Asia, Japan
Journey to Japan
Onboard Coral Adventurer, depart from Guam and venture to the Mariana Islands to uncover pivotal World War II history at Tinian and Iwo Jima. Explore the pristine marine environments of Rota, Pagan and Maug island. As we continue to the Japanese Ogasawara and Izu archipelagos, be among the first visitors from abroad to explore remote Japanese islands including Chichijima, Hahajima and Mukujima.
Step ashore to witness the lifestyle of traditional Japanese fishing villages, encounter native wildlife and take to the water to discover untouched marine ecosystems. Be immersed in local culture by witnessing the traditional kashitate dance and hachijo taiko drum performance at Hachijojima. Explore Shimizu’s bustling seafood market and take to the hiking trail to enjoy rustic ropeways and unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji’s iconic silhouette.
Join us on an adventure combining history, culture and striking biodiversity as we venture to the Japan that lies off the beaten track.
• Enjoy time exploring the rich biodiversity of the Northern Mariana Islands of Rota, Pagan and Maug by swimming, snorkelling and diving in its aquamarine waters
• Visit three of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Ogasawara Islands: Hahajima, Chichijima and Mukojima
• Learn of WWII history at Tinian, where the Enola Gay was loaded with the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima and see the famous location of the ‘Raising the Flag’ at Iwo Jima
• Visit the Hattori residence to experience the kashitate dance and hear the traditional hachijo taiko drum performance
• On the volcanic ash slopes of Torijima, view the largest known population short-tailed albatrosses that are known to breed on only four islands in the North Pacific
• Enjoy bird watching opportunities with possible sightings of rare endemic species including the Izu Island thrush of Mikurajima
• Visit Shimizu, one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji and explore the rich tea plantations located on the Nihondiara Plateau
• Learn about unique geology, botany and wildlife including encounters with whales, dolphins, schools of tuna and green sea turtles as we visit remote Japanese islands
Step ashore to witness the lifestyle of traditional Japanese fishing villages, encounter native wildlife and take to the water to discover untouched marine ecosystems. Be immersed in local culture by witnessing the traditional kashitate dance and hachijo taiko drum performance at Hachijojima. Explore Shimizu’s bustling seafood market and take to the hiking trail to enjoy rustic ropeways and unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji’s iconic silhouette.
Join us on an adventure combining history, culture and striking biodiversity as we venture to the Japan that lies off the beaten track.
Highlights
• Enjoy time exploring the rich biodiversity of the Northern Mariana Islands of Rota, Pagan and Maug by swimming, snorkelling and diving in its aquamarine waters
• Visit three of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Ogasawara Islands: Hahajima, Chichijima and Mukojima
• Learn of WWII history at Tinian, where the Enola Gay was loaded with the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima and see the famous location of the ‘Raising the Flag’ at Iwo Jima
• Visit the Hattori residence to experience the kashitate dance and hear the traditional hachijo taiko drum performance
• On the volcanic ash slopes of Torijima, view the largest known population short-tailed albatrosses that are known to breed on only four islands in the North Pacific
• Enjoy bird watching opportunities with possible sightings of rare endemic species including the Izu Island thrush of Mikurajima
• Visit Shimizu, one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji and explore the rich tea plantations located on the Nihondiara Plateau
• Learn about unique geology, botany and wildlife including encounters with whales, dolphins, schools of tuna and green sea turtles as we visit remote Japanese islands
Board Coral Adventurer at Guam at 4:00pm for a 7:00pm departure. Settle into your cabin and relax as we set sail across the Pacific Ocean. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
As the southernmost island of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) with picture-perfect palm-fringed beaches and aquamarine waters that invite snorkelling and kayaking, Rota is known as ‘friendly island’ with its relaxed ambience. The island is home to diverse flora and fauna including the endemic and endangered rota white-eye bird, Mariana fruit bat and Mariana cow.
Learn about WWII history at the Old Japanese Cannon which overlooks Mount Tapingot, known as ‘wedding cake mountain’ for its multi-layered topography. Snorkel or scuba to the undersea walls, shipwrecks and vivid coral reefs that surround the islands.
See the megalithic House of Taga stone pillars on Tinian Island. Visit the historic WWII site where the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber Enola Gay was loaded with the atomic bomb bound for Hiroshima. Stroll along the harbour at San Jose, the island’s largest village and swim in the clear waters of Taga Beach.
Pagan Island is an active volcanic island located some 320km north of Saipan. Here we will step ashore to visit the small local community and explore the island’s lava areas. We will learn of the island’s World War II history and visit the Japanese Zero wreck and other artifacts.
