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A cruise to Asia is an incredible experience, and one including Japan is not to be missed. Combining the beauties of ancient traditions with the excitement of modern cities, the many sides to Japan await discovery.

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Japan

Savour week-long tours of the Japanese islands. Experience a longer voyage across Asia and beyond. Treasure a unique Pacific Ocean crossing. See Japan with Cunard, on a voyage like no other.

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While there is no strict dress code for visiting temples or shrines in Japan, it may still be frowned upon if you wear clothing that is too revealing. If in doubt, always carry a pashmina, thin jacket, or raincoat with you that you can slip over your shoulders.

Do you need to cover shoulders / knees in temples?

The cost of a Japan cruise will vary significantly depending on the duration of your cruise, flight options and the accommodation you opt for. Discover our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/find-a-cruise#soldOut=false&amp;=&amp;&amp;sort=departDate%20asc,price_GBP_anonymous%20asc&amp;group.sort=departDate%20asc,price_GBP_anonymous%20asc&amp;{!tag=destinationTag}destinationIds={!tag=embarkTag}embarkPortCode=&amp;{!tag=departTag}departDate=&amp;{!tag=durationTag}duration=&amp;{!tag=roomsTag}roomIds=&amp;{!tag=portsTag}portsOfCall=AXT,AOJ,BPU,FUK,HKD,HIJ,ISG,KAG,KNZ,KCZ,YAT,NGS,ABU,OKA,OTR,SAK,SSB,YOK&amp;{!tag=priceTag}price_GBP_anonymous=&amp;{!tag=shipsTag}shipId=&amp;{!tag=themesTag}themeIds=&amp;&amp;start=20">Japan cruise itineraries</a>&nbsp;to find out more.

How much does a Japan cruise cost?

How much spending money you bring with you for your Japan cruise will depend entirely on the length of your stay and how many activities or excursions you are looking to include in your trip.
Generally, many travellers will budget for around £100-120 per day for days on shore to include shopping, trips, gifts and food.&nbsp;

How much spending money will I need for a Japan cruise?

Japan is frequently rated as one of the safest countries in the world. Travellers are often left stunned by locals leaving their belongings unaccompanied in cafés and shops, although this isn’t something we recommend.

How safe is a Japan cruise?

The geography of Japan makes it a perfect destination to visit by cruise: with over 6,000 islands and over 18,000 miles of coastline, even the days between port calls are full of adventure. Every port has its own atmosphere, flavours to taste and sights to see; seeing several on a cruise offers an experience that a single location could never match up to.

Is a cruise a good way to see Japan?

Most of our Japan cruises depart from Yokohama, however we also offer itineraries departing from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. See our&nbsp;<a href="/find-a-cruise.html?soldOut=false&amp;sort=departDate%20asc,price_GBP_anonymous%20asc&amp;group.sort=departDate%20asc,price_GBP_anonymous%20asc&amp;start=0&amp;=&amp;%7B!tag=embarkTag%7DembarkPortCode=&amp;%7B!tag=destinationTag%7DdestinationIds=%7B!tag=embarkTag%7DembarkPortCode=&amp;%7B!tag=departTag%7DdepartDate=&amp;%7B!tag=durationTag%7Dduration=&amp;%7B!tag=roomsTag%7DroomIds=&amp;%7B!tag=portsTag%7DportsOfCall=AXT,AOJ,BPU,FUK,HKD,HIJ,ISG,KAG,KNZ,KCZ,YAT,NGS,ABU,OKA,OTR,SAK,SSB,YOK&amp;%7B!tag=priceTag%7Dprice_GBP_anonymous=&amp;%7B!tag=shipsTag%7DshipId=&amp;%7B!tag=themesTag%7DthemeIds=">current itineraries</a>&nbsp;for more details.

What are the main departure ports for a Japan cruise?

