24th of April to 4th of May 2025
Join us as we set sail and explore some of Japan’s iconic highlights alongside lesser-known and rarely-visited islands and destinations on one, unforgettable all-inclusive voyage aboard our luxurious, 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer. Japan is incredibly photogenic – your cameras won’t stop!
Tina Todd
Made up of 6,852 islands, the perfect way to explore Japan’s seldom visited destinations is by sea and Heritage Adventurer is the ideal vessel for such a voyage. Combining a thrilling mix of culture, history and the natural world our authentic expedition cruise will see us exploring ancient castles, serenely beautiful gardens and opulent temples and shrines combined with witnessing some of Japan’s stunning natural landscapes.
Experience all-inclusive luxury cruise travel as we venture to destinations such as the historic and serene castle town of Matsue, the ancient anachronistic town of Hagi, and experience the tranquillity of Yakushima Island, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s mega cities with its towering mountains and ancient forest. 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.
Among the many highlights of our itinerary will be the iconic garden of Kenroku-en and one of Japan’s most famed gardens the 28-acre formal 17th Century Koraku-en garden. At Yuushien Garden experience the iconic annual Yuushien Peony Festival, while we also hope to visit private garden wonder Kawachi Wisteria Garden at Fukuoka.
Rod Morris
During our exploration of Nagasaki we will gain further insight into its World War II history as well as its role in international trade during the isolation period, while a visit to Northern Kyushu and the vibrant city of Fukuoka will have options to visit its many highlights including Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine which dates back to the 16th Century. We will also spend a day in South Korea’s Ulsan exploring UNESCO World Heritage Site Gyeongju - the ‘museum without walls’ and visiting the Haeinsa Temple, considered one of the three great temples in South Korea.
Helping us 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. Note: Voyage HA250424 operates in reverse, embarking in Osaka and disembarking in Kanazawa with a transfer to Tokyo.
Contact Michael Snedic directly
on +61 408 941 965
Your photography leader and tutor - Michael Snedic
On this expedition you will have access every day to a professional nature photographer and instructor. Michael is there to help you photograph the stunning scenery, wildlife and culture we will encounter. Michael will be conducting a series of classes throughout the voyage, as well as being on-hand throughout the outings.
Michael is a professional wildlife and nature photographer and an experienced photographic tutor (20 years.) He has been photographing wildlife and nature for 28 years and is widely published writer. His articles and images have featured in magazines, calendars, diaries, books, brochures, billboards and many other publications, across Australia and the world.
He is the author of two books on Australian wildlife, and is a Nikon School tutor in Queensland, Australia. Michael regularly presents audio-visual presentations at photographic organisations, and has been conducting photography workshops and tours across Australia and overseas for many years. Michael loves sharing his photographic knowledge and passion with workshop participants, helping them improve their photographic skills.
Itinerary:
Please contact Michael to receive a detailed daily itinerary.
Health and Fitness
Anyone in normal good health can join us on this adventure. There are no special fitness requirements, although we will be often climbing into and out of the inflatable Zodiac boats, and walking on shore. Out on the ocean and exposed to the elements it can get quite cold. But it is summer and at times in the sun it can be quite warm.
The ship has a doctor and basic medical facilities on board. If you have specific health concerns or dietary requirements the staff at Heritage will be able to advise you. There’s also a gym on board if you feel the need to get extra workouts. Actually, with the excellent meals provided on these trips it’s not hard to put weight on, so some people like this option.
Tina Todd
Inclusions
- Photography tuition throughout the expedition with Michael Snedic.
- Shipboard accommodation onboard Heritage Expedition's 'Heritage Adventurer'.
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners onboard. Coffee, tea and cocoa is available around the clock.
- All zodiac and land excursions.
Exclusions
- Airfares and other travel expenses
- Passport/visa expenses.
- Personal/travel insurance coverage. Heritage Expeditions will discuss with you the required insurance coverage
- Onboard bar, laundry, and telecommunications charges. Internet access is not available onboard.
Prices
The trip is being put together with our partners at Heritage Expeditions in Christchurch, and they take care of the bookings and travel arrangements for us, while Michael runs the photography program.
There are a variety of cabin classes. As usual with these ships your choice of berth/cabin type directly impacts the price of your ticket.
ALL CABINS CURRENTLY 20% OFF!
(The prices below are in Australian dollars).
| Main Deck Triple | $12 230 |
| Superior Triple | $12 454 |
| Superior Deck 4 | $13 634 |
| Superior Deck 5 | $14 450 |
| Main deck Single | $16222 |
| Superior Single | $17 270 |
| Worsley Suite | $18 274 |
| Heritage Suite: | $21 674 |
A 25% deposit is required to secure your place.
NB: PRICING SHOWN ABOVE INCLUDES PHOTOGRAPHY TUITION FEE BY MICHAEL SNEDIC, WHICH WILL BE INVOICED SEPARATELY. THE AMOUNT SHOWN IS THE TOTAL YOU PAY.
How to book
To reserve your place or just to ask more questions about this photo expedition, please contact Michael either via his Contact Form or by calling +61 408 941 965.
