Cunard cruise itineraries to Japan range from round-trip explorations from Yokohama to voyages from Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Singapore. Whatever your route, every journey to this region is special and full of surprises. 

The southern Japan coastline holds many typical ports of call – your cruise may take you to locations such as Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Nagasaki or Fukuoka. Further north, you may stop at Hakodate and Aomori. Other Japan itineraries venture out of Japanese waters to locations in Eastern China, Russia, or even across the Pacific to Alaska.

Japan plays host to a surprising number of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, so no matter what time of year your cruise takes place, you are likely to experience an exciting event.

 

In winter, celebrate Yuki Matsuri, or the “Sapporo snow festival”, where amateurs and professionals alike come together to create hundreds of magical statues crafted from snow and ice. Spring sees the emergence of the famous cherry blossoms and the fortnight-long Omizutori Buddhist festival, which has been an annual ritual in Japan for more than 1000 years. July plays host to Gion Matsuri, Japan’s most famous festival, which takes place in Kyoto, and September heralds the Kishiwada Janjiri Matsuri, which is similar to a harvest festival with locals praying for a good autumn bounty.

Japan cruises throughout the year

 

You might assume that spring and summer are the most sought-after seasons to visit Japan, however autumn and winter both have their own distinct appeal, with each season providing unique experiences as well as visual and cultural delights.

 

Japan in winter (December, January and February)

 

Winter months in Japan tend to bring with them chilly temperatures and snow, but also play host to some spectacular seasonal events and celebrations and are a popular time for local travel, with temperatures hovering between 2 – 12 degrees Celsius.

 

Japan in spring (March, April and May)

 

Cruise in the spring for your chance to bask in the natural beauty of the cherry blossom trees, with mild temperatures and calmer seas, spring is an opportune time to visit Japan. Early spring is cooler than the latter half, with temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius steadily rising to around 23 degrees Celsius by the end of May.

 

Japan in summer (June, July and August)

 

Summer in Japan brings with it hot temperatures and a fair amount of rain towards the beginning of the summer. Summer tends to be hot and humid all season long with temperatures reaching around 25 degrees Celsius, which you may wish to consider if you’re planning on walking long distances or visiting outdoor sites with little shade.

 

Japan in autumn (September, October and November)

 

During autumn, you can expect to experience milder weather with infrequent rainstorms making it, like spring, a perfect time to travel, with average temperatures dropping from around 23 degrees Celsius in September to a cooler 16 degrees Celsius in November. Plentiful festivals and beautiful scenery add to the majestic nature of an autumn Japan cruise.

What not to do as a tourist in Japan

 

Politeness is ingrained into Japanese culture. Avoid causing accidental offence by keeping these tips in mind while in Japan:

 

• Pointing is considered rude: try to use an open hand to make gestures.
• Try to avoid blowing your nose in public. Instead, find a bathroom or quiet area.
• Taking off your shoes before entering many places is considered common courtesy. If there is a level difference between the entryway and the room, that is a sign you should remove your shoes. Many places will have designated shoe boxes or lockers, and some will provide slippers for you while you are inside. Typically, you would be expected to remove your shoes when entering people’s homes, some restaurants or tea rooms, temples and shrines, as well as more traditional stores such as kimono shops.
• If you find yourself on a crowded train or subway, remove your backpack and hold it in your hands if possible, or wear it in front of you as the locals tend to. This helps to avoid blocking the way of other passengers, as well as ensuring your belongings are kept safe and secure.

 

Useful Japanese phrases for beginners and travellers

 

It is always considered polite to try and familiarise yourself with a few simple phrases in the local language whenever you travel. Here are a few of the most common phrases that you may encounter during your Japanese cruise:

 

Hello: Kon'nichiwa (kon-nee-chee-wah) - こんにちは

Thank you: Arigato (ar-ree-gah-to) - ありがとう

Thank you very much: Domo Arigato (do-mo ar-ree-gah-to) - ありがとうございます

Beer, please: Biru kudasai (bee-ru ku-da-sigh) - ビールをお願いします

Cheers! Kanpai (ghan-pie) - 乾杯！

Bathroom: Basurumu (bas-su-roo-moo) - 浴室

How much? Ikura (ee-ku-ra) - いくらだ？

Delicious: Oishi (oi-shee) - おいしい

Beautiful: Kireina (kee-ren-a) - 美しい