Expedition “South Seas of Japan”: the Yin and Yang of Paradise Islands

Hong Kong/China, departure 21.00 hrs

Hualien/Taiwan, 13.00 – 19.00 hrs

Hualien, a lively city on the east coast of Taiwan, is known for its casual atmosphere and charming blend of tradition and modernity. The promenade along the Pacific is ideal for a relaxed stroll with views over the sea and mountains. From fresh seafood to traditional Taiwanese cuisine: the outstanding culinary scene here is on display in a wide selection of restaurants and cafes. Nature lovers will be in their element on a discovery of the surrounding area.

Keelung (Taipei), 07.00 – 19.00 hrs

Impressive examples of Taiwanese culture can be found in the temples of the port city of Keelung. An excursion* to the capital city, Taipei, will reveal yet more about the soul of the Far East: elaborately decorated temples, the air scented by incense, contrast with modern street life. The National Palace Museum houses 5,000 years of cultural history with invaluable works of art. Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building until 2007, is particularly striking: the skyscraper inspired by bamboo shoots symbolises the connection between the old and the new and has become a landmark of the city.

Ishigaki/Japan, 08.00 – 16.00 hrs 

Does the legendary fountain of youth actually exist? Unravel the mystery on Okinawa Island – nowhere else do people live for longer than here. See the island from on board the ship as a timeless beauty surrounded by shallow turquoise water. Ishigaki is one of Japan’s masterpieces of nature, with its tropical vegetation, fine sandy beaches and coral reefs. Rice fields and sugar cane plantations in the interior represent one of the island’s livelihoods. Together with the other islands in the Okinawa Prefecture, Ishigaki is a centre of Japanese pearl farming.

Nansei Islands
Zamami-Shima , Okinoerabu-Shima, Amami-Oshima, Yakushima)

The Nansei Islands, often referred to as the “South Seas of Japan”, reveal a little-known side to the country. The idyllic chain of islands stretches for over 1,000 km (621 miles) between Japan and Taiwan. Lush green islands with white sandy beaches and the scent of flowers bring to mind Hawaii or Bora Bora.

The subtropical Kerama islands are a picturesque idyll. For the first time, a Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ship will visit Zamami-Shima. On an independent shore visit, idyllic sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters with colourful corals will awaken your spirit of discovery. In this practically untouched Garden of Eden, you will feel like Robinson Crusoe.

Let your experts on board inspire you with the special geological features of the island of Okinoerabu-Shima. Originally formed from coral, the island is now home to some of the largest limestone caves in Japan. And so your time in paradise becomes an excursion into the diversity of the Pacific region.

Explore the bright subtropical character of Amami-Oshima. Fruit plantations and sandy beaches surround crystal-blue bays with a Japanese South Seas flair, providing an inviting spot for relaxation. Swimming, snorkelling or other watersports: how will you spend your time in paradise? Those thirsty for knowledge may be interested in the 1,300-year-old history of Oshima Tsumugi silk, which is produced here. The fabric has been used for centuries to make kimonos.

Lush green scenery awaits your visit to Yakushima. As you approach the island, you will see from the many open deck areas on board the ship why the mountains here are known as the “Alps on the ocean”. There are eight mountain peaks on the island, reaching up to 1,900 m (6,234 ft) above sea level. At the foot of the mountains are mossy forests of Japanese cedars, which are estimated to be several thousand years old. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and looks particularly enigmatic when the mist hangs over the rhododendrons, mosses and lichens.

If the weather permits, go on a Zodiac cruise around the Koshikishima Islands to see these natural beauties of the East China Sea. The many islands and cliffs formed 80 million years ago are one of Japan’s most important bird conservation areas. To know more is to see more, as you will discover once again on this cruise when you land on Kamikoshiki-Shima, one of the three main islands, with the Zodiacs. Explore the island on your own or together with your experts on walks and hikes. The island idyll is also an invitation just to gaze over the sea, coast, sand banks and lagoons: the Japan you see here is both rugged and picturesque.

Your route towards understanding the Japanese soul will also take you off the typical tourist routes in the Goto Islands. The archipelago in the south-west of Japan is made up of 140 islands, only 20 of which are inhabited. This is where Christianity had its origins in Japan, but it was only with the proclamation of religious freedom at the end of the 19th century that the Christian faith was practised publicly. The Goto Islands are famous for their many churches dating from this period – all with different architecture and made of different materials.

Sasebo, 07.00 – 19.00 hrs

Sasebo is a diverse city, known for its picturesque coastal scenery and unique blend of western and Japanese cultures. Since the 19th century, the city has maintained close trading relations with western countries, whose influence is now reflected in the city’s architecture and some of its historic buildings. The harmonious combination of modern and traditional elements will be revealed on an independent stroll around the city, whether you visit Sasebo Park or the port district. Stroll along the lively shopping streets and enjoy local specialities including the famous Sasebo burger. Nature lovers will be in their element on excursions* to the surrounding area: the scenery is particularly appealing on the outlying Kujukushima Islands, part of the Saikai National Park.

Incheon (Seoul)/South Korea, arrival 07.00 hrs

Itineraries are subject to change.