Journey to Japan

Board Coral Adventurer at Guam at 4:00pm for a 7:00pm departure. Settle into your cabin and relax as we set sail across the Pacific Ocean. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

As the southernmost island of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) with picture-perfect palm-fringed beaches and aquamarine waters that invite snorkelling and kayaking, Rota is known as ‘friendly island’ with its relaxed ambience. The island is home to diverse flora and fauna including the endemic and endangered rota white-eye bird, Mariana fruit bat and Mariana cow. Learn about WWII history at the Old Japanese Cannon which overlooks Mount Tapingot, known as ‘wedding cake mountain’ for its multi-layered topography. Snorkel or scuba to the undersea walls, shipwrecks and vivid coral reefs that surround the islands.

See the megalithic House of Taga stone pillars on Tinian Island. Visit the historic WWII site where the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber Enola Gay was loaded with the atomic bomb bound for Hiroshima. Stroll along the harbour at San Jose, the island’s largest village and swim in the clear waters of Taga Beach.

Pagan Island is an active volcanic island located some 320km north of Saipan. Here we will step ashore to visit the small local community and explore the island’s lava areas. We will learn of the island’s World War II history and visit the Japanese Zero wreck and other artifacts.

Maug Island is a remote volcanic caldera and a is flagged as an Important Bird Area for its populations of Micronesian megapodes, red-tailed tropicbirds, brown noddies, Micronesian myzomelas and Micronesian starlings. Enjoy excellent birding opportunities and snorkel or dive to explore the island’s pristine coral reef ecosystem.

Our introduction to Japan is the volcanic island of Iwo Jima where the WWII Battle of Iwo Jima took place along with the site of Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal’s famous photo Raising the Flag which was photographed on Mt. Suribachi. The famous photograph won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize – the only time an image has won the prize the year it was captured.

The largest of the Ogasawara Islands, mountainous Chichijima with its subtropical forests is rimmed by steep rocky cliffs that bound pristine white-sand beaches. Populations of humpback and sperm whales frequent the ocean during annual migrations, along with year-round pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins. Swimmers, snorkelers and kayakers may have the opportunity to see these graceful creatures up close. Nesting turtles and large populations of sea birds may be seen at Minamijima Island, a small uninhabited island with an eroded tunnel carved into a cliff connecting a scenic bay to the ocean beyond the island.

Hahajima is one of only two inhabited islands (Chichijima being the other) in the Ogasawara Island Group. Like Chichijima Island, Hahajima is home to unique flora and fauna. Walking trails crisscross the long, narrow island offer the opportunity to potentially see bird species such as the protected bonin honeyeater and boobies along with endemic plants such as sekimon trees. Limestone karsts and caves with exposed tree roots overhead can be walked through, while Ross Museum and the history Okimura Cemetery offer insight into the lives of islanders who once lived here.

The uninhabited outcrop of Mukojima and nearby Torijima is home to an important nesting site for a colony of black-footed albatrosses and Laysan albatrosses. Cruise past the active volcano of Torijima Island which houses a weather station, volcanic research station and is also a bird sanctuary. Albatrosses, Tristrams storm petrels, common kestrels and blue rock thrush may be sighted, along with whales and dolphins.

On Hachijojima Island see the landscape changed by volcanic eruptions and enjoy hot springs and waterfalls within moss-draped forests with blooming hydrangeas, aloe and freesia. Hikes with unbeatable views are on offer here where you can observe the unique nature and grazing cows. At the Hattori Residence be immersed in local culture with a Kashitate dance and Hachijo Taiko drum performance, learn about kimono traditions and wander the ancient stone-walled laneways of this historical site.

The coast of Miyakejima is largely formed by lava cooling which has created interesting geo-spots over time. Megane Rock (spectacle rock) is one such result, formed by two enormous arches lined together which have eroded over time to create a formation resembling a pair of spectacles. This unique volcanic landscape is home to flora and fauna that thrive in this challenging terrain. The island is famous for its bird watching opportunities with sightings of the Izu Island thrush – a designated natural treasure. Walk along the volcanic trails and explore the landscape while encountering wildlife at this extraordinary destination.

Shimizu, translating to ‘pure water’ in Japanese is one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji. With a mild climate, the area is home to rich tea plantations located on the Nihondiara Plateau. Visit the famous tea plantations, explore the historic township with a bustling seafood market and museum, discover the photogenic miho-no-matsubara pine grove and take to a hiking trail to enjoy rustic ropeways.

Our voyage ends in the Japanese capital of Tokyo. Disembark Coral Adventurer at 8:30 am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.