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Japan Cruises

Sail to the Land of the Rising Sun

Japan’s charm is the unparalleled fusion of dazzling natural landscapes, ancient cultural heritage and state-of-the-art architecture coming together in an all-embracing island country. A Japan cruise grants you the opportunity to witness the dreamy scenery as the pink-coloured petals of cherry blossoms swathe the grounds of Japan or experience the one-of-a-kind thrill of riding the bullet train built to connect the capital, Tokyo, to remote Japanese regions.

Nicknamed “The Big Mikan” after New York, Tokyo is bursting with life and colours – with a plethora of things to do and sights to see! Scramble the World’s busiest Shibuya Crossing, marvel at the sky-high Tokyo Tower and take a tour of the capital’s oldest Buddhist temple Senso-ji. Before Tokyo, Kyoto was the ancient capital and is now the cultural hub of Japan. The former capital city is home to 17 World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO, comprising Buddhist temples, imperial palaces and Shinto shrines. And if you need a breath of fresh air,  come to Kochi – a natural paradise boasting an abundance of sunshine, and soothing waters in the form of clear rivers and lengthy coastlines. More tranquillity awaits in Hakodate, set in the shadows of the staggering Mount Hakodate – it’s one of the oldest port cities in Japan.

Japan is every unique experience you encounter and there’s endless things to do and attractions wherever you go. Historic temples, natural hot springs, skyscrapers and neon-lit buildings, lush green spaces, picturesque mountainscapes, shopping districts and a tantalising local cuisine – all of which form the treasures of the Far East. Uncover the best of it all on a Japan cruise! 

Featured Japan Cruise Deals

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Japan Cruise Highlights

Shibuya Crossing

Many internationally acclaimed films and series have used the buzz of Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing as a backdrop, including Lost in Translation, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and Alice in Borderland. Famed as the World’s busiest pedestrian intersection, Shibuya Scramble Crossing is where you’ll get the real sense of Tokyo’s energy and action, as well as the sophisticated Japanese culture that contrasts the peaceful traditions and lifestyle. And now that you’re caught up in the masses of people, why not drop by in the fashion shopping centres around the bustling Tokyo hub?

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, rising above the quaint villages and tree-lined sea at over 12,000 feet. The peak of this stratovolcano is wonderfully swathed in white snow, creating a beautiful contrast with its green-coloured base covered with trees. This almost-perfectly-shaped peak is more than just a geographical wonder – it’s also a significant spiritual and cultural site, drawing a flock of pilgrims every summer and providing culture enthusiasts a glimpse into the region and its way of life.

Himeji Castle

The charming port city of Himeji is home to a namesake Japanese hilltop castle, also called the “White Heron Castle” for its elegant, white-washed appearance. The well-preserved Himeji Castle is the finest example of the original Japanese castle architecture dating back to the feudal era. The UNESCO-listed castle complex has withstood the test of time and catastrophe, surviving even the most devastating wars and natural disasters that came about. Dress up in a traditional kimono and wander the winding paths around the structure!

History and Culture

History and Culture

Japan is known as a nation steeped with a contrasting cultural legacy that binds tradition and modernity in perfect harmony. It’s a proud home to over 20 World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO, and majority of them fall under the cultural category. Kyoto is dubbed the country’s cultural capital, offering an abundance of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, imperial palaces and traditional gardens. Meanwhile, Tokyo is where you’ll find all the action and bright skyscrapers – this energetic metropolis brings modern pop culture and extraordinary fashion trends into life…

  • Take a sightseeing trip to Senso-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, complete with a magnificent red lantern and an iconic five-story pagoda! 
  • Explore Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO-listed sites, including the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nijo-jo Castle and Shimogamo-jinja Shrine to completely immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
  • Pay your respects in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and learn about the history of the world's first nuclear attack.

