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Samurai, shrines & surprising wildness
Japan is imbued with an allure that has inspired for centuries. Now for the first time ever we’re venturing to this fascinating region—on two new adventurous itineraries. Roam shores brimming with temples, teahouses, and ancient traditions; discover a seldom-seen wild side on subtropical islands where azure waters meet verdant forests; plus, get a taste of Taiwan and Korea too. First impressions are everything—join us aboard National Geographic Resolution on these pioneering inaugural itineraries.
(5) Asia Itineraries
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NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.
New
A Journey from Nome to Tokyo: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture
Duration
20 days
Aug
From
$31,470
Top Highlights
Watch for a profusion of rare wildlife in Alaska’s Pribilof and Aleutian Islands: from whiskered auklets and northern fur seals to Steller’s sea eagles and brown bears
Search for the sacred red-crowned crane on a visit to the wetlands of Kushiro in Hokkaido
Learn about the culture of Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people on visits to a village and a living history museum
New
Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture
Duration
15 days
Sep
From
$28,618
Top Highlights
Delve into the history of the samurai and their feudal lords while visiting castles and samurai districts in Kanazawa, Matsue, and Uwajima
Explore the cultural legacy of Korea’s Silla Dynasty among the ancient ruins of Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Get inspired on the art-filled island of Naoshima, and visit museums and studios dedicated to artists and traditional handicrafts in Matsue and Takamatsu
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$21,068
Prices are per person
Highlights
Asia
New
India by Land and River: Taj Mahal, Safaris and the Brahmaputra
Duration
18 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$21,068
Top Highlights
Explore the rugged coastline of the Russian Far East aboard the National Geographic Orion, stepping ashore at remote Koryak villages and hiking through breathtaking fjords and valleys.
Witness a profusion of rare wildlife from the deck of our ship or aboard a nimble Zodiac, from whiskered auklets and northern fur seals to Steller’s sea eagles and brown bears.
Navigate the Kuril Islands, located between the Kamchatka Peninsula and Japan’s Hokkaido island, and marvel at their fascinating geology as you trek the tundra-covered volcanic slopes.
Spot the sacred red-crowned crane on a visit to the wetlands of Kushiro in Hokkaido, and learn about the unique culture of Japan’s indigenous Ainu people.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$11,546
Prices are per person
Highlights
Asia
New
India Expedition: Kolkata, Kaziranga and the Brahmaputra River
Duration
11 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$11,546
Top Highlights
Explore the rugged coastline of the Russian Far East aboard the National Geographic Orion, stepping ashore at remote Koryak villages and hiking through breathtaking fjords and valleys.
Witness a profusion of rare wildlife from the deck of our ship or aboard a nimble Zodiac, from whiskered auklets and northern fur seals to Steller’s sea eagles and brown bears.
Navigate the Kuril Islands, located between the Kamchatka Peninsula and Japan’s Hokkaido island, and marvel at their fascinating geology as you trek the tundra-covered volcanic slopes.
Spot the sacred red-crowned crane on a visit to the wetlands of Kushiro in Hokkaido, and learn about the unique culture of Japan’s indigenous Ainu people.
Contrast the brightly lit metropolis of Tokyo with the narrow, winding streets of Kanazawa’s well-preserved samurai districts. Discover fascinating tales of feudal lords while visiting their castles, shrines, and gardens. And see firsthand how the Japanese have elevated everyday rituals—tea, sake, kimonos, sushi, floral arranging—into spectacular art forms. Only 400 of Japan’s nearly 7,000 islands are inhabited. Our explorations also take us beyond the populous borders of Honshu into wilder realms. Or snorkel through crystal waters that are home to sea turtles, manta rays, and the elusive Okinawa dugong. In Taiwan’s Yehliu Geopark, witness incredible hoodoo spires.
It is a privilege to visit Japan, a richly diverse and culturally fascinating geography. And to the privilege of cruising these islands, National Geographic Resolution adds the luxury of comfort—a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and revitalize body, mind, and spirit.
Expedition Spotlight: Japan, A Travel Photographer's Paradise
In this episode of Expedition Spotlight, Certified Photo Instructor and Naturalist David Cothran shares the inspired photo ops that abound in this beautiful island nation and how he helps guests realize their vision of Japan through composition, light, and storytelling.
Exploring Japan by Sea: From Matsue to Okinawa & Beyond
From the earliest explorers to Shōgun fans, and beyond, Western travelers have long known that the island nation of Japan is best explored by sea.
The History Behind Japan’s Most Beautiful Landscape Gardens
Japan's daimyo gardens have been open to the public since the end of the feudal era in the 19th century and have been exceedingly well-preserved, transporting travelers not only to a place of calm introspection but back centuries in time.
I came here having no idea what to expect, but it’s just been magical. The food, the scenery, the people, the wildlife, all of it.
