cruise tour from japan

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Cruise from Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in tokyo.

Shrine Sightseeing

japan tokyo meiji jingu temple

You'll find 10,000 trees and the impressive Meiji Shrine near Yoyogi Park. Grab a matcha tea ice cream to eat as you stroll toward the massive stone torii gates of the shrine. Then head to the Sensoji temple in Asakusa, where you can buy a wooden ema wishing plaque. If you're ready for lunch, there's plenty of street food located nearby.

Japan Harajuku Tokyo Tourist Fashion

Go to Harajuku for a mecca of adorable kawaii shops and resturants. Start at Takeshita Street and walk to the trendy Omotesando Plaza, stopping off at the famed Kawaii Monster Cafe. If you're looking for more, head to the Akihabara for all things anime and maid and butler cafes.

A Crane-Eye View

The most spectacular way to appreciate Tokyo's sprawl is from high in the sky. Tokyo Tower is taller than the Eiffel tower. The Roppongi Hills Sky Deck offers an even better vantage point. If you're on a budget, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has two free observation decks on the 45th floors of each of its towers.

Local Cuisine

The new Toyosu Fish Market, which has replaced the Tsukiji Fish Market, will put you in seafood nirvana. Catch the early morning tuna auction and gobble down the freshest seafood you've ever had. Indulge in a helping of Kobe or Wagyu beef at the famous Hakushu Teppenyaki restaurant in Shibuya.

Start on the streets of Ginza, where you can shop through the world's most exclusive designer brands. For souvenir shopping, grab an iced coffee and walk through Nakamise for cultural knickknacks. If you're looking for quantity, find the chain dollar store, which is full of odd, funny, and cute items.

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7 Best Japan Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

Whether you’re enchanted by japan’s natural marvels or curious about its culture and cuisine, whether you want to sail in extreme luxury or with a locally owned boutique ship, there’s a perfect japan cruise for you..

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From the cruise port of Osaka, Celebrity Cruises passengers can spend a day in the former capital of Japan, Kyoto.

Photo by Erik Eastman/Unsplash

With its intriguing combination of traditional and modern architecture, ancient history and popular culture, Japan has become one of the most sought-after cruise destinations in Asia—not least because so much of the island-nation, with its long coastline, is accessible by water.

International cruise lines finally returned to Japan in March 2023 after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 border closures . The result has been pent-up demand for Japan cruises, and cruise lines have responded by introducing a wide variety of sailings in Japan for this year and next. You can cruise Japan on a smaller, more intimate yacht, an expedition vessel, an ultra-luxury ship, or a large cruise ship with more than 2,000 passengers.

Regardless of which ship you choose, the best Japan cruises feature itineraries that include neon-and-skyscraper cities, tranquil shrines and temples, beautiful parks and gardens, and hot springs and snow-capped peaks, including Mount Fiji. Depending on the time of year you choose to sail, you can enjoy springtime’s cherry blossoms or the crimson leaves of fall. Cruise passengers will also get to experience a wealth of cultural encounters, from local food and customs to colorful arts and entertainment.

For those who are as excited as we are about the return to Japan, here are our picks for the best Japan cruises.

Let Abercrombie & Kent host you in Japan during one of the most scenic times to visit—cherry blossom season.

Photo by Shutterstock

Abercrombie & Kent

Best for viewing cherry blossoms or fall foliage

If your goal is seeing Japan’s famous cherry blossoms, luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has chartered a Ponant ship for the height of the season, from March 27 to April 9, 2024. A similar fall sailing will show off Japan’s fall foliage. The cruise is on the Le Soleil , capped at 199 passengers. With its expedition team and local guides, A&K is focusing on cultural experiences such as private performances by the world-renowned Kodo taiko drummers, Kabuki warriors, and geishas as well as time spent in scenic Japanese gardens. In Hiroshima, passengers will meet a storyteller who will discuss the World War II atomic bomb attack. Onboard lectures and presentations will be led by specialists in Japanese history and culture.

Abercrombie & Kent’s 13-night Wonders of Japan cruise from Osaka to Sapporo starts at $21,485 per person (includes two nights at the Ritz-Carlton Osaka).

Bring the entire family for a fun- and culture-filled exploration of Japan on the Celebrity Millennium .

Courtesy of Michel Verdure/Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises

Best for families

The 2,138-passenger Celebrity Millennium , complete with an alfresco movie theater and a supervised Camp at Sea program with more than 500 activities, is the perfect option for families; it will cruise in Japan from May to early October 2024. The line’s Best of Japan sailings embark from Yokohama, near Tokyo. After exploring the vibrant capital city, key ports will include Kobe (known for gourmet marbled beef) and Hiroshima, as well as lesser-known gems (on select itineraries) such as the hot springs of Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido. All sailings include an overnight stay in Osaka, with time to head to the celebrated temples, shrines, and overall beauty of Kyoto (one hour away)—or passengers can stay in Osaka and visit the world’s largest aquarium and Universal Studios Japan.

Celebrity’s 12-night Best of Japan cruises start at $1,799 per person.

Take a dip in the communal bath on the sleek 38-passenger Guntû .

Courtesy of Guntû

Best for local immersion

For something different, try a destination-immersive luxury floating hotel on Japan’s island-rich Seto Inland Sea with a local company. An artisan-built ship called Guntû does three- to five-day itineraries. Carrying only 38 passengers, it’s designed by the Japanese architect Yasushi Horibe to resemble a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. The decor is minimalist and modern, with lots of wood and glass details. For a splurge, some of the suites come with their own open-air tranquil onsen baths. When you are not off exploring remote villages, dine on cuisine envisioned by a renowned Tokyo chef Kenzo Sato from Shigeyoshi, indulge in seafood-rich creations at the sushi bar, sip craft cocktails, and participate in tea ceremonies. In the spa, there’s a communal bath, where you can join other guests while taking in water views.

Three-night sailings with Guntû from Hiroshima start at $4,127 per person.

Expedition specialist Lindblad is bringing travelers to Japan on the National Geographic Resolution this year.

Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions

Best for a mix of culture and nature

Lindblad Expeditions is exploring Japan with a couple of new itineraries in August and September 2023 and again in September 2024. The 16-night Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture route (which includes two hotel nights in Tokyo) sails between Niigata and Kobe and will focus on both cultural attractions, such as temples and art studios, and natural wonders, including on Japan’s subtropical islands. A 15-day Sailing the East China Sea: Japan, Okinawa, and Taiwan itinerary includes the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The ship is the 138-passenger National Geographic Resolution , with attractions that include a NatGeo-certified photographer onboard to help you capture Japan’s beautiful scenery with aplomb.

Lindblad’s 16-night Coastal Japan sailing starts at $24,650 per person, and the 15-night East China Sea itinerary starts at $20,050 per person.

Enjoy the turquoise-blue waters of the islands that make up Japan’s Iriomote Ishigaki National Park.

Best for getting off the beaten cruise path

Upscale French line Ponant explores Japan with its 184-passenger Le Jacques-Cartier and is doing some of the most innovative cruise itineraries currently available in Japan—in an expedition style, with naturalists leading landings in inflatable Zodiacs. The area of exploration is the subtropical southern islands with a focus on the Okinawa archipelago and the Yaeyama Islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago, and the lush Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Seven-night itineraries in March and April 2024 include time on pristine beaches on islands such as Ishigaki and Kume, as well as snorkeling excursions and diving opportunities. Out of the water, you’ll visit traditional villages for cultural experiences such as drum and dance performances.

Ponant’s seven-night sailing between Keelung, Taiwan, and Kagoshima starts at $6,470 per person.

Let Regent Seven Seas bring you to Japan in the utmost style.

