Sakura Seas: Japan & South Korea - Eastbound 2026

14 days
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Small Ship Cruise
An unforgettable 14 day journey / 7 day cruise begins in the dynamic, historic city of Seoul, South Korea, a new destination for Tauck, before embarking on a cruise through the Japanese archipelago. Highlights include scenic stops in historic cities like Hiroshima, Hagi, and Beppu, along with a visit to the serene island of Miyajima. Immerse in local culture,...
From$15,990
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Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Sharing the storied coast of the Sea of Japan
    • South Korea and Japan blend past and present in a head-turning array of ancient cultural treasures
    • timeless traditions and innovative technologies that speak volumes about daily life. Spend three nights exploring the soul of South Korea in Seoul from a luxury city-center hotel before visiting Busan and embarking on an 8-night cruise aboard Le Soléal to the island nation of Japan. Sail to historic ports of call steeped in history and hospitality
    • including the important fishing port of Sakaiminato
    • the castle town of Hagi
    • the hot springs resort of Beppu
    • Uwajima
    • known for its cultured pearls
    • peace-inspired Hiroshima
    • the Edo-merchant town of Kurashiki nearby the port of Tamano

What's this trip about?

    An unforgettable 14 day journey / 7 day cruise begins in the dynamic, historic city of Seoul, South Korea, a new destination for Tauck, before embarking on a cruise through the Japanese archipelago. Highlights include scenic stops in historic cities like Hiroshima, Hagi, and Beppu, along with a visit to the serene island of Miyajima. Immerse in local culture, from tea ceremonies and art museums to Japanese gardens, experiencing a unique blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty.  

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start City Seoul South Korea
End CityOsaka

Travel Themes

  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Hiroshima
  • Osaka
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • You have a choice of hotel accommodation for nights 1, 2 & 3 and 12 & 13 – Fairmont Seoul nights 1, 2 & 3 andTheShangri-La Hotel, Tokyo nights 12 & 13orThe Four Season Seoul nights 1, 2 & 3andThe Palace Hotel, Tokyo nights 12 & 13orThe Conrad Seoul nights 1, 2 & 3 andThe Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo nights 12 & 13 Board a ferry bound for the volcanic landscapes of Sakurajima, known as "Cherry Blossom Island." A choice of excursions includes a visit to revered Sengan-en Garden and a stately home in Kagoshima, or a poignant visit to the Chiran Peace Museum, built in memory of WWII Kamikaze pilots Learn about traditional Japanese cultural entertainment, including a lecture on the life of a Geiko / Geisha, a dramatic sumo wrestling demonstration, and a fascinating Taiko drumming performance as athletic as it is rhythmic All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff, local guides and drivers Private Tauck Shore Excursions – $6,876 Value

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Seoul

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Conrad Seoul or Four Seasons Seoul.
A transfer is included upon arrival from ICN Incheon International Airport or GMP Gimpo International Airport to the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Conrad Seoul or Four Seasons Seoul, premier hotels ideally located in the heart of the city. Join us this evening for a welcome...
Day 2 The soul of Seoul

Ranked among the World's Best Cities by Forbes Magazine, Seoul is a global pop powerhouse rooted in cultural traditions that date back to the 1300s when it served as the capital city of Korea. Today, this charismatic South Korean ca...

Day 3 Seoul, past and present

Sightseeing continues today with a visit to the Korean War Memorial. Featuring poignant multimedia exhibits, monuments and memorials honoring fallen soldiers, and machinery and artifacts from various wars, the museum presents a sobe...

Day 4 Discover Busan / Embark ship

Board a bullet train bound for the port city of Busan this morning, enjoying a panoramic drive of the city before lunch at a local restaurant. Nestled amidst mountains, pristine beaches, and steaming hot springs, Busan captivates it...

Day 5 Cruise to Sakaiminato

Spend the morning at sea en route to Sakaiminato. Located in western Japan, Sakaiminato has been known an important fishing port since the Middle Ages, serving as trading hub between Continental Asia and the archipelago for centurie...

