Top 6 Cruises to Japan for Every Type of Explorer

Japan, with its captivating blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, has emerged as a premier cruise destination in Asia, especially given its extensive coastline that’s easily navigable by sea.

After a three-year pause due to COVID-19 border restrictions, international cruise lines resumed operations in Japan in March 2023. In response to the previous year’s strong demand, various cruise options have been introduced for this year, ranging from intimate yachts and expedition vessels to ultra-luxury ships and large liners accommodating over 2,000 guests.

No matter which vessel you select, the top Japan cruises offer itineraries that showcase bustling neon-lit cities, serene shrines and temples, picturesque parks and gardens, as well as soothing hot springs and the majestic sight of Mount Fuji. Depending on when you sail, you can revel in the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring or the vibrant autumn foliage. Cruise passengers will also immerse themselves in rich cultural experiences, from local cuisine and traditions to lively arts and entertainment.

For those eagerly anticipating the return to Japan, here are our recommendations for the best cruises available.

Abercrombie & Kent

• Ideal for: Admiring autumn foliage
• Recommended 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).

For those seeking the best views of Japan’s autumn foliage, luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has arranged a chartered Ponant ship for the peak season, from September 20 to October 3, 2024. The cruise will be aboard the Le Soléal, limited to 199 guests. With an expedition team and local experts, A&K emphasizes cultural immersion, featuring private performances by renowned Kodo taiko drummers, Kabuki warriors, and geishas, along with visits to picturesque Japanese gardens. In Hiroshima, guests will engage with a storyteller who will recount experiences related to the World War II atomic bomb. Onboard lectures and presentations will be provided by specialists in Japanese history and culture.

Celebrity Cruises

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

The 2,138-passenger Celebrity Millennium features an outdoor movie theater and a supervised Camp at Sea program with over 500 activities, making it an excellent choice for families. This ship will cruise through Japan from late August to early October 2024. The Best of Japan sailings depart from Yokohama, near Tokyo. After exploring the lively capital city, you'll visit key ports like Kobe (famous for its exquisite marbled beef) and Hiroshima. Select itineraries also include hidden treasures like the hot springs in Hakodate on Hokkaido. All sailings offer an overnight stay in Osaka, allowing passengers to explore the stunning temples and shrines of Kyoto (just an hour away) or to enjoy Osaka’s renowned aquarium and Universal Studios Japan.

Guntû

• Ideal for: Local immersion
• Recommended itinerary: Three-night voyages with Guntû from Hiroshima start at $3,663 per person.

For a unique experience, consider the destination-focused luxury floating hotel, Guntû, in Japan’s scenic Seto Inland Sea, operated by a local company. This artisan-crafted vessel offers three- to five-day itineraries, accommodating just 38 guests. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Yasushi Horibe to resemble a traditional ryokan, the ship features a minimalist and modern aesthetic with abundant wood and glass elements. For a luxurious treat, select suites include private open-air onsen baths. While exploring charming remote villages, you’ll savor culinary creations from celebrated Tokyo chef Kenzo Sato of Shigeyoshi, delight in seafood dishes at the sushi bar, enjoy craft cocktails, and partake in tea ceremonies. The onboard spa features a communal bath, allowing guests to unwind together while enjoying stunning water views.

Lindblad Expeditions

• Ideal for: A blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty
• Recommended itinerary: Lindblad’s 16-night Coastal Japan voyage starts at $24,650 per person, while the 21-night Journey from Nome to Tokyo adventure begins at $31,590 per person.

In August and September 2024, Lindblad Expeditions will unveil a captivating exploration of Japan, featuring a combination of classic routes and fresh experiences. The 16-night journey titled Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture includes two nights in a Tokyo hotel and sails between Niigata and Kobe, showcasing both cultural landmarks like temples and art studios, as well as natural wonders found in Japan’s subtropical islands. The 21-day Journey from Nome to Tokyo: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture starts in Nome, Alaska, and takes adventurers through Japan’s stunning islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. The expedition features the 138-passenger National Geographic Resolution, complete with a Nat Geo-certified photographer to help capture Japan’s breathtaking landscapes.

Ponant

• Ideal for: Escaping the typical cruise experience
• Recommended itinerary: Ponant’s seven-night voyage from Keelung, Taiwan, to Fukuoka starts at $5,770 per person.

The upscale French cruise line Ponant ventures into Japan with its 264-passenger Le Soléal, offering some of the most cutting-edge cruise itineraries available in the region. This expedition-style journey, led by naturalists, features landings via inflatable Zodiacs and explores the subtropical southern islands, emphasizing the Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands in the Ryukyu archipelago, along with the lush Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Seven-night journeys in October 2024 will include visits to unspoiled beaches on islands like Ishigaki and Kume, alongside snorkeling and diving activities. On land, guests can engage with local culture through traditional village visits, including drum and dance performances.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

• Ideal for: Luxury cruising at its finest
• Recommended itinerary: Regent Seven Seas’ 11-night Japan cruises begin at $10,499 per person, including business-class airfare.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, known for its all-inclusive luxury, will be sailing to Japan this October aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, one of the most opulent vessels in the world. The cruise package includes excursions to Japan’s major cities, with stops in Tokyo to explore the historic Asakusa district, scenic views of Mount Fuji from the Port of Shimizu, and unforgettable landscapes in Kochi. Additionally, guests will learn about Japan’s complex history in Nagasaki and spend a night in Busan, South Korea, for vibrant city exploration.

This article was first published in 2023 and was last updated on June 17, 2024, to reflect the latest information.