Japan & Korea Coastal Cruise: Ancient Kingdoms by Sea | National Geographic Expeditions

Arrive in Osaka and transfer to your hotel.

Travel to Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic fortresses. Also known as “White Heron Castle,” this UNESCO World Heritage site—flanked by the lush Kokoen Garden—is at once imposing and elegant. After lunch, transfer to the ship for embarkation.

Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Mitarai is a seaside village that has remained largely untouched by the rapid changes and development of the 20th century. The village’s wooden buildings and narrow lanes reflect centuries of history, while its mature gardens lend additional beauty and serenity to the sheltered bay. Explore this hidden gem, designated as a Historic Preservation District of Traditional Architecture.

Arrive on the island of Miyajima, home of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its red torii gate that seems to float atop the water at high tide. Walk the seaside promenade and capture photos of the famous shrine from many different angles, or find time along the shore for reflection.

With its position along the historic route between Honshu and Shanghai, Moji has a long history as a prominent trading post. As modern shipping shifted to a newer harbor, the district settled into a gentler rhythm, allowing its heritage to take center stage. Step back in time as you stroll the promenade, exploring the well-preserved buildings of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Moji is also known for its limestone caves, and you’ll have the chance to explore one of these remarkable formations to witness the region’s stunning geology.

Dock in Busan and travel to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom and the crown jewel of Korea’s cultural heritage. Filled with ruins of temples, pagodas and palaces dating back more than a thousand years, the city’s historic areas have been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Silla architecture originally built in A.D. 528, and explore the Gyeongju National Museum to view jewelry, weapons and other Silla artifacts. See Cheomseongdae, a seventh-century observatory, and wander among the area’s towering royal burial mounds.

Sail up the coast to Matsue, set gracefully between a lake, a lagoon and the sea. Tour the 17th-century Matsue Castle, a defensive fortress renowned for its ingenious architectural features designed to deter attackers. Continue to the Adachi Museum of Art, where an impressive collection of 20th-century Japanese works is complemented by a meticulously crafted traditional garden.

Step into old Japan in Kanazawa, once a powerful stronghold of the Maeda clan. Stroll past the elegant wooden samurai homes of the Nagamachi district, where intentionally narrow, winding streets were designed to confuse would-be attackers. Continue to the geisha and teahouse district of Higashi Chaya Machi before wandering the pathways of Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s designated “three best landscape gardens.” Established in 1676 by the Maeda family and refined over more than 150 years, it remains a masterpiece of Japanese garden design.

Toyama Bay is framed by the Amaharashi coast to the west and the Tateyama mountains to the east. Tracing the coastline is a photographer's dream, with sweeping views of the peaks rising beyond the bay and oceanfront walkways that invite you to slow down and soak in village life.

Known for its unique blend of rich history and vibrant local culture, Sado Island offers a range of ways to engage with its heritage. Explore the island’s ancient taiko drumming tradition and trace its 400-year history of gold mining.

Sitting on the western shore of Honshu, Niigata is a historic rice port surrounded by mountains whose meltwater nourishes the coastal fields. This landscape has long shaped Niigata’s reputation for exceptional rice and sake production. Delve into this rich tradition, or venture to the countryside to witness the rice fields firsthand.

Once home to Japan's wealthiest merchant family, the city of Sakata offers a glimpse into 400 years of trade and maritime prosperity. Walk these storied streets to see preserved merchant homes, visit historic facades of rice warehouses and trace the lasting influence of the Kitamaebune—merchant ships that once connected communities across the Sea of Japan.

On the northern coast of Honshu lies Aomori City, set against the distant backdrop of the Hakkōda Mountains. This bountiful region is renowned for its apple orchards, exceptional seafood and local treasures, such as Tsugaru lacquerware and painted kites. Explore the tranquil Seiryū-ji Temple, with its impressive bronze statue of Dainichi Nyorai. Then learn about Nebuta Matsuri—Aomori’s vibrant summer festival—and see the extraordinary craftsmanship of its colorful papier-mâché floats up close.

At the southern tip of Hokkaido, the Oshima subprefecture greets us after a morning at sea. Rapid modernization in the late 1800s left the region with a distinctive blend of contemporary development, traditional fishing villages and the castles and fortifications of earlier eras. Explore the preserved buildings and stone walls of historic landmarks, or take time to soak in the natural landscapes overlooking the Tsugaru Strait.

The capital of the Hokkaido prefecture, Sapporo is known for its more relaxed, open atmosphere. This afternoon, enjoy its museums and airy parks, and sample the region’s culinary delicacies.

Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for flights home.