Through Japan's Ryukyu Islands

Board Coral Geographer at Chuo Wharf Cruise Centre, Fukuoka at 4:00pm. Once on board there is time to settle into your stateroom and get acquainted with your fellow travellers. After your onboard orientation, the Expedition team will brief guests on upcoming activities. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.

In the 16^th and 17^th centuries, Nagasaki gained international renown as a trade hub for Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and Korean merchants. More recently, Nagasaki played a pivotal role in ending WWII after the second atomic bombing. Guests will visit the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park; a sombre memorial and promoter for world peace. During free time, there will be the opportunity to explore the Dejima Dutch Town district with its fascinating mixture of international architecture. End the day with an evening trip up Mt. Inasa in a slope car to view one of the most beautiful evening views in Japan.

Adventure Scale

Walking: Easy – Flat walks throughout the Museum and Peace Park. Access to slope car requires climbing a set of stairs at entry and to access the summit.

Shimokoshikijima lies off the coast of Kagoshima; its remoteness preserves a tranquil, calm lifestyle ideal for visitors seeking solitude and natural beauty.  What makes ‘Koshiki’ truly special to us are the welcoming local villages – several of who have launched several tourism ventures to help combat declining populations. Today we have 2 choices that support such ventures:

Option 1 – Nature lovers will enjoy a guided hike through the ancient evergreen forests to a waterfall where we will discover the local myths and legends and enjoy an authentic bento-box lunch.

Option 2 – Alternatively; guests can take part in handicraft activities and a guided walk through the picturesque village after delicious bento-box lunch.

Adventure Scale 

Hiking Excursion: Moderate –  Requires a good level of fitness and the ability to walk unassisted over uneven, often wet/damp ground.

Village Tour: Low to Moderate –  Village tour includes a short walk through town between community centre and village sites, guest should be able to walk for 10 to 15 min unassisted.

Kagoshima is often referred to as the “Naples of the East” for its scenic bay views and active volcano. Kagoshima offers a unique blend of historic sites and natural scenery perfect for exploration. Today’s excursions reflect the region’s diversity so there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Option 1 – Embark on a full-day visit to the Kirishima Kinkowan National Park. Hike through a gorge forged by the movements of lava and basalt. Refresh tired feet at the traditional foot bath and a tasty local lunch. Climb the ‘stairs to heaven’ to Kirishima Grand Shrine and discover how Ryukyu culture influenced the building of this important shrine complex.

Option 2 –  History lovers will enjoy walking through the streets and gardens of a 250 year old Samurai district. There will also be a visit to a museum highlighting the area’s connections to WWII aviation history.

Option 3 – Experience the revived Satsuma Kiriko Glass artform and enjoy time to wander through the gardens and exquisitely appointed residences at Sengan-en. Don’t forget to stop and admire the view of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay.

Adventure Scale

Hike & Temple Visit: Moderate – Guests should be comfortable with hiking approximately 1 hour over rising incline and uneven ground. Temple is accessed by climbing approx. 100 stairs.

Samurai Gardens & Museum: Easy to Moderate – Samurai district is approximately 30 to 45 minutes of walking depending on interest/number of stops, museum time at your own pace.

Sengan-en:  Easy to Moderate – Self led exploration of gardens at own pace, glass experience requires guests to stand.

Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lush island located off the southern coast of Kyushu. This subtropical paradise is renowned for its ancient cedar forests, mist-shrouded mountains, and abundant biodiversity. The island’s natural beauty has inspired art and culture, including serving as the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke.

All guests will enjoy guided walks through the mystical forests and view a 25-metre-tall cedar tree estimated to be up to 7,000 years old. With a variety of walking trails on the island, there are options suitable for all fitness levels. Trails will be selected by your expert local guides and Expedition team, depending on weather conditions.

Adventure Scale

Hiking: Low to Moderate – Easy boardwalk trails are available for guests who prefer a more relaxed option; however a good level of mobility and balance is required especially if conditions are wet.

Suwanosejima, one of the Tokara Islands, is home to fewer than 100 residents who make their living from agriculture, fishing, and seasonal tourism. The volcano on this island is among the most active in the world, maintaining a near-continuous Strombolian-style eruption since 1949. Cruise around the island to experience this unique and remote destination.

