We're a winner of Conde Nast Traveler's 2022 Readers Choice Awards
Samurai, shrines & surprising wildness
Japan is imbued with an allure that has inspired for centuries. Now for the first time ever we’re venturing to this fascinating region—on two new adventurous itineraries. Roam shores brimming with temples, teahouses, and ancient traditions; discover a seldom-seen wild side on subtropical islands where azure waters meet verdant forests; plus, get a taste of Taiwan and Korea too. First impressions are everything—join us aboard National Geographic Resolution on these pioneering inaugural itineraries.
(3) Japan Itineraries
Loading...
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.
New
A Journey from Nome to Tokyo: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture
Duration
20 days
Aug
From
$30,958
Top Highlights
Witness a profusion of rare wildlife in Alaska’s Pribilof and Aleutian Islands, from the deck of our ship or aboard a nimble Zodiac: from whiskered auklets and northern fur seals to Steller’s sea eagles and brown bears.
Spot the sacred red-crowned crane on a visit to the wetlands of Kushiro in Hokkaido, and learn about the culture of Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people on visits to a village and a living history museum.
Delve into the history of the shoguns and samurai while visiting castle ruins in Sendai, the Tokugawa hub of Mito, and the spectacular Kairakuen gardens.
Enjoy a rich program of lectures by an expert team of naturalists, historians, and photographers; and take advantage of the National Geographic Resolution’s many amenities, from wellness programs and spa treatments to gourmet dining options and wine tastings.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Aug
Sep
From
$24,650
Prices are per person
Highlights
Japan
New and Noteworthy
New
Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture
Duration
16 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Aug
Sep
From
$24,650
Top Highlights
Delve into the history of the samurai and their feudal lords while visiting castles and samurai districts in Kanazawa, Matsue, and Uwajima
Explore the rich cultural legacy of Korea’s Silla Dynasty among the incredible ancient ruins of Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Get inspired on the art-filled island of Naoshima and visit museums and studios dedicated to artists and traditional handicrafts in Matsue and in Takamatsu
Meander through Kenroku-en, Koraku-en, and Sengan-en, three unique Japanese gardens that are considered some of the most beautiful in the country
New
Sailing the East China Sea: Japan, Okinawa, and Taiwan
Duration
15 days
Sep
From
$20,050
Top Highlights
Experience some of Japan’s most cherished sites, from Himeji Castle and the historic merchant towns of Ozu and Uchiko to the “floating” torii gate at Miyajima
Explore Naoshima, an island transformed by art and cutting-edge architecture, and visit the culinary hub of Shodoshima
Snorkel the coral reefs of Kerama Island and venture into the mangrove forests of the Yaeyama Islands by Zodiac or kayak
Hike among ancient cedar trees in Yakushima’s rainforest and marvel at the incredible hoodoo spires in Taiwan’s Yehliu Geopark
Contrast the brightly lit metropolis of Tokyo with the narrow, winding streets of Kanazawa’s well-preserved samurai districts. Discover fascinating tales of feudal lords while visiting their castles, shrines, and gardens. And see firsthand how the Japanese have elevated everyday rituals—tea, sake, kimonos, sushi, floral arranging—into spectacular art forms. Only 400 of Japan’s nearly 7,000 islands are inhabited. Our explorations also take us beyond the populous borders of Honshu into wilder realms. Or snorkel through crystal waters that are home to sea turtles, manta rays, and the elusive Okinawa dugong. In Taiwan’s Yehliu Geopark, witness incredible hoodoo spires.
It is a privilege to visit Japan, a richly diverse and culturally fascinating geography. And to the privilege of cruising these islands, National Geographic Resolution adds the luxury of comfort—a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and revitalize body, mind, and spirit.
Exploring Japan by Sea: From Matsue to Okinawa & Beyond
From the earliest explorers to Shōgun fans, and beyond, Western travelers have long known that the island nation of Japan is best explored by sea.
The History Behind Japan’s Most Beautiful Landscape Gardens
Japan's daimyo gardens have been open to the public since the end of the feudal era in the 19th century and have been exceedingly well-preserved, transporting travelers not only to a place of calm introspection but back centuries in time.
I came here having no idea what to expect, but it’s just been magical. The food, the scenery, the people, the wildlife, all of it.
Ken C.
Explore with top expedition teams
See, do, and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades.
Expedition Leader
Explore with a veteran expedition leader—the orchestrator of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Contemporary art and age-old religion, stunning architecture and iconic shrines, complex history and unique culture. Japan has captivated the imaginations of Westerners for eons. On our Far East itineraries, you’ll travel with passionate experts—a cultural specialist, a historian, and local guides—who will illuminate every facet to give you an intimate perspective on this distant land.
Sail with a team of four naturalists, each of whom is passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly) and who help illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Choose to spend time with whoever shares your interests in birding, human history, flora and fauna, and so much more.
Joining us on this expedition means signing up for adventure; and the reward for your curiosity is inevitable—the most exhilarating experience of pure discovery possible.
Get inbox inspiration you'll look forward to: photos, videos, live webinar invites, special offers, and updates. Fields in bold with an asterisk (*) are required.