study while anchored in Fukuoka, a marvelous day with our old and new friends.

Day 7 (Su) Hagi

Hagi was a minor fishing port until Mori Terumoto fortified it in 1604; it was Mori Samurai that helped spark off the anti-Tokugawa revolt in the mid-19th century. Today it is better known for its traditional pottery making. This morning, we will explore the Teramachi District with its temples and shrines; the Jokamachi District, where we find the old Samurai houses; and take time to explore Hagi Castle, Shizuki Park and Tokoji Temple. This afternoon we travel to the outskirts of the city and the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to a large collection of Hagiyaki pottery, which was highly prized in the Edo period as wares for tea ceremonies. Alternatively, choose an adventure to explore the natural wonders of the 300-million-year-old limestone Akiyoshido Caves.

Day 8 (Mo) Ulsan, South Korea

Today we cross the Sea of Japan to Ulsan in South Korea, where we plan to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. The capital of the Silla Dynasty, dating back to the first millennium, Gyeongju is known as “the museum without walls” and is full of ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture. Enjoy strolling through hundreds of excavated monuments, temples, tombs and pagodas and cultural performances as we visit the National Museum with its gold jewelry, metal weapons and distinctive pottery. This day provides a perfect taste of the best that South Korea has to offer.

Day 9 (Tu) Matsue

This morning, we arrive at the port of Sakaiminato, entry point to Matsue, known as “the town of water,” due to it being situated between Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi. We plan to visit Matsue Castle, a national treasure and one of Japan’s few largely intact 17th Century castles. Other options today may include exploring Daisen-Oki National Park; steeped in beauty and history, it’s also the home of rare flora and fauna that includes the giant salamander. We’ll also visit the picturesque Yuushien Garden. At the Adachi Museum of Art, learn about the art of Japanese paper–making at the Yakumo-mura village, or perhaps you may wish to spend some time exploring the picturesque streets and local canals.

Day 10 (We) Nagasaki

After breakfast and final farewells, and departure.  Ship expected arrival at 7:00a.  Please note departure city may change – Final itinerary will be in place approximately 1 year prior to departure.

*Please note that itinerary is subject to change