Japan Cruises
From formidable samurai castles to serene gardens, from elegant geisha performances to flavorful sake tastings, Seabourn will show you the absolute best of Japanese culture and history
Overview
In Japan, ways of ancient living coexist in harmony with technological advancements that define the modern world. Landscapes change dramatically in the land of the rising sun, from lush mountainous forests and turquoise tropical seas to Tokyo, an ultra-modern metropolis. Experience Japan by sea with Seabourn.
Featured Experiences
Cruising through the country's dazzling array of attractions, you'll encounter what makes Japan one of the most unique cultures on Earth: the warm seas, coral reefs and sandy beaches of the southern archipelagos; Tokyo’s futuristic, neon cityscape; the tranquil Buddhist and Shinto temples and gardens of Kyoto; and the picturesque forested mountains of Hokkaido Island.
Featured PASSAGES
Cruising through the country's dazzling array of attractions, you'll encounter what makes Japan one of the most unique cultures on Earth: the warm seas, coral reefs and sandy beaches of the southern archipelagos; Tokyo’s futuristic, neon cityscape; the tranquil Buddhist and Shinto temples and gardens of Kyoto; and the picturesque forested mountains of Hokkaido Island.
Japan's Crafts & Cherry Blossoms
Explore historic cities, cruise the famous Seto Inland Sea, make a stop in South Korea, and explore some of Japan's most iconic destinations along the way.
Kobe, Japan
Kobe's modern Harborland, crowned by the Port Tower, offers a warm welcome. It is your gateway to Kyoto, and one of the first cities in Japan opened to trade. Explore the venerable Chinatown, or the 19th-century Western-style building in Kitano.
Scenic Viewing of Kadmon Straight
Kanmon Straits is a narrow channel of water that separates Honshu and Kyushu, two of Japan's main islands. It connects the Sea of Japan with the Seto Inland Sea; only smaller ships such as the Seabourn Quest can navigate through these narrow waters..
Golden Week to Glacier Bay
The best of both worlds, from Japan to Alaska. Experience traveling during the height of Japan's famous and festive Golden Week. Continue on to the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska, enjoying fewer crowds during the early season.
Sun & Sand in the South
Lounge like a local on the white sand beaches of Ishigaki, Miyakojima and Okinawa. Visit Taiwan's oldest temple at the exclusive island of Penghu, embark on a search for Ishigaki's rare blue coral, and top it off with a stroll through Kobe just as the spring flowers come to full bloom.
Japan: Island Life
In 2023 over 7,000 additional islands in Japan were discovered, bringing the nation's island count to over 14,000. Your Japan sailing offers access to four of the most iconic: Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu, and Hokkaido.
Exclusive Crossings
Experience sailing through Asia's smaller seas. Be one of the few to explore Taiwan's Penghu Island, or enjoy a crossing through the Kanmon Strait to Seto Inland Sea, voyages only available on smaller ships.
In addition to calling on all four main islands of Japan as well as the hidden-gem smaller southern islands, visit the hot springs and samurai districts of Akita, the vibrant arts district of Ishinomaki, the coastal beauty of Niigata and the impressive architecture of Wakayama… (all Seabourn firsts!).
Niigata
Nestled along the captivating shores of the Sea of Japan, Niigata awaits to envelop you in the crimson and golden hues of Japan’s fall foliage. Walk through Yahiko Park or Akasakayama Park, plunge into the rejuvenating embrace of open-air thermal hot springs, or partake in the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, a soul-soothing forest bathing experience.
Wakayama
Wakayama is home to some of Japan’s most sacred sites including the Kongobuji Temple UNESCO world heritage site. Explore Mt. Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism, a key start location for one of the routes on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path, and an iconic temple town nestled in the mountains among the trees, which turns a vibrant red and yellow in the fall.
Akita
Maiden Port
The vibrant heart of the expansive Akita Prefecture in northern Tohoku stands out as a unique destination where modernity harmoniously entwines with tradition. Sheltered along the enchanting Sea of Japan coast, Akita boasts a captivating blend of modern and old, with a cityscape that showcases an intriguing contrast of architectural styles.
Kitakyushu
A large city on Kyushu Island, in Kitakyushu you can experience waterfalls, bamboo forests, limestone caverns, and the UNESCO-desginated castle town of Hagi.
Shimizu
A busy port located on Suruga Bay, Shimizu is renowned for the surrounding views of Mt. Fuji. Partake in featured shore excursion to the majestic Mr. Fuji Waterfalls and Shrine: almost perfectly conical, Fuji is Japan's highest mountain and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hiroshima
Relics of its past such as the impressive Hiroshima Castle and the tranquil Shukkeien Garden were rebuilt after World War II, and the city undertook the construction of a Memorial Peace Park, which today attracts visitors from around the world. Experience history on a featured shore excursion to Shrine Island, Memorials, and Gardens.
Sakaiminato
Renowned for its bounty of fresh seafood, Sakaiminato is a fishing town backed by mountains in the Honshu region that also offers a full experience of monuments, history, and stunning scenery. Venture out on a featured shore excursion to Adachi Museum and Yushien Garden, where you can browse the collection of nearly 1,000 items of pottery, woodcarvings, and paintings.