Cruising in Japan

We did a great Celebrity cruise from Tokyo to Hong Kong in 2015 that was fantastic. It visited 5 ports in Japan. also Taiwan, Shanghi, ended in Hong Kong.

It was in September, as I recall and cruises that include Japan seem to take place rarely.

Thank you for posting this.

I am very interested in cruising Japan and only beginning my very early research. The article that you posted was very helpful.

I do not mind if we port in other countries but I developed a strong desire to cruise Japan after reading a post by another forum member, a post that became very popular. I noticed that a Korean or Taiwanese Port was often included in the Japan itineraries. Perfectly ok and glad that we actually get to spend a few hours in the port unlike Victoria B C.

I really love that solo travelers are treated so well. Hate that I have mobility issues and will have to be very cautious when booking an excursion. I always go through NCL and might have to book only Level one excursions.

I am thinking that old people might be treated with the respect that we aged citizens deserve ....

I plan to spend a few nights in Tokyo before cruising. Usually I spend four nights which is never enough. If i had spent a month in London or Lisbon, it still would not have been enough. Same with Barcelona where I am next headed. I am trying to focus on. what i saw and not what I did not see.

And, yes, I will be traveling either in Spring or Fall but that is because I travel what used to be off season. I refuse to travel in summertime because of the heat, the crowds and the higher prices. And the airports. But it looks like I will be dealing with a very crowded Japan. I will be obeying the rules and hope thta others might also.

If i have the energy after this upcoming cruise in October, I might do Japan Spring 2025. Otherwise it waits until Fall 2025 or later because I am going to have to deal with renewing my passport soon. And one of these days, I do have to have my knee replaced.

Again thank you for thinking of me and maybe others as well.

Thanks for the links.

We are booked on a Japan cruise in 2026. So far out, but we found a deal on Celebrity we couldn't resist. It's on Millennium and we were on her sister ship, Summit, so we know the size. Its probably smallest we've cruised.

Our non Japanese port is Jeju Island. I'm interested in that, having read Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. All her books are highly recommended.

Early thoughts are two full days in Yokohama prior to embarkation, then about a week in Tokyo after disembarkation.

One place you don't want to miss in Japan is Kyoto. Plan to visit there for at least two days.

Thank you geovagriffith,

I had seen Kyoto highly recommended in the past on this forum and all the cruises that I am looking at include Kyoto.

Unfortunately on a cruise, you spend only hours in a port.

Well, Andrea,

At least you have plenty of time to do research and plan your trip.

Go to Japan prior to the cruise. Take the bullet train to Kyoto.

I am headed to Japan at the end of March. I’m starting with a 7 day land tour through Inspiring Vacations (company out of Australia). Then I am on a 10 day cruise on the Diamond Princess with 8 port stops, one of which is Busan. I received an amazing deal by booking when the cruise was first released. (No solo supplement, all excursions paid). For those that might be interested, Princess cruises has released their sailings for 2026 in the past few days.

Great article, I learned some tips and we are doing a self guided trip with a cruise. Should be interesting.

Carol Now Retired

I so admire your knowledge and know how.