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While many visitors to Japan are marveled by the buzzing cities like Tokyo & Osaka, these busy metropolises are only one dimension of Japanese culture that you experience on a cruise with Adventure Life. Sail aboard first class cruise ships like L'Austral, Caledonian Sky, or Silver Discoverer, where you will see this country's imperial past and distinct architecture. Take some time to honor the harrowing history of Hiroshima & Nagasaki, where the world first witnessed the devastating power of the atomic bomb, and then pay a trip to the Shinto Izumo Taisha Shrine - one of the oldest monuments in the country. Trips to Japan also ocassionally feature destinations in the Philippines, Taiwan, and other fascinating destinations of the Bering Sea, between Japan, Russia, and Alaska. Contact us to get started planning!
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10 Best Cruises to Japan for 2024-2025

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All Luxury Japan Tours

Top 10 Luxury Cruises of Japan for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Sacred Japan and South Korea: A Voyage from Kobe to Tokyo, Including South Korea$765010May 8, 2024Join this 10-day Sacred Japan and South Korea cruise from Osaka to Tokyo aboard Heritage Adventurer. Discover the historic castle town of Matsue, the …
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Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys$84789Apr 12, 2025Embark on a 9-day cruise with Smithsonian Journeys aboard Le Soléal to uncover the Treasures of Japan. Explore Kobe's marbled beef, then delve into …
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Secular Treasures in the Land of the Rising Sun$64308Apr 5, 2025Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Soléal, uncovering Japan's secular treasures. In Osaka, board a cruise exploring samurai history and geisha …
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Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea: Japan Voyage Between Tokyo and Osaka, incl. South Korea$839511Apr 15, 2025Join this 11-day Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea cruise from Tokyo to Osaka aboard Heritage Adventurer. Discover the historic castle town of …
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The Best of Japan$71809May 14, 2025Le Soleal takes you on a 9-day Japan cruise from Maizuru to Osaka to experience the highlights of Japanese cultures, as you make stops in …
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Discover the Islands of Japan: A 12-day Voyage of Japan Between Tokyo & Osaka, Including South Korea$918512Apr 24, 2025Discover hidden gems on a 12-day voyage between Tokyo & Osaka aboard Heritage Adventurer. Explore Matsue, Hagi, and Yakushima Island. Visit Uwajima's …
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Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys$75808May 21, 2024This 8-day cruise along Japan's northern coast aboard Le Soleal takes you from Maizuru to Hakodate to experience the highlights of Japanese culture. …
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Eternal Japan and South Korea: A Voyage from Tokyo to Kobe$917512Apr 28, 2024Explore Japan and South Korea's heritage, culture, and landscapes on the Heritage Adventurer on this 12-day cruise from Tokyo to Kobe. Visit ancient …
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Natural Wonders of Japan and Taipei$3389015Jun 6, 2025Sail on a 15-day Asia cruise exploring the Natural Wonders of Japan and Taipei aboard Scenic Eclipse II. Embark in Osaka, known for its culinary …
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Japan, Natural Archipelago and Secular Heritage$77709Apr 10, 2025Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier to explore Japan's Natural Archipelago and Secular Heritage. From serene Tomonoura to historic …
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Best Japan Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

  • Ponant - offers engaging discussions onboard with Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Japanese Film, Culture, Literature, History expert Jonathan Hall and Japanese art historian Timon Screech. Sail through Japan's stunning cultural and historical traditions and landscapes on the 264-guest five-star ship Le Soleal.
  • Aurora Expeditions - is an Australian adventure company with its headquarters in Surry Hills, Australia, specializing in small-group trips to the Polar Regions and other far-flung regions. Offers extension tours that let you visit some of the most iconic venues on offer in the amazing City of Tokyo. 
  • Lindblad Expeditions - builds on a legacy of over 50 years as a leader in responsible travel and sustainability, is a 100% carbon neutral company committed to green business operations and preserving our planet for future generations. Island-hop your way from Japan to Taiwan aboard the National Geographic Resolution, experiencing a wide array of natural wonders, historic sites, and cultural treasures along the way. 
  • Heritage Expeditions - is a family-owned and operated cruise line based in Christchurch, New Zealand, established in 1985 to promote environmental awareness and conservation through responsible expedition travel. Join a western pacific birding odyssey from New Zealand to Japan on the Akademik Shokalskiy

