Honshu intensive

On a small ship around Japan's heart island with a day in South Korea

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Japan's main island of Honshu + South Korea by ship

from/to Osaka

16 days (15 nights)

MS Heritage Adventurer

16 days (15 nights) on a small ship (max. 140 passengers) from/to Osaka around Japan's main island of Honshu to important national parks, art treasures, and cultural highlights, including one day in South Korea

+++ Up to 20% early bird discount on trips in 2027 for new bookings made by April 30, 2026 +++

This circumnavigation of Japan's main island of Honshu was conceived as an intensive journey of discovery into the country's wild nature, art, culture, and rich history. This extraordinary voyage is accompanied by renowned interdisciplinary artist Lisa Reihana, recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit and winner of the New Zealand Arts Foundation Award.

On your journey from iconic cities to remote coastlines and islands, you will encounter impressive places and people that vividly convey Japan's unique blend of ancient traditions and modern lifestyle. Every day is filled with close encounters with Far Eastern nature, fascinating wildlife, and world-renowned art.

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From Osaka, the route takes you to the country's most impressive national parks, including Shikotsu-Toya National Park with its surreal volcanic landscapes and hot springs, and Towada-Hachimantai National Park with picturesque Lake Towada. If your photo collection is overflowing at the end of your cruise, it's surely thanks to the panoramic views along the iconic island-rich coastal landscapes in Matsushima and Ago bays.

A cultural highlight is the vibrant art metropolis of Kanazawa, famous for its lacquerware, high-quality Kutani-style collectible ceramics, filigree gold leaf finishing, artistic silk painting for kimonos, and classical Nō theater, which has been performed here since the 14th century. Other stops include Naoshima, Japan's legendary "art island, " and two of the country's best contemporary art museums: the new Hachinohe Art Museum and the Towada Art Center. Meanwhile, in Ishinomaki, the day is all about Japanese manga culture.

Encounter the history of the samurai in Kakunodate and experience spiritual depth when visiting the Ise Shrine, Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, and on Miyajima when viewing the famous "floating" torii gate.spiritual depth when visiting Ise Shrine, Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, and on Miyajima when seeing the famous "floating" torii gate.

A particular highlight is the trip to Gyeongju in South Korea. The former capital of the Silla Dynasty is now a "museum without walls" and, thanks to significant archaeological sites such as Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accompanied by fascinating expert lectures, this journey not only allows you to "visit" Japan, but also to develop a genuine understanding of its nature, culture, and history. With a maximum of 140 passengers on board, you can expect a personalized travel experience with plenty of privacy.

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

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Good to know

Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.

A heart for solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender.

Entry requirements: German citizens require a valid passport. The current entry requirements for Japan can be found here. The current entry requirements for South Korea are available from the German Foreign Office here.

Insurance: Taking out international health insurance policy with medical repatriation must be provided.

Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ise-Shima National Park with Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine in the Ise Jingu shrine complex and an encounter with traditional ama divers
Japan's art island Naoshima with Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House (optional)
Peace Park in Hiroshima with its eternal flame and moving peace memorial, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
UNESCO World Heritage Site Gyeongju ( South Korea) – with important temple and palace ruins as well as royal tombs, a "museum without walls"
Kanazawa, where you can experience Kutani ceramics, gold leaf craftsmanship, and classical Nō theater, and stroll through the Higashi Chaya geisha district.
Shikotsu-Toya National Park – a mystical volcanic landscape with hot springs and steaming fissures
Matsue Castle, built in 1612, one of Japan's 12 original preserved castles
The expansive Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens
Shimonoseki, Japan's " pufferfish/fugu capital" with the famous Karato fish market
Kakunodate Samurai District, where you can gain an illuminating insight into the life of the warrior class in historic residences

route

itinerary

Advance information
Your journey to and from Osaka is not included in your travel price.

Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We recommend an overnight stay in Osaka to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.

A smiling Asian woman holds an origami crane in her hands, with a large ship behind her.

A Japanese house above a curved bridge with red railings

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

Today, your journey around Japan's main island begins in Osaka, Honshu's largest port city, where modern architecture and a lively food scene meet the historic 16th-century Osaka Castle. Upon arrival, you will head to your group hotel, where you will spend the first night of your trip. In the evening, you will get to know your fellow travelers and the expedition team over dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Osaka & Embarkation

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have time to explore Osaka. Possible excursions include Minoh Park or Osaka Castle. With an area of only 9.6 square kilometers, Minoh Park is one of the smallest national parks in Japan. It is particularly well known for the impressive 33-meter-high Minoh Waterfall and its diverse wildlife, including the Japanese salamander and the protected Minoh monkeys.