Courtesy of Preston Mack/Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best for ultra-luxury cruising

All-inclusive luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises is sailing to Japan in October on the Seven Seas Explorer , one of the world’s most luxurious ships. Fares include shore excursions, such as indulging in hot springs on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu; exploring Kagoshima, known as the “Naples of the East” for its caldera bay and volcano; and learning porcelain traditions in Sasebo. Among other stops, guests will also visit Kyoto and Shimizu, for views of Mount Fuji.

Regent Seven Seas’ 11-night Japan cruises start at $15,199 per person, with business-class airfare included.

Windstar’s Japan cruise—including a stop in Osaka—is a feast for the senses.

Courtesy of Unsplash

Windstar Cruises

Best for cuisine

Windstar Cruises , the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation—and with dishes from prestigious chefs featured on the ships’ menus—is exploring Japan in September and October 2023 with its 312-passenger, all-suite Star Breeze . A 10-night Grand Japan sailing between Yokohama and Osaka affords deeper exploration of smaller ports, including in the Seto Inland Sea (larger ships can only get so deep into the island region). From Kagoshima, Windstar passengers will visit the lunar landscapes and lava fields of Sakurajima Island and from Shingu, the mountain-perched Kamikura-jinja Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As part of the James Beard partnership, Tracy Chang, chef/owner of Pagu restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts, will be onboard cooking, doing demonstrations, and leading a market tour, on a September cruise. Her cuisine celebrates Spanish and Japanese tapas, paired with wines and sakes.

Windstar’s 10-night Japan sailing starts at $3,499 per person.

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Best of Japan

From TOKYO (YOKOHAMA), JAPAN - onboard CELEBRITY MILLENNIUM

†Taxes, fees and port expenses $126.96 USD *

At Celebrity Cruises®, we believe choice matters. That’s why we’ve pre-packaged our most popular amenities—drinks, and Wi-Fi— Tips charged separately. So you can now choose the most convenient way to get the best value from your cruise.

 Drinks

Choose from an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, specialty coffees and bottled water.

 Wi-Fi

We know staying in touch is important, so we’ve included internet access for all guests. Browse the web, check email, and use messaging apps.

Cruise Itinerary

• Port of Departure
• Port of Call
• Cruise Route

Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Mon, Aug 18, 2025

Departs: 5:00PM

At Sea - Cruising

Tue, Aug 19, 2025

Kyoto (Osaka), Japan

Wed, Aug 20, 2025

Arrival: 8:00AM

Thu, Aug 21, 2025

Departs: 6:00PM

Kochi, Japan

Fri, Aug 22, 2025

Docked: 8:00AM to 5:00PM

Hiroshima, Japan

Sat, Aug 23, 2025

Docked: 9:00AM to 6:00PM

Sun, Aug 24, 2025

Nagasaki, Japan

Mon, Aug 25, 2025

Docked: 8:00AM to 6:00PM

Jeju Island, South Korea

Tue, Aug 26, 2025

Docked: 7:00AM to 4:00PM

Kumamoto (Yatsushiro), Japan

Wed, Aug 27, 2025

Docked: 8:30AM to 6:30PM

Thu, Aug 28, 2025

Mt Fuji (Shimizu), Japan

Fri, Aug 29, 2025

Sat, Aug 30, 2025

Arrival: 6:30AM

See Full Itinerary

Cruise + Flight Package

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Popular excursions at this port

About This Ship

Celebrity Millennium Along Hubbard Glacier

Celebrity Millennium Ship

As part of our $500-million fleet-wide modernization program, Celebrity Millennium® received a major revamp. We’ve added new staterooms with elevated design and technology across the ship. Marvel at new bathroom modernizations and wine and dine in reimagined restaurants and lounges. Cruising on this vessel will be the ultimate pampering.

Onboard Features

The Metropolitan Restaurant

The airy Main Restaurant offers exquisite menu selections, which change nightly to give you a variety of classic and contemporary choices. And the service? Legendary.

Clean, crisp flavors and inventive cuisine meet an extensive list of sustainable and biodynamic wines. Exclusively for AquaClass guests.

The exclusive restaurant for guests of the Retreat. Select and cutting edge, the globally inspired menus at Luminae are not available in any other restaurant on board.

Cellar Masters

Immerse yourself in wine culture. Cellar Masters lets you try a bold collection of both familiar and unknown wines from around the world.

Rendezvous Lounge

The Rendezvous Lounge is the perfect place to gather before dinner for a cocktail and dancing.

The Martini Bar

Sit back and relax, listening to up-tempo tunes and enjoying a collection of rare vodkas and a portfolio of fine caviars.

The Retreat is an unparalleled vacation experience that includes every stunning suite, a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge that rivals any high-end resort.

Say "Ahh" in spa-inspired staterooms designed just for you. Savor clean eating at Blu and escape to the Persian Garden.

Tailored services and amenities await you in these exceptionally appointed staterooms. We're here to help you make the most of your time on board and on shore.

Camp at Sea

For our Camp at Sea program, we’ve designed more than 500 activities that make every sailing a brand new experience and an unforgettable memory for our junior cruisers.

Relax, recharge, and play the hottest slots and table games at The Casino. It offers a sophisticated ambiance and a captivating atmosphere that comes alive with plenty of action.

Shops on Millennium

Celebrity's European-inspired piazza and elegant galleria hold riches of chic sophistication. Marble walkways lead you to modern boutiques and fine jewelry stores.

Fitness Center

Bring your workout routine along on your modern luxury vacation and enjoy a variety of new fitness classes and seminars along with world class cruise fitness amenities.

Art Gallery

When you visit the Art Gallery, you'll be surrounded with one of the world's largest permanent collections of contemporary art, accompanied by a complete art program.

Rooftop Terrace

A restaurant, a bar, and an alfresco movie theater. With cozy furnishings and gourmet fare, the inviting Rooftop Terrace beckons you to stay a while.

Jogging Track

Built around the ship’s top deck, the jogging track let’s you take in breathless ocean views while you workout. It’s so mesmerizing, you’ll forget you’re breaking a sweat.

Adults-only Solarium

A serenely beautiful adults-only pool and hot tub experience, The Solarium let’s you relax and daydream of the next destination you’ll be exploring.

SEARCH FLIGHTS FOR THIS CRUISE

Price is per person and applies to selected sailing, lowest available fare stateroom category, based on double-occupancy, reflects any promotional savings, and is subject to change and availability until booked. Additional terms and conditions apply to offers. Full deposit must be paid by deposit payment required due date. Standard full deposit penalty is applied if booking is cancelled within final payment period; see Celebrity’s cancellation policy for details. Non-Refundable Deposit Bookings (“NRDB”): To qualify for the lowest available cruise fare, guest must choose a non-refundable deposit. All deposit payments for NRDB made after 03/02/23 are non-refundable from the time of booking. NRDB are applicable to groups at prevailing rates. Not applicable to incentive, contract, or charter groups. Nonrefundable deposit offers are applicable to sailings within final payment, however full deposit is due at time of booking. 

Celebrity Edge® Series Iconic Suites, Edge Villas, Penthouse Suites, Royal Suites, Celebrity Suites, AquaClass® Sky Suites, and Sky Suites (and Family Suites during Holiday sailings) require double the deposit amounts listed.

All Included  pricing applies to sailings booked and departing on or after October 4, 2023, excluding Galapagos cruises, in an inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests within an Eligible Booking who choose “All Included” pricing, will receive a Classic Drinks Package and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi package. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate.  Please visit www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages for further information on available beverages and full restrictions and www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/internet-and-phone-packages for further information on wi-fi.

