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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After more than 25 years as a restaurant General Manager, I’ve taken my passion for five-star service and shifted it from the dining room to destinations around the world. I’ve spent the last four years planning seamless, stress-free vacations that are as unforgettable as the people taking them.
I bring the same dedication to detail, vendor management, and quick problem-solving that I used to deliver in the hospitality industry—now applied to curating flawless travel experiences. My clients are more than just customers—they’re VIPs, and I treat each trip as if I were planning it for myself.
As the owner of Vacation Planners of West St. Louis County, I’m proud to combine my personalized service with the tools, resources, and perks of a nationally recognized brand. Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family getaway, or the ultimate bucket-list adventure, I listen closely, plan meticulously, and make sure my clients return home already dreaming of their next journey.
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