Japan is up and rising in the heart of nature and at the pulse of modern megacities, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has firmly included this trend destination in its itineraries for the next three years

Previously considered a “hidden gem” among travel destinations, Japan is now at the top of the list for globetrotters and cosmopolitans alike. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has already announced exceptional routes for its expedition and luxury fleets to discover this fascinating destination until 2027. On seldom-explored expedition routes, the focus of the HANSEATIC inspiration, both now and in spring 2026, is an immersion into millennia-old knowledge, astounding nature, Zodiac landings and cultural encounters. Guests on cruises with the EUROPA 2 in spring 2027 can look forward to experiencing the contrast between the pulsating trends of modern megacities and the deep-rooted tradition of a holistic way of life. 

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers guests an in-depth experience of nature and culture with small expedition ships and Zodiacs as well as profound insights into the fascinating multifaceted lifestyle of Japan and its neighbouring countries. Whether on a luxury or expedition ship, witnessing the selfless and discreet Japanese hospitality known as “omotenashi” is bound to leave a lasting impression on all guests. 

Live from Japan – HANSEATIC inspiration presently en route in Japan

Small gestures, thoughtful details: this form of local hospitality is evident even before the ships arrive, as our Japanese partners on site and those responsible in the ports already bade the EUROPA 2 welcome in the spring and are graciously welcoming the HANSEATIC inspiration at the moment. Along the expedition ships’ seldom travelled routes, these visits are a rarity, and the effort put into preparing the welcome is correspondingly great. Welcome committees line up and local media want to be there and get to know the ships. 

While the HANSEATIC inspiration is currently sailing along Japan’s South Sea Islands off the country’s rarely visited west coast to Hokkaido in the north and is already enjoying this hospitality, a real premiere is in store on the subsequent cruise: starting next Monday, 9 Jun 2025, the itinerary will take guests from Otaru to Yokohama and Japan’s inland sea in 16 days. The route connects vibrant cities with the tranquillity and beauty of Japanese nature. Landscapes as if painted by hand, white beaches, lush green forests and imposing mountains. The cultural encounters are particularly characterised by “omotenashi”. Museums, pagodas and temples provide guests with deep insights into the Japanese identity and way of life. 

Time to make travel plans – selected routes in Japan until 2027

In Japan, ancient culture blends harmoniously with ultra-modern cities while the ambience ranges from futuristic and flashy to meditative and quiet. With its special culinary flair, guests can enjoy “umami”, the mysterious fifth taste. And in the midst of it all, places of remembrance and reflection alternate with the colourful and vibrant facets of the big cities. A total of eleven more cruises combining tradition, modern lifestyle and a close relationship with nature will set course for Japan this year and the next two years. Here is a selection.

Sample cruise, HANSEATIC inspiration: Pacific Ring of Fire – Hokkaido, Aleutian Islands and Alaska. Mile after mile of untamed nature: on board the small expedition ship, guests will follow the Pacific Ring of Fire to some of the most remote regions on earth. An unfamiliar abundance of North American and Asian contrasts forms the common thread on a route that promises amazing discoveries daily. In places where culture and nature, volcanic worlds and beautiful wildlife form fascinating symbioses, both adventure and new discoveries are guaranteed. From Yokohama to Seward (including Kushiro, Hakodate, Rishiri), 25 Jun to 15 Jul 2025 (21 days). Bookable in the SILVER fare from € 13,090 per person, double occupancy, including travel package to and from departure and arrival points. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/INS2531 

Sample cruise, HANSEATIC inspiration: Circumnavigation of Japan – a trio of tradition, modernity and nature. What sounds like science fiction is everyday life in Japan. “Kabuki” and high tech, meditation and megacities, calligraphy and “kawaii”. Here, tradition doesn’t just meet modernity, it merges with it. All this is set amidst a diverse natural landscape that is considered sacred for the Japanese. The small expedition ship will visit all four main islands on one cruise, with a detour to vibrant South Korea. A combination of classics and insider tips even for travellers familiar with Asia – from tea houses to futuristic metropolises and many active elements such as hikes. From Otaru with a circumnavigation of Japan back to Otaru, from 5 Jun to 21 Jun 2026 (16 days). Bookable in the GOLD fare from € 14,970 per person, double occupancy, including travel package to and from departure and arrival points. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/INS2608 

Sample cruise, EUROPA 2: Asia between tradition and modernity – Taiwan, South Korea and Japan in a single cruise. “Konnichiwa” – welcome to Japan, MS EUROPA 2. Guests on this cruise will experience millennia-old culture in combination with ultra-modern cities of superlatives. Golden temples, palaces, myths and skyscrapers – Taiwan’s capital Taipei, the Okinawa archipelago, often referred to as the “Hawaii of Japan”, and the imperial city of Kyoto. From Hong Kong to Tokyo, from 29 Apr to 15 May 2027 (16 days). Bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 13,300 per person, double occupancy, including travel package to and from departure and arrival points. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/EUX2707 

Sample cruise, EUROPA 2: Japanese culture and Chinese cities. In May 2027, the small luxury ship will embark on a deluxe cruise of discovery: guests will experience the many different treasures China and Japan have to offer and visit these extraordinary countries with their fascinating history and modern way of life. Thanks to specially scheduled overnight stays, there will be plenty of time to experience Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong both by day and by night. From Tokyo to Hong Kong, 15 May to 2 Jun 2027 (18 days). Bookable in the GOLD fare from € 13,130 per person, double occupancy, including travel package to and from departure and arrival points. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/EUX2708