CAU recommends Japan by Sea because it is produced by one of CAU's trusted partners and features esteemed faculty from peer institutions, in addition to world renowned traveler and writer, Pico Iyer. In other words, it's an opportunity we don't want you to miss! Space is extremely limited. Choose your cabin and get registered for this CAU Select opportunity!

For rates, terms, and more, download the brochure. Because cruise pricing can be complex and varies by cabin type, we encourage you to download the brochure and refer to page 6 for a detailed overview of available options and rates.

Heritage Adventurer, fully refurbished in 2022, welcomes just 140 passengers, ensuring a spacious, stylish, and comfortable voyage. Amenities include an open-air saltwater pool that can be heated or chilled, a hot tub encased in glass for all-weather use, a dry-heat Finnish sauna, a European steam room, a well-equipped gym, and a spa.

Public spaces and open decks abound aboard Heritage Adventurer, including two separate bar and lounge areas featuring 180-degree views and the open-topped Observation Deck for 360-degree views. Meals are served in the gourmet restaurant and in the indoor/outdoor bistro—both options offer plenty of seating and large picture windows.

From the historic quarters of Kanazawa to the island worlds of Miyajima and Sado, sacred temples and shrines to celebrated gardens and castles, discover Japan's historical and cultural significance.

During a full-day visit to Naoshima, choose from an array of excursion opportunities including a chance to admire Japan's rich artistic heritage. During two days in Toyko, optional excursions will highlight the city's modern architecture.

From the freshest sashimi and renowned local noodles to an exquisite kaiseki multi-course dinner and an opportunity to try your hand at making traditional Japanese sweets called wagashi, let Japan's cuisine delight you.

Special guest speaker Pico Iyer is the author of 17 books that have been translated into 23 languages, including the best-sellers The Open Road, The Art of Stillness, The Half Known Life, and Aflame. He has been based in Japan for 38 years. He has published three popular books on his adopted home—The Lady and the Monk, Autumn Light, and A Beginner’s Guide to Japan. Born in Oxford, England, he was educated at Eton, Oxford, and Harvard and served not long ago as Ferris Professor at Princeton. His five TED talks have received more than 11 million views.

Dr. Kendall Brown, Ph.D. is Professor of Asian Art History at California State University Long Beach. He holds a Ph.D. in Art History from Yale University and an M.A. from UC Berkeley. He publishes in several areas of Japanese art, focusing on popular arts of the 1920s and 1930s, as well as on Japanese- style gardens in North America.

Kathleen Ryor is the Tanaka Memorial Professor of International Understanding and Art History at Carleton College, where she teaches courses on East Asian art history and, over the last decade, has regularly offered specialized courses on Chinese and Japanese gardens and the Japanese tea ceremony.

Take an overnight flight to Toyko, Japan. Upon arrival, take a group transfer to your hotel. Rest, recover, and explore independently. If you've opted to participate in the pre-trip extension, join the group on May 13th.

(Meals aloft.)

Following a welcome orientation and morning lecture, choose to visit the Meiji Shrine complex, located in a 175-acre forest followed by the Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art; and Tokyo’s Aoyama district, notable for its modern architecture. Or see some of the vast collection at the Tokyo National Museum, boasting about 120,000 artifacts and pieces of art covering most of the country’s long history, then visit Shunkaen Bonsai Gardens and Museum to learn about the ancient art of bonsai. Gather this evening for a festive welcome dinner featuring local entertainment.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today, choose between two morning excursions: either visit the Tsukiji fish market and the Kappabashi culinary district, a street almost entirely populated by shops catering to the restaurant trade or enjoy a guided tour through the Ginza district, Tokyo’s most glamorous shopping district, including a visit to the iconic, 12-story Ginza Mitsukoshi department store. This afternoon board the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train, for Niigata and upon arrival embark Heritage Adventurer.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner)