All Included pricing applies to new individual bookings only. Changes to booking may result in removal of Offer. Prices and Offers are subject to availability and change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and not applicable to charters or contracted groups. All Included pricing is non-transferable and not combinable with certain rates including, Travel Agent, Interline, Net, Exciting Deals, or worker cabins.  Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for All Included pricing. Refer to celebritycruises.com and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to cancel offer at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice.

Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.

*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.

Departing Aug 18, 2025

$1,353 USD * Avg Per Person

DAY 1 - Monday , Aug 18

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Japan Luxury Cruises

The island of japan is a dizzying fusion of modernity and an almost sacred appreciation of heritage..

Japan is an eloquent expression of past and future. From the Tokyo tower to Osaka neon lights, Japan’s cities all tip the scales in terms wow factor. But, scratch the surface and you’ll find peace and tranquility on every street corner. Nature too is placed at the forefront of Japanese culture; without mentioning the famous cherry blossom season, the country’s snow-capped soaring peaks and sun-drenched beaches are startling in their diversity, stunning in their beauty. An island nation whose dichotomy is its greatest strength. Step aboard a Silversea Japan luxury cruise and explore this iconic, epic country. One trip will never be enough.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Why Silversea?

Intimate Ships

A country that is so many things to so many people, Japan deserves exploration in style. Silversea’s fleet of nine small ships will take you from tip to toe of the island nation, and (almost) everywhere in between. Whether you sail with our Ocean fleet or the Expedition ships, you’ll be sure to experience the best comfort and luxury there is on the high seas. With small ships that nimbly navigate the rugged coast, you’ll be anchoring in off the beaten track ports and unparalleled comfort onboard to pamper your every whim, there really is no better way to travel.

Luxury Oceanview Suites

Whether you are on our Ocean fleet or our Expedition one, Silversea’s ultra-luxurious suites are the best place between sea and sky. Quiet, state of the art and whispering our signature made in Italy style the world over; our suites have won awards for their style and comfort! From waking up with breakfast in bed to saying sayonara to the twinkling Tokyo skyline from your private veranda (almost all our suites have them) make your discovery of Japan an adventure in luxury.

Personalised Service

Japan is a country of unparalleled service, and we see no reason for that to stop when you arrive on board. Every suite is granted a 24/7 butler making your transition from onshore to onboard completely seamless. Our team of highly trained and highly professional men and women make the difference between a good Japan cruise and a great one. Additionally, our guest to staff ratio is the highest in the business (at almost 1:1) so whether it’s booking a private party in port or serving your favourite sake in the bar, you’re never better looked after than with Silversea.

All-Inclusive Cruises

From the tip of South Korea to the top of Japan, Silversea’s Japan luxury cruises show two very different sides of the country. So relax and enjoy the discovery and adventure that Japan offers, safe in the knowledge that there will be no salient price tag at the end of your cruise. And for our Japan Expedition cruisers, our knowledgeable and experienced Expedition Team will help your every tundra step or Zodiac trip of the way. Yes that’s right – all excursions on Expedition voyages, plus food, drinks, transfers into town, port charges, evening entertainment, butler service as well as flights, transfers and pre-flight hotels on some cruises, when we say all-inclusive, we really mean it.

Gourmet Cuisine

Revered the world over for their cuisine, Japan is a country that warrants adventure by taste. And your journey doesn’t stop when you arrive back on board – with a superb Japan-focused restaurant aboard Silver Muse and Silver Spirit, continue your travels as you sail to your next port. And what to do if all that sushi gets too much? Enjoy your favourite international dishes in one of our award-winning restaurants.

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Cruise to Japan

Japan Cruises: Your guide to exploring Japan by sea

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Frequently asked questions

There are more than a dozen major cruise port dotted around Japan’s four main islands. Tokyo is the most popular departure point and has two ports – the new Tokyo International Cruise Terminal close to the centre and Yokohama, around 45 minutes from the city. Start your journey with a few days in this modern metropolis, exploring the historic Asakusa district, the upscale shopping area of Ginza, and the imposing Tokyo Tower.

On the island of Honshu, the adjacent ports of Kobe and Osaka (Kyoto) are also popular departure points. In Osaka, delve into the lively entertainment and shopping precinct of Dotonbori, or have a serene stroll through the pretty gardens around the historic Osaka Castle. From the port, it’s just 15 minutes by Shinkansen bullet train to the ancient city of Kyoto. This cultural hotspot is resplendent with UNESCO World Heritage sites, with Buddhist temples, serene shrines, tea houses and geishas strolling the alleyways, giving visitors a glimpse into the past. 

Another popular cruise stop is Hiroshima, a city of peace and resilience. From the port, visitors can easily reach the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorates the atomic bomb that destroyed the city during World War II. The port of Shimizu is the closest to Mt Fuji and you can sit in an onsen while gazing at the venerable peak. Foodies will love Fukuoka, a city known for its delicious regional delicacies. 

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is known for its stunning natural landscapes. Major cruise ports like Hakodate and Otaru serve as gateways to the island's numerous national parks, hot springs, and ski resorts. 

Spring, from March to May, is a great time for cruising in Japan due to the breathtaking swathes of cherry blossom (Sakura). In the Sakura season, cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are enveloped in beautiful clusters of pink and white flowers. Autumn, from September to November, is another season of immense natural beauty. Leaves transform into brilliant sunset shades, and in Kyoto, the vivid foliage creates enchanting backdrops for the ancient temples and shrines.

Absolutely! Many cruise lines in Japan boast loads of kid-friendly activities, such as swimming pools, sports courts, interactive games, educational programs, and dedicated play areas for children. Some ships even have kids’ clubs for littlies and teen clubs with video games and DJ workshops.

Cruises offer a mix of international dishes and Japanese specialties, from sushi to tempura. When sailing around Japan, ships will have a higher percentage of Japanese passengers and will tailor their menu to suit their tastes. Many cruise lines have a dedicated Japanese restaurant, serving sushi or kaiseki cuisine. Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships have a Teppanyaki restaurant onboard. Here, diners gather around the edges of a large flat surface hot grill as a skilled chef prepares flavourful steak, shrimp, chicken, vegetables, and seafood right in front of them.

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). While credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, there are still some smaller areas that might only accept cash. Be aware that many Japanese ATMs (especially those attached to banks) will not accept foreign cards, so you won’t be able to withdraw cash. Look for the specially marked ATMS in convenience stores or post offices. Onboard the ship, most cruise lines are cashless, allowing you to put everything on your room card and pay the bill at the end.

For cruises that stay within Japanese waters, the average duration is seven to 10 days. For a cruise departing from Tokyo, this will take you to four or five ports in Japan as well as one port in South Korea, like Jeju Island or Busan. For in depth immersion, cruises of two weeks or more will take you on a full circumnavigation of multiple Japanese islands, calling at a dozen ports across the country.

Yes, many cruises offer tea ceremonies, sushi-making classes, and traditional Japanese performances. Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess elevates the Japanese experience with the onboard Izumi Japanese Cooling Bath and Izumi Hot Tubs, for a traditional Japanese bathing experience.  They also hold ‘Festivals of the World’ where guests enjoy a Japanese festival right on the ship, complete with traditional dances and music.

You should always check the entry requirements for each country you visit, as the entry requirements vary depending on the passport you are travelling on. Australians for example are granted a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in Japan. Some Japanese cruises also stop in South Korea, if your cruise has a stop in South Korea, you will also need to check the entry requirements.

Many cruises in Japan will have a strong focus on Japanese culture and traditions, offering an immersive program of shore excursions. Passengers will enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, visit castles and shrines, learn to make washi paper, sip sake at ancient breweries, meet a geisha, and practice origami. Culinary cruises will take you on a gourmet adventure, with exquisite cuisine both onboard and on shore. Excursions will take you to restaurants, markets and unique local producers. For bloom hunters, cherry blossom themed cruises sail in spring and will take you to the best spots for ‘hanami’ (flower viewing).