Afterwards, you could visit the famous Osaka Castle, one of the country's most famous landmarks. Enjoy the view from the main tower and listen to dramatic stories about former Japanese warlords.

At noon, you will board the Heritage Adventurer, where your captain and expedition team will welcome you.

A multi-story Japanese-style house with a white facade and gold ornaments

A Japanese writing room with two small domes above a wide open staircase

Day 3: Ise-Shima National Park with the Ise Jingū shrine complex

Today you will experience a day full of discoveries in Ise-Shima National Park, often described as a living museum. The Ise-Shima Peninsula, simply called "Shima" by locals, is covered in endless forests. With its spectacular coastal landscape, it has a long maritime history. Above all, today you will visit Japan's most sacred shrine complex — Ise Jingū.

This spiritual center of the Shinto faith comprises around 125 shrines hidden in a moss-covered labyrinth and dating back to the 3rd century. Particularly impressive is the large main shrine, Kotai Jingū, built entirely from Japanese cypress without the use of nails or screws. According to Shinto tradition, it is rebuilt every 20 years.

Shima has been officially supplying seafood to the imperial family since the 5th century. To this end, the famous ama divers, adorned with amulets dating back to the Jomon period, regularly search the seabed.

The picturesque Ago Bay, with its more than 60 islands, offers an impressive view of the sacred Meoto Iwa (Married Rocks) pair, which are connected by a shimenawa rope near the Futami Okitama Shrine.

Day 4: Meeting locals on Izu Oshima Island

Izu Ōshima is the largest of the Izu Islands, a chain of islands located south of the Japanese mainland. Here, the island's pristine nature and history are carefully preserved. Mount Mihara rises majestically in the center of the island, while steep cliffs drop dramatically into the sea in the east and gentle plains characterize the landscape in the west.

Almost entirely covered by forests, Ōshima was recognized as a Japan Geopark in September 2010, highlighting the island's special geological and ecological value. This morning, you will explore the rich flora and bird life that the island is home to and meet locals to gain insights into their traditional life on this distinctive volcanic island.

A road along a coastline, photographed from a guardrail

A large round room with a continuous window front and scattered benches.

Day 5: City life & manga culture in Ishinomaki

After a relaxing morning at sea with scientific lectures by your experts on board, you will reach the port city of Ishinomaki. The city is famous for the Shiogama seafood market and its colorful cityscape, which is dominated by "manga" culture —the art of Japanese comics and illustrated novels. This is mainly thanks to the legendary artist Shotaro Ishinomori, creator of the popular Kamen Rider series.

In Ishinomaki, you will encounter sculptures and works of art everywhere that pay tribute to the importance of this genre in Japanese culture. South of the city lies the beautiful Matsushima Bay with over 200 pine-covered islands, known as one of the "Three Most Beautiful Landscapes in Japan." Take the opportunity to discover this impressive backdrop either from the shore or by boat from the water.

Day 6: Hachinohe & Lake Towada – Contemporary Art or Towada-Hachimantai National Park

With its impressive Pacific coastline, diverse cultural attractions, lively markets, and delicious seafood, Hachinohe and the Aomori region have a lot to offer. Today, two special highlights in the field of contemporary art are on the agenda: you will visit the newly opened Hachinohe Art Museum and the renowned Towada Art Center.

The Hachinohe Art Museum, also known as "Art Farm," pursues an innovative concept: art should not only be exhibited, but also created and experienced together with the local community. The modern building invites visitors to participate and discover. At the Towada Art Center, one of Japan's leading contemporary art venues, you can see works by international greats such as Leandro Erlich, Yayoi Kusama, and Ron Mueck in Ryue Nishizawa's architecturally spectacular building.

Alternatively, you can explore Towada-Hachimantai National Park, home to picturesque Lake Towada, a 2,000-year-old double crater lake at around 400 meters above sea level and the largest of its kind on Honshu. On clear days, the volcanic cones of Mount Towada are reflected in its calm waters. A short walk takes you to the Oirase River with its spectacular 30 waterfalls in the midst of dense forest landscape.

