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While many visitors to Japan are marveled by the buzzing cities like Tokyo & Osaka, these busy metropolises are only one dimension of Japanese culture that you experience on a cruise with Adventure Life. Sail aboard first class cruise ships like Le Soleal, National Geographic Resolution, or Heritage Adventurer, where you will see this country's imperial past and distinct architecture. Take some time to honor the harrowing history of Hiroshima & Nagasaki, where the world first witnessed the devastating power of the atomic bomb, and then pay a trip to the Shinto Izumo Taisha Shrine—one of the oldest monuments in the country. Trips to Japan also occasionally feature destinations in the Philippines, Taiwan, and other fascinating destinations of the Bering Sea, between Japan, Russia, and Alaska. Contact us to get started planning!
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10 Best Cruises to Japan for 2025-2026

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Top 10 Luxury Cruises of Japan for 2025-2026

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Alaska to Japan: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture$3085319Aug 20, 2026Join a 19-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Resolution from Alaska, to Japan. Discover Japan’s history through castle towns of the Edo …
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Odyssey In The Heart of Japan’s Subtropical Islands$1077012Apr 26, 2025Embark on a 12-day cruise from Osaka to Ishigaki aboard Le Jacques-Cartier. Discover Okinawa, Yaeyama, and Sakishima Islands. Enjoy the beautiful …
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Ocean Voyage: From Guam to Osaka$17506Mar 11, 2026Board the Le Soleal for a 6-day ocean voyage perfect for sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join this non-stop journey. …
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Western Pacific Odyssey - Extension$1169525Mar 13, 2025Embark on the Western Pacific Odyssey, a renowned birding expedition encompassing rare seabirds, island endemics, and captivating marine life. Sail …
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Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension$1169525Mar 13, 2025Sail on a 25-day Grand Pacific Odyssey from New Zealand to Japan with Heritage Expeditions. Experience the thrill of visiting remote islands, …
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Japan, Natural Archipelago and Secular Heritage$82809Apr 18, 2025Explore a 9-day cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier through Japan's Natural Archipelago and Secular Heritage journey. Sail from Kagoshima to Kyushu's …
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Island Wonders & the Soul of Ancestral Japan$1127014Mar 6, 2026Embark on a 14-day cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier, starting in Okinawa and exploring islands like Zamami and Kikaijima, known for marine life. …
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Authentic Japan$1120013Mar 24, 2026Embark on a 13-day Japan cruise aboard Le Soleal and experience authentic Japanese traditions and local specialties. Explore cultural landmarks, …
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Japan's National Parks, Art and Culture$1225016May 14, 2025Join this 16-day Japan's National Parks, Art, and Culture expedition cruise from Osaka to Osaka, including South Korea, aboard Heritage Adventurer. …
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Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines$1149013May 22, 2025Explore Japanese ancestral traditions and legendary shrines on a 13-day cruise aboard Le Soleal. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Himeji Castle …
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Best Japan Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2025-2026

  • Ponant - offers engaging discussions onboard with Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Japanese Film, Culture, Literature, History expert Jonathan Hall and Japanese art historian Timon Screech. Sail through Japan's stunning cultural and historical traditions and landscapes on the 264-guest five-star ship Le Soleal or the 188-passenger, Le Jacques Cartier.
  • Lindblad Expeditions - builds on a legacy of over 50 years as a leader in responsible travel and sustainability, is a 100% carbon-neutral company committed to green business operations and preserving our planet for future generations. Island-hop your way from Japan to Taiwan aboard the National Geographic Resolution, experiencing a wide array of natural wonders, historic sites, and cultural treasures along the way. 
  • Heritage Expeditions - is a family-owned and operated cruise line based in Christchurch, New Zealand, established in 1985 to promote environmental awareness and conservation through responsible expedition travel. Discover the islands of Japan on the Heritage Adventurer.

6 Best Places to Visit in Japan for 2025-2026

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Japan Travel Guide & Cruise Tips

Fun Facts about Japan
  • In Japanese, the name for Japan is "Nihon," meaning "sun origin."
  • Iconic Mt. Fuji stands at an altitude of 3,776m above sea level.
  • Although it is relatively smaller than many of the world's countries, it has the 10th largest population, with over 127 million people.
  • This booming population frequently must deal with strong and often devastating earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis due to its location in the Ring of Fire.
  • Sushi and tempura are signature dishes of Japan and are trademarks of the seafood diet.
  • The renowned Samurai warriors are from Japan.
  • While Japan has many of its own pastimes, baseball is also a popular sport.
  • Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in Japan, most of which is imported from Jamaica.
  • The literacy rate in Japan is close to 100 percent, making Japan one of the best-educated people in the world.
Japan Highlights
Japan's storied history dates back thousands of years. While it crossed with Western history in the mid-20th century during World War II, the 70+ years since then has been an era of unprecedented growth and development for this small Asian island nation. It has earned a place in world economics and now not only hosts a wealth of modern culture, but also a rich ancient cultural identity that we showcase on our tours of Japan:
  • Tokyo - the bustling capital city where most of our Japan tours begin and depart
  • Visit the traditional morning markets of Abashiri & Hakodate
  • Shikotsu-Toya National Park - a UNESCO Global Geopark that features a volcanic crater lake.
  • The "Floating Island of Flowers" on Rebun Island.
  • Russia - Crossing the sea of Japan, some of our tours also feature stops in eastern Russia, and the Northeast Passage tours navigate as far west as Europe.
How much does a Japan tour cost?

Our Japan cruises range from 8 to 29 days and prices vary from $6,290 to $10,680 per person. Japan is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the imperial past and architecture of one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. 

 
Japan Travel FAQs
Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
Visas are not required for US citizens staying up to 90 days in Japan. Check the visa requirements for more specific information.

Is tipping customary in Japan?
Tipping is not an expectation in Japan, and waiters and hotel porters will often decline tips. Guides and drivers will accept tips between $5-20 per day.

What is internet access like in Japan?
Internet access in Japan is on par with any other developed country - in the major cities, you can count on having access to WiFi and high speed internet, especially in the hotels, cafes, and restaurants. There also might be public WiFi in parks. If you are traveling to more rural areas, naturally you might find yourself out of range.

Can I use my cell phone while in Japan?
The best way to use your phone is to have your service provider unlock it and then purchase a SIM chip once you arrive in Japan. Then your phone will work on the local network. If you can't unlock your phone, then consider an international plan, renting a phone, or simply using WiFi networks when they are available.

Do I need power adapters?
Japan has the US/ North America style plugs (A&B) with either two flat prongs or two flat and one round prong, and runs on 100v power. If you are traveling from Europe, you will need plug adapters. 

What are the toilets like in Japan?
Japan is a very developed country, and you will find a mix of squat and bowl toilets, but mostly bowl toilets in the hotels and ships where you will be staying. Bring your own toilet paper just to be safe and never flush it - rather, put it in the waste basket next to the toilet.

Can I drink the water in Japan?
Japan is our only destination country in Asia where it is safe to drink tap water. You will also always have access to bottled water if you prefer.

Are credit cards accepted in Japan? Will I be able to find ATMs?
Credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, and it's quite easy to find ATMs throughout the major cities. More isolated parts of the country either might not have ATMs or the networks could be down for days at a time. Many smaller vendors throughout the country also only accept cash, which can be easily withdrawn from an ATM.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes, purchasing travel insurance before going on vacation is always a good idea. Fortunately, we offer some great comprehensive deals through TravelGuard on our Once You're Booked page.

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