For people seeking to visit Japan, there are two ways to get to this island country: by air or sea.
In modern times, the sea has been relegated to second place. According to an August report by Cruise Lines International Association, demand for cruise ship travel across Asia is among the lowest in the world and has been trending downward.
But the association expects a global uptick in the popularity of cruises by a shift in focus to young singles and multigenerational families. Major lines like Princess Cruises are already betting on the country embracing sea travel, with more departures and an extended travel season planned for 2026.
Even now, there are plenty of cruise ships departing Japan for foreign destinations. From Taiwan to Busan in South Korea — often with a stop in Japan along the way to such destinations as Okinawa or Kyushu — Japanese cruise ship tourism is picking up because of all the advantages that sea travel offers over air travel.
At the larger end, cruise ships are akin to floating cities full of metropolitan amenities and services, like the MSC Bellissima operated by MSC Cruises, which made its first port of call in Japan in 2018 and received the 2023 Cruise of the Year Award from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation. Ships may be slower than using air travel, but that extra time can be spent relaxing in the wide selection of restaurants, cafes or bars. Passengers who take a 14-day cruise from Yokohama toward Taiwan on Holland America Line’s MS Noordam also get access to a pool, gym, spa, casino and even a live-entertainment stage.
Cruise ships additionally offer something more important: peace of mind. Cruises provide alternatives for people uncomfortable with flying and include comprehensive baggage services. They also eliminate the stress of packing, as everything passengers would ever need is readily available on the ship. That being said, one of the highlights of going on a Japanese cruise is getting to explore the ports and areas they visit.
Yokohama is one of Japan’s main departure ports for cruises and it sets the tone immediately, thanks to its main terminal at the stunning Osanbashi Pier. Offering unparalleled views of Yokohama’s waterfront, the terminal building is nicknamed the “Whale’s Back” for its uniquely curving and undulating shape that brings to mind a whale gracefully appearing out of the water. The rooftop deck and lawn are great places to relax before the trip or admire the city’s skyline.
Nagasaki is also a popular port of call. When entering the city, ships pass under the so-called Venus’ Wings bridge, which looks otherworldly beautiful when it’s lit up at night. It’s a short walk from Nagasaki Port to the historic part of the city full of shopping and sightseeing destinations.
With affordable economy courses also available for budget-minded travelers, cruise vacations have a real chance to make a splash in Japanese outbound tourism. If the current trends continue, it could be smooth sailing for the industry from here on out.
