With October marking Cruise Month, there is no better time for travellers to enjoy Japan’s rapidly growing cruise market by exploring these 10 ports around the country.
It’s no secret that both cruising and Japan are trending for Australian travellers, from cosmopolitan cities and cultural icons to far-flung tropical islands and the sought-after spring Sakura season.
Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Along the coast of the northernmost prefecture of Japan’s main island, Aomori is famous for natural beauty and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Jomon Prehistoric Sites. Travellers can visit during spring to see cherry blossoms in bloom at Lake Towada or Hirosaki Park. Illuminated blossoms around Hirosaki Castle at night are a sight to behold. Oirase River is the spot for adventurers with 14 waterfalls and the Ashura Rapids.
Akita, Tohoku Prefecture
Akita is renowned for its ancient traditions, seasonal festivals and World Heritage recognised Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. Travellers can visit the famous Nyuto Onsenkyo hot spring resort, explore the Kakunodate Samurai District and sample locally-brewed sake at one of the many breweries.
Hakodate, Hokkaido Prefecture
Home to historic buildings, sublime seafood and hot springs, Hakodate balances contemporary Japanese living and magnificent scenery. The nighttime view from atop Mt Hakodate is iconic and the morning food market is a must. Climb Goryokaku Tower for sweeping views – especially beautiful during blossom season – and visit the Goryokaku Hakodate Jomon Culture Center to see local pottery, clay figures and stone tools.
Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture
Himeji Castle, a World Cultural Heritage Site, is one of Japan’s most beautiful castles and a highlight of any visit. To truly experience traditional culture, join a zazen meditation session and dine on vegetarian cuisine at Engyo-ji Temple – where The Last Samurai was filmed. Other popular picks from the port of Himeji include the Ikuno Silver Mine, ruins of Takeda Castle and the nearby Ieshima Islands.
Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture
Famed for its clear blue waters and pristine white sand, Ishigaki Island is a paradise for beach lovers and Kabira Bay, Yonehara and Sukuji Beaches are among the country’s best. Highlights of any visit include glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs, exploring the Ishigaki Stalactite Cave, visiting Ishigaki Yaima Village, a recreated Okinawan traditional town, and sampling premium Ishigaki beef.
Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Located along the coast of the Sea of Japan, the port of Kanazawa offers easy access to the historic Kanazawa Castle, as well as shore excursions to the World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go village. Travellers should try their hand at the ancient gold leaf lacquerware decoration, Kaga Yuzen, and take a stroll around Kenrokuen Garden. Head to the Nagamachi area to see preserved samurai houses, winding narrow alleyways and traditional gates. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art provides a complete contrast to the city’s artisan traditions.
Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
Situated between the mountains and the sea, cosmopolitan Kobe is the birthplace of melt-in-your-mouth Kobe Beef. Sake tasting is a popular pastime here and the after dark views from Mt Rokko and Mt Maya are legendary. The nearby Arima Hot Spring offers a true taste of traditional Japan and geiko culture.
Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
Blessed with natural beauty and a warm climate, Kochi’s bucket list sites include Kochi Castle, Katsurahama Beach, the historic Hirome market, samurai artefacts at the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, and Chikurinji Temple – part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage trail. Meandering through the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden is memorable, and travellers shouldn’t miss an opportunity to try Katsuo no tataki, a local specialty dish of seared bonito.
Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture
Lying at the mouth of the Mogami River, Sakata is the gateway to a range of authentic experiences including next-level nature, folk art and captivating culture. The Three Mountains of Dewa is a sacred place for worship and the avenue of 300-year-old cedar trees on Mt Haguro is a photographer’s dream. Further highlights include the Sankyo Rice Warehouse district, the Sakata-Maiko Teahouse and Hina Doll Gallery, the world’s largest exhibition of jellyfish species at Kamo Aquarium and sampling the rich local Sakata no Ramen made with wontons, fish and shellfish soup.
Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture
The access port for travellers to Shizuoka City and the World Heritage-listed Mt Fuji, Shimizu has plenty to offer cruise travellers, including the coastal Miho no Matsubara pine grove with its two sacred shrines, the 400-year-old Kunozan Toshogu at Nihondaira, enchanting Suruga Bay, and Sumpu Castle Park – an urban oasis surrounded by stonewall moats which feels like stepping back in time.
Sample cruise itineraries
Norwegian Cruise Line 14-day round trip from Tokyo: Immersive Japanese discovering visiting Sendai (Ishinomaki), Hakodate, Aomori, Akita, Sakata, Kanazawa, Sasebo, Hiroshima, Kochi, Kyoto (Osaka), Nagoya and Mount Fuji (Shimizu).
Princess Cruises 9-day round trip from Tokyo: Fascinating ports of call include Nagasaki, Sakaiminato, Tsuruga, Toyama (Fushiki) and Akita.
Ponant 10-day cruise from Osaka to Keelung (Taiwan): Smaller ship sailing visiting Shingu, Kochi, Kagoshima, Miyanoura, Motobu, Naha, Miyakojima and Ishigaki en route to Keelung (Chilung).
AloJapan.com