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
Travel information
Sun, 17 May 2026
Keelung (Taipei)/Taiwan, departure 22.00 hrs
Mon, 18 May 2026
Relaxation at sea
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 May 2026
Okinoerabu-Shima, from 7.00 to 18.00 hrs
Thu, 21 May 2026
Amami-Oshima, from 7.00 to 18.00 hrs
Fri, 22 May 2026
Yakushima, from 7.00 to 18.00 hrs
Sat, 23 May 2026
Japan’s south coast: Uwajima, from 13.00 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 May 2026
Miyajima
Hiroshima, arrival 20.00 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 May 2026
Relaxation at sea
Thu, 28 May 2026
Busan/South Korea, from 7.00 to 19.00 hrs
Fri, 29 May 2026
Japan’s west coast: Karatsu, from 7.00 to 15.30 hrs
Sat, 30 May 2026
Oki Islands, from 8.30 to 18.00 hrs
Sun, 31 May 2026
Maizuru, from 8.00 to 19.00 hrs
Mon, 01 Jun 2026
Kanazawa, from 7.00 to 19.00 hrs
Tue, 02 Jun 2026
Sado Island, from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs
Wed, 03 Jun 2026
Japan’s north coast: Akita, from 8.00 to 17.00 hrs
Thu, 04 Jun 2026
Hakodate, from 7.00 to 13.00 hrs
Fri, 05 Jun 2026
Otaru (Sapporo)/Japan, arrival 7.00 hrs
When the ship is at anchor, the ship’s tender boats or alternatively the Zodiacs will be used.
Arrival and departure | optionally bookable
Sat, 16 May 2026
Scheduled flight from Germany to Taipei
Sun, 17 May 2026
Taipei Transfer to Keelung for embarkation
Fri, 05 Jun 2026
Journey to Sapporo, scheduled flight to Tokyo Overnight stay with breakfast
Fri, 05 Jun 2026
Scheduled flight from Tokyo to Germany
Extend your trip
Our popular pre- and post-cruise programmes include a wide range of excursions and are usually guided in German language and accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
Fri, 15 May 2026
- Sun, 17 May 2026
PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME A: DISCOVER TAIPEI
Tue, 12 May 2026
- Sun, 17 May 2026
PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME B: HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN TAIWAN
Fri, 05 Jun 2026
- Sun, 07 Jun 2026
POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME B: TOKYO – TRADITION AND MODERNITY
Fri, 05 Jun 2026
- Wed, 10 Jun 2026
POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME C: IMPERIAL CITIES OF JAPAN: KYOTO, NARA AND TOKYO (SUPERIOR)
Fri, 05 Jun 2026
- Wed, 10 Jun 2026
POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME D: IMPERIAL CITIES OF JAPAN: TOKYO, KYOTO AND NARA (DELUXE)
Japan
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Japan
Booming landscapes and inner reflection. Harmony and consensus. Mysteries and misunderstandings. Correct and sharpen your view of Japan like never before. The expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises let you look deep into the soul of the island kingdom. By the time your Far East adventure comes to an end, you will agree with Buddha’s maxim: it is better to travel well than to arrive.
Price special
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the previous cruise INS2606 and save € 1,200 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare.
Limited offer: Travel for the best price with the SILVER fare
For this cruise, offers in the SILVER fare are available. You will find these under "Prices & Booking" after selecting the respective cabin/suite.
Included Services
Expedition and knowledge
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
A complimentary selection of soft drinks
For all cases
Harbour and airport fees
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
