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Japan Cruises
From the modern skyscrapers and neon lights of Tokyo to the imperial shrines of Kyoto, Japan offers the perfect balance between old and new. Are you a fan of sushi, karaoke or anime? There’s nothing like enjoying these famous exports on a tour of the country’s main highlights! Explore ancient temples in the land of the rising sun, take in geisha dances or soak in a moment of tranquillity in a Zen garden. Enjoy the 24-hour buzz of Tokyo and Osaka, or get out into the countryside to hike on Mount Fuji and have a soak in hot springs....
Japan
Nagasaki, Japan
Osaka, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
JAPAN CRUISE PORTS
Japan Ports
Nagasaki
Famous for the role it played in WWII, Nagasaki is a city of remembrance. Explore its wartime heritage at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park with its solemn memorials and tributes. Modern Nagasaki is vibrant and peaceful, located on the Japanese island of Kyushu with a pretty harbour and splashes of greenery like the Glover Garden. Head up Mount Inasa to enjoy sweeping views of the city and sparkling sea below.
Osaka
Japan’s third-largest city offers a laid-back atmosphere that blends historic temples with modern urban attractions. Don’t miss a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum, surrounded by cherry trees and a lovely moat. At night, have a wander around the Dotonbori district to enjoy fine dining and theatre. The city’s aquarium is ideal for animal lovers, while its Universal Studios theme park is a must for thrill-seekers.
Tokyo
The traditional and modern worlds collide in fast-paced Tokyo, a hub for art, culture, and cuisine! Head to the top of the Tokyo Skytree to get your bearings with the 360-degree views, or visit the Senso-ji temple and Imperial Palace to get a taste of old world Japan. Neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and designer boutiques light up the city streets, but you can still find cobblestone lanes tucked beside them.
What You Need To Know About Japan
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Japan sprawls its way over a lengthy volcanic archipelago, and the climate varies from the warm and humid south to the cold, mountainous north! There are four distinct seasons here, each with their own benefits, so you can really visit Japan throughout the year and find something to enjoy. Most cruise visitors will arrive in spring or autumn, to avoid the hot, humid summer months when temperatures can soar. Spring is also the season when you’ll be able to enjoy Japan’s famous Cherry Blossom festivals when cherry trees burst into delicate bloom and locals spend time celebrating in the parks and temples.
What are the highlights of a Japanese cruise?
If you want to catch a glimpse of traditional Japan, Kyoto is the place to go! This offers old-world highlights like bamboo forests in Arashiyama, Zen gardens and wooden teahouses with geisha in Gion. Stop off at temples like Kurama-dera or Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, or venture to the famous Senso-ji temple in Tokyo. Tokyo exceeds its expectations, as a truly can’t-miss world capital for culture, fashion, and cuisine. See its fast-paced lifestyle on display at Shibuya Crossing or in colourful Harajuku. Visit the DisneySea theme park, or take a trip up the Tokyo Skytree tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Which local foods in Japan should you try?
It’s worth visiting Japan for the food alone! You really can’t go wrong on a tasting tour of the islands, starting with its most iconic cuisine – sushi. This simple dish combines raw fish with lightly seasoned rice, but you’ll find incredible variation in the types of toppings and fillings here. Why not take a cooking class to try rolling your own? Ramen noodles are another well-known treat, served in a warming broth with egg, greens, pork or other toppings. Treat yourself to a plate of lightly-battered tempura shrimp, fill up on toothsome buckwheat soba noodles, or take part in a traditional tea ceremony.
JAPAN EXPERTS
Charlene Thackeray
Japan
Sunshine 60 Observatory (Sky Circus) has great views across the city and on a clear day even Mt Fuji! I would highly recommend a trip up here at night to see the bright lights of Tokyo.
Alexander Abraham
Japan
Tokyo is an amazing city and I had some great experiences there. I would definitely go back as at the moment I’ve only scratched the surface of this huge city!
JAPAN - DID YOU KNOW?
Although Japan’s cities draw the bulk of attention from visitors, its interior is lushly forested with lovely mountain landscapes to explore. This includes its highest and most famous peak – Mount Fuji, at 3,776 metres tall. If you fancy a climb, you’ll be rewarded with a shrine and observation deck where you can see amazing views of Fujiyoshida City and Lake Yamanaka below.
There are loads of traditional small towns in Japan, and one of the prettiest is Takayama. It features colourfully painted red bridges, charming wooden homes and an array of shrines in its historic centre. Visit the Hida Folk Village to see the old-world thatched homes of Japan’s past, or buy your breakfast from Takayama’s markets for fresh produce and delicious street food.
One of the best places to see traditional temples is in Nikko, a UNESCO world heritage site to the north of Tokyo. Its built up on a hillside, with temples and shrines surrounded by cedar trees. The highlight is Toshogu Shrine, which draws large crowds for its ornate red and gold structures. There are also lots of hot springs around this region, inviting you to stop in and have a dip in the fresh mountain air.
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