Japan cruises are trending. What to know about sailing to Tokyo, Osaka and more

USA Today

13-03-2025

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Japan has become a popular cruise destination with searches for cruises to Japan increasing significantly in the past year.
Numerous cruise lines offer itineraries in Japan, including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Viking, and Windstar Cruises.
The most popular time to visit Japan for cruises is between March and May during cherry blossom season, followed by September to November for mild weather and foliage.
If you've been considering a cruise to Japan, you're not alone.
Google Search interest for cruises to the East Asia country has risen higher compared to other searched cruise destinations, according to the company.
Searches for 'best Japan cruises' increased 273% over the last year, per Google Trends data. 'Japan port cruise' and 'Cruises to Tokyo' searches also both rose by 71% during that time.
Japanese cities like Tokyo and Osaka have seen increased interest in recent months, even for spring break. Visiting by cruise ship offers a simple way to see many parts of the country – and can even replace the long-haul flight from the U.S.
Here's what travelers should know.
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What cruise lines sail in Japan?
More than a dozen cruise lines are scheduled to sail in Japan in 2026, according to Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel. Princess Cruises will have a major presence, he said, alongside others like Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.
For those who prefer smaller ships, brands like Viking and Windstar Cruises have itineraries on offer, too.
Where do Japan cruises go?
Popular stops include Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka, Naha on Okinawa Island, and Hiroshima. Feldman said there are more than a dozen ports frequented by cruise ships in Japan alone.
Cruises from the country may also visit other destinations like South Korea and Taiwan.
Transpacific cruises sail from U.S. cities like Seattle and Los Angeles, and allow travelers to skip the long-haul flight (though they may have to fly on the way back depending on their plans). Many are repositioning sailings with more sea days than a typical cruise, Feldman said, and may come at a cheaper rate.
'Similar to cruising domestically or cruising in this region, (you've got) anything from a four-night sailing to a two-week sailing or three-week sailing,' he added. 'So there's definitely weekend-type itineraries if you really just want to get a flavor or a taste of Japan, or you can spend significantly more time there.'
Travelers can also visit Japan on world cruises and other longer itineraries.
What is the best time to visit Japan?
Japan is a year-round destination, but Feldman said the most popular time is between March and May when the cherry blossoms are on display. That's followed by September to November 'because you've got mild weather, you're going to get the full foliage there,' he said.
Travelers will find fewer sailings in the winter, Feldman added, but there are still attractions during that time, such as snow festivals.
There's no need to tip in Japan: Here's what else travelers should know.
Are Japan cruises expensive?
Given the supply and because it's not as popular as other cruise destinations like the Caribbean, Feldman said the prices are 'quite attractive.'
For example, Princess's 2026 Japan cruises currently start at $1,297 per person based on double occupancy, including taxes and fees. Celebrity's start at $1,581.
However, travelers will likely need to factor in airfare. Round-trip flights from New York to Tokyo in January 2026 for a week-long trip currently start at $846, according to Google Flights (flights for most of 2026 were not yet available to view).
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [e-mail].