Yes, yes, yes! Japan is at the forefront of luxury travel and so it’s only natural that some of the world’s most exclusive cruise ships would be sailing here. They boast opulent suites, fantastic fine dining, indulgent spas and attentive service – including a butler or two. Try Regent Seven Seas, Scenic, Silversea, Seabourn, Ponant, Crystal Cruises and Oceania.

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Japan Cruises: Unforgettable Journey

Japan invites travelers to discover its cultural treasures, natural beauty and unique cuisine. Cruise to Japan with Holland America Line and experience the intense energy of Tokyo. Enjoy “forest bathing,” enhanced by spectacular views of snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Compare sakes at a Kyoto brewery. Explore World War II history in Hiroshima. And discover traditional crafts at Hirosaki Castle on your Japan cruise.

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JAPAN TRAVEL: LAND TOURS VS. CRUISES

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PONDER WITH US THE PROS AND CONS OF JAPAN LAND TOURS VS CRUISES IN OUR LATEST BLOG!

When planning out your first (or next) group tour of Japan, no matter the season, it can be difficult to decide what kind of tour to take. Whether to explore the rich culture, history, and splendid landscape of the Land of the Rising Sun by train and bus on a land tour, or whether to survey the azure Sea of Japan, hopping from port to port from the deck of a cruise liner: it’s a common travelers’ dilemma. A cruise can be a fun way to travel around the country (provided you aren’t one of those travelers who struggle with seasickness), and you’ll be sure the trip is designed entirely with your comfort and convenience in mind. While you debate with your travel group the merits of taking a land tour of Japan vs. taking a cruise around various port cities, here are some points for you to consider before booking your travel package.

THE PROS AND CONS: JAPAN CRUISES VS. JAPAN LAND TOURS

While you contrast the pros and cons that come with taking a cruise or a land tour, I hope you’ll consider the following points.

PROS OF TAKING A CRUISE

1. easily see multiple countries on one trip..

One of the best things about seeing Japan by cruise is its often bundled together with ports in other countries. A cruise liner might spend most of the tour visiting top travel ports in Japan, but then will wind its way over to Korea, Taiwan, or China. You would find yourself exploring the most eccentric city districts of Tokyo one day and the traditional markets of Seoul the next. Considering you’re paying primarily to cruise around Japan, it feels almost like getting a bonus trip!

2. ZERO HOTEL HASSLE

This is one of the biggest perks of cruise travel: you don’t have to worry about changing hotels. Upon entering your cabin, you can take out your classy evening wear and colorful Hawaiian shirts, get them ironed, hang them up, then you don’t have to worry about putting them away until the last day of the trip. Only unpacking and repacking once for the entire trip is certainly one of the most convenient things about taking a cruise.

3. TRAVELING CHIEFLY AT NIGHT

This is a cruising convenience that travelers might not consider right away. You come back from your evening in Osaka, having spent an enriching day at the Osaka Aquarium, eat dinner, and turn in for the night. It seems like you’ve scarcely closed your eyes before opening them to find that you’re now in Hiroshima and can look forward to a wonderful day strolling the stately Peace Park. You didn’t have to take a train and/or bus on a multi-hour trip while you tried to fall asleep in your seat. Traveling in comfort while you sleep on a cruise liner is one of the things those who choose this option look forward to the most.

4. ALL THE STAFF SPEAKS ENGLISH.

The most reputable cruise lines that travel around the ports of Japan know how important English-speaking communication is to their guests, so you can bet that all of them staff their luxury liners with a full complement of fluent, English-speaking staff. Difficulties with communication may still arise while in port (although most cruises staff the shore excursions with bilingual local guides), but at least you’ll never have to worry about troubles making yourself understood while on a cruise ship.

CONS OF TAKING A CRUISE

1. no chance to experience japan’s nightlife.

The need to return quickly to the ship at night cuts you off from any possibility of the glittering nightlife of Japan’s major cities. There are countless possible restaurants, bars, nightclubs, izakaya, karaoke clubs, and gaming arcades, where you can hobnob with locals while tasting delicious comfort food and alcoholic drinks. But all this is missed while on a cruise! The rigidity of the cruise schedule means that any hopes of experiencing the vibrant city nightlife are spoiled as you grudgingly return to the ship in the evening.

2. NO REAL OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THE LOCAL CUISINE

You can’t get a taste of authentic, homegrown Japan cuisine while on a cruise. Because cruises provide all the meals during your tour, the chances you’ll have for tasting Japan’s exceptional foods will be almost non-existent, even within the port cities. The cutesy themed cafes of Tokyo, the street food Osaka’s Dotonbori is known for, the yatai stalls in Fukuoka – all off the radar of the average Japan cruise. This doesn’t mention local foods outside the port cities – regional delicacies that are part of the cultural fabric of each small town. Cruise itineraries most often leave these towns and their delectable cuisines untasted.

3. CRUISE SHIPS CAN’T REALLY TAKE YOU OUTSIDE PORT CITIES

For all the convenience of cruise ships, they are severely limiting to their travelers by what port cities they visit. These cities are the major tourist hubs of Japan, so while you might be sightseeing in major cities, a cruise excursion doesn’t immerse you in the real Japan. To get a look at a more native, intimate Japan, you would have to plan a pre or post-cruise land tour to really get the most out of your favorite destinations. You could then take a trip into the interior of the country for a more culturally immersive Japan experience.

PROS OF TAKING A LAND TOUR

1. experience japan more in-depth..

By far the best thing about a land tour is a more in-depth kind of tour. While on a cruise, you’re hopping from one port to the next. You just landed in Kobe with barely a day to explore the city before you’re whisked away to Yokohama or Tokushima. It’s like that for the entire cruise, and although the port cities are a lot of fun, you might reach the last day feeling like you never quite got to experience the REAL Japan. Instead, imagine that same scenario, where your land tour of Kobe started off on a hike around the trails of Mount Rokko, followed by a meal of marbled Kobe beef. Proceeding to a local ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn), you enjoyed your own onsen hot spring bath! Then, if you wanted to continue to Tokushima, you could travel across the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (the longest suspension bridge in the world) to Awaji Island, which sits right between the two cities. You could take some time while there to behold Tadao Ando’s gorgeous Hundred Steps Flower Garden at Yumebutai and see the famed whirlpools of Naruto churning beneath you as you pass over the bridge to Tokushima. This is just one of countless ways you can explore Japan in-depth on a land tour.

2. REGIONAL TRAVEL TO SMALLER COMMUNITIES, WITH MORE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET LOCAL PEOPLE.

Even if you take a land tour by private coach bus, you’ll have plenty of time included to stop and take in the sights from one destination to the next. The best itineraries will stop in smaller, local communities to give their guests a more authentic Japan experience. This not only gives you a native vision of Japan that cruises can’t match, but it also offers you the chance to contribute to the smaller communities as you shop for souvenirs and dine in their restaurants. And while I’m sure any reputable Japan cruise line could find you a cup of delicious matcha tea, how can that possibly compare to a cup of locally sourced matcha that a smiling, talkative shopkeeper whisked by hand in front of you as you sat in her little tea shop that her family has owned for generations? You’ll have a greater opportunity to chat with the local people while on your land tour itinerary.

