Himeji Castle in Himeji City at dramatic sunset, Hyogo Prefecture. Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Himeji Castle in Himeji City at dramatic sunset, Hyogo Prefecture. Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
ExpeditionsCoastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture 

Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture 

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Step back in time on a voyage into Japan’s riveting history, from the storied castle towns of the Edo period to the elegant shrines and merchant districts of the Meiji era to the poignant sites of World War II. Venture into the homes of samurai and feudal lords and discover exquisite centuries-old gardens and temples. Take a detour to South Korea to discover the ancient city of Gyeongju and explore Japanese artistic traditions of the past and present.

Highlights

Koraku-en garden in Okayama one of the three great gardens in, Okayama Prefecture, Japan
  • Meander through Koraku-en and Sengan-en, two unique Japanese gardens that are considered some of the most beautiful in the country

  • Explore the cultural legacy of Korea’s Silla Dynasty among the 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

  • Learn about the historic past and modern day lives of the Geisha – the treasures of Kyoto

  • Delve into the history of the samurai and their feudal lords while visiting castles and samurai districts in Matsue and Uwajima

From

$29,990

/ per person

Does not include any flights

duration
16 Days
starts at
Osaka, Japan
ends at
Kyoto, Japan

View our brochure for more details

Explorations 2025-27

Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348

From

$29,990

/ per person

duration
16 Days
starts at
Osaka, Japan
ends at
Kyoto, Japan

View our brochure for more details

Explorations 2025-27

From

$29,990

/ per person

duration
16 Days
starts at
Osaka, Japan
ends at
Kyoto, Japan

View our brochure for more details

Explorations 2025-27

Video

Expedition Spotlight - Japan's Rich History and Vibrant Culture

  • Feb 2024

When it comes to culture and history, “Japan really is a land of contrasts,” says Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Historian Stephen Fisher. Aboard Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture, guests experience the full breadth of Japanese civilization—from storied feudal-era castles set in quiet villages and pristine landscape gardens constructed over centuries, to the war relics of Hiroshima and modern-day technology of Tokyo. In this episode of Expedition Spotlight, Fisher delves more into these cultural juxtapositions, which coexist so perfectly alongside one another.

Ships

Guests explore by zodiac from the ship National Geographic Resolution against the picturesque backdrop of the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, Chile.

National Geographic Resolution

GUESTS 138

CABINS 76

DECKS 6

The second of two new polar builds, the National Geographic Resolution is named to honor the second voyage of the legendary Captain James Cook.

VIEW SHIP

Expedition Team

Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

Special Offers

View our brochure for more details

Explorations 2025-27

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