Japan and South Korea: Otaru and Busan
Japanese Culture and Coastal Treasures Discovery Tour
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Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Otaru to Osaka
This twelve-night expedition voyage from Otaru to Osaka aboard Silver Cloud Expedition reveals Japan's coastal culture and natural landscapes between Hokkaido and Honshu. Silversea's expedition vessel offers the all-inclusive concept with butler service, premium wines, Wi-Fi and gratuities included, equipped with Zodiacs for landings in remote bays. The route links the northern main island with the Kansai region around Osaka and Kyoto. Late May offers clear coastal views, the vegetation stands in full green and the long days allow extended landings.
Route highlights
- Otaru: opening on Hokkaido with the historic canal promenade and sushi tradition.
- Hokkaido coast: wide bays, volcanic landscapes and fishing villages.
- Sanriku coast: dramatic Pacific sea cliffs.
- Expedition experience: Zodiac landings at remote bays without harbour infrastructure.
- Silversea on-board culture: butler in every suite, curated wines and several complimentary restaurants.
- Osaka: destination port as Japan's culinary capital and gateway to Kyoto.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Otaru (Hokkaido)
12 nights
Osaka
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FRI · 28 May 2027Otaru · EmbarkationDeparture 23:00
On the west coast of the Japanese island of Hokkaido on the Sea of Japan lies the port town of Otaru west of Sapporo. Famous are the gas-lit Otaru Canal with its former Meiji-era stone warehouses, the outstanding sushi restaurants on Sushi-ya-dori and the annual Yuki Akari no Michi snow lantern festival in February.
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SAT · 29 May 2027At sea
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SUN · 30 May 2027Aomori (Honshu)Arrival 06:00 Departure 08:00
Aomori sits at the northern tip of Japan's main island Honshu on the bay of the same name, facing Hokkaido. The city is famed for the Nebuta Matsuri in early August, one of Japan's major summer festivals featuring house-tall illuminated papier-mâché figures.
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SUN · 30 May 2027NoshiroArrival 19:30 Departure 20:00
Noshiro lies on the west coast of Japan's Akita Prefecture on the main island of Honshū on the Sea of Japan. The port town is known for its timber trade, the coastal sand dunes and the high-quality Akita Sugi cedar wood, which has played a central role in Japanese shipbuilding and temple construction for centuries.
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MON · 31 May 2027Sado IslandArrival 09:00 Departure 18:00
Sado, off the coast of Niigata, is the largest island in the Sea of Japan and was once famed for its gold mine. Today the rare crested ibis and the powerful Kodo taiko drummers are emblems of the island.
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TUE · 01 Jun 2027KanazawaArrival 07:00 Departure 22:00
Kanazawa is one of Japan's best-preserved historic cities (spared in the Second World War). Kenrokuen Garden is considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan; the Nagamachi samurai quarter and the Higashi-Chaya geisha district are authentic Edo-period neighbourhoods.
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WED · 02 Jun 2027Oki IslandArrival 12:30 Departure 18:30
The Oki Islands off Japan's Shimane Prefecture form a UNESCO Global Geopark of spectacular sea cliffs. Volcanic rock formations, open pastures and a secluded setting in the Sea of Japan define the archipelago.
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THU · 03 Jun 2027Hagi (Honshu)Arrival 07:00 Departure 18:00
On the Sea of Japan in western Honshū lies the port town of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The former castle town of the Mōri clan preserves an intact samurai quarter with historic mud walls and is the birthplace of the famous Hagi pottery, as well as the cradle of the 19th-century Meiji Restoration.
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FRI · 04 Jun 2027BusanArrival 07:00
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and its most important port. Jagalchi Fish Market, the colourful Gamcheon district (Korea's "Machu Picchu") and the Beomeosa temple complex in the Geumjeongsan mountains showcase its maritime and Buddhist heritage.
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SAT · 05 Jun 2027BusanDeparture 19:00
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SUN · 06 Jun 2027SakaiminatoArrival 13:00 Departure 23:00
Sakaiminato lies on Japan's western coast in Tottori Prefecture and is known as an important fishing port on the Sea of Japan. The town is famous for Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with bronze yokai figures from the manga artist's work.