3. A BETTER-DESIGNED, MORE FLEXIBLE TOUR ITINERARY, CUSTOM-FIT TO YOUR DESIRES

While on a land tour, an itinerary can be tailored precisely to fit your vision, so you can spend as long as you want in a given destination. Most often cruise stops are for a single day, two at most, per port city. Even if you are given time to explore by yourself, your timing is limited to whenever your cruise ship departs for the next destination. Private land tour itineraries can be planned with your preferences in mind for how long you want to stay in a given destination. Also, a land tour can give you perfect control over where you go on your itinerary. As a cruise hops from port to port, its only natural you encounter destinations that you have no interest in. On a land tour itinerary, you can avoid wasting your travel time visiting destinations that don’t fascinate you.

4. MORE DIVERSE TRANSIT, WITH A WIDER RANGE.

Although you have more room to move on a cruise ship, you definitely see more of the country on a land tour, and in a greater variety of ways. Many land tour operators have private coaches to service their group tours, but those looking for more of a transit adventure has myriad possibilities available. For one, the train system of Japan is so well known that one might say you’ve really missed out if you’ve not traveled by rail there. Their bullet train, or “Shinkansen”, is world famous, and every traveler should experience how speedy, smooth, and comfortable it is. There are also luxury trains that take travelers on a mesmerizing adventure through the countryside. Within the big cities there is the convenient bus system, and their taxi cabs are courteous and clean. For more eccentric modes of transit, you can also travel by ropeway in an airborne gondola, be pulled through traditional stone-flagged streets on a rickshaw, cross a river a little wooden boat the size of a washtub, and hike the numerous trails throughout the country.

5. THE SAME GUIDE FOR THE WHOLE TRIP.

A good native guide can be one of the best parts of a land tour. While cruises often employ a legion of local guides to help you navigate these port cities during shore excursions, you only really get to see each one for a day or so before you’re off to the next port. Guided land tours will keep the same guide throughout the whole tour, even if you’re traveling from one end of the country to the other, so there are more opportunities to get to know them, their sense of humor and stories, and enjoy a more consistent tour experience from beginning to end.

6. POTENTIALLY GREATER VARIETY IN DINING OPTIONS.

This one is largely dependent on the type of tour you take. Many land tours have all your meals planned out for you, just like a cruise, and this option is understandably preferrable to those with more demanding dietary needs. But for those who take pleasure in eating adventurously, a wider variety of cuisine becomes available if you take a land tour that includes some free time to choose your own meals. If, while exploring one of Tokyo’s small market streets, your nose is captivated by an aroma coming from a small hole-in-the-wall ramen shop, free time on a land tour affords you the opportunity to enter that shop and order that tantalizing tonkatsu tanmen. And most of the restaurants you go to, especially in the larger cities, have English menus, menus with pictures, and even miniature plastic displays of their food in the front window, to help you know what you’re getting.

7. GREENER TRAVEL OPTIONS.

The massive luxury cruise liners may be convenient in many ways, but it is well known that they guzzle a lot of diesel fuel getting you from one port to the next. Land tours to Japan have more options for eco-friendly travel. The country is on the cutting edge when it comes to environmental concerns like using less petroleum and controlling carbon emissions. Travelers can travel at ease on Japan’s more eco-friendly buses and trains. In addition, Japan has well-maintained walking, hiking, and cycling routes for travelers looking to stay in shape while protecting the environment.

8. LESS CHANCE YOU’LL GET SICK WHILE TRAVELING.

Did you know there is actually less chance of getting sick while taking a land tour? Setting aside obvious seasickness, the thought of ruining the vacation with a flu or stomach virus is a real worry for travelers. While reputable cruise companies are sure to do their best in putting health and safety first, large luxury cruise liners unintentionally serve as viral incubators, causing sickness to easily spread across the whole ship during a two-week or three-week cruise. On a land tour, you will usually be only in a group of 25-35 people, with less chances for possible sickness, and much of the tour will be spent outdoors enjoying the fresh air. Add to that the fact that few countries are more concerned with cleanliness and sanitation than Japan, where they commonly wear facemasks in public even when they aren’t sick and work hard to maintain cleanliness in public facilities and transit systems.

9. A MORE PERSONAL TRIP.

A land tour can be as enriching and personal as you would like it to be. You might encounter a few activities on a cruise that are in line with your interests, but on a land tour you can plan your entire itinerary to cater to the specific hobbies of your travel group to be found in Japan. Beyond seasonal tours for cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, there are small group tours that feature gardening, tea, pottery, birdwatching, anime, and countless other interests. You could also plan a private group tour that is designed entirely to what you and your group want it to be. This facet of land tours is truly what sets them apart from cruises; the limitless possibilities for customization for a way to make a vacation to Japan entirely your own.

CONS OF TAKING A LAND TOUR

1. changing hotels more often.

The primary drawback of a land tour is the fact that you will have to move from one hotel to the next as you progress through destinations on your travel itinerary. While how often you must change hotels depends on itineraries, part and parcel with the thrill of arriving at your itinerary’s newest must-see locale (or departing for the next one) is the admitted chore of repacking your luggage and getting it ready to go for the next trip. The good news is that most group itineraries offer expert assistance in getting it from one hotel to the next, so you won’t be burdened with luggage as you travel.

THE BEST OF BOTH OPTIONS – A PRE-CRUISE / POST-CRUISE LAND TOUR

There is a third option for those who are still unsure of which is more right for their group. You could always plan an additional week or two before or after your cruise, to get that more local experience in addition to the comfort of a cruise. Perhaps you intend to book the cruise around the various ports of Japan, beginning (or ending) in Tokyo. Tokyo also makes for the perfect departure / ending point for a land tour and can be an excellent travel hub to visit the Japan’s fascinating mountainous interior. The same could be said of Osaka, which provides easy access to Japan’s gorgeous southern regions. Consider adding a pre or post-cruise land tour to get the most out of a trip to Japan.

Every well-planned trip to Japan, cruise or land tour, leaves you with the same thought: “Is it over already? Just one more day!” With a cruise, you’ll travel in comfort, with good meals, an English-speaking staff, and good customer service. But with a land tour, you have a chance to travel deeper into the heart of the country, visit smaller locales, with more time spent in each destination, more options for travel (including more eco-friendly ones), and a richer, more in-depth Japan experience.

CONTACT US TO PLAN A PRE OR POST CRUISE TOUR IN JAPAN

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Two captivating countries in one magnificent cruise. Set sail aboard Norwegian Spirit for the East Asia vacation of a lifetime, departing from Tokyo and Hong Kong. These itineraries combine port stops in the most popular cities of Japan and China. This means that you can experience a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto one day, and the Great Wall of China a couple of port stops later!

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Despite being the third-largest national economy in the world, Japan is a harmonically charming place where modern life is fused with traditional culture. Coming to this “Land of the Rising Sun”, get a glimpse of a unique culture, and ready to be overwhelmed by plenty of ancient values still well-preserved nowadays. Japan Shore Excursions delivers various tours for cruise ship passengers coming from all over the world to explore the mysterious land of Japan. With decades of experience as an expert tour operator, expect everything when enjoying our services. Choose from sightseeing tours visit highlighted attractions such as castles, shrines, museums… to cultural experiences including matcha tasting, Geisha entertaining, dolls making, and so on. Japan Shore Excursions operates private tours for small groups from two people with more personalized services. We are experts in tailor-made tours for groups of all sizes depending on customers’ needs. Many of our tours from cruise ports uniquely include experiences that are different from large cruise lines’ tours. Enjoy a tour overlooking our website, pick your favorite shore excursions, contact us, and ready for unforgettable experiences.

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Diamond Princess Cruise

Program: Akan Ainu Village & Kushiro Marshland (6.0 hours) Tour Date: 12th July, 2024 Port: Kushiro, Japan Program itinerary:

08:00 Ship arrival. Private guide and driver upon pickup from Kushiro Port 10:00 English-Speaking-Guide waits with a welcome board and proceeds to tour by chartered car/coach.

