cruise tour japan

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古くからの土地と美しい自然がはぐくんだ伝統・伝承にひたる

Take in all the sights of Tokyo on a cruise to Japan. As the country’s capital city, Tokyo is Japan’s leading center of business and finance yet also boasts deep roots in history. In the heart of the city, a dense forest glade shrouds visitors from the bustle and houses the Meiji Shrine, its setting symbolizing the separation of the spiritual from the worldly. Nearby, surrounded by stone walls, park area and moats, stands the Imperial Palace. With the Tokyo Tower and Mt. Fuji in view, experience the harmony of modern and ancient on a cruisetour of Japan.

Highlights of Japan Cruisetours

日本の一番北に位置する島、北海道の海岸を回るマジカル・クルーズに出発しませんか。奈良の荘厳な東大寺と美しい春日大社を訪れてみましょう。地上350mのところに位置する東京スカイツリーの展望デッキからこの都市を眺めてみてください。金閣寺と二条城を訪れると、京都の息をのむほどの美しさが体験できます。

日本は対照について学べる場所です。見事な神社仏閣の頭上に摩天楼がそびえ立つ都会から一歩出ると、深い美しさに包まれた静寂な土地が広がっています。Neon-bright architecture and tranquil gardens vie for attention amid the colorful Harajuku district and traditional kimonos. As the No. 1 North American cruise line in Japan with the “Best Asia Itineraries † ,” you can be assured that Princess® will be your guide to the colors, cultures and flavors that define this exciting country.

† PORTHOLEマガジン

東京の文化体験で茶道、書道、日本の精神を学びましょう。通常の観光ルートから外れて、石垣島の海岸からほど近い伝統的な琉球の村が美しく維持されている竹富島を訪ねてみませんか。高知ではヘルメットとヘッドランプを装着して、国の天然記念物、龍河洞の自然の不思議を探検しましょう。鹿児島では17世紀の庭園を散歩し、薩摩藩島津家の歴史博物館で700年の歴史を振り返ってみましょう。

写真: 京都の仏教寺院

Princess Cruises is a proud partner of the  Japan National Tourism Organization .

Japan Cruise Departure Port

東京（横浜）発のクルーズ.

地球上で東京ほど愛しい過去を大切にしつつ未来をしっかり見据えている都市は、他にはないように思われます。興味深い建築から手入れの行き届いた庭園や神社仏閣まで、東京はいつでも喜びとインスピレーションを与えてくれます。東京最古の寺である浅草寺の不思議な伝説を聞いたり、伝統的な茶道プレゼンテーションで素晴らしい1碗をいただいたり、有名な富士箱根伊豆国立公園内で硫黄の温泉を見学したりしませんか。

Let Your Japan Cruise Journey Begin

ライフスタイル＆カルチャー.

大阪では、ユネスコ無形文化財に指定されている伝統的な文楽をお楽しみください。静岡市清水区では、枝編細工のバスケットを持って茶畑に出て茶摘みを体験しましょう。青森では温泉の健康効果と社交的な雰囲気を堪能してください。鹿児島の焼酎蔵を見学し、穀物と野菜が日本の薬酒・蒸留酒に変貌する過程を学びましょう。

写真: 東京の足湯温泉

日本の活火山であり、国内でもっとも人気の観光地でもある霊峰富士を一望にすると、その神聖さが体感できます。ゴジラ岩と伝説の生き物ナマハゲで有名な秋田県男鹿半島の雄大な景色をご堪能ください。Take in the sheer magnificence of Shiretoko Peninsula, an acclaimed  Condé Nast Traveler  7 Cruise Wonders of the World – it may just leave you breathless.

Festivals and unique experiences

Japan is a land of festivals and on select sailings you can experience the mesmerizing spectacle known as the Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima, gaze in awe at the Kumano Grand Festival of fireworks, or get an up-close look at the exquisite parade floats used in Aomori’s annual Nebuta festival.

