Separate with commas

▶ show more search options
◀ show fewer search options

and days long
Only show specials Between and

...and
...and


Leave blank to search all ship types

or clear fields & results



Searching for trips..

Unknown Japan and South Korea - Mysteries in East Asia’s Island Kingdom

<p>This 19-day cruise aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration explores the mysteries and masterpieces of Japan and South Korea, tracing a unique route from Taiwan&rsquo;s Keelung to Otaru. Highlights include island-hopping through Japan&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.</p>
17 May, 2026 to 05 June, 2026
Grand Suite
approx. 71 m²/764 ft², including private veranda 16 m²/172 ft² Separate living/sleeping area Separate dining area Sleeping area with panoramic view Separable beds TV in living and sleeping areas Veranda with space heaters Daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower and veranda access Steam sauna in shower area Heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas) Separate toilet Free mini bar Coffee machine Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more Binoculars in the cabin Nordic walking poles 24-hour cabin service Butler service Table reservation in main restaurant Free use of Wi-Fi
view cabin photo
Junior Suite
approx. 42 m²/452 ft², including private balcony 6 m²/65 ft² Separate living/sleeping area Separate dining area Sleeping area with panoramic view Separable beds TV in living and sleeping areas Bathroom with two sinks and rain shower Separate toilet Steam sauna in shower area Heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas) Free mini bar Coffee machine Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more Binoculars Nordic walking poles 24-hour cabin service Table reservation in main restaurant (applies to the PLATINUM and GOLD fares) Butler service
view cabin photo
Outside Cabin €12,890 EUR pp
Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas) Rain shower Free mini bar (soft drinks) Coffee machine Separable beds Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more Binoculars Nordic Walking poles 24-hour cabin service There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
view cabin photo
Panoramic Cabin €12,890 EUR pp
Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas) Rain shower Free mini bar (soft drinks) Coffee machine Separable beds Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more Binoculars Nordic Walking poles 24-hour cabin service There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
view cabin photo
French Balcony Cabin €16,070 EUR pp
Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas) Rain shower Free mini bar (soft drinks) Coffee machine Separable beds Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more Binoculars Nordic Walking poles 24-hour cabin service There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404) The French Balcony Cabins in Category 3 on Deck 6 are approximately 23 m²/248 ft² in size, and those in Category 5 on Deck 7 approximately 21 m²/226 ft². The Balcony Cabins at the stern have a slightly different floor plan.
view cabin photo
Balcony Cabin €17,170 EUR pp
Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas) Rain shower Free mini bar (soft drinks) Coffee machine Separable beds Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more Binoculars Nordic Walking poles 24-hour cabin service There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
view cabin photo

Unknown Japan and South Korea - Mysteries in East Asia’s Island Kingdom itinerary:

show reverse itinerary
Sun, 17.05.2026 Keelung (Taipei)/Taiwan

Departure 22.00 hrs

Mon, 18.05.2026 Relaxation at sea
Tue, 19.05.2026 Nansei Islands/Japan: Naha/Okinawa

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.

Wed, 20.05.2026 Okinoerabu-Shima

From 7.00 to 18.00 hrs

Thu, 21.05.2026 Amami-Oshima

From 7.00 to 18.00 hrs

Fri, 22.05.2026 Yakushima

From 7.00 to 18.00 hrs

Sat, 23.05.2026 Japan’s south coast: Uwajima

From 13.00 to 19.00 hrs

Sun, 24.05.2026 Beppu

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.

Mon, 25.05.2026 Miyajima

 Hiroshima, arrival 20.00 hrs

Tue, 26.05.2026 Hiroshima

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.

Wed, 27.05.2026 Relaxation at sea
Thu, 28.05.2026 Busan/South Korea

From 7.00 to 19.00 hrs

Fri, 29.05.2026 Japan’s west coast: Karatsu

From 7.00 to 13.30 hrs

Sat, 30.05.2026 Oki Islands

From 8.30 to 18.00 hrs 

Sun, 31.05.2026 Maizuru

From 8.00 to 19.00 hrs

Mon, 01.06.2026 Kanazawa

From 7.00 to 19.00 hrs

Tue, 02.06.2026 Sado Island

From 8.00 to 18.00 hrs

Wed, 03.06.2026 Japan’s north coast: Akita

From 8.00 to 17.00 hrs

Thu, 04.06.2026 Hakodate

From 7.00 to 13.00 hrs

Fri, 05.06.2026 Otaru (Sapporo)/Japan

Arrival 8.00 hrs

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Unknown Japan and South Korea - Mysteries in East Asia’s Island Kingdom reverse itinerary:

show main itinerary
Please note: *

Itineraries are subject to change.

Fri, 05.06.2026 Otaru (Sapporo)/Japan *

Arrival 8.00 hrs

Thu, 04.06.2026 Hakodate *

From 7.00 to 13.00 hrs

Wed, 03.06.2026 Japan’s north coast: Akita *

From 8.00 to 17.00 hrs

Tue, 02.06.2026 Sado Island *

From 8.00 to 18.00 hrs

Mon, 01.06.2026 Kanazawa *

From 7.00 to 19.00 hrs

Sun, 31.05.2026 Maizuru *

From 8.00 to 19.00 hrs

Sat, 30.05.2026 Oki Islands *

From 8.30 to 18.00 hrs 

Fri, 29.05.2026 Japan’s west coast: Karatsu *

From 7.00 to 13.30 hrs

Thu, 28.05.2026 Busan/South Korea *

From 7.00 to 19.00 hrs

Wed, 27.05.2026 Relaxation at sea *
Tue, 26.05.2026 Hiroshima *

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.

Mon, 25.05.2026 Miyajima *

 Hiroshima, arrival 20.00 hrs

Sun, 24.05.2026 Beppu *

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.

Sat, 23.05.2026 Japan’s south coast: Uwajima *

From 13.00 to 19.00 hrs

Fri, 22.05.2026 Yakushima *

From 7.00 to 18.00 hrs

Thu, 21.05.2026 Amami-Oshima *

From 7.00 to 18.00 hrs

Wed, 20.05.2026 Okinoerabu-Shima *

From 7.00 to 18.00 hrs

Tue, 19.05.2026 Nansei Islands/Japan: Naha/Okinawa *

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.

Mon, 18.05.2026 Relaxation at sea *
Sun, 17.05.2026 Keelung (Taipei)/Taiwan *

Departure 22.00 hrs

* = Indicative
Map for Unknown Japan and South Korea - Mysteries in East Asia’s Island Kingdom
Hanseatic Inspiration/Nature/Spirit, the ship servicing Unknown Japan and South Korea - Mysteries in East Asia’s Island Kingdom

Hanseatic Inspiration/Nature/Spirit

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.

Cabin layout for Hanseatic Inspiration/Nature/Spirit
• 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