Every port of call on a Japan cruise is worth a visit, as each has its own unique flavour and sights to see.
If you visit Tokyo (from Yokohama), you won't miss Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak. This mountain is actually an active volcano, and dominates the skyline from over a hundred kilometres away. Within the city itself is the Imperial Palace, surrounded by parks, walls and moats. The palace is closed to the public, but the grounds are beautiful, particularly in the spring when the blossoms bloom.
Hiroshima's recent past is known all over the world, so a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the perfect place to pay respects. Other than monuments and memorials, there's also a museum and several buildings left standing as a reminder of that fateful day.
We also recommend the Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Fukuoka Castle and Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka, and&nbsp;Ninja-dera Temple and the famous seafood of Kanazawa.

What are the top sights in Japan?

Traditional Japanese cuisine may not be to everybody’s tastes. While we do recommend sampling the local cuisine to avoid missing out on some delicious delicacies, there is a wide range of dining options to suit more western palates, serving everything from steak and fish to more recognisable fast-food chains.
On board, you will have access to a range of fine dining experiences, with regular menu changes to keep your taste buds fully satisfied.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What if I don’t like the local Japanese food?

Japan is known throughout the world for its combination of fascinating history and futuristic cities. There is something for every traveller to enjoy in this beautiful nation. From the iconic flowering cherry blossoms and mighty Mount Fiji to the bustling streets of Tokyo and unique Japanese culture, a cruise to Japan means the chance to experience a plethora of wonderful adventures.

What is Japan known for?

The prices shown are for Tokyo and can be used as a guide, however exact prices will vary.
<ul>
<li>1.5 litre bottle of water - 127.65¥ (approximately £0.85)</li>
<li>Coffee (at a restaurant) - 387.20¥ (approximately £2.60)</li>
<li>0.5 litre domestic beer (draught) - 500.00¥ (approximately £3.35)</li>
<li>3-course meal for 2 in a mid-range restaurant - 5,000.00¥ (approximately £33.40)</li>
</ul>

What is the average price of drinks and food in Japan?

Our current itineraries visit Japan between March and June. This is a stunning time to visit as it coincides with the beautiful cherry blossom season, but weather can vary.
Early spring is cooler than the latter half, with temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius (41 Fahrenheit); bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket if you travel during March and April. By May the weather warms to around 23 degrees Celsius (74 Fahrenheit), but light layers are still recommended.
In the summer months, humidity rises. June is known as the rainy month, so suncream, hat and umbrella is recommended! Temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) in June, and rise into the thirties in July and August.

What is the average temperature in Japan?

The best time to cruise to Japan is generally either March to May and between September and November. The weather tends to be warm but still dry at these times. Those who in spring may also be lucky enough to witness the blooming of the iconic Japanese cherry blossoms.

What is the best month to cruise in Japan?

You’ll find British plug sockets, European two-pin sockets and U.S. two-pin sockets in your suite or stateroom on board.
On shore, Japan has two plug types – type A has two flat parallel pins, whereas type B has the addition of a third grounding pin. The supply voltage in Japan is 100v, so ensure you are using appliances that are no higher than this if you’re planning on plugging in any devices whilst ashore.

What kind of electrical adaptors will I need?

Japanese culture is the perfect blend of old and new, so fashions vary a lot here. A cruise to Japan involves a lot of port calls, so if you're ready to explore, make sure you pack comfortable shoes for pounding the streets and seeing the sights - and pack your camera too.
Temperature can vary a lot, particularly when moving in and out of doors, so layers are key. Jeans are fine, though not often worn by older generations: darker colours are better, as they tend to look smarter. Bring suncream and a water bottle in the summer, and a light coat in June, when the rainclouds arrive.
Things to avoid:
<ul>
<li>Wearing all black: in Japan, this is most associated with funeral wear</li>
<li>Revealing shorts or tank tops: try to keep shoulders covered with a light blouse over the top</li>
</ul>

What should I pack for a cruise in Japan?

For a comfortable temperature and the best chance to take in breathtaking natural beauty, the spring months (March - May) and autumn months (September - November) are ideal times to visit Japan. The summer months can be warm and wet, with winter chilly and susceptible to snow flurries.

When is the best month to go on a Japan cruise?

Japan cruises take in a whole host of sites and experiences, ranging from bustling Tokyo to the sheltered beaches of Busan. There are also several fly-cruise options available with Cunard.
For a full list of our port calls in Japan, and our other Asia destinations, explore our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-destinations/asia/asia-ports">ports page</a>.

Where do Japan cruises go?

Many of Cunard's Japan cruises embark from Yokohama, gateway to Tokyo, taking in the best of Japan's coastal ports including Beppu, Kochi and Nagasaki.
We also offer cruises from other Asian destinations such as Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore, and occasionally offer cruises that include Alaskan destinations too. Browse our&nbsp;current itineraries&nbsp;to find your ideal route.

Which ports do Japan cruises depart from?

Frequently asked questions: Japan cruises

Japan brings to mind ancient castles, stunning lakes, delicious food, towering mountains and buzzing cities. Every location drips with culture and history, and the scatter of islands make it an ideal place to experience by cruise. 
 
Browse our cruises and destinations, or read our comprehensive guide to Japan by cruise, including top tips on dining, sightseeing, what to wear and local etiquette.

Around 80% of Japan is mountainous, making for dramatic landscapes at every port. Mt Fuji is perhaps the most famous, and provides a stunning backdrop to the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama. It's also one of over 100 active volcanoes in Japan, 10% of the world's total.

Cherry blossoms (&quot;sakura&quot;) are Japan's national flower, and are a sight synonymous with a visit to Japan. Traditionally, picnics are held under cherry trees both by day and by night. The blossom season lies between late March and early May, and transforms every scene.

From Michelin-starred chefs to our own house vermouth, dining on a Cunard Queen is a journey of its own. Discover artisanal ingredients and creative interpretations of classic world cuisines within your Cunard meal; just one of many uniquely Cunard experiences you can savour on your cruise around Japan.

Self Service
There are self service launderettes on board which are complimentary with washing machines, washing powder (you may bring your own personal washing powder if you wish), tumble dryers and ironing facilities which are available from around 7.30am until 9pm (subject to change).
&nbsp;
Launderettes can be found in the following locations:
Queen Elizabeth &amp; Queen Victoria - Decks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Queen Mary 2 - Decks 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11
Queen Anne - Decks 1, 4, 7, 8
&nbsp;
Specialist cleaning services
Wet cleaning is a professional, aqueous cleaning process for sensitive and non-washable garments. The wet cleaning process was invented in 1991 by Kreussler &amp; Co GmbH in cooperation with Miele. Wet cleaning avoids the use of chemical solvents. Environmental groups and the United States Environmental Protection Agency have indicated that such alternative &quot;&quot;wet cleaning&quot;&quot; methods are better for the environment than chemical solvents and proponents of wet cleaning state that these methods can be used without shrinking or otherwise damaging garments that typically require dry cleaning.
We also offer slight alterations / repairs on board, for an added cost.&nbsp;

Are there laundry facilities on board?

You’re free to bring water, soft drinks, and light snacks on board our ships. You may also bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per person to enjoy in your stateroom or suite.

Can I bring food or alcohol on board?

You are welcome to bring water, soft drinks and light snacks on board, although we encourage you to take full advantage of our dining options. These include indulgent fine dining, hearty gastro fare, an informal buffet, and complimentary breakfast in bed.

Can I bring food with me on board?

It is permissible to wear such items of clothing during the daytime.
It should also be noted that some countries may have rules against this sort of attire such as Barbados where it is illegal due to this matching the uniforms worn by security services.
Restriction to wearing camouflage clothing:
<ul>
<li>Barbados</li>
<li>St Kitts</li>
<li>Dominica</li>
<li>Grenada</li>
</ul>
No restrictions to wearing camouflage clothing:
<ul>
<li>Curacao</li>
<li>St Maarten</li>
</ul>

Can I wear army camouflage clothing on board or ashore?

Yes, you will find a full selection of toiletries and cosmetics in the Royal Arcade shops. Complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries are also included in your stateroom.

Can you buy toiletries on board?

You may bring one bottle of wine or Champagne on board to enjoy within your stateroom.

Can you pack alcohol?

For all complimentary on board activities, your equipment is included at no extra charge. You’ll find an ever-changing programme of classes and activities to try each day, including fencing (adults 18+ only), table tennis, paddle tennis, shuffleboard, quoits, golf (chipping, putting and target nets), hoopla, darts, croquet and short mat bowls, to name but a few. Additionally, our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/spa/fitness">gym and facilities</a>&nbsp;provide state-of-the-art equipment,&nbsp; with all necessary requirements provided to&nbsp;you once on your ship, so there’s no need to bring anything of this nature with you.&nbsp;

Do I need to bring sports equipment or can I rent it?

No need. Your stateroom comes equipped with towels, a hairdryer, and bathrobes. We also provide Penhaligon's toiletries, so you can pack lighter.&nbsp;

Do I need to bring towels, hairdryers, or robes?

Not at all. Most evenings are smart attire - think dresses, trousers with shirts, or a jacket.&nbsp;On&nbsp;<a href="/the-cunard-experience/what-to-pack#galathemes" title="" target="_self">Gala Evenings</a>, many guests enjoy dressing more formally, but it's entirely up to you. The most important thing is feeling comfortable and confident.&nbsp;

Do I need to dress up every evening?

No, we will provide fresh beach, pool and bathroom towels for your throughout your stay.

Do I need to pack beach towels?

Irons are available in our laundries, so you won’t need to bring an iron with you.&nbsp;Please note, you are not permitted to bring irons on board with you.

Do the rooms have an iron, or should I bring one?

During the day, guests are welcome to dress casually throughout the ship. Shorts, jeans, and relaxed attire are perfectly acceptable in all areas, though swimwear should be reserved for the open decks and the fitness centre.
From 6pm onwards, a smart attire dress code applies in most bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This typically includes:
<ul>
<li>For women:&nbsp;cocktail dresses, skirts or tailored trousers with an elegant top</li>
<li>For men:&nbsp;collared shirts with trousers; jackets are optional but encouraged</li>
<li>Not permitted:&nbsp;jeans, shorts, or casual sportswear</li>
</ul>
On&nbsp;Gala Evenings, a more formal dress code is observed in these same venues. Guests are invited to embrace the occasion with:
<ul>
<li>For women:&nbsp;floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses, or smart trouser suits</li>
<li>For men:&nbsp;dinner jackets, tuxedos, or dark suits with a tie or bow tie</li>
<li>Not permitted:&nbsp;jeans or casual wear</li>
</ul>
These dress codes help preserve the sense of occasion that makes evenings on board so special. If you prefer to dress more casually, alternative dining venues and lounges are available where the evening dress code does not apply.

Does the dress code apply to all areas of the ship?

You’ll find both self-service launderettes and specialist cleaning services on board.
The self-service launderettes are complimentary and include washing machines, washing powder (you may bring your own personal washing powder if you wish), tumble dryers and ironing facilities, which are available from around 7.30am until 9pm (subject to change).
For sensitive and non-washable garments, we offer a specialist wet cleaning service at a small charge, free from the use of chemical solvents. This method can be used for garments that typically require dry cleaning.

How does the laundry service work?

We offer both self-service launderettes and specialist cleaning services on board our ships. 
 

Self-service launderettes are complimentary and include washing machines, washing powder, tumble dryers, and ironing facilities. These are typically available from 7.30am to 9pm (times may vary). You may bring your own washing powder if preferred. 
 

For delicate or non-washable items, we offer a specialist cleaning service for a small charge. This service is better suited for garments that typically require dry cleaning.
&nbsp;

How does the on board laundry service work?

We allow an unlimited amount of luggage on board our ships, so long as each individual bag weighs under 23kg. However, if your cruise includes a connecting flight, you will need to be mindful of the luggage restrictions enforced by your airline.&nbsp;

How many suitcases can I bring on a cruise?

This depends on your dining preferences and how many Gala Evenings are on your voyage. Formal dining restaurants, such as your assigned main dining room on board, require smart attire after 6pm, while our buffet and Golden Lion pub welcome relaxed clothing all day long, even on Gala Evenings. 
 

Most seven-night cruises include one to three themed Gala Evenings. You can discover your themes in advance by logging in to your voyage calendar in My Cunard, giving you a helpful guide on the colours and styles to pack. On longer cruises, you can use our on board laundry service to reduce the number of outfits you need to pack.
&nbsp;

How many suits/dresses will I need to pack?