• Visit Akan Ainu Village (Ainu Kotan)
• Dance performance at Ikoro (Theater) is closed on 31 Aug
• Stroll Lake Akan
• Observation Deck in the Kushiro Marshland

16:00 Return at port 17:00 Departure

Trip Price in USD/person: $161 (Group size 12 pax) Current group participants: 6 pax

Program: Hakodate Highlights (6.0 hours) Tour Date: 13rd July, 2024 Port: Hakodate, Japan Program itinerary:

07:00 Ship arrival. Private guide and driver upon pickup from Hakodate Port 09:00 English-Speaking-Guide waits with a welcome board and proceeds to tour by chartered car/coach.

• Visit Goryokaku Park & Tower
• Visit Hakodate-Asaichi Market
• Visit Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
• Visit Mt. Hakodate (Rope-way up/down)

15:00 Return at port 17:00 Ship departure

Trip Price in USD/person: $214 (Group minimum 8 pax) Current group participants: 3 pax

Program: Shrine, Shiraito Falls, and Minoho Matsubara (5.0 hours) Tour Date: 19th July, 2024 Port: Shimizu, Japan Program itinerary:

11:00 Ship arrival. Private guide and driver upon pickup from Shimizu Port 13:00 English-Speaking-Guide waits with a welcome board and proceeds to tour by chartered car/coach.

• Visit Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha Shrine
• Visit Shiraito Falls
• Visit Miho-no-Matsubara (Mt. Fuji view)

18:00 Return at port 21:00 Ship departure

Trip Price in USD/person: $212 (Group minimum 8 pax) Current group participants: 2 pax

Holland America Line Noordam Cruise

Program: Hakone Excursions (4.0 hours) Tour Date: 13rd Oct, 2024 Port: Shimizu, Japan Program itinerary: 10:00 Ship arrival. Private guide and driver upon pickup from Shimizu Ports 12:00 English-Speaking-Guide waits with a welcome board and proceeds to tour by chartered car/coach.

• Transfer to Togendai by chartered coach.
• Visit Owakudani Valley by Rope-way.
• Stroll the area, and you can see Mt. Fuji if weather is fine, and please taste. 'black egg' from the sulphur hot springs (on own account).
• Tranfer to Shimizu Port by chartered coach.

16:00 Return at port. 19:00 Ship departure.

Trip Price in USD/person: $236 (Group minimum 8 pax) Current group participants: 2 pax

Program: Matsue Castle & Tottori Hanakairo – Flower Park (6.0 hours) Tour Date: 21st Oct , 2024 Port: Sakaiminato, Japan Program itinerary: 09:00 Ship arrival. Private guide and driver upon pickup from Sakaiminato Port 10:30 English-Speaking-Guide waits with a welcome board and proceeds to tour by chartered car/coach.

• Visit Matsue Castle
• Visit Tottori Hanakairo – Flower Park
• Stroll Mizuki Shigeru Road

16:30 Return at port. 18:00 Ship departure.

Trip Price in USD/person: $261 (Group minimum 8 pax) Current group participants: 2 pax

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Mr. George Spier Group | Westerdam Cruise

Dear Sammy, Thanks for all the work you have done for us. We just take a seat on our cruise ship and have to write this email to share with you our experience. The itinerary fits for our traveling time. The guide is enthusiasm and driver is so helpful. The shore excursion exceeded our expectation. I'd like to share some lovely pictures.

Many thanks,

Best of Iga with Ninja Meeting

Shawn Estebo Group | Celebrity Millenium

Dear Felix, Thanks for making awesome trip in Okinawa on January 19th. I left a comment on the website, and Mr. Felix quickly replied in a helpful & professional way. Besides, our guide, Yuka, is outstanding! She really understands Kyoto and willing to share with us everything.

Once again, I want to give my appreciation to all of you!

Maiko Lunch & Doll Making Experience

John Monaghan Group | Diamond Princess

We loved our recent cruise to Japan, especially thanks to Japan Shore Excursions. When the options onboard fell short, Ms. Jessica expertly tailored private tours for us, from Nara deer park to Osaka Castle. Aki, our exceptional guide, ensured we experienced each site to the fullest, even helping with our kids and strollers. The courteous drivers added to the experience, showcasing Japanese hospitality. Every attraction was unforgettable, and the tour prices were just right. Huge thanks to Jessica and the team for their fantastic coordination. We'll definitely be back for more.

Osaka & Nara Ultimate Shore Excursions

Paul Cozens | Diamond Princess

Dear Lynn, I have enjoyed two wonderful shore excursions and now I send these lovely pictures with an feedback. Without any hyperbole effect, everything is outstanding from booking, our guide – Ms. Kuniko Fujisawa is so lovely, helpful, and excellent English. The itinerary is flexible and exactly what we want, fantastic!

Thank all of you for creating two exciting tours. I will recommend Japan Shore Excursions to all my friends!

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Like so many important port towns, Edo started off as a sleepy fishing village. This one, however, surprisingly grew up to become Japan’s capital, the biggest metro area on earth… and was later renamed “Tokyo.” For decades now it’s felt a bit like it’s living in the future… and you can probably say it is, with all the tech and neon and energy that flows throughout iconic neighborhoods like Akihabra and Shibuya. But with all the upgrades installed, Tokyo’s traditional culture hasn’t been replaced, best seen through the residential neighborhoods of narrow streets lined with traditional homes. And that’s not to mention the green spaces, like the city’s ample national parks, gardens, shrines and temples. Some can’t-miss spots are Imperial Palace Plaza in the city center, Tokyo Tower — which tops even the Eiffel Tower — plus the imposing Mount Fuji is always happy to join the city’s skyline for a photo.

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Our Japan tours weave both ancient and present day by land and sea as you discover a country steeped in traditions dating back thousands of years but also in a continual state of rapid flux, with fads, fashions, and technologies that are everchanging.

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Discover the revered traditions and serene beauty that infuse life here… from the heart of Japan on Honshu Island … to the multiple night stays in the modern city of Tokyo and magical Kyoto… experience the "Japanese Alps" where the mountains reach 9,000 + feet… and dine Japanese style sans yukatas... to a background of musical entertainment. You will return home with an in-depth cultural portrait of this fascinating island nation.  

Tokyo, japan, kyoto, japan, japan's geisha culture, the mysteries of japan's geisha traditions.

Kyoto is considered the birthplace of Japan's geisha culture, with the historic Gion district at its heart. To become a geiko, the preferred term for geisha, women must spend years in training as a maiko, perfecting lessons in traditional dance, musical instruments, flower arranging, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, painting and the art of conversation. Seeing them perform is an exclusive privilege and a highlight of your visit to Japan. Learn more about their elite world as our insider expert leads you through the back streets of the city's geisha districts, sharing stories along the way.

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

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High above the city, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is a five-star luxury hotel with views to take your breath away. Exuding crisp, contemporary style, this city-center gem prides itself on its excellent technology... a renowned spa featuring a range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments and therapies... seven innovative restaurants (three of which are Michelin-starred) offering a variety of cuisines... several lounges and bars.... and impeccable service.

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Princess Cruises Announces Extended 2025-26 Japan & Southeast Asia Cruise Season

Diamond princess returns to the land of the rising sun for expanded program showcasing beautiful fall foliage.

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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., (May 29, 2024) – On the heels of record-breaking travel to Japan by U.S. visitors in 2023, and another strong season underway this year, Princess Cruises today announced it will extend the number of itineraries in Japan during the 2025-26 season. 

