Cruising around Japan offers a unique and immersive way to experience the country’s rich cultural tapestry and stunning natural beauty. With access to nearly 100 ports across the islands, cruise travelers can explore a wide range of shore excursions, from historic temples and samurai towns to bustling seafood markets, traditional hot springs, and scenic mountain landscapes. Each stop provides a window into Japan’s diverse regional traditions, cuisine, and architecture, making every port a gateway to a new and authentic cultural encounter.
Hakodate
Cruise travelers docking in Hakodate can look forward to a variety of scenic and cultural excursions. Explore the charming Motomachi district with its 19th-century Western-style architecture, then browse the historic Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses for local crafts and dining. Seafood lovers will not want to miss the bustling morning market near Hakodate Station, famous for fresh crab, sea urchin, and seafood rice bowls. For panoramic city views, visit Goryokaku Tower, or venture further to Mt. Esan, an active volcano known for alpine blooms and summer azalea festivals. Travelers can also unwind in the seaside Mizunashi Kaihin Hot Spring, timed perfectly with the low tide.
Aomori
Aomori offers cruise travelers a rich mix of cultural, natural, and culinary excursions. Just steps from the port, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at the Furukawa Fish Market, explore the colorful Nebuta House Wa Rasse Museum, or stroll downtown to sample local sake and crafts. Seasonal highlights include the lively Nebuta Festival in August, where travelers can even join the parade in traditional costume. Excursion options range from the scenic trails of the UNESCO-listed Shirakami Mountains and dramatic Sanriku coastline to the spiritual landscape of Mt. Osore. For history and art lovers, the Jomon-era Sannai Maruyama Site and the Aomori Museum of Art offer deep cultural insights.
Shimizu
Travelers arriving at Shimizu Port can enjoy a range of scenic and cultural excursions, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Fuji. Highlights include boat rides past Miho Pine Grove, historic sites like Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, and hands-on craft experiences at Sumpu Takumi-shuku. Food lovers can indulge in Shimizu’s famed tuna and sakura shrimp at local markets and sushi spots. One of the most memorable activities is the chance to explore Shizuoka’s tea culture, Japan’s top tea-producing region, by visiting local tea plantations, where travelers can pick fresh tea leaves and sample a variety of matcha-based treats. Tea picking is especially popular in May and offers a uniquely immersive way to experience Japanese tradition.
Kobe
Kobe, a vibrant port city nestled between mountains and sea, offers cruise travelers a mix of culinary delights, cultural sights, and scenic views. Savor world-famous Kobe beef in a variety of styles, from classic steak to shabu-shabu and sukiyaki, or stroll through Nankinmachi Chinatown for street food and bubble tea. For sweeping views of the city and bay, visit Kobe Port Tower or ride the Kobe-Nunobiki Ropeway up Mt. Rokko. Nature lovers can explore Sorakuen Garden or hike to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and waterfalls. For a relaxing experience, lunch and dinner cruises from the bay offer stunning waterfront views of this cosmopolitan destination.
Kochi
Set along Shikoku’s Pacific coast, Kochi City welcomes cruise travelers with a rich blend of history, local flavors, and natural beauty. Step back in time at Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few original wooden castles, or sample regional specialties at the lively Hirome Market. Nature lovers can head to the nearby Niyodo River—famed for its striking “Niyodo Blue” color—for transparent kayak or SUP tours with stunning photo ops. For a peaceful escape, explore Monet’s Garden Marmottan in Kitagawa Village or enjoy riverside hikes, tea cafes, and hot springs in the surrounding countryside.
Hiroshima
Those arriving to Hiroshima will find a destination that balances powerful history with cultural richness and natural beauty. A visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, including the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum, provides meaningful insight into the city’s past and dedication to peace. Nearby, Hiroshima Castle and the tranquil Shukkeien Garden reflect the region’s enduring heritage. Food lovers can enjoy local specialties like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and oysters. Just a short ferry ride away, Miyajima Island enchants with the famous “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, scenic temples, and sweeping views from sites like Senjokaku and the five-story Gojunoto pagoda.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima offers a dynamic mix of natural wonders and cultural exploration for cruise excursions. Just a short ferry ride from the port, Sakurajima volcano provides dramatic views, cycling paths, and a museum to learn about its fiery history. For scenic vistas, head to Sengan-en Garden or the Shiroyama viewpoint overlooking the bay. History enthusiasts can visit the ruins of Kagoshima Castle and learn about the influential Shimazu samurai clan. For a more adventurous excursion, take a ferry to Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for ancient cedar forests, hiking trails, and local specialties like flying fish and shochu.
For this and more information on ports in Japan, visit: https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/cruise/index.html
Or download the Cruise Ports in Japan and Sample Itineraries brochure here: https://partners-pamph.jnto.go.jp/simg/pamph/2350.pdf