Day 6 Traditional charms of Hagi

On a choice of excursions today, experience the charms of coastal Hagi, a gem of a castle town lined with traditional well-preserved samurai-era residences and merchants' homes. The seaside town grew up around Hagi Castle, built in ...

Day 7 Beppu on Kyushu Island

Dock in the famous spa resort city of Beppu this morning. Located on Kyushu Island between Beppu Bay and volcanic mountains, it's home to more than 2,000 onsen (hot springs) that together produce more hot spring water than any other...

Day 8 Discover Uwajima

Enjoy a choice of excursions in Uwajima, Japan's main center for cultured pearls. Visit a family-owned pearl farm in the countryside to learn about skill and precision it takes to produce the oyster-grown pearls and tour a local ope...

Day 9 Miyajima Island & Hiroshima

Board a ferry for a ride to Miyajima Island see the iconic Miyajima-Itsukushima Shrine, best known for its floating torii. Ride the ferry back to the mainland for a choice of sightseeing excursions in Hiroshima. Visit the Atomic Bom...

Day 10 Art, bicycling or beer on Tamano

Dock in Tamano for a choice of excursions that cater to your interest. Travel to the old merchant town of Kurashiki for a walking tour of its charming historic quarter and a visit to the Ohara Museum. Ferry to the art island of Naos...

Day 11 Kobe or Kyoto

Dock in Kobe in central Japan today renowned for its signature marbled beef and scenic setting of mountains framing the harbor. Enjoy the opportunity to explore the town, visit the Sake Brewery Museum and the Bamboo Museum, with a c...

Day 12 Disembark in Osaka / Tokyo

Disembark your small ship in Osaka after breakfast this morning and board the Shinkansen Bullet Train bound for a two-night stay in Japan's vibrant capital city, Tokyo. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch on a panoramic drive to yo...

Day 13 Meiji Shrine, Edo Museum & Sumo wrestling

Visit Meiji Shrine this morning, honoring the deified spirits of Japan's Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, and enjoy a guided tour of the newly renovated Edo Museum, schedule permitting. Join us for a farewell reception an...

Day 14 Journey home

Tour ends: Tokyo.
Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, the Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo or the Palace Hotel, Tokyo to Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Osaka, Japan

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Dates & Availability

Price From $15,990
Price per day$1,142
Last Updated: 3/14/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Single Standard
Double Luxury
Availability
10 Apr 2026
24 Apr 2026
$16,490
$24,398
$34,490
26 Apr 2026
10 May 2026
$16,490
$24,398
$34,490

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Skip this cruise - not worth it

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Logistics

Accommodation

Ship & cabin information
LE SOLEAL
LE SOLEAL Sophisticated styling, cutting-edge “green” technology and service that is welcoming and attentive combined for unsurpassed small ship cruising when Le Soléal joined her sister ships, Le Boréal and L’Austral, in 2013. Like the award-winning Le Boréal, this luxe mega-yacht features six decks, a choice of two dining venues and all-included bar and restaurant beverages throughout the day aboard ship, including house wines and spirits. Le Soléal’s facilities and observation areas make your time at sea a pleasure; they include three lounges, bars with access to the open decks and evening entertainment. A state-of-the-art theatre provides an intimate space for lectures and entertainment, while a fitness and beauty complex and medical center provide for travel with ease. 132 staterooms (200 to 226 sq. ft.) and suites (290 to 398 sq. ft.) have sea views; 95% have private balconies. Staterooms offer individually controlled air conditioning, two twin beds that convert to a king-size bed or, a sofa converting to a queen-size bed. Amenities include video on demand, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, electronic safe, hair dryer, iPod Dock and minibar. Superior staterooms and Prestige suites can accommodate triples.
Built: 2013 Length: 466 ft. or 142 m. Draft: 15.3 ft. or 4.7 m. Beam: 59 ft. or 18 m. Tonnage: 10,944 gross tons Cruising Speed: 14 knots Air Conditioned: Yes Elevator: Yes Number of Guests: 224 - 264 Crew Members: 139 Registry: France Crew Nationality: French / International Internet: Send / Receive
LE SOLEAL
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
ALL_AGES
Additional Information
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Trip ID
tauck-XJE2026

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