6 Best Places to Visit in Japan for 2024-2025

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Japan Travel Guide & Cruise Tips

Japan Highlights
Japan's storied history dates back thousands of years. While it crossed with Western history in the mid-20th century during World War II, the 70+ years since then has been an era of unprecedented growth and development for this small Asian island nation. It has earned a place in world economics and now not only hosts a wealth of modern culture, but also a rich ancient cultural identity that we showcase on our tours of Japan:
  • Tokyo - the bustling capital city where most of our Japan tours begin and depart
  • Visit the traditional morning markets of Abashiri & Hakodate
  • Shikotsu-Toya National Park - a UNESCO Global Geopark that features a volcanic crater lake.
  • The "Floating Island of Flowers" on Rebun Island.
  • Russia - Crossing the sea of Japan, some of our tours also feature stops in eastern Russia, and the Northeast Passage tours navigate as far west as Europe.
Fun Facts about Japan
  • In Japanese, it is called "Nihon," meaning "sun origin."
  • Iconic Mt. Fuji stands at an altitude of 3,776m above sea level.
  • Although it is relatively smaller than many of the world's countries, it has the 10th largest population, with over 127 million people.
  • This booming population frequently must deal with strong and often devastating earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis due to its location in the ring of fire.
  • Sushi and tempura are signature dishes of Japan and are trademarks of the seafood diet.
  • The renowned Samurai warriors are from Japan.
  • While Japan has many of its own pastimes, baseball is also a popular sport.
  • Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in Japan, most of which is imported from Jamaica.
  • The literacy rate in Japan is close to 100 percent, making Japan one of the best-educated people in the world.
How much does a Japan tour cost?

Our Japan cruises range from 8 to 29 days and prices vary from $6,290 to $10,680 per person. Japan is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the imperial past and architecture of one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. 

 
Japan Travel FAQs
Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
Visas are not required for US citizens staying up to 90 days in Japan. Check the visa requirements for more specific information.

Is tipping customary in Japan?
Tipping is not an expectation in Japan, and waiters and hotel porters will often decline tips. Guides and drivers will accept tips between $5-20 per day.

What is internet access like in Japan?
Internet access in Japan is on par with any other developed country - in the major cities, you can count on having access to WiFi and high speed internet, especially in the hotels, cafes, and restaurants. There also might be public WiFi in parks. If you are traveling to more rural areas, naturally you might find yourself out of range.

Can I use my cell phone while in Japan?
The best way to use your phone is to have your service provider unlock it and then purchase a SIM chip once you arrive in Japan. Then your phone will work on the local network. If you can't unlock your phone, then consider an international plan, renting a phone, or simply using WiFi networks when they are available.

Do I need power adapters?
Japan has the US/ North America style plugs (A&B) with either two flat prongs or two flat and one round prong, and runs on 100v power. If you are traveling from Europe, you will need plug adapters. 

What are the toilets like in Japan?
Japan is a very developed country, and you will find a mix of squat and bowl toilets, but mostly bowl toilets in the hotels and ships where you will be staying. Bring your own toilet paper just to be safe and never flush it - rather, put it in the waste basket next to the toilet.

Can I drink the water in Japan?
Japan is our only destination country in Asia where it is safe to drink tap water. You will also always have access to bottled water if you prefer.

Are credit cards accepted in Japan? Will I be able to find ATMs?
Credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, and it's quite easy to find ATMs throughout the major cities. More isolated parts of the country either might not have ATMs or the networks could be down for days at a time. Many smaller vendors throughout the country also only accept cash, which can be easily withdrawn from an ATM.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes, purchasing travel insurance before going on vacation is always a good idea. Fortunately, we offer some great comprehensive deals through TravelGuard on our Once You're Booked page.

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