写真: 青森のねぶた祭

日本クルーズは船上も充実

「アジアにおけるベストクルーズライン」賞に輝いたプリンセス®で行く日本への旅では、デスティネーションに負けないほど素晴らしい旅を体験できます。日本クルーズは、乗船した瞬間から日本の様々な景色、音、味を感じ取ることができます。400年の歴史を持つ落語をお楽しみください。夜にはカラオケを歌い、民族舞踊を見れば、日本の文化が理解できることでしょう。ムービーズ・アンダー・ザ・スターズ®では日本関連の映画をご覧いただけます。ヌードル・バーで美味しい地元の料理を食べたり、寿司に舌鼓を打ったりしませんか。日本のウィスキー、酒、焼酎などの酒類もお試しください。 †

写真: 船上のエンターテイメントに出演する日本の歌手たち

† 一部の旅程で提供されています。

ランドマーク＆文化的傑作

日本の重要文化財に指定されている高知城は、元々の木板造りの内装、天守閣、荘厳な入口が当時のまま保存されている唯一の城です。5,500年前の集落跡である国の特別史跡の青森三内丸山遺跡を見学して、古代日本に思いを馳せてみましょう。東京タワーの特別展望台から東京と富士山を見渡すことができます。金沢城にほど近いところにある長町武家屋敷跡では、細く曲がりくねった道を歩いてみたくなります。

Admire the delicate work of 19th century "ukiyo-e," traditional woodblock prints, with a tour of Shimizu's Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum. Continue your artistic journey as modern bronze statues depicting the spirit monsters known as "yokai,' greet you along the streets of Sakaiminato.

写真: Traditional Japanese 'ukiyo-e' woodblock painting

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu Cities) is comprised of 17 locations in Japan within Kyoto and vicinity; including 13 Buddhist temples, 3 Shinto Shrines and one castle. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) is the only structure that survived the first atomic bomb (08/06/45), it has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing. Nara (30 minutes from downtown Osaka) is home to 8 UNESCO sites, many conveniently located in the city center.

Japan Cruise Travel Articles

A cruise to Japan will unveil the world's oldest cultures and most modern metropolises, featuring intricate designs and sweeping vistas.

Explore Tokyo's Gardens on a Cruise to Japan

Hidden within the radiant lights and exhilarating sounds of Tokyo are tranquil garden sanctuaries. Put one on your must-see list when you cruise to Japan.

Planning a Japan Vacation: Three Must-See Cultural Attractions

Planning a Japan vacation? Put these three must-see attractions on your itinerary as you cruise Japan.

Meaningful Experiences on Japan Cruises: Discover the History of Japan Through Its Majestic Architecture

Japan cruises will afford you a unique look into Japanese culture with visits to famous national treasures such as the Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle.

3 South Korean Temples to Visit on a Korea and Japan Cruise

Enjoy the tranquility that surrounds these three famous South Korean temples on your next Japan cruise to Korea.

旅行、航空運賃、ホテル：プリンセスがお連れします

プリンセスEZair®（フライト予約）（※日本では対象外）

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZairのフライト見積料金は、クルーズ検索結果の詳細ページで閲覧可能です。

飛行機から船へのトランスファー

プリンセスを通して航空券のご予約をされていない場合でも、空港から客船またはホテルまでの送迎はプリンセスにお任せください。手荷物を受け取った後は、制服を着たプリンセスの係員が空港でお客様をお迎えし、客船またはホテルまで送り届けますので、知らない街での移動に頭を悩ませることはありません。

クルーズ・プラス・ホテル・パッケージ

滞在を延長してさらにリラックス

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. クルーズ・プラス・ホテル・パッケージでは、プリンセスの係員が空港または埠頭でお客様をお迎えし、ホテルまで、またはホテルからお連れします。The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling, and the representative’s services.

プランニングのヘルプが必要ですか？

プリンセス・クルーズ バケーションプランナーは、お客様のクルーズバケーションのプランニングを1ステップずつお手伝いする専用リソースです。The best part is, their services are completely FREE!

割引クルーズ・キャンペーン

様々なデスティネーション行きのトップセール、キャンペーン、パートナーシップ、プロモーションはすべて一箇所で検索できます。We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes!

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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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select Caribbean sailings.

Best of Japan

From TOKYO (YOKOHAMA), JAPAN - onboard CELEBRITY MILLENNIUM

†Taxes, fees and port expenses $119.82 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

Sat, Mar 15, 2025

Departs: 7:00PM

At Sea - Cruising

Sun, Mar 16, 2025

Kobe, Japan

Mon, Mar 17, 2025

Arrival: 8:00AM

Tue, Mar 18, 2025

Departs: 5:00AM

Kyoto (Osaka), Japan

Wed, Mar 19, 2025

Departs: 3:00PM

Hiroshima, Japan

Thu, Mar 20, 2025

Docked: 1:00PM to 10:00PM

Fri, Mar 21, 2025

Nagasaki, Japan

Sat, Mar 22, 2025

Docked: 8:00AM to 6:00PM

Jeju Island, South Korea

Sun, Mar 23, 2025

Docked: 7:00AM to 4:00PM

Kagoshima, Japan

Mon, Mar 24, 2025

Docked: 10:00AM to 7:00PM

Tue, Mar 25, 2025

Mt Fuji (Shimizu), Japan

Wed, Mar 26, 2025

Docked: 7:00AM to 7:00PM

Thu, Mar 27, 2025

Arrival: 6:30AM

See Full Itinerary

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 Mar 15, 2025

$8,779 USD * Avg Per Person

DAY 1 - Saturday , Mar 15

DAY 2 - Sunday , Mar 16

DAY 3 - Monday , Mar 17

DAY 4 - Tuesday , Mar 18

DAY 5 - Wednesday , Mar 19

DAY 6 - Thursday , Mar 20

DAY 7 - Friday , Mar 21

DAY 8 - Saturday , Mar 22

DAY 9 - Sunday , Mar 23

DAY 10 - Monday , Mar 24

DAY 11 - Tuesday , Mar 25

DAY 12 - Wednesday , Mar 26

DAY 13 - Thursday , Mar 27

6 Best Japan Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

Drawn to japan’s natural marvels or curious about its culture and cuisine whether you want to sail in 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.

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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 . Following last year’s pent-up demand for Japan cruises, cruise lines have responded by introducing a wide variety of sailings in Japan for this year. 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 Fuji. 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 and witness the beauty of fall, one of Japan’s lesser-known scenic seasons.

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Abercrombie & Kent

• Best for: Viewing fall foliage
• Suggested itinerary: Abercrombie & Kent’s 13-night Wonders of Japan cruise from Sapporo to Osaka starts at $21,495 per person (includes two nights at the Ritz-Carlton Osaka).

If your goal is seeing Japan’s fall foliage, luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has chartered a Ponant ship for the height of the season, from September 20 to October 3, 2024. The cruise is on the Le Soléal , 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. Lectures and presentations aboard will be led by specialists in Japanese history and culture.

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
• Suggested itinerary: Celebrity’s 12-night Best of Japan cruises start at $1,292 per person.

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 cruises in Japan from late August to early October 2024. The line’s Best of Japan sailings embark from Yokohama, near Tokyo. After you explore the vibrant capital city before departure, you’ll sail key ports, like Kobe (known for gourmet marbled beef) and Hiroshima. You’ll also be able to see such lesser-known gems (on select itineraries) 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.

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

Courtesy of Guntû

• Best for: Local immersion
• Suggested itinerary: Three-night sailings with Guntû from Hiroshima start at $3,663 per person.

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.

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
• Suggested itinerary: Lindblad’s 16-night Coastal Japan sailing starts at $24,650 per person, and the 21-night Journey from Nome to Tokyo itinerary starts at $31,590 per person.

Lindblad Expeditions is exploring Japan with a good mix of both tried-and-true itineraries and new options in August and 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. It will focus on both cultural attractions, such as temples and art studios, and natural wonders, including on Japan’s subtropical islands. The 21-day Journey from Nome to Tokyo: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture itinerary begins in Nome, Alaska, and takes travelers all the way to Japan’s islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. The ship is the 138-passenger National Geographic Resolution , with attractions that include a Nat Geo-certified photographer aboard to help you capture Japan’s beautiful scenery with aplomb.

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
• Suggested itinerary: Ponant’s seven-night sailing between Keelung, Taiwan, and Fukuoka starts at $5,770 per person.

Upscale French line Ponant explores Japan with its 264-passenger Le Soléal 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 October 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.

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
• Suggested itinerary: Regent Seven Seas’ 11-night Japan cruises start at $10,499 per person, with business-class airfare included.

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 excursions that cover Japan’s most notable cities, with stops in Tokyo for visits to the ancient district of Asakusa; close-up explorations of Mount Fuji from the Port of Shimizu; views of Kochi’s memborable natural landscapes; and lessons on Japan’s fraught history in Nagasaki. Among other stops, guests will also visit Busan in South Korea for a night of lively exploration in the large port city.

This story was originally published in 2023 and was most recently updated on June 17, 2024, to include current information.

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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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Exploring Japan has never been easier. With a wide variety of itineraries, our Cruises to Japan give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of the Land of the Rising Sun. Our shorter Highlights of Japan itineraries are packed with must-see ports such as Kyoto and Beppu. Looking for a longer adventure? Our Immersive Japan cruises will take you from the snowy peaks of Mt. Fuji to the unbelievable beaches of Ishigaki Island. Experience all of the beauty, history and mystery of East Asia on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise you’ll never forget.

Savvy travelers know to plan their Japan vacation around the autumn time. The changing of the seasons is a sight to behold: imagine walking the traditional Japanese gardens covered in picturesque autumn hues, as comfortable breezes envelop you. Our fall cruises to Japan will give you the best chance to see Momiji-gari , hunting red leaves.

Our cruises to Japan have been designed to provide you with as much time to explore onshore as possible. With an overnight stay in Kyoto , you will have plenty of time to uncover “Old Japan” – including the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Nijo Castle. Our longer cruises to Japan also feature additional overnight stays in Tokyo.

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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Discover More of Japan with a Shore Excursion

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer a variety of pre-planned excursions to choose from to give you the most relaxing but engaging holiday experience possible. Walk through historic Kyoto with an expert guide, or enjoy a scenic drive that will take you to the best spot to admire and photograph Mt. Fuji.

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The Beaches of Ishigaki

Discover this remote and picturesque island's lush mountains, dense jungles, stunning beaches, and magnificent coral reef. Enjoy fantastic snorkelling or delve into the rich history of the southernmost city of Japan.

Beppu's Hot Springs

Beppu is renowned for its invigorating and relaxing hot spring experiences, mud and sand baths. Not to miss: Jigoku meguri (hell circuit) are a group of hot springs, only meant for admiring.

We'll keep you entertained day and night with exciting nightclubs, award-winning restaurants, a variety of bars and lounges, a grand casino, swimming pools, a pampering spa and so much more.

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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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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.  

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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.

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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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• Japan Shore Excursions, Day Trips & Activities from Cruise Ports

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Japan Shore Excursions | Different Taste of Japan Tours, Day Trips & Activities for Cruise Passengers

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.

Unique Experiences in Japan

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• Speak 1-1 with a dedicated travel expert
• Free Inquiry - Deliver fast - Consistent service - Seamless itineraries
• We share a commitment to quality & the delivery of authentic travel experiences

Tailor-made Japan Day Trips

• Over 18 years experience in tailoring Japan tours & day trips from cruise port
• Your time, your pace - no limited changes, without charge
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Guaranteed Quality of Japan Excursions

• We want you to go home with amazing stories about your trip
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• Visit local families, appealing places & experience local life

Small Group - Big Deal | Plan A Group

Extend an invitation to everyone to join you on the adventure with Shore Excursions Asia, weaving tales of meaningful friendship, all while optimizing costs for an enjoyable journey. It's the perfect way to explore, connect, and enjoy cost savings together!

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

Happy Moments from Japan Shore Excursions' Customers

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shore excursions feedbacks

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!

Sakaiminato Sightseeing Tour

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• CruiseMapper
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Akita City (Japan Akita)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Asia

Local Time 2024-06-24 18:58

Port Akita City cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Akita City, Japan Akita. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Akita (Akita-shi) is the principal port and the capital city of Japan's Akita Prefecture (Honshu Island's Tohoku region), with population around 315,000. The seaport is on the Sea of Japan (to the west), while the Omono River runs through downtown.

Port Akita (locode JPAXT) is officially classified as "Major Port" and has total land area approx 663 hectares (6,6 km2). During Edo/Tokugawa period (1603-1868), Akita was a major port on the coastal trade route from Osaka to Hokkaido. During the Meiji period (1868-1912) was finished a breakwater (in 1885) that was further expanded in 1902.

Port Tsuchizakiko was designated as “secondary port” in 1910. When in 1941 Tsuchizaki was merged with Akita, the port was officially renamed “Akita Port”. Most of its facilities were heavily damaged during the US air raids in August 1945. After WW2 (1939-1945), the seaport was improved. Its breakwater was extended via the sinking of damaged Japanese military vessels (including the Matsu-class destroyers Take and Momo). The Japanese government classed Akita as “major port” in 1951 and as “special port” in 1962. Its Customs Office opened in 1964, allowing international shipping trade. Northern Port's extension was completed in 1970.

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Which purchases count as travel with Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Editor's Note

Thanks to its plethora of premium travel perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is well-known in the travel credit card space. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the Sapphire Reserve's mid-tier sibling that features a $95 annual fee — which is also the more affordable card considering the Reserve's annual fee is $550 — and remains a top pick, winning Best Travel Rewards Credit Card for the sixth straight year at the 2023 TPG Awards .

No matter which Sapphire card you have, Chase clearly defines what counts as travel. Both cards generously award for travel booked through Chase Travel℠ and all other travel purchases.

We'll go over the purchases that count (and don't count) toward earning bonus points in this guide.

How many points do the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred cards earn on travel?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve awards 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel and 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel.

But suppose you're looking to book directly with the airline, hotel or another company or get awarded for other travel purchases like taxi rides and parking fees. In that case, you'll still earn 3 points per dollar on these purchases.

The Sapphire Preferred earns 5 points per dollar on all travel purchases booked through Chase Travel and 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases.

You'll also earn a boosted rate of 10 and 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides on the Reserve and Preferred, respectively (through March 2025).

'Travel,' according to Chase

The Chase Travel portal allows you to book various types of travel. For "all other travel purchases," here's how Chase defines it:

Merchants in the travel category include airlines, hotels, motels, timeshares, car rental agencies, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites, campgrounds and operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, and parking lots and garages.

Compared to bonus categories from other credit cards, Chase's travel category is extremely generous.

While cards such as the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer bonus points for airfare purchases made directly with the airline (with a spending cap of $500,000 on the Amex Platinum per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards let you earn a bonus on virtually every trip-related charge.

The travel category encompasses a wide variety of purchases, from hotels and airfare (which doesn't have to be booked directly with the airline) to cruises, tolls and even parking fees. Uber and Airbnb purchases count as travel as well.

The following purchases do not apply toward the 2 or 3-points-per-dollar bonus categories on these cards, but most of them shouldn't be a huge surprise or disappointment:

Merchants in this category include airlines, hotels, motels, timeshares, car rental agencies, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites, campgrounds and operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, and parking lots and garages. Some merchants that provide transportation and travel-related services are not included in this category; for example, real estate agents, educational merchants arranging travel, in-flight goods and services, on-board cruise line goods and services, sightseeing activities, excursions, tourist attractions, RV and boat rentals, merchants within hotels and airports, public campgrounds and merchants that rent vehicles for the purpose of hauling. Purchases from gift card merchants or merchants that sell points or miles will not qualify in the travel category.

A few notable travel-related charges that have not been posted as travel for the purposes of bonus points with Chase for TPG staffers in the recent past include an RV rental as well as some vacation rentals via Vrbo and similar services. Whether a vacation home rental automatically codes as travel depends on whether an individual or a conglomerate operates it. In the latter case, that charge may code as "professional services" instead of travel.

If you're ever unsure whether a given purchase counts as travel, it could be worth making a small charge and checking whether it earns any bonus points on your online Chase account.

Additionally, suppose you feel like a travel purchase should have earned bonus points but didn't. In that case, you can always try calling or secure messaging Chase and requesting consideration for that charge to be awarded points as a travel charge. Even if you don't get the outcome you're looking for, you'll at least get some clarity on how certain charges are coded and can plan future spending accordingly.

What does Chase typically count as travel purchases?

• Campgrounds
• Car rental agencies (excludes RV and boat rentals)
• Cruise lines
• Discount travel sites
• Parking lots and garages
• Passenger trains
• Toll bridges and highways
• Travel agencies
• Vacation rentals (including some VRBO rentals operated by an individual )

What does Chase typically not count as travel purchases?

• Educational merchants arranging travel
• Gift card merchants
• Inflight goods and services
• Merchants that rent vehicles for the purpose of hauling
• Merchants within hotels and airports
• Onboard cruise line goods and services
• Purchasing points or miles
• Public campgrounds
• Real estate agents
• RV and boat rentals
• Sightseeing activities
• Tourist attractions
• Vacation rentals ( some VRBO rentals operated by a conglomerate rather than an individual )

Bottom line

Cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred have plenty of opportunities to earn 3 or 2 points per dollar spent, respectively, on "other travel purchases." Based on TPG's valuations , that means you could be getting a return of up to 6.15% on these purchases, and you can put your points to use with Chase's airline and hotel partners .

On top of that, these Chase cards have some of the most generous travel and purchase protections on the market, making either card a valuable addition to your wallet.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve with a 60,000-point sign-up bonus after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred with a 60,000-point sign-up bonus after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.