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MON · 07 Jun 2027At sea
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TUE · 08 Jun 2027TakamatsuArrival 07:00 Departure 20:00
Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku is known for Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's finest landscape gardens. The port city is also the gateway to the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
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WED · 09 Jun 2027Osaka · DisembarkationArrival 07:00
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 10 | 11 | 14 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 22 | 17 | 12 |
| Sea °C | 17 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 21 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 56 | 118 | 125 | 138 | 168 | 154 | 168 | 210 | 198 | 93 | 51 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: East Asia (Tokyo)
Silver Cloud Expedition
Silver Cloud Expedition was converted in 2017 from luxury liner to expedition ship: ice-reinforced hull, Zodiac fleet, 296 guests. What remained: Silversea service, the all-inclusive philosophy and a standard of comfort unmatched in the expedition class.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most prestigious suite on board, available with a second bedroom. A separate living and dining area, a generous marble bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the sea. Butler service included.
Grand Suite
The most spacious suite on Silver Cloud, available with two bedrooms. An elegant living and dining area, two bathrooms and a large veranda in the forward position. Ideal for the highest demands on space. Butler service included.
Royal Suite
A stately suite with a separate living and dining area, available with a second bedroom. A marble bathroom and a private veranda with sweeping forward views. Butler service included.
Medallion Suite
A generous midship suite with a sitting area, a marble bathroom and a veranda with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Butler service included.
Silver Suite
A stylish suite with a separate living area, a marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower, and a particularly large veranda. Butler service included.
Vista Suite
An elegant suite with a large picture window instead of a veranda, a cosy living area and a marble bathroom. Butler service included.
Deluxe Veranda Suite
A comfortable veranda suite in a particularly central location, with a seating area, a marble bathroom and a private veranda. Butler service included.
Veranda Suite
The classic Silversea suite: a welcoming living area, a marble bathroom and a private veranda with panoramic ocean views. Butler service included.
Deck plan · Silver Cloud Expedition
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Luxurious suite with ocean view or veranda, every category with personal butler service
- Full board in all onboard restaurants (main restaurant, speciality restaurants, casual dining) at no extra charge
- 24-hour room service and an individually stocked minibar in the suite
- Premium beverages on board: selected wines, champagne, international spirits, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, speciality coffees, tea and water
- Gratuities for the entire crew are included in the fare
- Unlimited Wi-Fi on board for all guests
- Use of pool, gym, sauna, steam bath and classes (yoga, stretching)
- Evening programme: live music, shows, themed lectures and onboard events
Not included
- Personal expenses on board (boutique, hairdresser, photos)
- Spa and wellness treatments, massages and personal trainer
- Laundry and pressing service (partly included in higher suite categories)
- Premium restaurants with a reservation or cover charge (e.g. La Dame, Kaiseki/Seishin, Silver Note on repeat visits)
- Selected fine spirits, rare wines and vintage champagnes beyond the standard premium package
- Shore excursions or private tours, unless explicitly stated in your booking confirmation.
- Medical care on board, doctor consultations and medication
- Travel insurance (cancellation, international health cover)
- Visa fees, entry taxes and biometric registration in the destination
- Airport taxes and security fees when arriving under your own arrangements
- Travel to the home airport outside the Door-to-Door radius
- Flight upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class (bookable for a surcharge on the Door-to-Door fare)
- Personal telephone calls and satellite calls from the suite
Further options
Additionally included depending on the fare booked:
- Shore excursions: on classic cruises at least one excursion per port depending on the fare; on expedition voyages all Zodiac outings and guided landings
- On expedition voyages additionally: lectures by the expedition team experts, a parka to keep and rubber boots on loan
- Economy-class flights from and to your home airport on Door-to-Door and many All-Inclusive fares (business upgrade for a surcharge)
- Airport transfers between airport and ship on the Door-to-Door and All-Inclusive Plus fares
- On Door-to-Door and selected expedition voyages: a hotel night before and after the cruise
- On Door-to-Door (home airport within about 80 km): private chauffeur service from your door to the airport and back
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 12 nights from EUR 8.220 p.p. With Silversea, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Silver Cloud Expedition?
A maximum of 254 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is March to May (cherry blossom) and October to November (autumn foliage).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
