Unknown Japan and South Korea - Mysteries in East Asia’s Island Kingdom
This 19-day cruise aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration explores the mysteries and masterpieces of Japan and South Korea, tracing a unique route from Taiwan’s Keelung to Otaru. Highlights include island-hopping through Japan’s lesser-known Nansei Islands and west coast, marveling at hand-painted-like landscapes of white beaches, lush forests, and towering mountains. Guests will immerse in Japan’s veneration of nature through bathing rituals, shrines, and samurai culture, while visiting open-air architectural gems like pagodas, temples, and tea houses. Key stops include Okinawa, Hiroshima, Busan, and Hokkaido, offering an off-the-beaten-track adventure rich in cultural and natural splendor.
Highlights
• From Japan’s “South Sea Islands” along the rarely visited west coast to Hokkaido in the north
• Island-hopping in Nippon – off the beaten track
• Landscapes as if painted by hand: white beaches, lush green forests and high mountains
• Discover a fascinating veneration of nature, bathing rituals, shrines and samurai
• Open-air museums to Asian architecture: admire pagodas, temples and tea houses
Departure 22.00 hrs
From 7.00 to 19.00 hrs
Naha is the capital of the Okinawa Prefecture. Thanks to its blend of modern architecture and traditional culture, Naha is a popular holiday destination. The city offers busy shopping streets, historic sites such as Shuri Castle and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can also explore the region’s beaches and its unique Ryukyu culture.
From 7.00 to 18.00 hrs
From 7.00 to 18.00 hrs
From 7.00 to 18.00 hrs
From 13.00 to 19.00 hrs
From 8.30 to 19.00 hrs
Beppu, a charming resort in Japan, is famous for its impressive hot springs and volcanic activity. The Hells of Beppu are a collection of colourful, steaming thermal springs, while the Jigoku Mushi Kobo is a unique steam cooking centre. Beppu Onsen Hoyoland is a great place for a relaxing bath and Beppu Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views. Beppu is a paradise for wellness enthusiasts and nature lovers in equal measure.
Hiroshima, arrival 20.00 hrs
Departure 19.00 hrs
Hiroshima, a city with a significant history and fascinating culture, has a variety of highlights to offer. The Peace Memorial and the Peace Park are reminders of the tragic events of the atom bomb attack in 1945 and stand for the wish for peace and reconciliation. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum provides vivid information about the effects of the atom bomb. The reconstructed Hiroshima Castle provides an insight into the samurai era. Hiroshima is a place of remembrance, but also of hope and new beginnings.
From 7.00 to 19.00 hrs
From 7.00 to 13.30 hrs
From 8.30 to 18.00 hrs
From 8.00 to 19.00 hrs
From 7.00 to 19.00 hrs
From 8.00 to 18.00 hrs
From 8.00 to 17.00 hrs
From 7.00 to 13.00 hrs
Arrival 8.00 hrs
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Outside Cabin
Panoramic Cabin
French Balcony Cabin
Balcony Cabin
Grand Suite
Junior Suite
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 138 m
Passenger Capacity: 230
Built: 2021
The HANSEATIC inspiration, a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship with a maximum of 230 guests, offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort for explorers seeking to uncover the world’s wonders. As an international vessel conducting cruises in both English and German, it brings over 30 years of expertise from a market leader in German-speaking countries to every journey. Each expedition is a masterpiece, passionately crafted to reveal far-flung worlds—be it icy realms, tropical paradises, wildlife havens, or cultural gems—making every voyage a unique discovery aboard this exceptional ship.
Features of all cabins and suites
An ocean view with even more: exclusively outside cabins and suites, almost all with balconies or French balconies
Spaciously designed - enjoy a relaxing stay in rooms from 21 m²/226 ft² up to 71 m²/764 ft² in size
Exceptionally equipped - for example, with binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, air conditioning, coffee machine and mini bar (free of charge) and 24-hour cabin service
Separable beds
Rain shower and heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forwardview camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Restaurants
Aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration, a new kind of freedom blends adventure and pleasure with a culinary journey across three exceptional restaurants. The spacious HANSEATIC Restaurant offers flexible mealtimes and a free choice of seating, serving a daily-changing menu of global flavors inspired by local specialties, paired with fine wines and supported by attentive 24-hour cabin service. At the Lido Restaurant, guests can savor breakfast under the open sky or enjoy a perfectly grilled steak from the outdoor barbecue, complete with panoramic views and an open show kitchen. The specialty restaurant Nikkei fuses fine Japanese creations with modern Peruvian cuisine, delivering a unique dining experience that elevates exploration to new heights—all while bars in the Observation Lounge and HanseAtrium offer favorite drinks against stunning backdrops, from Nordic fjords to icy Antarctic vistas.
Fitness and Wellness
On the HANSEATIC inspiration, an extraordinary time out awaits after thrilling Zodiac rides, challenging hikes, or Arctic adventures. Unwind in the Ocean Spa, where a Finnish sauna with stunning ocean views, a gentle steam sauna, an ice fountain, and a relaxation room rejuvenate your senses, complemented by professional massages, cosmetic treatments, and eco-friendly products made from natural, vegan ingredients. Stay active in the 100 m² fitness room or separate course room—both with ocean vistas—guided by a fitness coach offering personalized advice and a variety of courses, either indoors or on deck. The pool area, with its flexible canopy, invites relaxation year-round, featuring water loungers, a whirlpool, and a bar, ensuring a perfect blend of indulgence and revitalization against the backdrop of the open sea.
Knowledge
Shore excursions and Zodiac rides come alive with deeper context through fascinating presentations in the HanseAtrium, a high-tech lounge where experts share daily precaps and recaps, doubling as an atmospheric evening bar for films and discussions. The Ocean Academy enhances the journey with a Study Wall and interactive poster of scientific insights, microscopes for exploring hidden wonders alongside experts, and Study Seats—with swivel touchscreens—for personal dives into science. Supported by travel diaries and destination videos, this immersive experience broadens horizons with cutting-edge tools and expertise.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• All landings or rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs or tenders (potential admission fees or guided tours by • Local tour guides not included)
• Lectures on board
• Champagne welcome on day 1
• Mini bar filled with soft drinks in the cabin (refilled daily)
• Flat screen, DVD player and Wi-Fi in every cabin
• German and English-speaking service crew on board
• Comprehensive pre-departure information
• Port charges/taxes
• Travel cancellation expenses insurance
• Operator Bankruptcy insurance
• One pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles per cabin for use throughout the voyage
• Warm parkas, rubber boots & snorkelling equipment available for loan where applicable
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel Insurance
• Passport and visa costs where applicable
• Gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages
• Any items of a personal nature including additional on board services
Expedition
Our Associates Include