Day 7: Muroran

Today, you will disembark at Muroran to perhaps explore Shikotsu-Toya National Park, named after its famous twin caldera lakes. The park's impressive landscape, with its lakes, hot springs, and volcanic wonders, is easily accessible and offers numerous opportunities for hiking and walking. One of the most popular activities is a cable car ride up Mount Usu, from whose summit you can enjoy a magnificent view over Lake Toya.

Steaming crevices and sulfur-rich streams in Jigokudani, also known as "Hell Valley," create a geothermal spectacle.

Another highlight today could be the Upopoy National Museum of the Ainu, located on the shores of Lake Poroto. Here you have the opportunity to experience Ainu culture up close—including cuisine, music, and handicrafts.

In the afternoon, you can explore Muroran on your own. Take a walk to the picturesque cape with its lighthouse or enjoy the view of the city from above after hiking up Mount Sokuryo.

Day 8: First-class museums in Akita & the samurai district of Kakunodate

Akita has been an important city in the Tohoku region since the Middle Ages and was once a castle town of the Satake clan. Today, it is a lively, prosperous city that honors its past in an impressive way while also embodying a young, dynamic spirit. Akita is particularly well known for its thriving art scene. Several outstanding museums invite visitors to explore, including the Hirano Masakichi Art Museum with its collection of Western and Japanese artworks and the Akita City Folk Museum.

A detour inland takes you to the samurai district of Kakunodate. This lively open-air museum presents the life of the samurai in picturesque surroundings that have hardly changed since its founding in 1620. Behind Kakunodate, in the mountainous backbone of the main island of Honshu, lies Mount Akita-Komagatake. Here you can enjoy excellent hiking opportunities in subalpine and alpine landscapes at the southernmost foothills of Towada-Hachimantai National Park.

A young Japanese man wearing a headband and traditional robes in front of a wall of lanterns

A Japanese house in a garden with large stones

Day 9: Niigata – Lively port city & gateway to Bandai-Asahi National Park

Today you will visit the lively port city of Niigata, whose "trademarks" are snowy winters, excellent rice, sake, hot springs, and the six-arch Bandai Bridge with its granite-clad sides. The latter was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2004 and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the city.

The Bandai-Asahi National Park stretches out just outside the city gates. Japan's second-largest national park impresses with volcanic landscapes and hot springs, lush forests, and green highland plains. Numerous hiking trails crisscross the area, which is home to black bears, squirrels, foxes, migratory birds, and other wildlife.

Another worthwhile destination on this day is Takada Castle Site Park, with its three-story castle from the Edo period, which offers a sweeping view of the Takada Plain. Equally impressive are the 193 hectares of Fukushimagata wetlands, which are home to rare and endangered plant and animal species, including the rare giant lotus species Euryale ferox. The marshy area is one of the 100 most beautiful natural landscapes in Japan.

Please note that on the trip on May 31, 2027, the stop in Niigata will be omitted and you will visit Sado Island instead.

Day 10: Kanazawa – (Garden) Art or Excursion to the Mountain Village of Shirakawa-go

Today, you have the choice between two impressive destinations:

One option is to visit the historic mountain village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located high in the remote mountains of the Shogawa River Valley in Hakusan National Park. Take a stroll through the mountain landscape and soak up the impressive natural surroundings. You will also learn about the unique cultural traditions of the region. Particularly noteworthy are the famous Gassho-zukuri farmhouses: these traditional thatched buildings have roofs shaped like praying hands. Some of these houses are over 250 years old. They were built to withstand heavy snowfall in winter and offer enough space in the attic for silkworm breeding.

Alternatively, you can explore Kanazawa's vibrant and multifaceted art scene. Kanazawa is particularly famous for its Kutani-style ceramics, fine lacquerware, artistic gold leaf finishing, hand-painted silk, and classical Nō theater, which has been performed here since the 14th century. Stroll through narrow cobblestone alleys, visit elegant restaurants and craft galleries. Don't miss the impressive Kenroku-en Garden from the Edo period – one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. As you stroll through the lively Omicho Market, you'll find a wide variety of flowers, crafts, and local specialties.

Four Japanese geishas with red flowers in their hair and golden fans in their hands smile at the camera.

A woman photographs a Japanese garden landscape.

Day 11: Matsue – Matsue Castle & Adachi Museum of Art

Today's excursion takes you from Sakaiminato Port to Matsue, the "city of water" nestled between an idyllic lake and a large lagoon. You will visit the city's cultural attractions, including Matsue Castle, built in the 17th century and one of the few original castles in Japan from this period. Afterwards, you will take a boat trip through the local canals, which offer a special view of the city and its water landscape.

