Cultural Shores and Northern Landscapes
Up the quiet Sea of Japan coast from Hiroshima to Hokkaido
This eleven-night voyage traces Japan’s quieter, less-travelled western seaboard, from Hiroshima all the way to Hokkaido, with a crossing to Korea along the way. Aboard the boutique SH Minerva you begin among the hot springs of Beppu and the pottery town of Karatsu, cross to the great port city of Busan, then work north up the Sea of Japan coast, a coast of fishing villages, castle towns and craft traditions that few visitors ever see. Highlights include the funaya boat-houses of Ine, the gold-mining and drumming island of Sado, the lacquerware of Wajima, and the historic port of Hakodate, before ending at Otaru on Hokkaido. It is Japan away from the crowds, seen from the sea.
Itinerary highlights
Sail Japan's quieter Sea of Japan coast from Hiroshima to Hokkaido over eleven nights.
Soak up the steaming hot springs of Beppu and transit the scenic Kanmon Strait.
Cross to Busan, South Korea's vibrant port city, with its markets, temples and cuisine.
See the picturesque funaya boat-houses of Ine, lining the water's edge.
Discover Sado Island's gold-mining history and famous taiko drumming.
Admire the lacquerware of Wajima and the historic port of Hakodate, ending at Otaru.
Travel aboard the boutique SH Minerva with an expert expedition team.
Up the quiet Sea of Japan coast from Hiroshima to Hokkaido
This eleven-night voyage traces Japan’s quieter, less-travelled western seaboard, from Hiroshima all the way to Hokkaido, with a crossing to Korea along the way. Aboard the boutique SH Minerva you begin among the hot springs of Beppu and the pottery town of Karatsu, cross to the great port city of Busan, then work north up the Sea of Japan coast, a coast of fishing villages, castle towns and craft traditions that few visitors ever see. Highlights include the funaya boat-houses of Ine, the gold-mining and drumming island of Sado, the lacquerware of Wajima, and the historic port of Hakodate, before ending at Otaru on Hokkaido. It is Japan away from the crowds, seen from the sea.
Itinerary highlights
Sail Japan's quieter Sea of Japan coast from Hiroshima to Hokkaido over eleven nights.
Soak up the steaming hot springs of Beppu and transit the scenic Kanmon Strait.
Cross to Busan, South Korea's vibrant port city, with its markets, temples and cuisine.
See the picturesque funaya boat-houses of Ine, lining the water's edge.
Discover Sado Island's gold-mining history and famous taiko drumming.
Admire the lacquerware of Wajima and the historic port of Hakodate, ending at Otaru.
Travel aboard the boutique SH Minerva with an expert expedition team.
What's Included
- 11 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
- 11 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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Ashley | Expedition Planner
FAQs
It follows Japan’s Sea of Japan coast, a quieter, more traditional seaboard of fishing villages, castle towns and craft traditions rarely seen by visitors, with a crossing to Busan in Korea, ending on Hokkaido. It is Japan beyond the usual tourist trail.
Yes, it calls at Busan, South Korea’s great southern port, with its markets, temples and seafood, before returning to the Japanese coast.
The hot springs of Beppu, the boat-houses of Ine, the lacquerware of Wajima, and Sado Island with its gold-mining history and famous Kodo taiko drummers, among many others.
Yes, from Hiroshima to Otaru on Hokkaido, so you fly into one and out of the other (usually via Sapporo). International flights are not included.