During your sea day, delve deeper into Japanese and Ryukyu culture with your Guest Lecturers and Local Guides. Enjoy guided wine and Japanese spirit tastings with your friendly Hospitality team, or simply sit back and admire the coastal scenery as we continue our voyage into the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Amami Ōshima, the largest island in the Amami archipelago, is our first entry into the Ryukyu Islands and the fascinating cultures they encompass. Amami Ōshima is also renowned for its incredible marine diversity, featuring mangroves, beaches, and coral reefs. This captivating island offers our guests two options today.

Option 1 – Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Amami with guided morning or afternoon snorkelling sessions alongside our knowledgeable Expedition Team and local snorkel guides. Between these aquatic adventures, explore behind the scenes with Bridge and Engine Room tours, or simply unwind and take in the serene beauty of the bay.
For divers, two extraordinary dive sites await, offering a chance to discover the hidden wonders beneath the surface.

Option 2 – Alternatively, delve into the island’s cultural history with a visit to its art museum and kimono village. This tour lasts approximately seven hours, including travel time, and includes a local-style lunch at an Amami restaurant. Keen birdwatchers may even spot the elusive Lidth’s Jay if conditions are right!

Adventure Scale

Snorkelling: Easy to moderate – Guests will travel on local tender vessels to reach snorkel location.

Diving: Moderate – Guests must be comfortable with climbing up/down a ladder to access the water. Certified and DSD divers are welcome.  

Okinoerabujima is renowned for its unique limestone geography, boasting over 300 limestone caves and a network of underground rivers. Above ground, the island features lush rainforests, rugged volcanic coastlines, and secluded beaches. Today, our guests can choose from two captivating excursions:

Option 1– Enjoy a guided tour of the lava coastline, including a fascinating view into a sea cave shaped by millennia of ocean spray and winds. Visit a local textile artisan to discover the art of using banana leaves to create clothing and other items.

Option 2 – Embark on a guided caving expedition into the rimstone cave system. Guests will swim and climb through the caves, culminating in an incredible walk through illuminated terraced pools adorned with twinkling stalactites and stalagmites.

During free time, all guests can take a short walk along cycad-lined local streets and enjoy swimming, snorkelling, or relaxing on a secluded beach.

Adventure Scale

Rimstone Caving: Difficult – Guests must be comfortable navigating enclosed spaces, sometimes at a crawl. Participants must be able to climb over uneven ground and have an excellent level of mobility. At times, guests will be submerged in cold water. Not recommended for those with pre-existing heart, respiratory, or mobility conditions. Please speak to our Reservations Team if you have questions about participating.

Coastal & Textiles Tour: Easy to Moderate – A short walk over slightly uneven ground is required to access the sea cave.

For the next two days, Coral Geographer will be based in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island. This region offers a fascinating mix of culture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, island cuisine, beach sports, and activities. During our stay, we will embark on several excursions, with the order and timing to be advised by your Expedition Team once on board.

Expedition Options 

• Visit Nakijin Castle: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nakijin Castle, one of Japan’s most famous Gusuku-style castles. These traditional Ryukyuan structures offer a fascinating insight into how the old kingdoms operated.
• Savour a Japanese Buffet Lunch: Enjoy a Japanese buffet lunch, featuring organic local Genki vegetables, traditional Okinawan stir fry, tempura dishes, local soups, and soba noodles.
• Stroll Along Bise-Fukugi Road: Take a leisurely walk along the scenic Bise-Fukugi Road, where rows of camphor trees create a beautiful tree-lined path. Bask in the sunlight streaming through the leaves, listen to the rustling of the trees, and experience the tranquil silence of an old Okinawan village.
• Water Activities at Gorilla Chop: Swim or snorkel from the beach at Gorilla Chop, just a short walk from the port.
• Explore Motobu Town: Alternatively, take a shuttle to Motobu Town to explore the local area at your own pace.

The Zamami Islands are home to one of Japan’s most spectacular national parks. The ocean here is so clear it has its own namesake: Kerama Blue. The island scenery is breathtaking both above and below the waterline, with calm beaches, walking trails, and diverse ecology attracting all types of nature lovers.

During our visit, we will enjoy exclusive access to a deserted island, where guests can swim, snorkel, and relax on the beach, away from the main tourist areas.

