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15 Night Coastal Japan Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture Cruise and Land Tour

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National Geographic Resolution

Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)

Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.

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15 Night Coastal Japan Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture Cruise and Land Tour from Osaka

Ship: National Geographic Resolution

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Monday, Sep 7, 2026 from Osaka, Japan

Ended: Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Monday, Sep 7, 2026 departure of the National Geographic Resolution. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

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Day 1 - Monday - Sep 7, 2026

Osaka, Japan

Arrive in Osaka and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 - Tuesday - Sep 8, 2026

Osaka, Japan

Land Travel

Himeji, Japan

Land Travel

Cruise Begins

Osaka, Japan

After checking out of the hotel, travel to Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most spectacular. Also known as "White Heron Castle", this UNESCO World Heritage Site is at once imposing and elegant. Following lunch, transfer to the National Geographic Resolution for embarkation.

Day 3 - Wednesday - Sep 9, 2026

Uno Ko, Japan

Ferry Travel

Naoshima, Japan, Japan

Ferry Travel

Uno Ko, Japan

Land Travel

Okayama, Japan

Land Travel

Uno Ko, Japan

This morning, take a short ferry ride to Naoshima Island, which was converted into a hub for art and artists by the Benesse Corporation in 1992. Naoshima is an eclectic mixture of nature, art, and architecture-you'll discover famous works, like Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin, displayed in unexpected places. This afternoon, choose to visit Okayama, home to Korakuen Garden, one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan. Stroll the elegant garden paths, enjoying the beauty and the views of Okayama Castle and its impressive black silhouette. You may also choose to walk along Kurashiki's lovely canal, lined with beautifully preserved storehouses now selling locally made handicrafts, or visit the Ohara Museum of Art and the Ohashi House, an example of a wealthy merchant's home from the 18th century.

Day 4 - Thursday - Sep 10, 2026

Takamatsu, Japan

Early this morning, sail to Takamatsu on Shikoku Island. Explore Shikoku Mura, an open-air museum that showcases traditional building styles. Learn how people lived during the Edo and Taisho eras. Visit Ritsurin Garden-earning three stars in the Michelin Green Guide, it is one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Japan. End the day at Kinashi Bonsai Town, dedicated to the art of pine tree bonsai.

Day 5 - Friday - Sep 11, 2026

Miyajima, Japan

Hiroshima, Japan

Start the day on the island of Miyajima, home of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its red torii gate that seems to float atop the water at high tide. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of only a few buildings left standing after the attack, and learn about the city's dedication to peace following World War II.

Day 6 - Saturday - Sep 12, 2026

Uwajima, Japan

Bus Travel

Uchiko, Japan

Bus Travel

Uwajima, Japan

Rise early for a morning hike to Uwajima Castle, one of just 12 original Edo-period castles that remain intact. Continue to Uchiko, once a center of wax production. Take a walk in the town's well-preserved Yokaichi district, where beautifully crafted wooden merchant homes recall the prosperity of the Meiji period.

Day 7 - Sunday - Sep 13, 2026

Yakushima, Japan

The diverse ecology of Yakushima Island, including a subtropical coast and temperate rainforest in the interior, has earned this island UNESCO World Heritage status. On a hike, discover the island's ancient Yakusugi cedar trees, many of which date back more than a thousand years. Back onboard the ship in the evening, head north toward the island of Kyushu.

Day 8 - Monday - Sep 14, 2026

Kagoshima, Japan

Bus Travel

Minamikyushu, Japan, Japan

Bus Travel

Kagoshima, Japan

At the southern end of Kyushu, the city of Kagoshima sits just across the bay from the active volcano Sakurajima. Take a walk in Sengan-en Garden, designed by the city's ruling Shimadzu clan in 1658 to incorporate the bay and its simmering volcano. After lunch, travel along the Satsuma Peninsula to the village of Chiran, where the samurai designed gardens inspired by their travels.

Day 9 - Tuesday - Sep 15, 2026

Nagasaki, Japan

Long before World War II, Nagasaki was a cosmopolitan trading center, drawing merchants from Europe and China to its picturesque harbor as early as the 1500s. Visit Oura Cathedral, the oldest Christian church in Japan, and venture into Sofukuji, a 400-year-old Ming-style Zen Buddhist temple. Visit Nagasaki Peace Park, where a poignant exhibition illustrates the aftermath of the atomic bomb attack on the city, and see the somber monument erected at ground zero. This afternoon, chart a course for the Korean Peninsula.

Day 10 - Wednesday - Sep 16, 2026

Ulsan, Korea

Bus Travel

Kyongju, Korea

Bus Travel

Ulsan, Korea

Dock in Ulsan and travel to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom and the crown jewel of Korea's cultural heritage. Packed with the ruins of temples, pagodas, and palaces dating back more than a thousand years, the historic areas of the city have been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Silla architecture originally built in AD 528. At the Gyeongju National Museum, examine jewelry, weapons, and other Silla artifacts. See Cheomseongdae, a seventh-century observatory and wander among towering royal burial mounds.

Day 11 - Thursday - Sep 17, 2026

Sakai-Ko, Japan, Japan

Sail up the coast to Matsue, situated between a lake, a lagoon, and the sea. Tour the 17th-century Matsue Castle built as a defensive fortress and discover its clever design elements intended to foil the enemy. Continue to the Adachi Museum of Art, which blends an impressive collection of 20th-century Japanese art with a gem-like traditional garden.

Day 12 - Friday - Sep 18, 2026

Moji-ko, Japan

With its location in line with the route from Honshu to Shanghai, Moji has a long history as a prominent trading post. The bustling modern day ship traffic has moved to another port, leaving Moji with a slower pace. You'll have the opportunity to step back in time and stroll the promenade, exploring the well-preserved buildings of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Moji is also known for its limestone caves. You will pass through a cedar grove to enter one of Japan's largest limestone caves: Akiyoshidai. Exploring this cave, you'll only touch a very small corner of the national park that spans 100 meters underground.

Day 13 - Saturday - Sep 19, 2026

Mitarai, Osaki Shimojima, Japan, Japan

Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Mitarai is a seaside village that did not get swept up with all the changes and development that the 20th century brought. The traditional wooden buildings and narrow streets date back to a traditional past. The mature gardens add even more beauty and serenity to the sheltered bay. Explore this hidden gem that has been designated a Historic Preservation District of Traditional Architecture.

Day 14 - Sunday - Sep 20, 2026

Osaka, Japan

Cruise Ends

Land Travel

Osaka, Japan

Upon disembarkation, transfer to Kyoto. Once the capital of Japan, this beautiful city still holds many of the Japanese traditions very dear. It's a unique blend of modern day and ancient culture that has been refined over the last 1,200 years. Spend two days exploring an array of sites, including the impressive torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine; Nishiki Market with its assortment of beautiful fresh foods; Higashiyama District one of Kyoto's best preserved historic districts; and the soaring stalks of bamboo in Arashiyama. No visit to Kyoto is complete without a glimpse into the secret life of the geisha as you learn about the customs and experience a traditional ceremony.

Day 15 - Monday - Sep 21, 2026

Osaka, Japan

Day 16 - Tuesday - Sep 22, 2026

Osaka, Japan

Land Travel

Osaka, Japan

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for flights home.

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