The 2025-26 cruise season to the must-see island nations of Japan and Southeast Asia onboard a Princess ship has just been announced. On sale now, Japan-built Diamond Princess returns featuring an expanded Japan season showcasing the region’s breathtaking fall foliage, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and more. 

“We truly make it easy to travel to Japan and Southeast Asia on our Diamond Princess Love Boat to experience these amazing destinations,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. “For our fall 2025 through winter 2026 season, we’re thrilled to expand our Japan cruises from Tokyo (Yokohama) during the beautiful fall foliage season and continue to Singapore to highlight the best of Southeast Asia. Plus, our guests only need to unpack once to experience these storied countries while enjoying vibrant shore excursions and our regional culinary and entertainment offerings onboard.” 

From ancient temples and castles, to bustling markets and breathtaking gardens, cruisers experience the best way to see Japan with Princess with a new fall 2025 season offering 11 new voyages ranging in length from nine to 22 days, visiting 25 destinations throughout the Land of the Rising Sun, as well as stops in Korea and Taiwan. Highlights of the season include:

• 13-day Circle Japan Fall Foliage sailing taking place during the beautiful autumn leaves season
• 9-day Circle Japan voyage a circumnavigation of the country with stops at Nagasaki, Akita and Sakaiminato
• 9-day Southern Islands departures to the southernmost part of Japan and the lush islands of Okinawa and Ishigaki
• 10-day Kyushu & Korea cruise, which sails these large islands of Japan including visits to Hiroshima, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji)
• For the ultimate Japan exploration, guests can combine these 18- to 22- day itineraries for an unforgettable 40-day adventure

Following her extended Japan season, Diamond Princess will sail to Singapore on a 12-day Southeast Asia & Japan cruise featuring Taipei (Keelung) and Hong Kong to kick off three roundtrip Singapore sailings including:

• 14-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruise, which also includes calls to Phuket, Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My)
• 16-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam departure which also includes a call to Halong Bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a gateway to Hanoi
• Closing the season will be a 14-day Southeast Asia & Japan sailing from Singapore back to Tokyo (Yokohama) with late night More Ashore stays in both Hong Kong and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji)

Diamond Princess: Built in Japan, the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess offers a unique experience tailored to the region. Guests enjoy authentic cuisine at Kai Sushi, sip Japanese-inspired cocktails created by mixologist Rob Floyd, soak in the traditional Izumi bath and enjoy folkloric shows, regional entertainment and Japanese holiday celebrations. 

Additionally, the all-new Churrascaria Brazilian Grill offers quality meats boasting bold South American flavors, cooked to perfection in the tasty tradition of grilling churrasco style. Servers present these flavorful cuts on vertical skewers, and hand-carve them right onto the plate. 

No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line’s award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization. Guests booking can take advantage of inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier which add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, desserts, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately. 

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com . 

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Princess Cruises announces 11 new Japan voyages for 2025-2026

Princess Cruises has announced an extension of its itineraries in Japan for the 2025-2026 season, following a record-breaking number of U.S. visitors to Japan in 2023 and continued strong demand this year.

The Japan-built Diamond Princess will return with an expanded schedule, featuring Japan's fall foliage, Mt. Fuji, and Kyoto. The fall 2025 season will offer 11 voyages ranging from 9 to 22 days, visiting 25 destinations in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Highlights include:

• 13-day Circle Japan Fall Foliage sailing during the peak autumn season.
• 9-day Circle Japan voyage with stops in Nagasaki , Akita , and Sakaiminato .
• 9-day Southern Islands departure to Okinawa and Ishigaki.
• 10-day Kyushu & Korea cruise, including Hiroshima , Osaka (for Kyoto) , and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji).

Guests can combine select itineraries for an extended 40-day adventure. After the Japan season, Diamond Princess will sail to Singapore on a 12-day Southeast Asia & Japan cruise featuring Taipei (Keelung) and Hong Kong . This will precede 3 roundtrip Singapore sailings:

• A 14-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruise with stops in Phuket , Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) , and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) .
• A 16-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruise including Halong Bay and Hanoi .
• A 14-day Southeast Asia & Japan sailing from Singapore to Tokyo (Yokohama) with extended stays in Hong Kong and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji).

JAPAN CRUISES

A cruise around Japan will introduce you to the thousand nuances of this land with an ancient heart but with its gaze constantly turned towards the future.

A journey to the land of the rising sun

Beautiful colours, and tempting flavours.

Have you ever wondered how many islands there are in Japan? Almost 7,000, each boasting a range of magnificent landscapes, from the snow-capped peak of the sacred Mount Fuji to the vibrant fields during cherry blossom season, from the tropical coastlines of the Okinawa   archipelago to the many thrilling cities waiting to be explored. With MSC Cruises, you can truly savor the myriad colors, flavors, and scents of this country, choosing from unmissable itineraries that will introduce you to the land of the Rising Sun in ways you never could have imagined. From cruises around Japan, taking you from Tokyo   to the northern island of Hokkaido and down to the southern island of Kyūshū , to journeys towards the azure seas and white beaches of Ishigaki island, our Japan cruises will be your gateway to a world of unparalleled surprises, where the colors of this extraordinary land will leave you in awe.

Best Japan cruises 2024 - 2025

Japan is much more than a land to explore, it's a feeling where contrasts bind together in a surprising embrace, where the age-old wisdom of Zen and stories of heroic samurai blend with the vibrant culture of manga , anime and the latest musical stars of J-pop . If you are hungry for culture and adventure, choose an MSC Cruise to Japan which will also open the door for you to explore other Far Eastern countries such as China , the Republic of Korea and Taiwan (China) for a remarkable journey that will continue to surprise and delight long after you return.

Embark on your cruise to the Far East, setting sail from the dynamic metropolis of Tokyo , with the vibrant energy of Shibuya and the culinary delights of the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market. You will be mesmerized by the modern architecture of Pudong, and the classical Yuyuan Garden of Shanghai .  Be enchanted from the volcanic landscapes of Hallasan National Park and the unique culture of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak of Gangjeong and marvel at the active volcano Sakurajima and the Sengan-en Garden of Kagoshima .  Be fascinated by the iconic Kochi Castle and the Chikurin-ji Temple of Kochi   and explore the futuristic Minato Mirai district and stunning views of Mount Fuji in Yokohama .

Departing from Yokohama you will have the possibility to visit Keelung ,  the gateway to Taipei, exploring the historic streets of Jiufen, marvel at the impressive National Palace Museum, and savor local delicacies at the Shilin Night Market. In Ishigaki ,  relax on the sandy shores of Kabira Bay, explore the vibrant streets of Ishigaki City, and discover the lush landscapes of Tamatorizaki Observatory. While in Naha , the vibrant capital of Okinawa, dive into the rich history of Shuri Castle, strolling through the bustling Kokusai Street, and unwinding at the peaceful Shikinaen Garden.

For a longer adventure, choose a stunning cruise from Tokyo , with a circumnavigation of Japan and one stop in Korea. The new destinations not explored in the previous itineraries are Muroran    surrounded by scenic mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Sakata   with the well-preserved Samurai District and the charming Sankyo Warehouse, Kanazawa   known for its rich cultural heritage and the historic Kenrokuen Garden. Busan   takes you to the historic Beomeosa Temple and the Gamcheon Culture Village, Yatsushiro beckons with the visit to the picturesque Yatsushiro Castle and the Yatsushiro Traditional Craft Village. While in Osaka , visit the historic Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori district.

JAPAN ports

Find soulful energy and soothing serenity in these lands of contrast, where turquoise waters and landscapes of profound beauty alternate with amazing ancient wonders or the buzz of city living. Whether you choose to set sail from Tokyo or Yokohama , MSC Cruises' itineraries in Japan will immerse you in the very best this remarkable country has to offer.

