From the Wild North to Hiroshima's Heritage
Japan's Sea of Japan coast in autumn, Hokkaido to Hiroshima
This ten-night autumn voyage sails Japan’s western seaboard from north to south, from the wild landscapes of Hokkaido down to the heritage of Hiroshima, catching the season when the northern hills turn to colour. Aboard the boutique SH Minerva you begin at Otaru near Sapporo, call at the handsome port of Hakodate, then trace the Sea of Japan coast, a quieter Japan of castle towns, craft traditions and fishing villages, with the lacquerware of Wajima and the gold-mining island of Sado among the calls. A crossing to Busan brings a taste of Korea before the ship turns back through the Kanmon Strait to the hot springs of Beppu and, finally, Hiroshima. It is the same beautiful coast as our early-summer voyage, sailed the other way and dressed for autumn.
Itinerary highlights
Sail Japan's Sea of Japan coast from Hokkaido to Hiroshima over ten autumn nights.
Begin among the wild landscapes and autumn colour of Hokkaido at Otaru and Hakodate.
Discover Sado Island's gold-mining history and famous taiko drumming.
Admire the lacquerware of Wajima on the rugged Noto Peninsula.
Cross to Busan, South Korea's vibrant port city.
Transit the scenic Kanmon Strait to the hot springs of Beppu, ending at Hiroshima.
Travel aboard the boutique SH Minerva with an expert expedition team.
Japan's Sea of Japan coast in autumn, Hokkaido to Hiroshima
This ten-night autumn voyage sails Japan’s western seaboard from north to south, from the wild landscapes of Hokkaido down to the heritage of Hiroshima, catching the season when the northern hills turn to colour. Aboard the boutique SH Minerva you begin at Otaru near Sapporo, call at the handsome port of Hakodate, then trace the Sea of Japan coast, a quieter Japan of castle towns, craft traditions and fishing villages, with the lacquerware of Wajima and the gold-mining island of Sado among the calls. A crossing to Busan brings a taste of Korea before the ship turns back through the Kanmon Strait to the hot springs of Beppu and, finally, Hiroshima. It is the same beautiful coast as our early-summer voyage, sailed the other way and dressed for autumn.
Itinerary highlights
Sail Japan's Sea of Japan coast from Hokkaido to Hiroshima over ten autumn nights.
Begin among the wild landscapes and autumn colour of Hokkaido at Otaru and Hakodate.
Discover Sado Island's gold-mining history and famous taiko drumming.
Admire the lacquerware of Wajima on the rugged Noto Peninsula.
Cross to Busan, South Korea's vibrant port city.
Transit the scenic Kanmon Strait to the hot springs of Beppu, ending at Hiroshima.
Travel aboard the boutique SH Minerva with an expert expedition team.
What's Included
- 10 nights aboard SH Minerva in an en-suite stateroom or suite
- One included shore excursion at each port of call
- Zodiac cruises and expedition activities with the expedition team
- All meals aboard; selected wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Onboard gratuities and wifi
- Programme of expert lectures and briefings; use of onboard facilities (pool, hot tubs, sauna, gym)
What's Included
- 10 nights aboard SH Minerva in an en-suite stateroom or suite
- One included shore excursion at each port of call
- Zodiac cruises and expedition activities with the expedition team
- All meals aboard; selected wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Onboard gratuities and wifi
- Programme of expert lectures and briefings; use of onboard facilities (pool, hot tubs, sauna, gym)
Thank you
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FAQs
It covers much the same beautiful Sea of Japan coast but sails the other way, from Hokkaido south to Hiroshima, and runs in October for the autumn colours. It is slightly shorter at ten nights and includes Shimonoseki in place of some early-summer calls.
October brings crisp weather and, in the north, autumn colour to Hokkaido and the coastal hills, a beautiful and comfortable season for this route.
Yes, it calls at Busan, South Korea’s great southern port, before returning to the Japanese coast through the Kanmon Strait.
Yes, from Otaru on Hokkaido (via Sapporo) to Hiroshima, so you fly into one and out of the other. International flights are not included.