Japan’s cruise market is booming, with Australian travellers hungry for new cruise adventures where cherry blossoms, castles and samurai legends await.
October is Cruise Month and travel trends are swinging Japan’s way. Cruising is riding high on the wishlists of Aussie adventurers, with memorable voyage along Japan’s intriguing coastline the highlight. From neon-lit cities to tranquil islands, and from peak sakura to tropical escapes, here are ten Japanese ports primed for discovery on your next cruise.
Ten Japanese destinations for cruisers not to miss
From cosmopolitan cities and cultural icons to far-flung tropical islands and the sought-after spring Sakura season, here are 10 Japanese ports that are popular with cruisers for good reason.
Aomori: Blossoms, waterfalls and ancient history
Way up north in Aomori Prefecture, nature and heritage collide. Spring sees Lake Towada and Hirosaki Park ablaze with cherry blossoms. At night, Hirosaki Castle glows under a canopy of blooms. Adventurers will want to hit the Oirase River, where 14 waterfalls tumble into the Ashura Rapids. Don’t miss the Jomon Prehistoric Sites, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
Akita: Samurai culture and hot springs
Akita is all about tradition. Think age-old festivals, folk culture and steaming onsens. Slip into the celebrated waters of Nyuto Onsenkyo, walk the storied streets of the Kakunodate Samurai District, then toast with a glass of local sake at a nearby brewery. A true taste of Tohoku.
Hakodate: Seafood, city lights and samurai relics
On Hokkaido’s southern tip, Hakodate balances modern Japan with a dash of old-world charm. Morning brings the buzz of the seafood market; at dusk, the night view from Mt Hakodate is legendary. Goryokaku Tower offers a bird’s-eye view, especially stunning during blossom season. Make time for the Goryokaku Hakodate Jomon Culture Center, home to ancient pottery and artefacts.
Himeji: Castles and cinematic temples
Himeji Castle is the star – a World Cultural Heritage Site and arguably Japan’s most beautiful stronghold. For a deeper cultural dive, try zazen meditation or dine at Engyo-ji Temple, made famous by The Last Samurai. More gems: Ikuno Silver Mine, the evocative Takeda Castle ruins and the offshore Ieshima Islands.
Ishigaki: Beaches, coral and island flavours
Ishigaki in Okinawa is a picture-perfect island. Think powdery white sand, turquoise seas and coral reefs teeming with life. Glass-bottom boats glide over vibrant marine worlds. Explore the stalactite caves, step back in time at Ishigaki Yaima Village, and don’t leave without tasting the famed Ishigaki beef.
Kanazawa: Castles, gardens and artisan streets
Kanazawa hugs the Sea of Japan, offering easy access to the grand Kanazawa Castle and the fairy-tale village of Shirakawa-go. Try your hand at gold leaf lacquerware, or wander Kenrokuen Garden in search of quiet beauty. The Nagamachi samurai district, with its narrow lanes and earthen walls, is a step into the past, while the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art brings you right back to the present.
Kobe: Sake, beef and mountain vistas
Kobe stretches between mountains and sea, known the world over for its melt-in-the-mouth beef. Sake tasting here is an artform, best followed by panoramic night views from Mt Rokko or Mt Maya. Nearby Arima Hot Spring brings a touch of old Japan, geiko culture and all.
Kochi: Castles, botanicals and seared bonito
Kochi’s laidback charm is irresistible. Explore Kochi Castle, dip your toes at Katsurahama Beach, and browse the lively Hirome market. Samurai enthusiasts will appreciate the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum. The Chikurinji Temple, part of the famed Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is a spiritual highlight. The Makino Botanical Garden is a fragrant delight, and foodies must try Katsuo no tataki, Kochi’s signature dish of seared bonito.
Sakata: Sacred landscapes and river heritage
Sakata sits at the mouth of the Mogami River, a launchpad for nature and culture. Hike among the ancient cedars on Mt Haguro, one of the sacred Three Mountains of Dewa. Explore the historic Sankyo Rice Warehouse district, drop by the Sakata-Maiko Teahouse and Hina Doll Gallery, or marvel at the world’s largest jellyfish display at Kamo Aquarium. Hungry? Slurp up a bowl of Sakata no Ramen, rich with seafood.
Shimizu: Gateway to Mt Fuji
Shimizu is your springboard to Shizuoka City and the iconic Mt Fuji. Wander through the pine groves of Miho no Matsubara, pay your respects at the centuries-old Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, and soak up the serenity of Suruga Bay. Sumpu Castle Park, surrounded by ancient moats, is a leafy oasis with a time-warp feel.
Sample Japanese cruise itineraries
Intrigued by Japan cruising? Here are three itineraries that showcase the diversity of Japan’s ports and the unique experiences available by sea:
- Norwegian Cruise Line 14-day round trip from Tokyo: Immersive Japanese discovering visiting Sendai (Ishinomaki), Hakodate, Aomori, Akita, Sakata, Kanazawa, Sasebo, Hiroshima, Kochi, Kyoto (Osaka), Nagoya and Mount Fuji (Shimizu)
- Princess Cruises 9-day round trip from Tokyo: Fascinating ports of call include Nagasaki, Sakaiminato, Tsuruga, Toyama (Fushiki) and Akita.
- Ponant 10-day cruise from Osaka to Keelung (Taiwan): Smaller ship sailing visiting Shingu, Kochi, Kagoshima, Miyanoura, Motobu, Naha, Miyakojima and Ishigaki en route to Keelung (Chilung).