YOKOHAMA CRUISES  

With a cruise from Yokohama, you will set sail to discover some of the most iconic destinations in Japan. In Kobe    reach Mount Rokko for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city or opt for an MSC excursion to explore the magnificent Himeji and Engyoji castles. While in Kagoshima, marvel at the Sakurajima volcano, one of Japan's most famous natural landmarks.

Cruises departing from Yokohama also reach Jeju Island in the Republic of South Korea, dominated by Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a stunning volcanic crater overlooking the ocean and UNESCO World Heritage site. Alternatively, make your way to the enchanting Okinawa archipelago and dive into the tropical waters of Naha   and Ishigaki , all the way to Taipei.

TOKYO CRUISES

Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, seamlessly blends modern technology with ancient sites, showcased by the awe-inspiring Asakusa Buddhist temple and the Meiji Shinto shrine. Departing from Tokyo, you can embark on a cruise circumnavigating Japan, making your way to Muroran in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, before heading down to Kanazawa .  Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit Shirakawa-go and its famed traditional houses known as "Gassho-zukuri," which have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Reach the Republic of Korea with a trip to Busan , where you can indulge in a shopping spree at the Shinsegae Centum City Department Store, the world's largest shopping centre. When visiting Osaka , make sure to discover the stunning Himeji Castle, a renowned ancient stronghold that stands as one of Japan’s main historical monuments, or take a moment to immerse yourself in the tranquil splendor of the Tōdai-ji Buddhist temple.

VIEW ALL JAPAN PORTS

• Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan
• Ishigaki, Japan
• Kagoshima, Japan
• Kanazawa, Japan
• Kobe, Japan
• Kochi, Japan
• Miyako, Japan
• Muroran, Japan
• Naha (Okinawa), Japan
• Osaka, Japan
• Sakata/Yamagata, Japan
• Sasebo, Japan
• Sendai, Japan
• Shimonoseki, Japan
• Tokyo, Japan
• Yatsushiro/Kumamoto, Japan
• Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan

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A New Cruise Is Making the Islands of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea More Accessible

By Kate Crockett

The morning sun was already high and hot, penetrating a blue sea haze that softened the forested islands on the horizon. The silhouette of a cargo ship inched north along the diffuse line between sky and sea, toward the frenetic cities on the mainland of Honshu. But where I was, all was peaceful.

In the milky blue below my Prestige stateroom balcony, two large Chrysaora jellyfish pulsed nonchalantly along the hull of Ponant 's 466-foot Le Soléal . Just the night before, this luxury expedition ship had transported me from the bustle of Osaka's crowds and heavy industry to the mysterious and beautiful Seto Inland Sea, the body of water that separates Japan' s main islands: Honshu , Shikoku , and Kyushu .

The reconstructed 16th-century Osaka Castle, on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.

Bon Odori festival dancers wearing traditional tube-sleeve happi coats.

The Seto Inland Sea was Japan's most important trade route for centuries, before road and rail. Its port towns prospered, hosting seafarers as they waited for tides to propel them east toward the imperial capitals or west toward the Sea of Japan, which was the way I was headed on this eight-day cruise from Osaka to Fukuoka . Traveling by sea remains the best—though least utilized—way to explore this sleepy region, which most travelers bypass at 185 miles an hour aboard the Tokaido-Sanyo shinkansen.

Le Soléal , which turned 10 last year, is a sleek, small ship with cutting-edge tech to reduce its impact on the environment. On my first morning, I descended to the marina deck to board one of her 12 Zodiacs (Ponant is the first international company permitted to operate Zodiacs in these waters), bound for Inujima (“dog island”), our first port of call. Inujima is the smallest of the four islands that comprise Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a revolutionary art project that started on Naoshima in 1992 and expanded onto its neighbors. Its innovative proposition to use art to drive rural regeneration has put the Seto Inland Sea firmly on the global art map.

The view from Taichoro Reception Hall, part of Fukuzen-ji Temple in Tomonoura Bay.

We crossed the water toward the crumbling brick chimneys of Inujima's Meiji-era copper refinery, which, for 20 boom years in the early 1900s, provided materials for the construction of Osaka's harbor but was subsequently abandoned. Reimagined in 2008 as Seirensho Art Museum, the site—part preserved ruin, part art gallery—has become a place to ponder the benefits and losses of Japan's rapid industrialization.

Sitting in the shade of artist Kazuyo Sejima's Nakanotani Gazebo, a small pavilion with a curving silver roof that creates echoes of nearby sounds, was a gentleman—the first person I'd seen—and his Shiba Inu. With fewer than 20 residents, most of them elderly, Inujima is one of Japan's countless genkai shūraku—villages doomed by depopulation. The art site is an attempt to revitalize life by attracting visitors. That day, it was unusually busy, as Seirensho had opened exclusively for Le Soléal 's 264 passengers.

The Art House Project, one of Inujima's exhibits designed to help revitalize the local community.

The following morning, expedition leader Ryo Ijichi navigated our Zodiac into a port of Tomonoura that felt like a time warp into the Edo era. We stepped ashore to find residents had planned a private concert from a local stringed instrument called a koto as well as tastings of homeishu, an herbal liqueur distilled on the island. We received a walking map created for Ponant guests to explore sites of interest, including the Taichoro Reception Hall at Fukuzen-ji Temple, with its commanding views of the Seto Inland Sea. Tomonoura's schoolchildren handed out origami cranes and ninja stars. “We have been careful to work with local communities to ensure the cruise is bringing benefits to them,” said Ijichi, the driving force behind this deep-access itinerary. It took three years of “meeting every mayor, every official, and drinking lots of sake with local fishermen” to bring the experience to fruition. Even the Zodiac landings would not have been feasible had Ijichi not lobbied Japan's Ministry of Transportation to pass the necessary legislation.

By CNT Editors

By Lindsey Tramuta

By Lauren Burvill

By Meaghan Kenny

Forty nautical miles west, on the eastern tip of Osaki Shimojima island, lies little-known Mitarai. We explored its Edo-era geisha house, sento bathhouse, and shop houses unhindered by other visitors. Locals pulled out all the stops, with hands-on ikebana, gagaku (imperial court music) by the sea at Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, and a shamisen and classical dance recital in a former cartographer's residence. Ponant handed out vouchers for passengers to spend in local cafés and later brought onboard a haul of local red snapper.

Passengers visit Tomonoura, a historic port town that is part of the Setonaikai National Park.

Each day brimmed with memorable moments. In Shimokamagari, I took part in an odori folk dance with ladies in traditional tube-sleeve happi coats. The next evening, Le Soléal 's packed dance floor swayed to the in-house band above six-foot swells in the Sea of Japan. In Hagi Castle Town, I scoured the historic grid for pink-hued Hagi-yaki pottery. Later, I relaxed with a full-body scrub in Le Soléal's Sothys spa. Tsushima Island , midway between Japan and Korea , marked our final full day in Japan. Le Soléal departed though the magnificent Aso Bay, becoming the first cruise ship ever to do so. As the sun set, sake flowed and musicians played beside the pool.

This Ponant sailing was not Bucket List Japan. You could easily bookend this too-short cruise with the popular Golden Route, as many of my fellow travelers did. This was a version of Japan reserved only for those traveling by sea, in the manner and pace of a bygone era . A matchless guest speaker, the Japan authority Alex Kerr, summed up the pioneering journey by saying: “We did not go to Naoshima, the world-famous art island. They don't need us. But Inujima and Mitarai—those places need us. I am thrilled Ponant chose the beautiful Inland Sea, which everyone has been ignoring up until now.”

This article appeared in the January/February 2024 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here .

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