Spread across thousands of islands, Japan’s packed with sacred sites, bustling metropolises and natural wonders. Here’s why it’s best explored by sea.
Japan offers everything from ancient temples and shrines to futuristic cities and spectacular landscapes. But with so much to explore, planning a holiday here can be overwhelming. That’s where a cruise comes in.
A Japan cruise provides a breadth of insight into the country, with itineraries balancing must-see spots (like Tokyo and Osaka) with lesser-known ports relatively untouched by tourists. As you journey along the archipelago’s dazzling coastline, docking in vibrant cities like historic Kanazawa and leafy Takamatsu, you’ll be perfectly placed to experience everything that makes Japan so special.
Read on to discover why a cruise is one of the best ways to explore The Land of the Rising Sun.
Discover more about Japan on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Thursdays 8:30pm AEST* on Foxtel Lifestyle.
Visit multiple destinations (with none of the travel planning)
Instead of wasting precious time travelling between destinations, you’ll journey in comfort and style during the night, so you can spend your days immersing yourself in Japan’s rich culture. An itinerary like Heritage Expeditions’ 10-day all-inclusive cruise visits iconic cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, while also ticking off more remote places like Shikoku Island and Shimonoseki (famous for its seafood, especially the pufferfish), ensuring you leave with a complete picture of this incredible nation.
See sacred sites with cultural experts
When visiting a country as culturally and historically nuanced as Japan, a knowledgeable guide is essential. On luxury cruise lines, expert guides are available throughout the journey to provide context and answer your questions about Japan’s most sacred sites, including Osaka Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, the famed mountain sanctuary made instantly recognisable by its collection of 10,000 red torii gates.
Experience Japan’s natural diversity
From the snow-capped mountains of Hokkaido to the sun-kissed beaches of Okinawa, Japan is home to incredible diversity in landscape. Cruises offer one of the best ways to soak up the country’s offerings, with many including visits to vibrant cities, rural landscapes, traditional villages and tropical islands. Dock in the eccentric city of Osaka, spending a few days eating your way through ‘Japan’s Kitchen,’ before cruising down to Miyajima, a small island home to beautiful shrines and a five-hundred-strong colony of Japanese deer. Depending on the itinerary, you might also visit historic fishing ports, local pearl farms, perfectly manicured gardens and ancient limestone caves.
Enjoy authentic local experiences
Travelling with a trusted cruise operator means you’ll enjoy access to authentic local experiences, thanks to their insider knowledge and established connections. You might visit a generations-old distillery to learn how sake has been made for centuries, or admire local artwork at lesser-known museums and galleries across the country. Whatever your interest — be it history, culture, food or sport — a luxury cruise operator can provide an authentic and immersive experience to match.
Only unpack once
Arguably the most inconvenient part of any busy holiday is having to move hotels every other day, packing up your suitcase as you go. With a cruise you’ll only have to unpack once. Hang your clothes in your wardrobe, lay your toiletries out in the bathroom and enjoy the underrated luxury of sleeping in the same bed for multiple nights at a time. After a jam-packed day exploring vibrant cities, ancient shrines and bustling markets, you’ll be glad to have a familiar space to unwind and rest before another day of adventure.
Feature image: Osaka Castle. Source: Shutterstock.
After more inspiration? Check out How To Pick The Right Cruise For You.
Discover more about Japan on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Thursdays 8:30pm AEST* on Foxtel Lifestyle.
This season of Luxury Escapes: The World's Best Holidays is brought to you by Citi Credit Cards. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.