For walkers, there is an opportunity to hike to the summit of Mt Takatsuki, offering incredible views of the islands. The return journey passes through the quaint Zamami Village, providing a glimpse into idyllic island life.

Adventure Scale

Snorkelling: Easy to Moderate – Off a sandy beach.

Diving: Moderate – Guests must be comfortable climbing up and down a ladder to access the water. Certified and DSD divers are welcome.

Mt Takatsuki Hike: Moderate – The hike follows a paved road and trail and requires a good level of fitness. Conditions are typically hot and humid.

Kumejima warmly welcomes its guests to this remote corner of the world with classic Ryukyuan hospitality, tea, and a relaxed pace of life. Despite its small size, this charming island offers a wealth of experiences, from diving vibrant coral reefs and enjoying cultural activities to swimming in crystal-clear waters.

The locals of Kumejima host a special event to celebrate our arrival on the island. Guests can taste the unique Bukubuku bubble tea, try on traditional Ryukyuan costumes, and enjoy music and dance performed with Sanshin instruments.

When not participating in the festivities, swimmers, snorkellers, and divers will have another opportunity to explore the region’s remarkable marine diversity. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are gentle coastal walks around the island, perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in the tranquil scenery.

Adventure Scale

Snorkelling: Easy to Moderate – Off a sandy beach.

Diving: Moderate – Guests must be comfortable climbing up and down a ladder to access the water. Certified and DSD divers are welcome.

Our voyage through the Ryukyu Islands continues as we arrive at Miyakojima. During the 14th century, Miyakojima became part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which united the islands of Okinawa, the Miyako Islands, and the Yaeyama Islands under a centralised government—an incredible feat, considering the kingdom’s capital was located in Naha, some 300 km away across typhoon-affected seas and shallow coral reefs.

All guests will embark on a guided walk at Cape Higashi, offering scenic views over the headland and the shallow reef beyond. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkel at a local beach, where sea turtles are often sighted.

Later, return to Coral Geographer for an afternoon of onboard activities. Divers will have the option of a dive trip to a nearby reef.

Adventure Scale

Cape Higashi Walk: Moderate – Guests should be comfortable walking over occasionally uneven ground in warm, sunny conditions.

Snorkelling: Easy to Moderate – Off a sandy beach.

Diving: Moderate – Guests must be comfortable climbing up and down a ladder to access the water. Certified and DSD divers are welcome.

Often referred to as “Japan’s last wild frontier,” Iriomote is a remote and untamed haven known for its lush subtropical jungles, pristine rivers, and cascading waterfalls. The majority of the island is a dedicated National Park, resulting in minimal development and several ecotourism strategies designed to protect the environment.

Today, we join a local ecotourism cruise to learn more about Japan’s largest mangrove systems and their vital role in supporting the ecosystem.

Following the cruise, there is an opportunity to embark on a guided hike through the subtropical forest to Mariyudu Waterfalls. This area is home to rare and beautiful species of flora and fauna. Observant hikers may spot the elusive Okinawa Rail or the stunning Ryukyu Blue Butterfly along the trail.

Activity Scale

Hiking: Moderate to Difficult – The hike follows an unsealed trail that is often damp or wet due to overnight rain. Guests should be comfortable navigating uneven ground and require a very good level of balance.

Ishigaki, Japan’s southernmost island, is our base for the final two days as we explore this tropical paradise. Here, we have the opportunity to enjoy several excursions. Your Expedition Team will advise on the order and timing of these once on board.

Expedition Options

• A guided hike to the summit of Mt Banna, offering amazing views over the tropical islands and stunning blue seas.
• A visit to the island’s local Awamori Distillery, where Awamori, a signature Okinawan spirit, is distilled rather than brewed like mainland sake. Awamori plays an important role in local culture, featured in many ceremonies and events, which our guide will explain in further detail.
• An excursion to nearby Taketomi Island to discover the authentic village town on a guided walking tour, with time to relax and swim at the nearby beach afterwards.
• Divers will have the opportunity to dive the Manta Scramble and learn more about the lives of these beautiful rays.

To celebrate the conclusion of our voyage, there will be a signature cooking demonstration back on board Coral Geographer, followed by the Captain’s Farewell Drinks.

Our voyage ends in the Taiwanese city of Keelung. Disembark Coral Geographer at 9:30am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew.