Coastal Cruise
15 day Cherry Blossoms of Japan & South Korea
Cherry Blossoms and Revered Traditions of Japan & South Korea by Small Ship
Take hold of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cruise the islands of Japan. Embark the MS Island Sky, enjoying a 10-night privately chartered voyage, stopping in at celebrated cities, as well as remote, lesser-known regions. Travel during cherry blossom season, a time of year revered by Japanese people. Embrace regional art and culture, in the Geisha District of Kanazawa, at Adachi Museum of Art near Matsue, and during a special tea experience in the city of Uwajima. Admire the world-renowned Kenroku-en and Koraku-en gardens. And explore the South Korean city of Ulsan and Jeju Island.
This journey departs:
31 March 2027
There is a shorter, cruise-only, variation of our 15-day journey linked here.
Highlights
The following highlights provide an overview of some of the captivating encounters awaiting you on tour.
Travel During Cherry Blossom Season
Our journey has been perfectly scheduled to coincide with the delightful blooms and cultural phenomenon of the cherry blossom season.
Admire Japan’s Strolling Gardens
See two of Japan’s top gardens, Kenroku-en and Koraku-en, as well as the beautiful ponds and pavilions of Ritsurin Park.
South Korea’s Nature and Culture
Visit Jeju Island and embrace its natural beauty while learning about South Korean traditions, art and industry.
Adachi Museum of Art
Admire the meticulous and award-winning garden design of Adachi Museum of Art.
Kanazawa’s Geisha District
Wander the traditional streets of this renowned region with roots in the Samurai era.
Expert Botanical Guides
Be escorted by three expert Botanical Guides who will bring the gardens to life - Simon Rickard, Sophie Holloway and Steve Falcioni.
Cruise Aboard MS Island Sky
Enjoy a 10-night privately chartered small ship cruise from Osaka to Kanazawa. Reach the island of Miyajima aboard our ship’s Zodiacs.
Inclusions
See below for an overview of your tour’s inclusions and featured sightseeing.
Escorted by three expert Botanical Guides - Simon Rickard, Sophie Holloway and Steve Falcioni - as well as a dedicated Cruise Director
10-night privately chartered cruise aboard MS Island Sky, taking up to 100 guests, and four nights’ accommodation in centrally located four- to five-star hotels
Return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, port taxes, plus 37 meals and select beverages
All sightseeing, shore excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
See Japan during cherry blossom season and explore the exquisite Ryoan-ji rock garden
Enjoy a maiko (apprentice geisha) performance over lunch
Visit Miyajima Island, where you will see one of Japan’s top scenic wonders, the scarlet torii gate, which appears to float
Discover the famous Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion in Kyoto; as well as Kenroku-en Garden, located next to Kanazawa Castle and classified as one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’
Itinerary
Simon Rickard, Expert Botanical Guide
'Join me on Botanica’s cruise of Japan, during which we will glimpse some of horticulture’s most beautiful scenes. In Japan, the cherry blossom is the harbinger of spring. Whether in the quiet fishing village of Uwajima; on the island of Miyajima; or within the country’s revered Kenroku-en and Koraku-en gardens, it’s heartwarming to see people soaking up the sight of cherry trees in full bloom’
Trip Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness rating: Medium
Private charter for up to 100 guests aboard the small ship MS Island Sky. To view deck plans, visit www.botanica.travel/cruise-fleet
Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary