Japan & South Korea Expedition

With the world’s sixth longest coastline and more than 6,800 islands and islets, Japan and its seamless blend of ancient customs, ultramodern living, neon-lit cities, temples, rich culture and wildlife-filled national parks is perfect for exploring by expedition ship.

Surrounded by the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, Japan’s archipelago of volcanic islands stretches along a northeast/southwest axis located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, resulting in a dramatic landscape that is best explored by sea.

KRC Expeditions Japan cruise offers the ultimate way of both exploring and experiencing the best that Japan has to offer. We travel in comfort and ease on an off-the-beaten-path to areas that larger vessels cannot access. This allows for a truly unique, intimate cultural emersion sailing from iconic cities to remote coastlines and islands. Carefully curated, our voyages are designed to showcase contemporary cities, modern museums and art galleries alongside medieval castles, shrines and temples, world famous gardens, samurai legacy, hot springs, sake, exotic art and more!

The Journey

Japan, “the Land of the Rising Sun” with KRC Expeditions, pioneers our all-kosher, authentic small-ship expedition cruising. Our Japan & South Korea Expedition has been carefully planned to showcase Japan’s seamless blend of ancient customs and ultramodern living, culinary creativity, arts and gardens as we cruise from iconic cities to seldom-visited remote coastlines and islands that are best explored by sea aboard our all-kosher expedition ship.

Historic highlights on our journey include the five-story Pagoda of Miyajima, the 17th Century Matsue Castle, the sobering Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park with its eternal Flame of Peace, Teramachi District with its temples and shrines, including the famed “Ninja Temple,” the Jokamachi District with its old Samurai houses, Hagi Castle ruins and the beautiful Zen Tokoji Temple, and Japan’s iconic Shinto Shrine and Torii Gate. During our expedition we will explore Japan’s traditional and contemporary side as we visit galleries and meet local artists, allowing for unique shopping opportunities. On a day in South Korea’s Ulsan we’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage Site Gyeongju – the “museum without walls” and visit the Haeinsa Temple, considered one of the three great temples in South Korea. We’ll also moor at Uwajima, one of Japan’s premier pearl producers, with the opportunity to visit one of the city’s traditional pearl farms.

For those with a passion for nature, we plan to visit Daisen-Oki and Hakusan National Parks, Kenrokuen Garden (one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan), Samurai-era Tenshaen Garden, and one of Japan’s most famed gardens, the 28-acre formal 17th Century Koraku-en Garden. We’ll also tour one of Japan’s main bonsai centers at Kinashi.

Helping us to understand all we will see and experience, and travelling with us throughout the voyage, will be our expert guest speakers and Japanese guides who will add immeasurably to your enjoyment and understanding of this captivating country. Adding to the Jewish experience is our KRC Resident Historian & Lecturer Dr. Henry Abramson, culinary Adventures with Naomi Nachman, and our on-board Rabbi Stewart Weiss, who will lead us in our meaningful Shabbat programming and Torah shiurim.

This perfect adventure is capped by our culinary team, led by Master Kosher Chef Malcolm Green, creating throughout our voyage signature, sumptuous kosher buffets that our guests have enjoyed for over 25 years of cruising with us!

Join us for this rare opportunity for an all-kosher, in-depth exploration around the coastline and islands of Japan, as we discover the unspoiled nature, primeval wilderness, incredible gardens, cultural treasures, traditional villages and futuristic cities resplendent with their unique charms. KRC Expeditions creates on each of its voyages a unique family atmosphere as we explore and travel together as a community on our all-kosher Expedition Ship!

Itinerary