Our guide to Japan cruises

What to expect on a Cunard cruise in Japan.

A picturesque setting in which traditional culture is seamlessly fused with modern life, Japan offers a cruising experience unlike any other.

Explore the country’s vast, ancient history, immerse yourself in culinary delights, experience futuristic, neon-bathed streets or visit breathtaking, expertly curated Japanese gardens.

Our comprehensive cruise guide will help you to get the most out of your voyage to Japan.

Quick links

Why choose Japan for a cruise?

Vibrant skylines give way to historical architecture. Japan’s rich culture encapsulates the perfect mix of modern and classic, giving you a taste of the charm and elegance that Japan is known for throughout the globe.

With over 6,000 islands and over 18,000 miles of coastline to explore, a cruise to Japan is the perfect opportunity to experience the unique delights each port has to offer, something that a trip to a single destination simply cannot contend with.

Step into the past and immerse yourself in a land laden with ancient architecture, echoing the rise and fall of vast empires with great stone castles, intricate gardens and golden temples peppering the landscape.

Take in the wonders of Japanese nature, with postcard-perfect cherry blossom, staggering volcanoes, sprawling national parks and intriguing historical sites, set amongst some of the most bustling cities in the world.

Sample delectable cuisine - from expertly handcrafted fish dishes, to simple yet delicious street food to eat on the go as you wander the city streets, Japan’s culinary delights are an experience in themselves.

Japan cruise routes

Cunard cruise itineraries to Japan range from roundtrip 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 cruise highlights

Japan has a diverse offering of sights, sounds, tastes and smells to excite every sense. There are several unforgettable experiences that you shouldn’t miss on a cruise to Japan, so ensure your itinerary includes these essential highlights.

Japan cruise sights

Every port in Japan is a new world, with its own history, scenery and shopping to experience. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.

Kyoto – Immerse yourself in history with Kyoto’s traditional temples and ancient architecture with sites like Nino Castle and the Kinkakuji Temple, or visit one of the most famous religious sites in Japan: the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Osaka – A popular destination due to its magnificent Osaka Castle (pictured) and world-famous cherry blossom gardens in spring, Osaka also boasts a range of idyllic temples and fine dining.

Kobe – Kobe is home to stunning natural landscapes and is a firm favourite with food lovers thanks to its delectable Kobe beef and local, traditional sake breweries.

Hiroshima – Once the site of destruction after World War II, Hiroshima (pictured) is now a bustling port, with breath-taking natural beauty and regular tours of sites impacted by the nuclear bomb the city has become known for.

Tokyo – Indulge in a spot of shopping from the countless stores in the Ginza District, or take a leisurely stroll around the imposing Imperial Palace or the Ueno Park and Zoo. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try one of Tokyo’s world-renowned themed restaurants, such as the Robot Restaurant, a truly unique experience.

Food highlights

Japan is one of only two countries in the world where the cuisine has UNESCO cultural heritage status. You may be familiar with more famous Japanese offerings like sushi, but Japan has so much more to offer in terms of culinary experiences.

Sample high-end options with Kaiseki dining through multi-course and multi-dish experiences that include delicious local ingredients, from fresh crab or eel to beef or sake sashimi – all depending on the chef’s preference on the day.

Alternatively, experience Japan’s equivalent to a pub or tapas restaurant with Izakaya, a highly social culinary experience with large menu options consisting of small plates of almost every type of Japanese food imaginable.

Bento boxes, ramen, sushi and sashimi are also on offer, as well as multitudes of street food to sample on the go.

While on board your Cunard ship, you will be welcomed with a range of eateries with something to suit every taste, and regularly updated menus throughout your voyage to ensure you are always able to find your favourite dish or try something new.

Japan shore experiences

Excursions in Japan are as unique as they are exhilarating. Stroll through picturesque bamboo forests in Kobe, explore enchanting castles in Osaka or immerse yourself in history with atomic bomb museums and memorials in Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

Cunard offer a hand-picked selection of signature experiences for you to enjoy on shore. Hosted by local guides, our tours and activities take you to main attractions and hidden gems and can even be tailored to give you a fully unique perspective of Japan.

Japan’s cherry blossom season

Spring in Japan is a magical event, with the iconic cherry blossoms transforming the Japanese landscape with soft, pink hues. Sadly, cherry blossom season is short lived, beginning at the end of March or beginning of April and lasting around two weeks, although the blooms can come and go sooner or later depending on their location.

Japanese festivals and events

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, Jauary 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.

How to pack for a cruise to Japan

Daytime

Japanese culture is more modest than that of the West, with women generally covering their shoulders throughout all seasons, however younger generations are quite daring, and you can expect to see some interesting clothing choices in the main cities.

Ensure you have comfortable shoes for walking, such as a sturdy pair of walking shoes or comfortable trainers which are also perfect for when out and about on deck. Remember to bring a couple of swimsuits and flip flops for the pools and spa, as well as sunglasses, a camera and a pair of binoculars for those memorable encounters.

Evenings

For evenings on board there are lots of options, however most people opt for smart and comfortable evening attire. On Gala Evenings, guests go all out and dress to impress, so make sure you pack your favourite suit, cocktail dress or floor-length gown according to the theme of the night: check My Cunard once you’ve booked so you can plan.

When it comes to more formal attire, you can let your personality do the talking. Think cocktail dresses and evening dresses, as well as smart shirts and tailoring. Nights under the stars on deck however may be cold, so don’t forget a wrap, pashmina or other cover-up for moonlit strolls.

Clothes for humid weather

Opt for layers that you can remove as needed, as the weather in Japan can change frequently. For warmer days, longer flowing skirts, dresses or shorts as well as jeans or thin trousers matched with light shirts or t-shirts are a perfect choice. Make sure to carry a thin jacket or raincoat, as well as wearing comfortable and easily removable shoes.

Our list for your Japan cruise

  • Loose fitting shirts and T-shirts
  • Longer style shorts, loose fitting pants or skirts and dresses
  • A thin cover up or raincoat
  • A slightly heavier coat and scarf for the winter months
  • Swimwear for on board and any relevant excursions
  • Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
  • A comfortable bag or backpack
  • Formal attire for Gala Evenings on board
  • A cap, sunhat and sunglasses for warmer days

Japan cruise travel tips

For those experiencing Japan for the first time, there can be a number of cultural differences that may seem challenging to navigate. Here are some of the main things to be aware of before you embark on your cruise to Japan.

Japanese customs

Modern Japanese culture strongly links back to its roots in customs and traditions. Politeness takes precedence, so expect to see locals bowing to one another, dependant on their position and circumstance. While visitors to Japan aren’t expected to bow, many guests like to partake in the traditional custom. Bowing is used when greeting one another, but is also used for a number of other reasons such as expressing gratitude or while offering an apology.

The correct way to bow is to bend at the waist, with your feet together, keeping your back and neck straight and your arms by your sides. Women often bow with their hands together in front, around thigh level.

While eating, you will often be presented with a small wet cloth to wash your hands before meals, and slurping or making loud noises while eating is considered polite to show just how much you are enjoying the meal.

In Japan, tipping is not a customary practise, nor is it expected and in actual fact it can often be considered as rude – so keep this in mind if you decide to eat or drink whilst ashore.

What not to do as a tourist in Japan

Politeness is ingrained into Japanese culture. Avoid causing accidental offense 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

Japan cruise FAQs