Coastal Cruise
14 day Japan & South Korea Cruise
Spring Gardens, Culture and History 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 voyage, stopping in at celebrated cities, as well as remote, lesser-known regions. Admire the world-renowned Kenroku-en and Koraku-en gardens. Walk beneath an extensive canopy of dazzling purple wisteria at Kawachi Wisteria Garden. And explore the South Korean city of Ulsan and Jeju Island.
This journey departs:
10 April 2028
Highlights
The following highlights provide an overview of some of the captivating encounters awaiting you on tour.
Cruise Aboard MS Island Sky
Enjoy a 10-night small ship cruise from Kanazawa to Kobe. Reach the island of Miyajima aboard our ship’s Zodiacs.
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.
Kanazawa’s Historic Quarter
Visit Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya-gai Geisha District, whose housing and layout reaches back to the samurai era.
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
Delve into Japan’s art and culture at the Adachi Museum of Art, whose highly awarded garden is a masterpiece of design.
Visit Naoshima Island
Spend a full day on the island, known for its remarkable contemporary art museums.
Inclusions
See below for an overview of your tour’s inclusions and featured sightseeing.
Escorted by expert Botanical Guides and a Cruise Director
Privately chartered 10-night cruise aboard MS Island Sky, and one night in a centrally located five-star hotel
Return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, port taxes, plus 31 meals. Select beverages are available during lunch and dinner aboard the ship
All sightseeing, shore excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
See Japan during spring and explore iconic gardens in full spring bloom, such as Kawachi Wisteria Garden* and Yushi-en garden
Stop at two ports in South Korea, including Jeju Island, whose culture is quite distinct from mainland South Korea and features a lush natural environment
See the iconic sights of Japan, including Miyajima Island, where you will see one of Japan’s top scenic wonders, the scarlet torii gate, which appears to float
Discover Kenroku-en Garden, located next to Kanazawa Castle and classified as one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’
Itinerary
Your day-by-day itinerary details the gardens and other sights that make up your journey.
A Conversation with Carly Gotz & Simon Rickard
Carly Gotz speaks with Expert Botanical Guide Simon Rickard about the gardens of Japan in spring and what makes this journey unique.
Gallery
*Kawachi Wisteria Garden
Kenroku-en Garden
Adachi Museum of Art
Koraku-en Garden
Torii Gate
Jeju Island
Trip Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness rating: Medium
Exclusive charter of the MS Island Sky for up to 100 guests. 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
*Kawachi Wisteria Garden is subject to confirmation