It really depends on how often you’d like to dine out formally each night. We encourage smart attire in formal dining restaurants in the evenings, but for buffet dining and in our Golden Lion pub, no formal dress code applies.&nbsp;On Gala evenings, of which there are usually two or three per seven-night cruise, we ask that you dress to impress, so do bear this in mind when packing; you may also want to dress for the theme of the evening, which will be communicated before you sail. You can take advantage of our full laundry service on board, which may help to reduce the number of formal evening options you bring on longer cruises.&nbsp;

How many suits / dresses will I need?

This will depend on how much you plan to use the pool and spa facilities, but in general, we would recommend packing two or three swimsuits.

How many swimsuits / bathing suits will I need?

You are welcome to bring entertainment devices such as laptops, tablets and music players on board. Please also pack headphones, if you wish to use these in public areas of the ship.
Heated hair stylers, electronic shavers and tabletop fans can be used within your stateroom only. We provide hair dryers in all staterooms, so there’s no need to bring one with you.
Extension leads aren’t permitted on board, unless with essential medical equipment (e.g. CPAP and nebuliser machines). These will be checked for electrical safety along with your medical equipment, prior to sailing.
Surge protected extension leads are not accepted in any circumstances as they interfere with the ship's electrical distribution. See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/advice-and-policies/prohibited-items">our list of prohibited items</a>&nbsp;for guidance.

What electronics can I bring?

One of the real pleasures of our ships is the balance between being relaxed and free to dress as you please during the day, and the chance to sparkle in the evenings, whether dressing for dinner or the extra glamour of Gala Evenings.
From 6pm, the style goes up. Every night on board, we ask that you wear smart attire in most of our bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.
On our much-loved Gala Evenings, which are the highlight of the voyage for many, we invite you to dress to impress as the celebratory atmosphere and sense of occasion are heightened across the ship. There will be at least one Gala Evening on your voyage. Of course, if you prefer to spend your evenings in more relaxed attire, a selection of casual dining and entertainment venues are always available for your enjoyment.
For full details and inspiration, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/what-to-pack">our packing guide</a>.

What is the dress code on Cunard ships?

Even in summer, the weather can be changeable in Norway, so we recommend packing some warm layers no matter what time of year your voyage sails. Alongside jumpers and coats, other Norway packing essentials include:
<ul>
<li>Comfortable walking shoes</li>
<li>Hiking shoes (if your itinerary includes nature excursions)</li>
<li>A lightweight rain jacket, umbrella, or warm jacket</li>
<li>A rucksack or tote bag for carrying water and other essentials during port visits</li>
<li>Your camera and charger</li>
</ul>
Tip: If you are an avid hiker, we recommend packing at least two pairs of walking shoes, so you can alternate between them during your cruise.

What should I pack for shore days in Norway?

Cunard’s on board accommodation is among the most spacious at sea. Each stateroom is equipped with wardrobe hanging space and a safe for your valuables, as well as drawers for your clothes and accessories. In addition, your stateroom’s bathroom has counter space beside the sink where you&nbsp;may wish to keep your toiletries, while select Grills Suites on board also feature dedicated in-suite dressing areas.&nbsp;Explore our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/staterooms-and-suites">accommodation pages</a>&nbsp;for more information.

What storage space is available in cabins / staterooms?

Though it largely depends on your destination of choice (see our destination packing guides above), we suggest bringing the following for a comfortable day on shore.
<ul>
<li>Comfortable shoes</li>
<li>Hiking shoes (if necessary)</li>
<li>Lightweight rain mac, umbrella or a warm jacket</li>
<li>&nbsp;Rucksack or tote bag (for carrying water and other items during port visits)</li>
<li>Camera (and charger) so you don’t miss any photo opportunities on your voyage</li>
</ul>
Tip: We’d recommend bringing more than one pair of walking shoes with you for your journey so you can alternate if needed.&nbsp;

What to pack for shore days?

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Cruises around Japan

Experience Japan by sea

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Where we sail in Japan

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Kagoshima

Nagasaki

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Naha, Okinawa

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