Discover Japan: Top 11 Japan Cruises

Marvelling at swathes of fluffy pink cherry blossom, roaming through luscious rainforests and exploring some of the world’s largest cities – don’t forget the snow monkeys, too! – are just some of the reasons Japan is one of our top travel destinations at Sailawaze. With so much to see and do, a Japan cruise is the ideal way to maximise your time in the Far East. 

Thanks to the most recent series of Race Across the World, a serious buzz around Japan is in the air as this year’s contestants kicked off their epic journey here, travelling from the mountainous north down to the shrines and temples of the south. While showcasing the incredible natural beauty and rich culture of Japan, the programme also highlighted that navigating Japan on your own is no mean feat: very few people speak English and all road signs are in Japanese. Enter: Japan cruises! 

A Japan cruise is an effortless way to see all of the best spots, as many popular cruise lines and tour operators offer jam-packed itineraries that combine the country’s unique blend of extraordinary modernity and ancient history, complete with guided expert excursions. What’s more, Japan consists of many islands and is therefore home to abundant coastlines – perfect for exploring via the water.  

In this guide we’ve cherry(blossom)-picked 11 of our favourite Japan cruise itineraries, with options to suit every type of budget or timeframe. Discover action-packed cruise-and-stay trips, long-haul voyages, week-long island escapes, ultra-luxe trips and more.

We’ve also made sure to include Japan cruises that travel at all times of the year. While the famous spring cherry blossoms are undoubtedly a spectacular sight, it’s not the only season to visit; the country’s burnished leaves in autumn and verdant hiking trails in the summer are equally picture-perfect.

– READ MORE: An insider’s guide to Tokyo –

Best Japan Cruises

There is really no bad time to take a Japan cruise! Winter brings soft heaps of powdery snow in the north, spring cherry blossoms burst into life in early March, warm temperatures, leafy hikes and turquoise seas beckon in the summer, while autumn offers a riot of colour as indigenous trees transform into deep shades of red, orange and yellow.

To avoid the high costs and immense crowds of spring, Sailawaze recommends October as great time to visit Japan. Mild temperatures allow for perfect exploring conditions, while the autumn leaves are brilliantly picturesque.

Fortunately, lots of cruise lines offer Japan cruises and the list is only getting longer, as the Far East becomes an ever-increasingly popular travel destination. 

The main large cruise lines which go to Japan are: Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruises. Royal Caribbean cruise line also offers some Japan cruise itineraries from time to time. For smaller, more luxury vessels, Cunard, Oceania, Silversea, Ponant and Regent Seven Seas are excellent choices.

Disney Cruises to launch in Japan

Disney fans could also be in for the holiday of a lifetime as Disney Cruise Line has just announced that they too will launch Japan cruise itineraries from 2029! Cruises will be available at all times of year, as the cruise line is bringing a brand-new Disney ship to Japan where it will operate year-round, complete with family-favourite onboard entertainment.

The new ship will be sister to the popular Disney Wish, Disney Cruises’ latest ship, where experiences including Frozen-themed theatrical dining and immersive Marvel Universe games entertain holidaymakers of all ages.

Currently there aren’t any no-fly cruises which sail directly from the UK to Japan. All itineraries require a flight before setting sail from major East Asian cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Seoul. Luckily, many cruise lines and tour operators offer fantastic cruise-and-stay itineraries – including flights – allowing plenty of time to explore these mighty metropolises. 

The price of Japan cruises really varies depending on the number of nights and the cruise line you choose to sail with. For example, it’s possible to take a four-night cruise with Royal Caribbean that starts at £332pp, which could be a great option if you are already travelling in East Asia and are looking to spend some time on the water. 

Longer itineraries such as Oceania Cruises’ 18-night cruise start at £5,239pp and allow for a much deeper exploration, with a far more lavish onboard experience. 

A cruise to Japan is a real adventure! Both vast and varied, the country is home to enormous cities, remote landscapes, tropical jungles, towering mountains and idyllic beaches. 

Packing will depend on your chosen itinerary and the time of year you visit, however one thing is for certain: you’ll be doing lots of exploring! So, make sure to bring comfortable footwear and clothing to get the most out of seeing all the sights.

Southern Japan has a year-round tropical climate so cool clothing is a good idea, as is swimwear and insect repellent. The north tends to be a little chillier and can be prone to changeable weather, so a waterproof is a must.  

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