Princess Cruises doubles down on in-demand travel destination originally appeared on TravelHost.
Some of the world’s top travel destinations today are ripe for exploration by sea, and cruise lines like Princess Cruises are making smart deployment moves to capitalize on the surge in traveler interest.
It’s no longer classic favorites like Italy and Greece that everyone seems to be traveling to on trips outside of the U.S. these days.
Japan is having a moment.
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An island country that fascinates visitors with its unique blend of ancient traditions and high-tech innovations, Japan welcomed record-breaking numbers of international visitors in 2024 and tourism figures continue to climb in 2025.
It’s not just one type of traveler that’s fueling Japan’s tourism boom either. From young solo adventurers to families and luxury vacationers, a broad range of travelers are being drawn to the culturally immersive experiences available in Japan.
With several distinct regions that make up its cultural identity and no point more than 93 miles from the sea, Japan is well-suited to exploration by cruise ship. Japan cruises offer an effortless way to experience both iconic spots and wondrous hidden gems all around the “Land of the Rising Sun.”
To meet the swelling demand for journeys around Japan, Princess Cruises is bringing travelers more Japan cruise options than ever in 2027.
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Two Princess Cruises ships will sail to sought-after destinations in Japan in 2027. Image source: Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises will sail two ships in Japan in 2027
In its most robust Japan cruise season ever, Princess Cruises will sail two Japanese-built, sister ships — Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess — from the Tokyo region for the entire season in 2027.
Running from March – December 2027, the season includes 78 departures across 50 unique itineraries visiting 45 destinations across 6 countries. Voyages range from seven to 28 days.
“This upcoming 2027 season is more than an expansion — it’s a homecoming,” said Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises. “Our story in Japan has deepened over time and experience and in 2027, we return promising unforgettable experiences, including the renowned cherry blossoms, seven spectacular festivals, and journeys that immerse you in the awe and wonder of this destination.”
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Princess Cruises’ 2027 Japan itineraries open for booking Aug. 20, 2025. Itinerary highlights include:
Cherry Blossom Voyages (9–24 days): Timed to follow the blooming season from south to north across all four of Japan’s main islands.
Festival Cruises (8–24 days): Celebrate Japan’s most vibrant summer festivals including the Aomori Nebuta, Tokushima Awa Odori, and Kochi Yosakoi with late-night stays.
Circle and Grand Japan Voyages (9–28 days): Circumnavigate the country with visits to Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and more.
Okinawa & Taiwan Itineraries (9–18 days): Explore the subtropical beauty of Okinawa and the cultural richness of Taipei and Hualien.
Japan Explorer Cruises (9–13 days): Discover iconic cities like Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Kobe (for Kyoto), and Kagoshima.
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Princess Cruises offers summer festival sailingsin Japan
Travelers interested in visiting Japan during one of its famous festivals can choose from summer cruise itineraries offering late-night stays in port during popular festivals including:
Aomori Nebuta Festival (Aug. 2 and Aug. 7): An event renowned for its towering illuminated floats, traditional music, and energetic dancers.
Hakodate Minato Festival (Aug. 3): A maritime celebration with a historic parade with spectacular floats.
Akita Kanto Festival (Aug. 6): Performers balance towering bamboo poles with candlelit lanterns to festive flute and drum music.
Yamagata Hanagasa Festival (from Sakata) (Aug. 7): A colorful celebration featuring 10,000 local dancers to the rhythm of taiko drums.
Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival (Aug. 12): One of Japan’s largest festivals, with vibrant dance teams and audience participation.
Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival (Aug. 13): A centuries-old dance event known for the joyful “Fool’s Dance” performed throughout the city.
Kumano Fireworks Festival (Aug. 17): A dazzling display of over 10,000 fireworks.
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Japan cruises highlight both cultural and scenic marvels
Princess Cruises’ 2027 Japan cruise season features both vibrant cities and scenic wonders, and offers 12 late-night ports for extended evenings in sought-after cities like Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakodate, Sakata, and Halong Bay.
Those seeking history will find opportunities to visit 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Mount Fuji (from Shimizu), Itsukushima Shrine & Hiroshima Peace Memorial (from Hiroshima), Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (from Kobe or Osaka), and Jomon Prehistoric Sites (from Aomori or Hakodate).
Scenic Japan sailings offer chances to cruise by iconic sights such as Mount Fuji in Shimizu Bay and Sakurajima Volcano from Kagoshima Bay. Travelers can also cruise the Kanmon Straits and Japan Inland Sea.
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On board both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, passengers will enjoy Japanese touches that enhance their sailings. Regional dishes including noodles and freshly prepared sushi will be available on board, as well as drinks like fine Japanese whiskeys, sake, and shochu.
Onboard entertainment will include the 400-year tradition of storytelling known as “rakugo,” as well as karaoke and folkloric dance performances that bring Japanese culture to life.
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Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
AloJapan.com