Japan & South Korea cruise from Osaka
Programme of lectures by noted naturalists.
Description of Japan & South Korea cruise from Osaka
Experience all-inclusive luxury cruise travel on an unforgettable 11-day exploration of Japan, ‘the Land of the Rising Sun’. Our voyage has been carefully curated to showcase Japan’s seamless blend of ancient customs and ultramodern living, culinary creativity, arts and gardens as we cruise from iconic cities to seldom visited remote coastlines and islands best explored by sea aboard our purpose-built expedition flagship Heritage Adventurer.
Historic highlights on our journey include the five-storey Pagoda of Miyajima, the 17th Century Matsue Castle, the sobering Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park with its eternal Flame of Peace, Teramachi District with its temples and shrines, including the famed ‘Ninja Temple’, the Jokamachi District with its old Samurai houses, Hagi Castle ruins and beautiful Zen Tokoji Temple, and Japan’s iconic Shinto Shrine and Torii Gate. During our expedition we will also explore Japan’s traditional and contemporary art as we visit galleries and meet local artists including an option to visit Japan’s ‘art island’ Naoshima, and a day in South Korea’s Ulsan exploring UNESCO World Heritage Site Gyeongju - the ‘museum without walls’ and visiting the Haeinsa Temple, considered one of the three great temples in South Korea. We’ll also moor at Uwajima, one of Japan’s premier pearl producers with the opportunity to visit one of the city’s traditional pearl farms.
For those with a passion for nature we plan to visit Daisen-Oki and Hakusan National Parks, Kenrokuen Garden – one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Samurai-era Tenshaen Garden and one of Japan’s most famed gardens the 28-acre formal 17th Century Koraku-en garden and visit one of Japan’s main bonsai centers at Kinashi. At Yuushien Garden, guests on our April departure can experience the iconic Yuushien Peony Festival.
Helping us understand all we will see and experience, and traveling with us throughout the voyage, will be our expert Guest Speakers and Japanese guides who will add immeasurably to your enjoyment and understanding of this captivating country. We hope you can join us for this rare opportunity to join this in-depth exploration around the coastline and islands of Japan, as we discover the unspoiled nature, primeval wilderness, incredible gardens, cultural treasures, traditional villages and futuristic cities resplendent with their unique charms.
Note: voyage HA250415 departing 15 April operates in reverse, Starting in Tokyo with a transfer and hotel night in Kanazawa and disembarking in Osaka.
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Programme of lectures by noted naturalists.
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Responsible Travel
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONOur goal in managing our vessel is to minimise fuel consumption and emissions with regular servicing and a proactive maintenance programme. When selecting our specialist expedition equipment, we research this carefully to ensure that they are the most suitable and environmentally responsible. Group sizes are kept small to minimise impact and enhance visitor experience.
Locally sourced and seasonal food is sought in all instances with options for vegan and vegetarian options available on board along with dietary requirements catered for.
ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
During our long involvement in visiting remote islands (40 years) we have been instrumental in developing responsible visitor guidelines, and we are aware of the need to travel with minimal impact on the natural environment, and educate and support our guests to follow our lead, and respect the needs of different ecosystems.
All waste generated on our expeditions is disposed of in a responsible manner. The vessel complies with MARPOL where possible and allowable we practice recycling, otherwise all non-recyclable waste is brought back for disposal at approved sites.
All our voyages have a built in component which supports local conservation initiatives, communities and villages we visit as well as providing options to support directly.
Many issues confront animals and their habitats, the world's oceans and isolated ethnic groups. We share unique, pristine, and wild place with you, as well as taking action. We aim to provide eco-education for our passengers whilst onboard through on-board lectures and information from expert guides throughout our voyages.
Throughout our voyages scientific research is incorporated, both through the logistical support of research projects and as an integral part of our voyages, and conservation programs are supported with funds, advocacy and logistical assistance.
We are a Birdlife International Species Champion and regularly welcome scientists on board. Through our True Young Explorer Scholarships we enable young scientists, conservationists, educators, authors and artists to travel and experience wild places otherwise off limits. We choose to travel in small groups, maintain industry leading staff to guest ratios ensuring we operate in the most environmentally responsible manner while maximising the opportunities for education and advocacy both ashore and aboard.
We annually clean and antifoul our vessel's hull to reduce the risk of biofouling
People
LOCAL ECONOMYDuring our Asian voyages we visit local historic sites, Wildlife Management Areas, and use local guides, such as art and museum guides, wherever possible to support the local knowledge-base and economy.
During this voyage we will visit and support Minoh Park - Japan's smallest National Park, Naoshima Art Island, Matsue’s Adachi Museum of Art, famed pottery home Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum in Hagi, Uwajima City's local pearl cultivation community, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, iconic annual Yuushien Peony Festival and more. We allow time for passengers to explore local markets, and visit local artists, artisans craftspeople and assist in sustaining their craft and traditions, as well as create a money flow. We provide opportunities for passengers to meet with remote and isolated locals and learn about their unique culture and life in remote areas, and encourage respect of local customs and traditions. Where required and able we aim to use local resources and services.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
We operate an equal opportunity workplace employing international staff and guides across all races, genders and sexual preferences.
All voyages are LBGTQ+ friendly and inclusive.
This voyage is suitable for guests with limited mobility, the ship features wide corridors, elevators and staff are equipped to meet a wide variety of guest needs.
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