Zen, Zodiacs and contemporary art: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is setting course for the dream destination of Japan
Japan remains one of the world’s most in-demand travel destinations and has been a mainstay of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises routes for years.
With the start of this year’s Japan season on the HANSEATIC inspiration, the leading provider of luxury and expedition cruises in the German-speaking market is shining a spotlight on the diversity of the country once again: routes that connect all four of Japan’s main islands, from intensive expedition and natural experiences to new culinary and cultural excursions between Japan and Alaska.
Long-term demand for the destination is strong: other Japan cruises on the HANSEATIC spirit, EUROPA and EUROPA 2 in 2027 and 2028 have already been announced and are generating strong interest.
The combination of a culture spanning millennia, modern cities, breathtaking scenery, hospitality and exceptional cuisine attracts travellers from all over the world and continues to make Japan one of Asia’s most exciting cruise destinations. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has made the destination a linchpin of its itinerary and offers guests in-depth insights into different aspects of the country on its expedition and luxury fleets, from bustling metropolises to remote coastal regions and small harbour towns.
Experience Japan with special expertise
The expedition fleet’s Japan routes have established themselves as pillars of the programme in recent years. Continuously optimised routes off the beaten track, the years of experience of the crews on board and the expertise of the experts who join them offer profound insights into the culture, history and nature of the country, such as on hikes through volcanic landscapes or encounters in small harbour towns. In particular, guests benefit from the opportunities available to the small, manoeuvrable ships: smaller harbour towns and remote regions are on the itinerary alongside famous metropolises and cultural centres.
No more than 230 guests on the expedition ships can use the robust inflatable boats to land anywhere, independently of a harbour, and make the cruise experience even more intensive.
Four main islands, one cruise
As this year’s season gets under way, guests on the HANSEATIC inspiration can look forward to a special route highlight: the small expedition ship connects Japan’s four main islands – Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku – on a single cruise. This seldom-travelled route explores the cultural and scenic diversity of the country from an exceptionally comprehensive perspective, from urban centres on Honshu to the volcanic landscapes on Kyushu. From bustling cities and traditional temples to pristine coastal regions, guests can see all the different sides of Japan – from the spacious open decks on board and as part of numerous guided hikes.
Expedition experiences all the way to Alaska
The route from Otaru from Seward features a trio of expeditionary gems between Asia and Alaska in Hokkaido, the Aleutian Islands and Alaska. The route along the Pacific Ring of Fire is a rare charm, combining natural experiences in the habitat of cranes, whales, bears and sea eagles with inspiring insights into the lives of the inhabitants. The exclusive trolling experience, a traditional Alaskan fishing method, is a new addition to the excursion programme.
Small groups of adventurous guests can venture into the waters off the coast – famous for their abundance of fish – to encounter whales, sea otters and seabirds up close with luck and try their hand at catching a Chinook salmon. The fresh catches will then be prepared on board, for a sea-to-table experience in the middle of the Alaskan scenery.
Japan remains a mainstay of the programme
Over the next few years, Japan will remain a linchpin of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises itinerary. In 2027 and 2028, the HANSEATIC spirit will traverse the waters between Japan, South Korea and the Pacific islands on no fewer than five cruises. The two luxury ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2 complete the offering with two further cruises each, focusing on the exciting contrasts between futuristic cities, traditional culture and regions with spectacular natural scenery.
Art and a change of perspective on the EUROPA 2
The EUROPA 2 relies on special access to destinations as well: the cruise from Tokyo to Hong Kong will feature a curated art and culture programme as part of the art2sea format. Guests can gain insights into the art and culture scenes of Japan and China in cooperation with selected art collectors, creatives and cultural trendsetters. Personal discussions both on board and ashore offer new perspectives on contemporary art, society and cruise culture.
Exclusive cultural encounters and visits to famous art venues are on the itinerary at multiple ports, including the Kirishima Open Air Museum, the 798 Art Zone in Beijing and other selected museums, studios and private collections.
Sample cruises
Discover the unknown sides of Japan and South Korea with the HANSEATIC spirit: The rich diversity of Korea combined with the rarely visited west coast of Japan. Guests have the opportunity to get up close and personal to explore the contrast between tradition and modern high-tech culture. Away from the usual routes, architecture and culture reveal a new Land of Smiles. From Inchon (Seoul) to Tomakomai, from 13 Jun – 26 Jun 2027 (13 days). Bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 12,710 (including early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026) per person, double occupancy, including travel package to and from departure and arrival points. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/SPI2709
Experience Japanese culture and Chinese metropolises with the EUROPA 2: With art2sea, guests will discover the many different treasures China and Japan have to offer and experience the past and present of two extraordinary countries. From Tokyo to Hong Kong, from 15 May to 2 Jun 2027 (18 days). Bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 14,030 (including early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026) per person, double occupancy, including travel package to and from departure and arrival points. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/EUX2708
Behold Japan’s splendour in full bloom from the EUROPA: Between futuristic design and centuries-old temples, food stalls and glittering shopping streets, Zen gardens and unspoilt landscapes, Southeast Asia’s cities pulsate to their own rhythm. From Yokohama to Ho Chi Minh City, from 20 Mar to 8 Apr 2028 (19 days). Bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 13,640 (including early booking discount, valid until 31 May 2027) per person, double occupancy, including travel package to and from departure and arrival points. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/EUR2806
(Zen, Zodiacs and contemporary art: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is setting course for the dream destination of Japan)
