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.