9 September
From Osaka to Osaka
Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture
From Osaka to Osaka
Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture
Voyage Itinerary
7 September to 8 September
Setting sail from Osaka
Osaka, Japan's third largest city, is a pulsating commercial hub, famous for its food and its fiercely independent spirit. This is where the conveyor-belt sushi restaurant was first invented, and the cityscape rivals Tokyo for neon-lit futurism. If you need respite from the urban sprawl seek out Osaka Castle and the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden, a particularly pretty spot during the cherry blossom season.
9 September
Japan: Okayama
Said to be Japan’s sunniest city, Okayama is situated on the northern shore of the Seto Inland Sea, near to the bridge that links the islands of Honshu and Shikoku. The city is known for its impressive black castle, which overlooks the stunning Koraku-en gardens.
9 September
Japan: Kurashiki
10 September
Japan: Takamatsu
The laid back port city of Takamatsu sits on the north coast of Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s major islands, and is home to the beautifully designed Ritsurin Koen, one of Japan’s most famous historical gardens.
11 September
Japan: Miyajima
Miyajima island, officially known as Itsukushima, is famous for its incredibly photogenic torii (shrine gates) which seem to float above the water. Renovation work beginning in June 2019 means that the gates will be obscured by scaffolding for a couple of years, but the shrine itself will remain open.
11 September
Japan: Hiroshima
On 6 August 1945 the world witnessed the terrifying power of nuclear weapons for the first time, unleashed on the unsuspecting Japanese city of Hiroshima. The modern city's sobering Peace Memorial Park commemorates that fateful day, which left more than 140,000 dead.
12 September
Japan: Uwajima
The historic town of Uwajima, situated on the west coast of Shikoku island, is home to a beautiful 17th century castle, surrounded by ornamental gardens. Another popular and rather eye-opening attraction is the Taga fertility shrine, with its 9-foot carving of a phallus and adjoining sex museum.
12 September
Japan: Uchiko
13 September
Japan: Yakushima
The island of Yakushima is an unspoilt natural paradise, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its primeval temperate rainforest. The mountainous interior is a magical landscape of waterfalls, ancient cedar trees and winding trails, and provided the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed anime ‘Princess Mononoke’.
14 September
Japan: Kagoshima
The friendly southern Japanese city of Kagoshima enjoys a balmy climate, and sits just across the bay from the very active Sakurajima volcano, which erupts so regularly that an ‘ash forecast’ is included in local weather reports.
15 September
Japan: Nagasaki
Three days after Hiroshima was flattened by an atomic bomb, Nagasaki suffered the same horrifying fate. The reconstruction of both cities has been quite extraordinary; Nagasaki today is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place, with a fascinating history that goes back a lot further than 1945.
16 September
South Korea: Ulsan
16 September
South Korea: Kyongju
17 September
Japan: Matsue
18 September
Japan: Moji (Kitakyushu)
Moji is one of five cities that merged to form Kitakyushu in 1963, and has been an important international trading port since the 19th century. A number of Western-style buildings survive from this period, and the port is home to plenty of restaurants, cafés, museums and galleries.
19 September
Japan: Mitarai
20 September
Japan: Osaka
Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, is a pulsating commercial hub, famous for its food, and the cityscape rivals Tokyo for neon-lit futurism. If you need respite from the urban sprawl seek out Osaka Castle and the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden, a particularly pretty spot during the cherry blossom season.
21 September to 22 September
Japan: Kyoto
Wonderful Kyoto is Japan’s cultural and spiritual heart, scattered with tranquil gardens, traditional teahouses and some 2,000 temples and shrines. If you want to really get under the skin of Japanese culture then this is the place to come, with the chance to learn about everything from the importance of cherry-blossom season to the latest trends in manga.
22 September
Arriving in Osaka
Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, is a pulsating commercial hub, famous for its food, and the cityscape rivals Tokyo for neon-lit futurism. If you need respite from the urban sprawl seek out Osaka Castle and the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden, a particularly pretty spot during the cherry blossom season.
The ship
National Geographic Resolution
- Capacity:
- 138 Guests
- Crew:
- 116 Staff
- Style:
- Expedition cruising at its best, so expect relaxed informalevenings after adventurous days!
Sister ships Endurance and Resolution represent the next generation of polar expedition ships, built with Ulstein's patented X-BOW technology.
What we love
The remarkable design of these ships ensures a smooth ride even in choppy polar waters, and a PC5 ice-strengthened hull allows for in-depth exploration of Antarctica and the Arctic. On board you'll have all the high-tech 'Tools for Exploration' that you would expect from Lindblad, and many of the cabins feature a balcony with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors.
inclusions
- All meals on board
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks
- All park fees and permits
- Activities and excursions
- Basic Wi-Fi package
- Gratuities
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From expedition tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions.
visit our faqs
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.
Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?
You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
How much time is spent ashore?
Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.
cruise news
Latest news and travel inspiration
News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.
We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
