Should you need one, October is Cruise Month – the perfect excuse to contemplate your next holiday at sea. And where better than Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, which seems to be firmly on the radar of Australian travellers this year? With the island nation enjoying a tourism boom and cruising’s popularity among Aussies stronger than a flat white in the Qantas lounge, combining the two is proving irresistible.
Japan’s coastline is a traveller’s dream: cultural icons one day, tropical islands the next, with a liberal sprinkling of cherry blossoms, samurai castles and the occasional Kobe beef steak grilled to perfection. For those eyeing a cruise, here are ten ports of call worth anchoring in — each offering a slice of Japanese life that’s as authentic as it is memorable.
Aomori: Blossoms, Waterfalls, and Ancient Secrets
At Japan’s northernmost tip, Aomori delivers nature in full cinematic scope. In spring, Lake Towada and Hirosaki Park explode into blush-pink cherry blossoms and if you’re there at night, illuminated blooms around Hirosaki Castle will stop you. Adventurers can head for the Oirase River, where 14 waterfalls (yes, fourteen) tumble theatrically through lush forest, with the Ashura Rapids stealing the show. Add the UNESCO-listed Jomon Prehistoric Sites, and you’ll have a cultural counterpoint to all that natural beauty.
Akita: Samurai Spirit and Steaming Hot Springs
Akita is a cultural time capsule where traditions run deep and the hot springs run even deeper. Visitors can soak away their jet lag at Nyuto Onsenkyo, a famous hot spring resort, before wandering through Kakunodate’s Samurai District, where old warrior houses are silent. The city also takes its sake seriously, with local breweries offering a taste of Akita’s heritage in every sip.
Hakodate: Seafood, Skylines, and a Samurai Star Fort
Hokkaido’s Hakodate offers a smorgasbord of delights. Fresh seafood markets greet early risers, while history buffs climb Goryokaku Tower for views over its star-shaped fort, a striking relic of Japan’s past. Come nightfall, head up Mt Hakodate for one of the country’s most celebrated panoramas. The city balances tradition with modern flair, from Jomon pottery at its culture centre to cutting-edge dining.
Himeji: Samurai Castles and Silver Mines
Himeji Castle is the sort of architectural marvel that makes you stop fiddling with your phone and stare. This UNESCO site, often called Japan’s most beautiful castle, dominates the skyline. Film buffs will recognise nearby Engyo-ji Temple from The Last Samurai. The Ikuno Silver Mine and Takeda Castle ruins beckon for more history, while the offshore Ieshima Islands offer a slower pace.
Ishigaki: Japan’s Beach Paradise
Think Japan is all temples and teahouses? Think again. Ishigaki Island, part of Okinawa Prefecture, is where the tropics take over. White sand beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs and a thriving snorkelling scene make it a paradise for ocean lovers. Kabira Bay is postcard-perfect, and the glass-bottom boat tours reveal a vibrant undersea world. Don’t leave without sampling Ishigaki beef — a carnivore’s dream.
Kanazawa: Gold Leaf and Samurai Streets
Kanazawa, hugging the Sea of Japan, is a study in contrasts. On one hand, the World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go village nearby offers thatched-roof tradition straight out of a folk tale. On the other hand, the city’s 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art celebrates all things modern. Between them lies Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s finest and the Nagamachi district, where preserved samurai houses line cobblestoned lanes.
Kobe: Beef, Sake, and Skyline Views
Cosmopolitan Kobe has long been a gateway to Japan and, for many, a gateway to a perfectly marbled steak. Kobe beef is world-famous, and there’s no better place to savour it. Wash it with locally brewed sake, and you’ll understand why Australians keep returning. After dark, the city twinkles below from Mt Rokko or Mt Maya, while the nearby Arima Hot Springs offer soothing immersion in centuries-old wellness culture.
Kochi: Castles, Beaches, and Botanical Bliss
Kochi City is blessed with balmy weather and a knack for hospitality. Its castle is a time machine to feudal Japan, while Katsurahama Beach provides a bracing sea breeze. The Hirome market buzzes with street food vendors and chatter, and the Makino Botanical Garden offers a serene respite. Don’t miss Katsuo no tataki, a seared bonito dish that locals proudly insist is the best in Japan.
Sakata: Spirit, Seafood, and Sacred Cedars
Sakata sits at the mouth of the Mogami River, offering visitors an authentic taste of northern Japan. Photographers and pilgrims alike will be drawn to Mt Haguro, where an avenue of 300-year-old cedar trees leads to a sacred shrine. The Sankyo Rice Warehouses and Sakata-Maiko Teahouse showcase the city’s mercantile past, while the Kamo Aquarium surprises with the world’s largest jellyfish display. Slurp a steaming bowl of Sakata no Ramen for comfort food, a seafood-flavoured revelation.
Shimizu: Gateway to Fuji
Finally, Shimizu. Cruise passengers disembark here to glimpse Japan’s most famous peak: Mt Fuji. On a clear day, the view across Suruga Bay is postcard-perfect. But Shimizu is more than a photo stop. The Miho no Matsubara pine grove, Kunozan Toshogu shrine, and Sumpu Castle Park make this a port worth lingering in, blending history, spirituality and landscapes in classic Japanese style.
Itineraries to Tempt
Several major cruise lines have Japan firmly on their schedules.
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Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 14-day Tokyo round trip that covers Sendai, Aomori, Akita, Sakata, Kanazawa, Sasebo, Hiroshima, and Kyoto.
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Princess Cruises features a nine-day Tokyo round trip, including Nagasaki and Akita.
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Ponant sails small-ship itineraries from Osaka to Taiwan, taking in Kagoshima, Kochi and Ishigaki along the way.
Final Word
Japan by sea is no fad; it’s fast becoming a favourite with Australians hungry for cultural immersion, world-class dining, and coastal beauty. Whether slurping ramen in Sakata, meditating in Himeji, or snorkelling Ishigaki’s reefs, Japan’s cruise ports offer a kaleidoscope of experiences.
Cruise Month reminds us that the call of the sea is timeless, and when it comes with cherry blossoms and Kobe beef, who could resist?
By Sandra Jones
BIO:
Sandra has spent her career guiding travellers through the maze of itineraries and destinations, drawing on years of hands-on experience in several respected travel agencies. A qualified travel consultant, she sharpened her skills through a dedicated course in advisory practice, ensuring her recommendations are always practical and inspired. Adding yet another string to her bow, Sandra also undertook a writing course, allowing her to pair her industry expertise with a flair for the written word, a natural fit for sharing stories, insights, and advice with fellow travellers.