Maug Island is a remote volcanic caldera and a is flagged as an Important Bird Area for its populations of Micronesian megapodes, red-tailed tropicbirds, brown noddies, Micronesian myzomelas and Micronesian starlings. Enjoy excellent birding opportunities and snorkel or dive to explore the island’s pristine coral reef ecosystem.
Our introduction to Japan is the volcanic island of Iwo Jima where the WWII Battle of Iwo Jima took place along with the site of Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal’s famous photo Raising the Flag which was photographed on Mt. Suribachi. The famous photograph won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize – the only time an image has won the prize the year it was captured.
The largest of the Ogasawara Islands, mountainous Chichijima with its subtropical forests is rimmed by steep rocky cliffs that bound pristine white-sand beaches. Populations of humpback and sperm whales frequent the ocean during annual migrations, along with year-round pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins.
Swimmers, snorkelers and kayakers may have the opportunity to see these graceful creatures up close. Nesting turtles and large populations of sea birds may be seen at Minamijima Island, a small uninhabited island with an eroded tunnel carved into a cliff connecting a scenic bay to the ocean beyond the island.
Hahajima is one of only two inhabited islands (Chichijima being the other) in the Ogasawara Island Group. Like Chichijima Island, Hahajima is home to unique flora and fauna. Walking trails crisscross the long, narrow island offer the opportunity to potentially see bird species such as the protected bonin honeyeater and boobies along with endemic plants such as sekimon trees. Limestone karsts and caves with exposed tree roots overhead can be walked through, while Ross Museum and the history Okimura Cemetery offer insight into the lives of islanders who once lived here.
The uninhabited outcrop of Mukojima and nearby Torijima is home to an important nesting site for a colony of black-footed albatrosses and Laysan albatrosses. Cruise past the active volcano of Torijima Island which houses a weather station, volcanic research station and is also a bird sanctuary. Albatrosses, Tristrams storm petrels, common kestrels and blue rock thrush may be sighted, along with whales and dolphins.
On Hachijojima Island see the landscape changed by volcanic eruptions and enjoy hot springs and waterfalls within moss-draped forests with blooming hydrangeas, aloe and freesia. Hikes with unbeatable views are on offer here where you can observe the unique nature and grazing cows. At the Hattori Residence be immersed in local culture with a Kashitate dance and Hachijo Taiko drum performance, learn about kimono traditions and wander the ancient stone-walled laneways of this historical site.
The coast of Miyakejima is largely formed by lava cooling which has created interesting geo-spots over time. Megane Rock (spectacle rock) is one such result, formed by two enormous arches lined together which have eroded over time to create a formation resembling a pair of spectacles. This unique volcanic landscape is home to flora and fauna that thrive in this challenging terrain. The island is famous for its bird watching opportunities with sightings of the Izu Island thrush – a designated natural treasure. Walk along the volcanic trails and explore the landscape while encountering wildlife at this extraordinary destination.
Shimizu, translating to ‘pure water’ in Japanese is one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji. With a mild climate, the area is home to rich tea plantations located on the Nihondiara Plateau. Visit the famous tea plantations, explore the historic township with a bustling seafood market and museum, discover the photogenic miho-no-matsubara pine grove and take to a hiking trail to enjoy rustic ropeways.
Our voyage ends in the Japanese capital of Tokyo. Disembark Coral Adventurer at 8:30 am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.
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Coral Deck Stateroom
$12,590 AUD pp
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A porthole window gives you views of the world outside.
Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
Promenade Deck Stateroom
$14,960 AUD pp
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.
Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
$19,950 AUD pp
Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck.
Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
$27,990 AUD pp
There will be 6 spacious and elegant suites featured on the Coral Geographer. They will be equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. Along with special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 3.5 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. The unique outside-facing bathroom with floor to ceiling windows will be the feature of the suites, with an infinity bathtub with sky views. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 37.5 square metres.
Vessel Type: Expedition
Passenger Capacity: 120
Built: 2020
Expedition capabilities
> Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions
> Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
> Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations
> Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife
> Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships
Marine immersion
> Navigator lounge in the bridge
> Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
> Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests
Food and wine features
> Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners
> Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce
> Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks
> Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds
Guest comfort
> All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony
> Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion
> Well-equipped gym
> Passenger elevator
> Wi-Fi available in all guest areas
Inclusions
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
Exclusions
• Pre-cruise transfers
• Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
• Pre and post cruise accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
• Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
• Alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service
• Laundry service (available at a cost)
• Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
• Optional Extras (in some destinations)
Expedition
15 Days from
$12,590 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