Ken C.
Explore with top expedition teams
See, do, and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades.
Expedition Leader
Explore with a veteran expedition leader—the orchestrator of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Contemporary art and age-old religion, stunning architecture and iconic shrines, complex history and unique culture. Japan has captivated the imaginations of Westerners for eons. On our Far East itineraries, you’ll travel with passionate experts—a cultural specialist, a historian, and local guides—who will illuminate every facet to give you an intimate perspective on this distant land.
Sail with a team of four naturalists, each of whom is passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly) and who help illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Choose to spend time with whoever shares your interests in birding, human history, flora and fauna, and so much more.
Joining us on this expedition means signing up for adventure; and the reward for your curiosity is inevitable—the most exhilarating experience of pure discovery possible.
We enjoyed our day on board Jahan on our way to Vietnam. We had one last chance to see the brown waters of the Tonlé Sap meet the blue waters of the Mekong in Phnom Pen, before hitting the road. Linguist and historian Jean-Michel Philippi came on board to explain modern Cambodian history to us, and it was fascinating! After the many questions and theories to take in, the rest of the day was lighter. We were treated to a tour of Jahan and also a fantastic cooking class. The most noticeable difference on this part of our river trip was the change from a countryside landscape punctuated by children greeting us, to a river filled with trading boats and other industries, on which people live. As we descended towards the Mekong Delta, we began to appreciate the importance of this river to the Vietnamese population on a daily basis.
A day trip in Phnom Penh, Cambodia takes us on a journey through the country's rich history and vibrant culture. We started our day at the Royal Palace, a stunning complex with shimmering golden spires and well-manicured gardens. We explored the Silver Pagoda, marveling at its floor made of silver tiles and the impressive collection of Buddha statues. Next, we visited the National Museum where we discovered a treasure trove of Khmer art and sculptures. The museum immerses us in Cambodia’s ancient history, showcasing artifacts from the Angkor period. After lunch, we took a somber turn with a visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a high school, now transformed into the infamous S-21 prison. Here, we confront the harrowing tales of those who suffered, through haunting photographs and personal accounts. Next, we continued to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. This site, marked by mass graves and a commemorative stupa filled with skulls, reminds us of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. We finished our day with a traditional Cambodian dance performance. This day gave us a profound understanding of Cambodia's beauty and its poignant past.
This morning, we woke up early to get ready to travel by oxcart! Each oxcart could host two people, and we went for a ride in the countryside to visit the rice fields. We learned a lot about rice production and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Everyone will remember these moments! After this experience, we went to visit the Green school where we had great fun singing and playing with the kids. They came up to practice their English with us and it was really rewarding. Back on board Jahan , the staff showed us the Cambodian traditional fashion for weddings and the thousand ways to use and tie a Kroma, the traditional piece of check fabric they all carry around. In the afternoon we went with three-benched tuk-tuks to visit a potter. It was incredible to see her shape a huge pot in no time just by hand. We also learned about palm sugar, one of the most famous local products which comes from the national tree of Cambodia, the palm tree. It was very impressive to see the height of the tree and the ease with which the farmer climbed it in no time. Last but not least, everywhere we went we were greeted by kids and adults with beautiful smiles.
As the warm Cambodian sun rose over the mighty Mekong River, Jahan eased up to the riverbank at Angkor Ban just 15 kilometers from Phnom Penh. After breakfast, guests departed the ship to roam around Angkor Ban, a traditional Khmer village bustling with vegetable markets and beautiful vernacular architecture. Khmer guides led guests around the village, entering a traditional house while engaging with local children and residents. After returning to Jahan , local monks came aboard to chant in Pali and give a blessing to guests continuing their voyage. Guests enjoyed presentations by cultural specialist Julia Esteve on Cambodian and Vietnamese religion and culture, and by photo instructor Giulia Ciampini on smartphone photography. Afterward guests departed for Prek Bangkong by tuktuk, to visit a local Khmer silk farm workshop and traditional Khmer residence once owned by an architect of the Royal Palace. Guests later congregated on the bow of Jahan to celebrate sailing through the “Meeting of the Waters,” the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap Rivers. A wonderful start to a magical journey down the Mekong River.
Today we crossed the Pacific Ocean between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands on National Geographic Orion . The swells were crashing over the bow as we bounced from crest to crest. It’s a sea day and the last before we end this great voyage in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The guests were entertained throughout the day with presentations from our expedition experts, a galley visit, and most especially, the team from the galley prepared amazing cuisine to enjoy. It was with mixed feelings we came to the end of this fantastic voyage because National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions won’t be returning to this region for the foreseeable future. The many memories, cultures, and community connections we made over the years has been special and will be missed. Cheers! Tua Pittman, Cultural Navigator