Things to Do In Japan

Soak in a Japanese onsen

Soaking in an onsen, a Japanese natural hot spring, is the best way to rejuvenate after an action–packed day of sightseeing and outdoor adventures. Onsens are not only for unwinding and relaxing, its waters are also famous for its healing and restorative properties. You’ll find many traditional onsen towns across the country, including the tourist-favourite Kusatsu Onsen, the storied Dogo Onsen and Japan’s hot spring capital Beppu Onsen. This quintessential experience can be enjoyed both indoors or outdoors.

Enjoy hanami under the cherry blossoms

Want to go hanami? Every springtime, you’ll catch the magical flowering season of cherry blossoms or sakura in Japan. This affair is so significant and beautiful to the country that they’ve made a word specifically for enjoying its transient beauty – hanami – which directly translates to “flower viewing,” although it commonly refers only to cherry blossom viewing. From the delicate petal shower in the public urban parks of Tokyo to the sea of budding pink flowers adorning the hike up an observation deck overlooking Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi – there’s plenty of ways to admire sakura in her full bloom!

Find your inner peace in a Japanese garden

Traditional Japanese gardens offer a quick escape from the urban frenzy and modern buzz. It’s more than just a typical garden because it’s considered a form of art the way it’s styled and landscaped – not to mention that most of them have been created way back to the early Edo period. Shinjuku Gyoen is perhaps the most popular, also the largest in Tokyo – it used to house a renowned samurai clan during the Edo era. Koishikawa Korakuen, Kiyosumi Gardens and Mukojima Hyakkaen are some of the other tranquil havens you can visit in the bustling capital…

Local Cuisine

Local Cuisine

Japan has a thriving culinary culture, encompassing regional and traditional dishes that are renowned worldwide. Osaka is a haven for foodies, renowned for its great food scene and everything delicious served from specialist restaurants up to street food stalls. There’s a wide range of culinary masterpieces from Japan but here are some of the most popular dishes that you need to try at least once…

  • Sample sushi and sashimi, which are often served as a set meal – sushi is rolled vinegared rice mixed with other ingredients while sashimi is a thinly sliced raw fish.
  • Taste Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki, both are savoury snacks or side dishes originating from Osaka – takoyaki is an octopus ball and okonomiyaki is a pancake-style dish! 
  • Slurp the soup of ramen – Japanese’ favourite late-night meal with different variations depending on the soup base.

Japan Cruises FAQs

What is the best month to cruise in Japan?

There’s no bad time to go on a Japan cruise. If you’re aiming for pleasant weather and a chance to see the natural beauty of Japan’s scenery in all its glory, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the peak seasons. Summer (June to August) in Japan is full of festivities and fireworks. Besides the fun, the warm and dry season is also ideal for lounging on the beach, hiking mountains and seeing the flower fields. Meanwhile, winter (December to February) is the best time for those who want to enjoy ski adventures and experience dipping into a natural hot spring while the temperature is cool. It’s also highly likely for you to avoid the surge of tourist crowds during this season.

Which cruises go to Japan?

Plenty of Japan sailings are offered by many different operators, with a variety of options ranging from mega-ship, mainstream to small-ship, luxury cruises. These cruise lines include the Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line and Azamara.

When and where to see cherry blossoms in Japan?

Springtime is the season for cherry blossom viewing. The flower budding in Kyoto, Tokyo and nearby regions usually begins in the last few days of March and blooms fully in early April. However, for northern cities like Sapporo and Hakodate, the blooming season takes until the last week of April due to the colder climate in Hokkaido prefecture.

What are some of the unique experiences in Japan?

If you’re looking for some bucket-list-worthy activities to make your trip more worthwhile, you should most definitely bathe in  healing onsen (natural hot spring), attend a Japanese matsuri (festival), try the conveyor belt sushi, find zen (peace and calm) in a Japanese garden and ride a shinkansen (bullet train). Most of these are the quintessential local experiences that you can’t find elsewhere except in Japan!

What is the currency in Japan and do they accept cards?

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Despite its ultra-modern exterior and advanced technologies, cash is still king in Japan especially for smaller amounts. However, credit and debit cards are widely accepted now in major cities and most establishments. IC cards are prepaid travel cards that can be used when riding public transportation systems, and several mobile payment methods are also available in select stores.

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