Sail Your Way Around Japan
By Sarah Etinas
Sail Your Way Around Japan
By Stacey Zable
Princess offers an immersive cruising experience in Japan – with cultural elements both onboard and in port.
Japan is one of the hottest travel destinations in 2023, and there’s no better way to explore this incredible country than on a Princess cruise. With immersive onboard experiences, cultural shore excursions, and amazing festivals, your Japan cruise will be a visit to remember for years to come.
The Diamond Princess® is the only Princess ship that sails around Japan. And to really highlight that point, Princess equipped this vessel with unique Japanese-inspired features that are only found on this particular boat. First, there’s the Izumi Japanese Bath. Modeled after traditional Japanese onsens (hot spring baths), this relaxing spa area includes saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs – all with spectacular ocean views. Like an onsen, there are clothing-optional bathing times, although there are clothing-required times as well. On top of this unique spa experience, the Diamond Princess® also boasts Kai Sushi, the finest Japanese restaurant at sea. Watch talented sushi chefs craft top-tier sushi and sashimi right in front of your eyes, and then savor each bite once it gets to your table.
The Diamond Princess® is the only Princess ship that sails around Japan. And to really highlight that point, Princess equipped this vessel with unique Japanese-inspired features that are only found on this particular boat. First, there’s the Izumi Japanese Bath. Modeled after traditional Japanese onsens (hot spring baths), this relaxing spa area includes saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs – all with spectacular ocean views. Like an onsen, there are clothing-optional bathing times, although there are clothing-required times as well. On top of this unique spa experience, the Diamond Princess® also boasts Kai Sushi, the finest Japanese restaurant at sea. Watch talented sushi chefs craft top-tier sushi and sashimi right in front of your eyes, and then savor each bite once it gets to your table.
While the onboard experiences are wonderful, the shore excursions are a big part of what make a Princess cruise to Japan the amazing adventure that it is. Many tours take you to the most famous sites in town, but a few of the coolest excursions teach you about traditional Japanese culture.
In Sakaiminato, you can pay a visit to the Tatara Sword Museum & Katana Museum, where you can admire a talented bladesmith in action and then watch a jaw-dropping sword-wielding demonstration. At the end of your visit, you may even get to hold these unique swords yourself for a picture or two!
In Aomori, you’ll get the opportunity to see some of the massive parade floats used for the Goshogawara summer festival. Reaching almost 70 feet tall, these towering floats are made almost entirely of exquisitely painted washi paper.
And in Kobe, you can learn about the art of sake brewing at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum. You’ll even get to sample some of the sake made on site, and you’ll likely end up purchasing a bottle or two to take home with you.
While the onboard experiences are wonderful, the shore excursions are a big part of what make a Princess cruise to Japan the amazing adventure that it is. Many tours take you to the most famous sites in town, but a few of the coolest excursions teach you about traditional Japanese culture.
In Sakaiminato, you can pay a visit to the Tatara Sword Museum & Katana Museum, where you can admire a talented bladesmith in action and then watch a jaw-dropping sword-wielding demonstration. At the end of your visit, you may even get to hold these unique swords yourself for a picture or two!
In Aomori, you’ll get the opportunity to see some of the massive parade floats used for the Goshogawara summer festival. Reaching almost 70 feet tall, these towering floats are made almost entirely of exquisitely painted washi paper.
And in Kobe, you can learn about the art of sake brewing at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum. You’ll even get to sample some of the sake made on site, and you’ll likely end up purchasing a bottle or two to take home with you.
Last but certainly not least, Japan is home to some incredible events all throughout the year. It doesn’t matter when you’re cruising, there’s a good chance that an iconic Japanese festival will be happening during your trip. If you want to guarantee that your vacation will take place during a fantastic Japanese festival, Princess offers dedicated seasonal and festival sailings. In March, check out Japan’s famous blooming cherry blossoms. In August, gape in awe at the 10,000-firework Kumano Firework Festival. And in October and November, see the country awash in fall colors.
Last but certainly not least, Japan is home to some incredible events all throughout the year. It doesn’t matter when you’re cruising, there’s a good chance that an iconic Japanese festival will be happening during your trip. If you want to guarantee that your vacation will take place during a fantastic Japanese festival, Princess offers dedicated seasonal and festival sailings. In March, check out Japan’s famous blooming cherry blossoms. In August, gape in awe at the 10,000-firework Kumano Firework Festival. And in October and November, see the country awash in fall colors.
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My appetite for travel first began as a child when my mother took me on a church trip to the Wonderful World of Walt Disney.
I loved everything about that vacation, the excitement and the laughter we shared with the other families traveling on the chartered bus; the bus ride, which allowed me to see other worlds outside of Marietta, GA. The rest stops along the way allowed us to stretch our legs, to spread our food out on the picnic tables where we ate and had fellowship. The hotel with its own private swimming pools where all the kids played and swam until we wore ourselves out. The lemon and lime trees planted throughout the grounds was the first time I realized that fruit grew on trees and not at the local supermarket. And of course who could forget meeting the main Mouse in charge Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
Those wonderful moments with my mom created lasting memories and still make me smile in my heart today. I would love to have the honor of working with you, your famil ...