Japan

Japan

Embarking on a small ship cruise to Japan offers an intimate and immersive way to explore the rich tapestry of this unique country. These cruises provide a closer look at Japan's blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. Smaller vessels allow for access to lesser-known ports like the historic city of Kobe and Hakodate in Hokkaido, giving travelers a more comprehensive view of Japan's diverse landscapes, including the iconic Mount Fuji.

With fewer passengers, the experience is more personalized, offering unique cultural experiences, local cuisine tastings, and the opportunity to learn about Japan's history and culture in a more intimate setting. Small ship cruises in Japan are perfect for those looking to explore the depth of Japan's heritage and natural beauty beyond the typical tourist paths.

 

Japan Highlights

 

Japan Small Ship Cruises

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North America / Alaska

A Journey from Nome to Tokyo: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture

20 days from
$NZD 2,190 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

Follow the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire” from Alaska’s volcanic Aleutian Islands to the rugged island of Hokkaido, …

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Asia / Japan

Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture

15 days from
$NZD 2,567 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

Step back in time on a voyage into Japan’s riveting history, from the historic castle towns of …

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Asia / Japan

Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

8 days from
$NZD 1,670 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are …

  • Japan Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys in Japan: ship
  • Next departure on May 21, 2024
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Asia / Japan

Discover The Islands Of Japan: A 12-day Voyage of Japan Between Tokyo & Osaka, Incl. South Korea

12 days from
$NZD 1,179 per day

Made up of 6,852 islands, the perfect way to explore Japan’s seldom visited destinations is by sea …

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Asia / Japan

Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea: 11-day Japan Voyage Between Tokyo and Osaka, Incl. South Korea

11 days from
$NZD 1,179 per day

Historic highlights on our journey include the five-storey Pagoda of Miyajima, the 17th Century Matsue Castle, the …

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Asia / Japan

Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension: Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand, via Papua New Guinea, to Japan

25 days from
$NZD 723 per day

Set sail on a true adventure with Heritage Expeditions as we expedition cruise reef-fringed tropical islands, visit …

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Asia / Japan

Japan Cruise - Expedition in the Seto Inland Sea

8 days from
$NZD 1,298 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

With this brand-new itinerary, PONANT is taking you on a cruise from Kobe to Fukuoka. This 8-day …

  • Japan Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • Japan Cruise - Expedition in the Seto Inland Sea in Japan: ship
  • Next departure on Oct. 3, 2024
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Asia / Japan

Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines - From Osaka To Maizuru

13 days from
$NZD 1,633 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

With this brand-new itinerary, PONANT invites you aboard Le Soléal for a unique expedition cruise between Osaka …

  • Japan Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines - From Osaka To Maizuru in Japan: ship
  • Next departure on May 22, 2025
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Asia / Japan

Japanese Subtropical Islands Luxury Cruise

8 days from
$NZD 1,313 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

PONANT is the first cruise company to take you to the heart of the sublime landscapes of …

  • Japan Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • Japanese Subtropical Islands Luxury Cruise in Japan: ship
  • Next departure on Oct. 10, 2024
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Asia / Japan

Japan Luxury Cruise - Tokyo to Tokyo

17 days from
$NZD 1,232 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

Take in some of Japan’s most intriguing destinations aboard this round trip from Tokyo. Start with a …

  • Japan Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • Japan Luxury Cruise - Tokyo to Tokyo in Japan: ship
  • Next departure on Sept. 30, 2024
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Asia / Japan

Japan, Natural Archipelago and Secular Heritage Luxury Cruise

9 days from
$NZD 1,573 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

With this itinerary, PONANT is inviting you aboard Le Jacques-Cartier for a unique expedition cruise between Kagoshima …

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Asia / Japan

Japan's National Parks, Art & Culture: A Circumnavigation of Honshu, Osaka - Kobe to Kobe, Incl. South Korea

16 days from
$NZD 1,179 per day

Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising, invite you to join them on an unforgettable …

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Asia / Japan

Journey to Japan

15 days from
$NZD 950 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

Onboard Coral Adventurer, depart from Guam and venture to the Mariana Islands to uncover pivotal World War …

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Asia / Japan

Ocean Luxury Voyage: Guam - Kobe

6 days from
$NZD 523 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

From sea to sea, or from continent to continent, PONANT welcomes you aboard its ships for a …

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Asia / Japan

Odyssey in the Heart of Japan’s Subtropical Islands 2025

12 days from
$NZD 1,746 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

PONANT is the first cruise company to take you to the heart of the sublime landscapes of …

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Asia / Japan

Secular Treasures in the Land of the Rising Sun - Japan Luxury Cruise

8 days from
$NZD 1,585 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

Gastronomic cruise in partnership with Cuisine et Vins de France, the reference magazine for gastronomy. Enigmatic and …

  • Japan Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • Secular Treasures in the Land of the Rising Sun - Japan Luxury Cruise in Japan: ship
  • Next departure on April 5, 2025
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Asia / Japan

The Best of Japan - From Maizuru To Osaka Luxury Cruise

9 days from
$NZD 1,572 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

Ponant invites you on a timeless journey around the fascinating and surprising Empire of the Rising Sun, …

  • Japan Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • The Best of Japan - From Maizuru To Osaka Luxury Cruise in Japan: ship
  • Next departure on May 14, 2025
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Asia / Japan

Through Japan's Ryukyu Islands

17 days from
$NZD 951 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

oin the first expedition ship to discover Japan’s Ryukyu Islands on a journey rich with insights into …

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Asia / Japan

Through the Heart of Japan

15 days from
$NZD 1,186 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
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Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

Experience the dynamic landscape of Japan, from the vibrant cities of the mainland to quiet coastal island …

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Asia / Japan

Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

9 days from
$NZD 1,852 per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
Click for info.
Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are …

  • Japan Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys in Japan: ship
  • Next departure on April 12, 2025
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Asia / Japan

Western Pacific Odyssey - Extension: The Ultimate Birding Voyage from New Zealand, via Papua New Guinea, to Japan

25 days from
$NZD 723 per day

Known in birding circles simply as the 'WPO', this expedition incorporates many of the key birding areas …

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Our Associates Include

Adventure Canada
Heritage Expeditions New Zealand
UnCruise Adventures
Hurtugruten
Ponant
Pandaw