Japan Cruises

Discover Japan from a perspective few travellers experience — where ancient tradition and modern innovation meet along breathtaking coastlines and vibrant port cities.

A cruise to Japan offers an effortless way to explore this fascinating destination, blending iconic landmarks with hidden cultural treasures. From the neon energy of Tokyo to the timeless elegance of Kyoto, each port reveals a new layer of Japanese culture — serene temples, historic castles, cherry blossom gardens, and culinary experiences that celebrate centuries of craftsmanship.

Sail past dramatic landscapes where volcanic peaks rise above the sea, soak in natural hot springs, and wander through peaceful shrines that reflect Japan’s deep spiritual heritage. Whether you’re visiting during the iconic cherry blossom season, vibrant autumn foliage, or the colourful festivals of summer, every journey promises moments of discovery and wonder.

With the comfort of unpacking only once, a Japan cruise allows you to experience multiple regions seamlessly — combining rich history, world-class cuisine, and unforgettable scenery into one extraordinary voyage.

Ports you might visit

Akita, Japan
Aomori, Japan
Fukuoaka, Japan
Hakodate, Japan
Kanazawa, Japan
Kushiro, Japan
Maizuru, Japan
Matsuyama, Japan
Miyako, Japan
Miyakojima, Japan
Miyazaki
Mount Fuji (Shimizu), Japan
Nagoya, Japan
Niigata, Japan
Okinawa
Otaru, Japan
Sakaiminato, Japan
Sapporo
Sasebo, Japan
Sea of Japan
Shimonoseki, Japan
Tokushima, Japan
Tokyo
Tsuruga, Japan
Yokohama
Akita, Japan

Akita, Japan

The vibrant heart of the expansive Akita Prefecture in northern Tohoku stands out as a unique destination where modernity entwines with tradition. Sheltered along the enchanting Sea of Japan coast, Akita boasts a captivating blend of modern and old, with a cityscape that showcases an intriguing contrast of architectural styles.
Aomori, Japan

Aomori, Japan

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan’s natural landscape around the Aomori Prefecture. Located in the north of Japan’s main island, the city mixes ultramodern architecture with sleepy fairytale castles, surrounded by scented cherry blossoms. Visit the World Heritage Site of the Shirakami Mountains with its majestic forest of beech trees; follow the Oirase River from mystic Lake Towada and explore two national parks at Tsugaru to the west and Shimokita across Mutsu Bay.
Fukuoaka, Japan

Fukuoaka, Japan

Fukuoka is the capital of the province of the same name. It sits on the north shore pf Kyushu, the most southerly of Japan's islands, home to beaches, modern malls and ancient temples.
Hakodate, Japan

Hakodate, Japan

Hakodate is one of the most popular city destinations in Japan. Here you can experience diverse dynamic architecture, the last Shogun battlefield and enjoy shimmering night views from Mount Hakodate.
Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa, Japan

This splendid castle town, with over 400 years of history, beckons visitors to its unique time capsule of history and culture. As the seat of the Maeda Clan during the Edo Period, it rivaled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in cultural achievements, making it a city with a rich legacy.
Kushiro, Japan

Kushiro, Japan

Kushiro is surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty, which is often overlaid with a thick mist, giving it a surreal feel.
Maizuru, Japan

Maizuru, Japan

Nestled on Japan’s scenic Sea of Japan coast, Maizuru is known for its rich naval history, scenic landscapes, and delicious seafood. Explore peaceful bays, visit local temples, or take a journey inland to discover the timeless elegance of Kyoto’s ancient shrines and gardens.
Matsuyama, Japan

Matsuyama, Japan

Discover Matsuyama, a hidden gem in Japan! Soak in famous Dogo Onsen hot springs, explore the majestic Matsuyama Castle, and stroll through charming streets lined with history and culture. A perfect blend of tradition and scenic beauty
Miyako, Japan

Miyako, Japan

Set along the east coast of the Iwate Prefecture, Miyako is a picturesque port town known for its rugged coastal scenery and fresh seafood. The highlight is Jodogahama Beach, famous for its striking white rock formations and crystal-clear waters, often considered one of Japan’s most beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy peaceful coastal walks, scenic boat cruises along the cliffs, and sample local specialties such as freshly caught seafood.
Miyakojima, Japan

Miyakojima, Japan

A tropical gem in Okinawa, Miyakojima is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, the island also offers scenic bridges linking nearby islets, lush sugarcane fields, and a laid-back island charm.
Miyazaki

Miyazaki

Uncover the charm of Japan’s southern coast when you visit Hososhima, a gateway to the scenic wonders and cultural richness of Miyazaki. Explore rugged coastal cliffs, serene shrines, and lush subtropical landscapes that tell stories of ancient mythology. Visit the famed Udo Shrine, dramatically set in a seaside cave, or stroll through vibrant local markets offering fresh seafood and regional delicacies. Whether you're drawn to spiritual heritage, natural beauty, or warm local hospitality, Hososhima offers a uniquely authentic slice of Japan—all in a day.
Mount Fuji (Shimizu), Japan

Mount Fuji (Shimizu), Japan

In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is one of the most beautiful ports in Japan. Walk through the pine groves of Miho, home to a 650-year-old Japanese black pine, or enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji from the lush, forested hill of Nihondaira.
Nagoya, Japan

Nagoya, Japan

Japan's fourth largest city by population, Nagoya, is a centre of modern commerce, with Toyota, Noritake china and a Legoland theme park calling this capital home. Tour the Toyota Exhibit Hall, experience Noritake Gardens and sit amongst the stars in the planetarium at the Science Museum. Nagoya Castle, deemed a National Treasure, is a must-see, as is exploring their entertainment district, Sakae.
Niigata, Japan

Niigata, Japan

Inhabited for 4,000 years, Niigata overflows with history and beauty. Its location on the Sea of Japan, at the mouth of the country's longest river, makes it ideal for agriculture.
Okinawa

Okinawa

Okinawa is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands in the Pacific Ocean, and is the homeland of Karate, however the tunnels of its World War II underground Navy Headquarters tell of another type of combat. Having nearly been destroyed in 1945, during one of the most extreme battles of World War Two, the island has rebuilt and renovated itself, whilst still retaining much of its rich cultural history.
Otaru, Japan

Otaru, Japan

Otaru lies close to the city of Sapporo on Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s islands. Hokkaido’s scenery comprises dense forest, mountains and marshlands, dotted with mineral-rich hot springs. Hokkaido is seen as wild and rugged, where nature dominates. Much of Otaru’s industry at this time focused around the herring fishing industry, and the wealth it brought was reflected in its so-called ‘Herring Mansions.’ The beautifully renovated Otaru Canal was once a vital part of this compact city’s role as a working harbour, as small boats would unload the cargo from the ships in port and carry them to the warehouses along its banks. The warehouse buildings are now shops, restaurants and museums, and it’s a lovely place for a stroll, or even a leisurely boat ride.
Sakaiminato, Japan

Sakaiminato, Japan

Home of the famous Manga ghost author, Mizuki Shigeru, hauntingly beautiful Sakaiminato suggests many fascinating ways to spend time ashore. Begin by visiting Izumo Taisha’s grand shrine to marriage. Then enjoy an invigorating outdoor natural spa, bathing in the Kaike Onsen hot springs. Or maybe visit one of the many museums and the rare original Japanese Matsue Castle.
Sapporo

Sapporo

Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, is typically accessed via the nearby port of Otaru, located about 40 minutes away. Known for its wide boulevards, green parks, and relaxed atmosphere, Sapporo offers a refreshing blend of modern city life and natural beauty. The eight scenic sights known as the Muroran Hakkei include the Earth Cape white lighthouse with nesting falcons and a panoramic view. Visit Sapporo to the north or take time out in time-honoured fashion, bathing in hot mineral springs.
Sasebo, Japan

Sasebo, Japan

Kyushu Island’s city of Sasebo is famously known for Huis Ten Bosch, an enchanting Dutch-themed amusement park. It’s also the gateway to the natural beauty of the Kujukushima Islands. Gateway to the ethereal Kujukushima islands, this once modest fishing town in Japan’s Nagasaki Prefecture is today a melting pot of international influences, where elements of Japanese, Dutch and American culture lend the city a unique look and feel. You’ll experience this most notably among the windmills and gabled buildings of Huis Ten Bosch, built to replicate the Dutch landscape, while Sasebo’s downtown bars offer more than a nod to the U.S.
Sea of Japan

Sea of Japan

The Sea of Japan is a marginal sea set off from the Pacific Ocean by the Japanese Archipelago, the Korean Peninsula, the Sakhalin Islands, and Russia.
Shimonoseki, Japan

Shimonoseki, Japan

Perched at the southwestern tip of Honshu, Shimonoseki blends coastal beauty with rich heritage. Famous for its fresh pufferfish cuisine, the city also offers historic shrines, scenic sea views, and a gateway to Japan’s feudal past.
Tokushima, Japan

Tokushima, Japan

Nestled on the eastern coast of Shikoku Island, Tokushima is a captivating port that greets discerning travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Indulge in the mesmerizing beauty of the Naruto Whirlpools, a natural spectacle best admired from the comfort of a private sightseeing boat. F
Tokyo

Tokyo

The second largest city in Japan is Yokohama, a rapidly developing and exciting city filled with Japanese charm and culture. In 1854 Yokohama became the first port opened to foreign trade in the country so there is an interesting maritime and international flavour to the city. It is one of the most accessible cities in Japan and is less than half an hour from Tokyo by train. You will find much to do and see during your Yokohama cruise, from discovering landmarks and exploring museums to sampling tasty Japanese cuisine and shopping till you drop in one of the city’s expansive malls.
Tsuruga, Japan

Tsuruga, Japan

Its opulent Kehi Shrine, dating from 702, features a 36-foot-high wooden torii gate ranked among the finest in Japan, while renovated machiya (historic wooden townhouses) along Museum Street now house quaint shops and cafés
Yokohama

Yokohama

Yokohama is an exciting city filled with Japanese charm and culture, and is less than 30 minutes’ train ride from Tokyo, so there’s an opportunity to sample two of Japan’s greatest urban centres. Located directly south of the capital Tokyo and set beside the waters of Tokyo Bay, Japan’s second city is enveloped in the modern and forward-thinking ideology of the country, proving to be a fantastic base for those who wish to immerse themselves in the diverse identity of Japan. There is no better way of capturing the culture of a new city than sampling the cuisine. A number of small and cosy seafood eateries, with kaki furai, or deep-fried oysters, being a particular favourite. Shabu-shabu restaurants are all-you-can-eat establishments allowing you to sample a vast array of Japanese food – perfect if you are unfamiliar with the local cuisine and would like to try lots of dishes. A number of fantastic sushi bars serve the very best of Japan’s most iconic culinary treat.

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