Visit remote Sado Island, the home of the famous taiko drumming group Kodo (meaning “heartbeat”). Experience a private performance by some of the resident drummers, along with an interactive lesson and lecture on this ancient art form. Explore historic Shukunegi, a picturesque fishing village of wooden houses, narrow alleys, and canals. Then, attend the captain’s welcome reception and dinner aboard the ship.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Reception, Dinner)

This morning, call at the refined artistic center of Kanazawa for a visit to Kenroku-en, considered to be one of Japan’s top three gardens. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony at a classic Japanese teahouse before a visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, or join a wagashi (Japanese sweet) workshop and experience more traditional arts and crafts. Reboard Heritage Adventurer for a relaxing evening of cruising as the educational program continues.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today, you may opt to drive through lush countryside to the Adachi Museum of Art to explore its collection of modern Japanese works and exquisite gardens, or choose to arrive in charming Matsue and visit Matsue Castle, one of the few surviving castles in Japan, built in 1611, followed by time to explore Matsue's historic samurai quarter. Relax aboard Heritage Adventurer this afternoon with time for lectures and maybe a spa treatment before dinner on board.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Arrive at the South Korean port of Ulsan, then drive inland to the city of Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of the Silla kingdom that ruled for 1,000 years. See the famous Flying Horse Tomb, one of the royal burial mounds, and enjoy a guided tour of the National Museum’s highlights. After a traditional Korean lunch with entertainment, explore Bulguksa Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea’s most beautiful Buddhist temples, known for its intricate paintings and two original 6th-century pagodas.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Following a morning lecture at sea, call at Hiroshima in the afternoon. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a place of remembrance, reflection, and education. Begin with a walk through the museum, a poignant tribute to the devastating impact of the atomic bombing during World War II and the subsequent efforts toward peace and nuclear disarmament. See the Atomic Bomb Dome, the only building left standing after the explosion, and present paper cranes at the Children’s Peace Monument. The remainder of the day is at leisure for independent exploration.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Anchor off the coast of Miyajima Island and board Zodiacs to go ashore. Visit the 6th-century Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its iconic brilliant red torii, a grand wooden gateway that appears to float on the sea at high tide. Enjoy free time to visit tiny temples and stroll through picturesque streets or ride the gondola up Mount Meisen for spectacular 360-degree views. Later this afternoon, relax and cruise through the scenic Inland Sea dotted with small islands.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today opt for one of two excursion choices. Either visit captivating Naoshima Island, a mecca for innovative art and contemporary architecture, and tour some of its worldclass museums, including the Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum, and the Naoshima New Museum of Art, or explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama and wander the spacious Koraku-en Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Over 300 years old, this landscape garden is unique for its spacious lawns. Gather this evening for a talk by special guest speaker Pico Iyer, followed by the captain’s farewell reception and dinner aboard ship.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Reception, Dinner)

After breakfast, disembark Heritage Adventurer and take a group transfer to Kansai International Airport for flights home, or begin the optional post-trip extension to Nara and Kyoto.

(Meals included: Breakfast)

Arrive early to visit Zen temples, bathe in natural hot springs, enjoy traditional multi-course meals, and see world-class art.

Extend your stay to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, iconic bamboo groves, and world class museums.

May 12 – 23, 2026
To register, contact CAU Partner Criterion Travel
Phone: 888-328-2089 | Email: res@criteriontravel.com
Register Online

October 8 - 16, 2026
A wine and food focused Study Tour featuring Annemarie Morse, International Wine Judge
Aboard the AmaSintra
In partnership with Arrangements Abroad

CAU is your first choice for in-depth, lifelong learning with Cornell faculty in the classroom and around the globe. Our Select Tours feature faculty from peer institutions and are opportunities you don't want to miss!

We are committed to ensuring that CAU and Cornell Alumni Travel tours provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. You can find the expectations that are applicable to all attendees of Cornell University alumni events, both on and off campus, by visiting this link.