Top Five Reasons to Cruise Japan

1. Uncover more destinations in one curated journey

With futuristic cities, tranquil temples, lush countryside and dramatic coastlines, Japan is rich with remarkable landscapes. Travelling across them all can be exhilarating, but it also means juggling trains, hotels and luggage. Cruising connects Japan’s diverse regions in one fluid itinerary, leaving you more time to take it all in.

Enjoy breakfast as your ship approaches Tokyo’s vibrant skyline or Nagasaki’s historic port. One day you might be gazing at Mount Fuji from Shimizu, and the next you’re sampling street food in Osaka or exploring samurai heritage in Nagoya, all with your comfortable stateroom waiting nearby.

2. Experience Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season 

Japan’s cherry blossom season is world-famous. Cruise ports like Kochi and Hiroshima come alive in soft pink hues between late March and early April, offering unforgettable views both on land and from the ship. Osaka and Tokyo serve as gateways to some of the country’s most beautiful blossom-viewing spots, where entire parks and riversides are downed in delicate petals.

Pack a picnic and head to Kema Sakuranomiya Park in Osaka, where over 5,000 cherry trees line the riverside promenade. Take a day trip to Kyoto for a stroll under the blushing branches in the Botanical Gardens or Philosopher’s Park. When in doubt, guided shore excursions can help you find the most spectacular spots.

3. Discover the coastal beauty most tourists miss

While many visitors gravitate toward eclectic cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, cruising reveals an entirely different side of the country. Japan’s coastline is dotted with charming port towns, each rich with local culture, deep history and striking scenery

Best of all, you don’t have to pick and choose. On the right cruise, you’ll shop quirky vending machines in Tokyo’s bustling streets, and step back in time at Kochi Castle, where cherry blossoms bloom around one of Japan’s most intact feudal-era castles. Further south, you’ll discover dramatic views of Sakurajima, an active volcano that rises from the bay in Kagoshima, sending plumes of smoke into the sky.

4. A taste of everything Japan has to offer

Cruising Japan gives you the perfect opportunity to sample its incredible regional diversity, one port at a time. Each stop introduces a new specialty, shaped by local ingredients, traditions and centuries of global influences. Explore the rich, savoury flavours of Osaka’s street food. Sample fusion dishes in Nagasaki. Nothing beats eating fresh sushi in Tokyo or sipping green tea under the cherry blossoms in Kyoto’s countryside.

Head out on a market tour, take part in a tea ceremony or try a hands-on cooking experience with a local chef. These immersive tastings go beyond the plate, offering insights into the traditions and stories behind every meal.

5. Relax, recharge, repeat

For incredible value that land-based holidays just can’t match, cruising offers a seamless, stress-free way to explore Japan. Each morning, the sun rises over a new horizon, but you never have to pack or move your bags. Simply relax on the deck with a drink as the coastline drifts by. Catch a live show or indulge in a spa treatment between ports. You’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations, attentive service, fine dining and panoramic sea views, all without the stress of language barriers or navigating between destinations.

Opt for a cruise holiday package for the added convenience of included flights, hotel stays, transfers and even curated shore excursions. With every detail taken care of, you can focus entirely on the experience. Look for My Cruises packages with exclusive Bonus Value extras like beverage packages, wifi and excursion credits to help you make the most of your trip.