Pioneering small-ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions has released its new Cherry Blossoms of Japan Cruise due to overwhelming interest from guests.

The family-owned and operated cruise company's Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ said the new voyage was the result of increased guest interest and had been carefully curated to celebrate Japan's iconic Sakura/Cherry Blossom Season and Hanami Parties.

"Japan is rightly famous for its cherry blossoms and the incredible celebrations and festivals that surround Sakura Season and our guests really wanted to experience this with us," he said.

Heritage Expeditions 12-day Cherry Blossoms of Japan Cruise from Tokyo to Osaka will explore the islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, cruise the Seto Inland Sea and visit Busan, South Korea joining cherry blossom celebrations along the way. 

"We plan to explore some of Japan's iconic highlights alongside lesser-known and rarely-visited coastlines accessible only by expedition ship, in true Heritage Expeditions style, including Japan's famous art island Naoshima, historic Hiroshima, Miyajima's famed floating Torii Gate, Mount Fuji and more all framed by Japan's famed cherry blossoms," he said.

"It really is a magical time to be exploring Japan."

Heritage Expeditions has also added a new Kimberley Explorer departure for 2026 due to increased interest.

"This is only our third season exploring the Kimberley, but the interest in joining an authentic expedition cruise with Heritage Expeditions is incredible - the word is getting out and it's great to see so many travellers seeking out our product, all wanting to enjoy the Heritage Expeditions experience," said Aaron.

Cherry Blossoms of Japan Cruise

31 March - 11 April 2026

12-day spring voyage from Tokyo to Osaka

Prices from £8,410 (£6826 including 20% discount when booked by 30 April 2025) based on two guests sharing a Deck 4 superior twin cabin. 

Kimberley Explorer

13 July, 23 July & 2 August 2026 

11-day voyage Darwin to Broome

Prices from £7,165 (£5,822 including 20% discount when booked by 30 April 2025) based on two guests sharing a Deck 4 superior twin cabin.

Prices quoted include all meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, all shore excursions and activities, one night hotel accommodation (incl. dinner/breakfast), pre- and post-cruise transfers, programme of lectures by noted specialists. Note: Kimberley Explorer does not include one night hotel accommodation. 

High-resolution images are available to download here

For more information, imagery or to arrange an interview please contact Debra Taylor, debra@toucanmoon.com, +44 7956 852197

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About Heritage Expeditions

Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 4 – 28 days.

Founded in 1984 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions into the heart of Antarctica the Ross Sea; Australia and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands; around coastal New Zealand; along Australia's Kimberley coast; through the Pacific Islands of Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea; and the Asian islands of Indonesia, Philippines and Japan on their purpose-built expedition ships.

Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring passengers maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.