Japan offers endless delights. This Island nation is home to many stark contrasts. Futuristic cities are a short bullet-train ride away from feudal castles and ancient shrines. Japan is a scenic masterpiece its diverse topography offers everything from white-sandy beaches to snow-capped stratovolcanos. We have compiled a list of destinations you can’t miss when you cruise to Japan.
Tokyo
The modern capital of Japan, Tokyo is a futuristic wonderland. Home to the Ginza shopping and entertainment district, the towering neon signs and LED screens of Akihabara, and the dining and nightlife of Roppongi. Tokyo’s ultra-modern skylines are also home to traditional Japanese cultural sites like the Imperial Palace and its sprawling public gardens, as well as the ornate Meji Shinto Shrine. Accessed via the historic port of Yokohama, Tokyo is often the point of embarkation for cruisers allowing an excellent opportunity to extend your vacation with pre or post-cruise tours.
Kobe
The famous home of the signature marbled beef that shares its name, Kobe offers visitors so much more than steak. Visitors can tour the 3rd-century Ikuta Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest historical Shinto sites. Kobe’s antique cable cars are a great way for tourists to visit Mount Rokko for panoramic views of the port or the traditional outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen.
Kyoto
If Tokyo represents the ultra-modern, Kyoto is the embodiment of traditional Japan. Once the capital city of Japan, Kobe is still home to imperial gardens, ancient buddhist temples, shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. When touring Kyoto you can visit an otherworldly bamboo forest, experience the multiple course precision of kaiseki dining, or be entertained by geishas in the Gion district.
Kagoshima
This coastal city is famously home to Sakurjima, a semi-active stratovolcano. Residents of Kagoshima are occasionally dusted by fine clouds of ash that emerge from Sakurjima and fall like snow on the city below. The Nagisa Lava Trail at the base of the volcano provides an opportunity to hike through boulders, winding lava fields, and a myriad of volcanic formations. Kagoshima is also home to many invigorating hot springs.
Kanazawa
This is one of Japan’s most well-preserved cities. Kanazawa remains a pristine example of 17th – century Japanese architecture. The region is famous for the production of gold leaf. Guests can visit what remains of the feudal Japanese Castle or visit the Edo-Era Samurai and Geisha Districts. Tour Korakuen, a picturesque traditional sunken garden. The region is well-known for its many museums, intricate handcrafts, and skilled artisans.
Osaka
This large port city is a modern economic and cultural center of Japan. A visit to Osaka provides the opportunity to experience modern architecture, bustling shopping districts, Japanese dining, electric nightlife, or one of many parks or museums. As Japan’s second-largest population center, there’s not much you can’t do in Osaka. Popular attractions include 15th-Century Osaka Castle and Gardens. This reconstruction of the shogunate castle is only made more breathtaking by the surrounding gardens that come alive with cherry blossoms every March and April.
There are far too many wonders awaiting you on your next cruise to Japan than we can list in one article. This island nation lends itself beautifully to cruising. There are many ways to experience the culture, history, and landmarks of Japan. It is even becoming a popular expedition destination.Â
If you would like more information on how you can experience the wonders of Japan for yourself, be sure to request a call from Luxury Cruise Connections. Our team members are experts in worldwide destinations and itinerary planning. Let us show you the world in luxury.
