Have questions? We're here.
Mt. Fuji framed by Lake Kawaguchiko and cherry blossoms

Japan Small Ship Cruises

Travel made your way
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Japan trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Experience the ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology of Japan on a small ship cruise with Adventure Life. With a variety of 16 unique expeditions ranging from 8 to 29 days, this month is the perfect time to delve into the cultural and natural treasures of Japan. Sail from Kobe to Tokyo, exploring Kanazawa's arts scene and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, or embark on a 17-day journey through Ryukyu Islands for wildlife encounters and stargazing on Hateruma Island. If you prefer a shorter trip, an 8-day cruise along Japan's northern coast from Maizuru to Hakodate offers an introduction to Japan's customs with visits to Kenroku-en Garden and Buddhist temples. Immerse yourself in Japan's history, culture, and stunning landscapes on a voyage that caters to all activity levels. Don't miss the chance to explore the Land of the Rising Sun and its unique offerings. Contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
Filter (16 Results)
  • Start Date
    OR, More specific start
  • Length
    to
  • Price
    to
  • Activity Levels
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Ships
  • Destinations
    • Japan
Matsue Castle
from $8,495
EXPLORE

Sacred Japan and South Korea: A Voyage from Osaka to Niigata to Tokyo, Including South Korea

Osaka - Tokyo - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Kanazawa's rich arts scene
  • Visit Kanazawa's open air market
  • Try traditional pottery making
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Tokyo
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 11-day Sacred Japan and South Korea cruise from Osaka to Tokyo aboard Heritage Adventurer. Discover the historic castle town of Matsue, the ancient town of Hagi, the sacred Miyajima, historic Hiroshima, and more. Explore Japan's ancient heritage and traditional culture in contrast with the world's most advanced technological civilization.
Cruise Details
0
Sunset over Nagasaki
from $8,590
EXPLORE

The Best of Japan

Osaka - Busan - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore Osaka's vibrant districts
  • Stroll Tamano's coastal charm
  • Marvel at Miyajima's Torii
  • Visit Hiroshima's Peace Memorial
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Busan
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard Le Soleal, exploring Japan’s rich heritage and natural wonders. Visit iconic sites like Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial, Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine, and Kagoshima’s historic Chiran.
Cruise Details
0
from $8,395
EXPLORE

Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea: Japan Voyage Between Tokyo and Osaka, incl. South Korea

Tokyo - Osaka - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Kanazawa's rich arts scene
  • Visit Kanazawa's open air market
  • Try traditional pottery making
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Tokyo
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 11-day Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea cruise from Tokyo to Osaka aboard Heritage Adventurer. Discover the historic castle town of Matsue, the ancient town of Hagi, the sacred Miyajima, historic Hiroshima, & more. Learn Japan's ancient heritage & traditional culture in contrast with the world's most advanced technological civilization.
Cruise Details
0
A young woman walks through a field of flowers
from $10,000
EXPLORE

The Best of Japan

Maizuru to Osaka - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore the famous Korakuen Gardens
  • Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial
  • See Kagoshima & Sakurajima Volcano
  • Honor the events at Nagasaki
  • Discover medieval Japan
Starts / Ends
Maizuru / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Le Soleal takes you on a 9-day Japan cruise from Maizuru to Osaka to experience the highlights of Japanese cultures, as you make stops in Sakaiminato, Busan (South Korea), Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Okayama, and witness the breathtaking natural beauty and fascinating ancient cultures within a modern, progressive country.
Cruise Details
0
from $8,815
EXPLORE

Discover the Islands of Japan: A 12-day Voyage of Japan Between Tokyo & Osaka, Including South Korea

Tokyo - Osaka - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Experience Japan
  • Cruise travel to Matsue, Hagi
  • Visit iconic gardens in Japan
  • Visit Fukuoka and Dazaifu
  • Visit the 'Museum Without Walls'
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Discover hidden gems on a 12-day voyage between Tokyo & Osaka aboard Heritage Adventurer. Explore Matsue, Hagi, and Yakushima Island. Visit Uwajima's pearl farms, iconic gardens like Kenroku-en, and delve into Nagasaki's WWII history. Explore Fukuoka and discover South Korea's Gyeongju and Haeinsa Temple.
Cruise Details
0
Cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji
from $10,695
EXPLORE

Through the Heart of Japan

Tokyo to Fukuoka - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Geographer
  • Tokyo embarkation and departure
  • See Shimizu Island's scenic beauty
  • Discover Shingu and Daimon-Zaka
  • Osaka's vibrant food scene
  • Tokushima's Awa Odori Festival
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Tokyo
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the dynamic landscape of Japan on a 15-day journey aboard the Coral Geographer, exploring vibrant cities, quiet coastal villages, and cultural landmarks from Tokyo to Fukuoka. Highlights include Shimizu, Shingu's Shinto shrines, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokushima, Shodoshima, Karatsu, Jeju Island's lava tubes in South Korea, and the Goto Islands.
Cruise Details
0
Sunset over Nagasaki
from $28,057
EXPLORE

Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture

16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Resolution
  • Enjoy castles and samurai district
  • Discover ancient ruins of Gyeongju
  • Visit Matsue's art museum
  • See Naoshima, the art-filled island
  • Tour three Japanese gardens
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Kyoto
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 16-day expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, exploring Japan and South Korea's cultural and historic sites. Visit Himeji Castle, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, Naoshima's art attractions, and Gyeongju's ancient temples. Discover samurai heritage in Matsue, scenic gardens, and traditional villages.
Cruise Details
0
Hiroshima Peace Memorial or Atomic Bomb Dome
from $9,410
EXPLORE

Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial
  • Relax in Beppu hot spring area
  • Enjoy Busan coastal city views
  • Experience Hagi samurai history sit
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Busan
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Japan and South Korea’s highlights on a 9-day cruise aboard Le Soleal. Visit iconic sites like Miyajima’s Torii Gate, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial, and Beppu’s hot springs. Walk Hagi's samurai streets and enjoy the art in Sakaiminato. Discover Busan’s temples and UNESCO sites with expert-led talks and enriching excursions.
Cruise Details
0
Sunset over Nagasaki
from $8,815
EXPLORE

Discover the Islands of Japan:An 11-day Voyage of Japan Between Tokyo & Osaka, Including South Korea

Tokyo to Osaka - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore vibrant Tokyo highlights
  • Visit Matsue Castle
  • Explore Busan's streets and temple
  • Walk among ancient cedar trees
  • Study pearl cultivation in Uwajima
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activities
Local Market Visits, Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day cruise through Japan and South Korea aboard the Heritage Adventurer and discover historic sites, UNESCO landmarks, bustling markets, and serene gardens. Travel via bullet train, explore charming villages, visit famous cities like Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Busan, and delve into natural wonders such as Yakushima Island.
Cruise Details
0
Explore colorful Tokyo
from $48,990
2-for-1
EXPLORE

Japan & South Korea In Depth

Tokyo - Osaka - 18 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Explore Uno
  • Experience Toba
  • Discover Shimizu
  • Explore Tokyo
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the rich cultures, traditions, and landscapes of Japan and South Korea on this 18-day aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Starting in Tokyo and sailing south through the Seto Inland Sea to the east coast of South Korea, this journey offers an unforgettable exploration of history and culture.
Cruise Details
0
Osaka's city lights after sunset
from $12,670
EXPLORE

Authentic Japan

Osaka to Busan - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore Busan’s cultural treasures
  • Explore Osaka's vibrant cityscape
  • Tour Himeji’s iconic castle
  • View Takamatsu’s famous gardens
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Busan
Activities
Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day cruise across Japan and South Korea aboard Le Soleal, starting in Osaka and ending in Busan. Explore iconic destinations like Himeji Castle, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, and Miyajima's Torii Gate.
Cruise Details
0
Classical Noh dance-drama
from $12,250
EXPLORE

Japan's National Parks, Art and Culture

Honshu, Osaka to Osaka - 16 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit Kanazawa's center of the arts
  • See wildlife in Izu Oshima Islands
  • See iconic landmarks of Miyajima
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Osaka
Activities
Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 16-day Japan's National Parks, Art, and Culture expedition cruise from Osaka to Osaka, including South Korea, aboard Heritage Adventurer. An unforgettable circumnavigation of Japan's main island, Honshu, and exploration of its wilderness, arts, culture, and rich history.
Cruise Details
0
Cherry blossoms in historic Kyoto
from $15,010
EXPLORE

Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines

Osaka - Maizuru - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Discover Himeji’s UNESCO castle
  • Sail to Kyushu to explore Toba
  • Explore the Miyajima Island
  • Experience the contrasts of Busan
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Maizuru
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Japanese ancestral traditions and legendary shrines on a 13-day cruise aboard Le Soleal. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Himeji Castle and Itsukushima Shrine. Traverse Kyushu's landscapes, discover South Korea's Busan and explore historic towns like Hagi and Izumo. Conclude amidst Tottori's sand dunes before disembarking in Maizuru.
Cruise Details
0
Sunset over Nagasaki
from $13,400
EXPLORE

Authentic Japan

Busan to Osaka - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore Busan’s cultural treasures
  • Visit Nagasaki’s heritage landmarks
  • Tour Himeji’s iconic castle
  • View Takamatsu’s famous gardens
Starts / Ends
Busan / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day Japan cruise aboard Le Soleal and experience authentic Japanese traditions and local specialties. Explore cultural landmarks, historical castles, serene gardens, and sacred sites.
Cruise Details
0
Blue water in Inarajan natural pools in Guam
from $1,750
EXPLORE

Ocean Voyage: From Guam to Osaka

Guam to Osaka - 6 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Discover Guam Chamorro traditions
  • Admire waves from the upper deck
  • Savor Osaka unique seafood flavors
  • Discover sailing techniques
Starts / Ends
Guam / Osaka
Activities
Spa Relaxation
Activity Level
Variable
Board the Le Soleal for a 6-day ocean voyage perfect for sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join this non-stop journey. Enjoy ship amenities, and learn about life at sea. Set sail from Guam's beaches and historic sites, cruise through the Western Pacific, and arrive in vibrant Osaka.
Cruise Details
0
Sunlit shrine in an Osaka cemetery
from $33,890
2-for-1
EXPLORE

Natural Wonders of Japan and Taipei

Osaka - Keelung (Taipei) - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Visit the Earthquake Museum
  • See the Korakuen Garden in Okayama
  • Explore the city of Hiroshima
  • Discover the Zamami Island
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Keelung
Activity Level
Variable
Sail on a 15-day Asia cruise exploring the Natural Wonders of Japan and Taipei aboard Scenic Eclipse II. Embark in Osaka, known for its culinary scene. Highlights include Kobe's Earthquake Museum, Okayama's Korakuen Garden, and Hiroshima. Explore Okinawa's rich traditions before concluding your journey in Keelung.
Cruise Details
0
1-16 of 16 Results
  • 1

Top Japan Travel Destinations

Japan Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Japan

Japan Trips by Duration

Japan Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By