Where do Japan cruises go?
Japan cruises take you to some of the country’s most iconic cities, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historic sites of Hiroshima. Here are five popular Japan cruise destinations that our customers love:
Hiroshima
Located in western Japan, Hiroshima is a city recognised for its resilience, history and commitment to peace. Known for the tragic atomic bombing during World War II, it has since been rebuilt into a vibrant hub. Hiroshima is more than its history. It also offers stunning sights like the Itsukushima Shrine, cultural gems like Hiroshima Castle and delicious food like okonomiyaki. This unique dish features yakisoba noodles topped with cabbage and a thin layer of batter.
Kagoshima
Positioned at the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty. With its skyline dominated by the active volcano Sakurajima, Kagoshima boasts more than 2,730 hot springs. It’s no wonder it’s known as Hot Spring Kingdom! In nearby Ibusuki, visitors can relax by burying themselves in warm sand baths, naturally heated by the region’s hot springs. These baths are said to have therapeutic benefits, promoting relaxation and helping with various skin conditions.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki is known for being one of the few ports open to foreign trade during Japan’s period of isolation. This history has given the city a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese and European influences. The city’s Chinese influence is most prominent in Chinatown. One of the oldest in Japan, Nagasaki’s Chinatown is filled with red lanterns, traditional Chinese architecture and a variety of shops and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a range of dishes, including Shippoku - a multi-course meal that blends different culinary traditions for a unique dining experience.
Osaka
Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, is a vibrant metropolis renowned for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Situated in the Kansai region, it serves as a central business hub and has been pivotal in Japan's economic and cultural development for centuries. The city boasts a dynamic street food scene, offering a variety of flavours, from savoury takoyaki (octopus-filled dough balls) to crispy okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes). A highlight is Dotonbori, one of Osaka's most famous entertainment districts, celebrated for its neon lights, bustling streets and vibrant nightlife.
Tokyo
Tokyo is a bustling wonderland and Japan’s capital. While it is the most populated urban area in the world, its size and layout somehow make it feel less crowded than expected. Tokyo feels more like a collection of smaller cities, each with its own charm. The bright lights and excitement of Shibuya and Akihabara contrast with the peaceful gardens and shrines in Chiyoad, offering a perfect balance of energy and serenity. Overlook the city from excellent viewing platforms like the Tokyo Tower. On a clear day, you’ll see Mount Fuji in the distance.
Best things to do on a Japan cruise
There’s a wealth of outdoor activities on offer - from skiing to hiking - in mountainous, volcanic Japan.
Japan is no longer skiing’s best-kept secret. It’s now a popular destination for snow lovers, offering impressive snowfall and stunning mountain views. The ski season typically starts in December, reaching its peak in January and February. The further north you go, the more snow you’ll find. Japan has around 500 ski areas. Niseko, Furano, Sapporo Teine, Hakuba and Shiga Kõgen are considered the most popular.
If blissful relaxation is more your thing, highly volcanic Japan has thousands of onsen. Onsen are natural hot springs where steaming water bubbles up from the ground. The water is at least 25°C when it surfaces and is rich in natural minerals. There are several ways to experience an onsen. Many traditional Japanese inns are built over hot springs and feature baths filled with onsen water. Resort towns often offer day spas with multiple baths and saunas. Natural onsens can be found hidden in the mountains or along secluded coasts. For a unique experience, try ashi-yu (foot baths) near train stations or rent a private bath (kashikiri-buro) at an inn or day spa. Some rural inns and bathhouses offer co-ed bathing (konyoku), while outdoor baths (rotemburo) allow you to soak while enjoying views of mountains, rivers or the ocean.
With more than two-thirds mountain terrain, Japan is the perfect destination for seasoned hikers. Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest and most well-known mountain. It offers a gruelling climb, but that doesn’t stop over 300,000 people each summer. A popular day hike, Takao-san is less than an hour west of Shinjuku. Its highest point of 599 metres means it is great for families - plus, it can be walked year-round! The Oku-Tama region is one of Tokyo’s most popular hiking getaway spots. With mountains, waterfalls and woodlands, it offers the perfect backdrop for walkers.
Japanese cuisine is worth getting excited about. It’s known for its seasonality and use of fresh, local ingredients. It can range from light and delicate dishes to hearty and flavourful meals. Sushi, probably the most well-known Japanese cuisine, is raw fish and rice seasoned with vinegar. Traditionally, sushi was made to last for days, with vinegar in the rice acting as a preservative. Today, however, sushi is more commonly associated with fresh fish.
Japanese eating etiquette has very few rules. It’s considered rude to stick your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice or to pass food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another. When serving yourself from a shared dish, use the end of your chopsticks that haven’t touched your mouth to transfer food to your own plate. If you’re eating noodles, it’s customary to slurp them, as they should be eaten before they get soggy. This is why you’ll often hear fellow diners slurping to cool the noodles as they eat.
When is the best time to cruise to Japan?
Japan is a country of ever-changing seasons, each offering its own unique charm and experience. The best time to cruise to Japan depends on what you’d like to experience - whether it’s cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant autumn leaves or dazzling winter illuminations.
Spring (March to May) is perfect for seeing cherry blossoms, enjoying mild weather and experiencing vibrant festivals. Autumn (September to November) brings stunning foliage and pleasant temperatures. Visit in winter (December to February) for winter sports, snowy landscapes and festive illuminations. Summer (June to August) is great for lively festivals, fireworks and beaches, though it is hot and humid.
Which cruise lines sail to Japan?
Many of our cruise line partners offer cruises to Japan. Among the most popular are Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn and Silversea, all of which offer fly cruises. Fly cruises are a great way to travel to a wider variety of destinations around the world.
Explore more Japan cruises:
Celebrity Cruises Japan | Princess Japan Cruises | Silversea Cruises Japan | Fly Cruise to Japan | Japan Cruise and Stay | All-Inclusive Cruise Japan | Holland America Cruise to Japan | Last-Minute Cruise Deals Japan | Luxury Cruise Japan | Oceania Cruises Japan | Regent Cruises Japan | Seabourn Cruises Japan | Small Ship Cruises Japan