After lunch on board, the afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish. You also have the option of visiting the Adachi Museum of Art, which is located in beautiful natural surroundings. The museum is famous for its exceptional Japanese gardens and its significant collection of contemporary Japanese paintings. It houses around 1,500 works, including many of Japan's most renowned paintings created after the Meiji period.

Day 12: Ulsan – Side trip to South Korea

Today, your ship will cross the Sea of Japan to Ulsan in South Korea, where you are expected to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. The capital of the Silla Dynasty, whose history dates back to the first millennium, is known as a "museum without walls" and is rich in ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture.

Take a stroll through hundreds of excavated monuments, temples, tombs, and pagodas. Sample Korean specialties, enjoy cultural performances, and explore the National Museum with its gold jewelry, historical weapons, and traditional ceramics. This day offers a multifaceted insight into the soul of South Korea.

Prayer flags hang from the ceiling in a Far Eastern temple.

Day 13: Shimonoseki – Back in Japan

This morning, you will return to Japan and arrive at the port of Shimonoseki, which is located across the 650-meter-wide Kanmon Strait at the western end of the main island of Honshu. Surrounded by water on three sides, Shimonoseki is rightly famous for its seafood and, in addition to its role as the gateway to the island of Kyushu, is also considered "Japan's capital of puffer fish (fugu)," a potentially deadly delicacy that may only be prepared with the utmost precision by specially trained fugu chefs.

This day will show you the iconic Kanmon Bridge connecting the islands of Honshu and Kyushu, the world-famous Karato Fish Market, and the touchingly beautiful Akama Shinto Shrine, built in honor of the drowned child emperor Antoku.

Other possible excursions include a visit to the historic Kokura Castle and a stroll through the beautiful Shiranoe Botanical Garden.

Day 14: Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

Hiroshima gained sad notoriety as the site of the world's first atomic bomb attack on August 6, 1945. Today, despite its tragic history, Hiroshima is a lively and thriving cosmopolitan city. We plan to visit the impressive Peace Memorial Park, where the eternal "Flame of Peace" serves as a moving memorial to the victims.

After visiting the Peace Park, the tour continues to Miyajima Island, considered one of Japan's most beautiful sights and home to the famous Torii Gate and the Buddhist Daisho-in Temple. Nature lovers have the opportunity to take the cable car up Mount Misen and go on a hike – with sweeping views of the Shinto shrine and the torii gate below.

A half-destroyed building with a dome behind a blooming flower bed

Day 15: Takamatsu

Takamatsu on Shikoku Island has a long history as a port city and has long been known as the "Gateway to Shikoku. "More recently, however, the city has also been referred to by locals as the "Udon Kingdom." For plant lovers, a visit to Ritsurin Park, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, is a special highlight.

Afterwards, you will visit Kinashi, one of Japan's most important bonsai centers, where you will learn about traditional methods of bonsai cultivation.

Those with a particular interest in history and art may alternatively consider a full-day excursion to Naoshima Island. With its bizarre sculptures, impressive architecture, ambitious art projects, and renowned museums, Naoshima can rightly be called an "art island." Be sure not to miss the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House, where works by Japanese and international artists are on display.

Day 16: Osaka – Farewell to the ship

This morning, you will return to Osaka. After breakfast, a complimentary bus transfer to a centrally located hotel or Kansai International Airport will be available.

With your head and heart filled with exotic landscapes, inspiring art, harmonious gardens, colors, scents, and Far Eastern wisdom, you will return home enriched with new experiences. Or will you continue your journey through Japan by land?

Please note that due to disembarkation formalities and onward travel from Osaka, flights before 1:00 p.m. are not recommended.

The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary due to local weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and organizational requirements.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.

Information

Included services:

One night's hotel accommodation (corresponding to your booked cabin on board) in Osaka on day 1, including dinner and breakfast
Transfer to the ship and airport transfer on day 16
Accommodation on board during the sea voyage, including full board
House beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner
All shore excursions and activities
Lecture program with renowned scientists
Port fees, permits, and landing fees

Not included in the price:

International or domestic flights
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
Costs for passport, visas, etc.
travel insurance
All personal expenses, including alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of meals), gratuities, laundry service, personal clothing, medical expenses, or telephone charges

Important: