Top 5 cruises to see Japan’s blossoms and autumn foliage
We have found the best ways to check out the stunning seasonal scenery.
We have found the best cruises to check out the stunning seasonal scenery in The Land of the Rising Sun.
1. Seabourn Quest
Autumn 2025: Cruises themed on “fall” foliage have long been a major drawcard in New England and Canada and are rapidly becoming just as popular in Japan. October is the perfect time to see the countryside, parks and city gardens ablaze with autumnal reds and golds. The luxurious, 450-guest Seabourn Quest offers a 12-day cruise from Yokohama (Tokyo) to Kobe in October that visits six Japanese ports and spends a day in Busan, South Korea. Hakodate, on Japan’s northernmost Hokkaido Island, is the first port of call, then the ship heads south to Akita, which is best-known for its hot springs, glorious mountain scenery and the picture-perfect historic town of Kakunodate. Among many more highlights are Tsuruga’s Kehi shrine and magnificent torii gate; Takamatsu’s stunning Ritsurin Koen garden (pictured); and Mizuki Shigeru Road on Sakaiminato, where bronze statues of famous manga characters line the street. Departs October 12, 2025; from $15,214 a person, twin-share, for a veranda suite.
2. Crystal Symphony
Late winter 2025: Although the weather in Tokyo can be on the chilly side in February, Crystal Symphony’s 11-night voyage from Hong Kong to Tokyo takes in Japan’s warmer subtropical islands on its route north via Taipei. And colder weather in the capital city means fewer tourists and clear skies for that distant shot of snow-capped Mount Fuji. February also marks the start of the plum blossom season and the imminent arrival of spring, celebrated by festivals (ume matsuri) in parks, shrines and temples across the island nation. Plum blossoms (pictured) are just as beautiful as their cherry counterparts and one of the biggest parties is Tokyo’s month-long Odawara Plum Festival. Japanese ports of call on the extensively (and expensively) refurbished ship’s itinerary are Miyakojima, Naha in Okinawa, Kagoshima, Kochi and Kobe, finishing with a full day and overnight stay in Tokyo. Departs February 3, 2025; from $13,550 a person, twin-share, for an Aquamarine veranda suite.
4. Oceania Riviera
Spring 2025: Oceania Cruises’ recently revamped Oceania Riviera is sailing a 12-night round-trip itinerary from Tokyo in April next year, when the cherry blossom (sakura) season is in full bloom in many parts of Japan. The voyage takes in eight ports (Nagoya, Kochi, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Beppu, Kyoto and Shimizu) that give more than a glimpse into Japan’s mesmerising mix of samurai history and culture, uber-modern city life, regional cuisine, spectacularly varied countryside and exquisite gardens and parks. Shore excursions offer experiences that include traditional arts and crafts such as paper-making, bathing in hot springs, and kaiseki-style dining with geisha entertainment. A day in Busan reveals why South Korea’s second-biggest city is emerging from the shadow of big sister Seoul; if it’s your first visit, book a tour that includes Gukje market or Jagalchi fish market and at least one ancient Buddhist temple. Departs April 1, 2025; from $13,910 a person, twin-share, for a Concierge Level veranda suite.
3. Coral Geographer
Late autumn 2025: In recent years, Australian expedition line Coral Expeditions has been exploring the far reaches of Indonesia and Asia as well as home cruising territory such as the Kimberley, Arnhem Land and the Great Barrier Reef. Coral Geographer’s 14-night expedition voyage from Tokyo to Fukuoka is a winner. The 120-passenger ship, launched in 2021, is the ideal size for navigating the small ports and harbours that its adventurous itineraries demand, and life onboard is laidback, supremely comfortable and thoroughly educational. (Big plus: shore excursions are included in the fare.) This cruise takes in Kobe, Osaka and Hiroshima as well as less-visited coastal villages in realms such as Tokujima, Shadojima and the Goto Islands (pictured). In South Korea, the ship docks at Jeju Island, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Manjanggul lava tubes. Departs November 2, 2025; from $26,380 a person, twin-share, for an Explorer Deck balcony stateroom.
5. Le Soleal
Autumn 2024: For something a little different beyond the main islands of Japan, exploring the subtropical islands of Southern Japan’s Ryukyu archipelago is the latest must-do for luxury expedition cruisers. Ponant’s 264-passenger Le Soleal heads south from Fukuoka, on the northern tip of Kyushu, on an eight-day expedition cruise that calls at seven blissfully unspoilt islands – Yakushima, Amami Oshima, Zamam, Taketomi, Ishigaki, Iriomote and Yonaguni – before docking at Keelung in Taiwan. The geographical diversity of the isles is astonishing, from sandy beaches, coral reefs and steep river cliffs to ancient cedar and mangrove forests, peaceful waterways and magnificent waterfalls. Zodiac trips led by the expedition team take you into traditional villages to meet local people, to national parks to observe rare flora and fauna, and on snorkelling or dive adventures. Departs October 10, 2024; from $9960 a person, twin-share, for a Prestige stateroom with private balcony.
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