Booming landscapes and inner reflection. Harmony and consensus. Mysteries and misunderstandings. Correct and sharpen your view of Japan like never before. The HANSEATIC inspiration lets you look deep into the soul of the island kingdom on a premiere route. A new route takes you to the main islands – with a detour to vibrant South Korea – all the way to the “South Seas of Japan” and, for the first time, to the Inland Sea in the heart of Japan. Your discoveries in the New Land of Smiles begin along the north-western coast of the main island of Honshu: experience the colourful hustle and bustle at the morning market in Wajima or explore the rugged Noto Peninsula* with its ancient terraced rice fields. 

Both geology and the remote location have created a very special ecosystem on the Oki Islands, characterised by red rock formations and green vegetation. Enjoy the constantly changing views of the sea from the 257 m (843 ft) tall Matengai Cliff on a hike along the Kuniga Coast*. Alternatively, you can visit Takuhi Shrine* or explore the islands by bus and boat*. 

Sakaiminato is famous for the whimsical bronze figures of the manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, who was born here. Daisen-Oki National Park looks like something from a Japanese ink painting – for example, with the “twin” of Mount Fujiyama – scenes that you can enjoy while hiking on Mount Daisen*. The Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine* is considered one of the most important Shinto shrines. This is where newly-weds pray for a happy marriage and single people wish for a partner. Or you can visit the old samurai town of Matsue*, which has retained its original character. With a castle from the 17th century and the private Adachi Museum of Art – a remarkable collection of paintings and ceramics set amidst a beautiful Japanese garden.

Mysterious, remote and little-known: in South Korea, you will enter a fascinating realm. From Busan, a coastal hike through Igidae Park* with its small suspension bridges reveals the close bond between Koreans and nature. You can let your senses revel in a Korean cookery course*. At the largest fish market in the country, you will discover typical food and ingredients with which you will prepare Korean “fire meat” bulgogi.

Back in Japan, Nagasaki will first tell you its moving story. But you will not only learn about the events around 1945 – the focus will also be on the country’s oldest stone bridge and oldest Christian church. Geishas are a symbol of traditional Japanese culture. The lifestyle and duties of this “person of the arts” will be explained to you personally during an authentic Japanese lunch in the company of a geisha*. 

The rocky and green Koshikishima Islands lie off the west coast of the prefecture of Kagoshima and can only be reached by small ships. An ideal destination for the HANSEATIC inspiration: the Zodiacs take you ashore on Kamikoshiki-Shima, and you will discover the marvellous nature with beautiful beaches on hikes or walks with your experts.

In the south-west of Japan, the Nansei Islands are lined up over an area of 1,000 km (621 mi.) as the “South Seas of Japan”. Yakushima boasts a lush tropical landscape and ancient, mossy cedar forest. There are excellent hiking opportunities here, such as trekking* in Shiratani-Unsuikyo National Park.

The spa city of Beppu demonstrates how bathing rituals shape Japanese culture. Even the samurai asked for support from the deities while bathing in an onsen. When you ease yourself into the hot thermal waters of Beppu*, you will be able to partake in this relaxing tradition for yourself. The more than 60 stone Buddhas in Usuki*, made from lava and tuff around 1,000 years ago, are a special expression of Japan’s religion.

Hiroshima symbolises a very eventful period in modern history – your exploration of the area will be shaped by memorials. The witness to global history* excursion will touch on the tragic events of 1945 and take you to the Peace Memorial Park, designed by star architect Kenzo Tange. Hiroshima Castle*, a reconstructed castle, offers an insight into the samurai era. Hiroshima is an impressive place of remembrance, but also of hope and new beginnings. Discover the faces and stories of the city well into the evening: the HANSEATIC inspiration will be staying here overnight.

The picturesque coastal landscapes of the sacred island of Miyajima have inspired both art and literature. After landing, discover its allure on hikes: the Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. At high tide, the famous red gate is reflected in the water, symbolising the ancient veneration of nature characteristic of Shintoism.

Premiere destinations ahead. For the first time, the small expedition ship will be sailing into the Japanese Inland Sea – the Seto Inland Sea – which is still largely unknown to Europeans. The ship will take two days to explore the expansive new territory in the form of many rocks and small islands, mostly overgrown with pine trees and lined with sandy bays. Experience the idyllic setting of one of Japan’s first national parks as you land with the Zodiacs on the uninhabited island of Ujishima, where trusting sika deer and roe deer live. Naoshima is probably the most unusual exhibition venue for contemporary and modern art. When the traditional economy on the island collapsed, the Benesse Art Foundation created a lively art biotope here. Explore at your own pace – and let yourself be surprised by crazy installations, spectacular sculptures and the museums designed by Japanese star architect Tadao Ando. Afterwards, urban life becomes an art form on the edge of this “Japanese Mediterranean”.

Osaka is a lively city with a rich history and modern flair. It is famous for its cuisine, including okonomiyaki and takoyaki. New culinary territory for you? Then get to know the specialities on a street food tour*. From Osaka, the route leads to the spiritual centre of the country in Kyoto*, the old imperial city with countless temples and lavishly decorated shrines. By the end of your cruise, the island kingdom of Japan will have revealed a large part of its true character to you as a gaikokujin – the polite Japanese term for a person from a foreign country.