Discover Japan's Allure With a Tokyo Cruise

Japan’s eastern coast, from Tokyo to Kagoshima Prefecture, is lined with port cities that showcase the country’s diverse cultural and historical sites, natural sceneries, gastronomy, and local life.

Naturally, a convenient and luxurious way to explore these port cities is via a cruise. Starting in Tokyo, embark on a seabound adventure across six port cities, and dive into their unique offerings.

Tokyo International Cruise Terminal: Endless opportunities

It goes without saying that Tokyo is one of Japan’s most recognizable cities, making it an exciting place to start your cruise adventure. The city inspires exploration, boasting a modern skyline, pop culture hotspots, cultural sites, green spaces, shopping opportunities, a beloved culinary scene, and so much more.

Located on Tokyo Bay, Tokyo International Cruise Terminal is roughly 30 to 45 minutes away from many of the city’s top attractions by car. The cruise terminal is also an accessible 25-minute car ride from Haneda Airport and 60-minute car ride from Narita Airport.

Admire the captivating architecture of Sensoji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine, and then stop by iconic landmarks like Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Live out your anime dreams in areas like Akihabara and Ikebukuro, and be sure to indulge in Tokyo-born dishes, such as monjayaki (Japanese pan-fried batter topped with a variety of ingredients), tsukemen (a ramen dish in which the noodles and soup are served separately), and omurice (fried rice topped with a creamy omelet and ketchup sauce).

Shimizu Port: Iconic Mt. Fuji views

Located in Shizuoka City, Shimizu Port is your gateway to World Heritage Mt. Fuji views, high-quality tea, fresh seafood, and significant cultural and historical sites.

Upon entering Shimizu Port, witness Mt. Fuji in harmony with the sea and cityscape. From Miho no Matsubara, a component of the World Heritage site Mt. Fuji, you can admire sacred pine forests, and from Nihondaira Yume Terrace, you can enjoy elevated views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Shimizu port. Shimizu is also famous for its seafood. At the popular Shimizu Fish Market Kashi-no-ichi, you can savor delicious sushi and seafood rice bowls.

We also recommend visiting Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and Sumpu Castle Park, which are associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan's most respected shoguns, to enjoy Japanese history and culture.

Shingu and Wakayama-Shimotsu Port: The Spiritual Heart of Japan

Continuing westward, Shingu Port and Wakayama-Shimotsu Port are both located in Wakayama Prefecture—with the former on the prefecture’s eastern coast and the latter on its western coast.

Shingu Port is situated in the Kumano area, which is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Here, you can explore numerous natural and cultural sites, including Nachi Waterfall, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, and Kamikura-jinja Shrine.

Wakayama-Shimotsu Port is located in Wakayama City and within accessible distance to Koyasan, a temple complex with roughly 1,200 years of history. Koyasan offers special experiences such as temple lodging, meditation, and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Around the port, you can also enjoy fresh local seafood at Kuroshio Market, cityscape panoramas from the top of Wakayama Castle, and traditional lacquerware painting in the Kuroe area.

Kochi Port: Home to one of Japan’s remaining original castles

Kochi City, Kochi Port’s hometown, features natural, cultural, culinary, and historical destinations—most notably, one of Japan’s 12 original castles.

Kochi Castle, designated as an Important National Cultural Property, is the only castle in Japan where the original castle tower and main keep are intact—making it a must-see attraction in the city. Nearby, the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden and Godaisan Park offer tranquil green spaces in the urban landscape, and Chikurinji Temple continues the peaceful ambience with its nature-entwined complex. For a local taste of Kochi, visit Hirome Market, a lively space with restaurants and vendors, and be sure to try katsuo no tataki, which is seared bonito and one of Kochi’s most cherished dishes.

Kagoshima Port: Mesmerizing volcanic sceneries

Kagoshima Port is located in Kagoshima City, the southernmost of mainland Japan’s major cities. The region features beautiful nature, high-quality and abundant hot springs, a unique history and culture, and delectable cuisine, such as black pork, yellowtail, amberjack, bonito flakes, Japanese tea, and black beef, which won the best Wagyu in Japan. Meanwhile, this area’s distinguishing feature is Sakurajima, one of the country’s most active volcanoes. Situated in Kagoshima Bay (also called Kinko Bay), Sakurajima is accessible via ferry and popular for its mesmerizing observation points, hiking trails, and nourishing hot springs.

On mainland Kagoshima City, you can admire Sakurajima’s towering presence from naturespaces like Shiroyama Park and Sengan-en. Constructed in 1658, Sengan-en was used as a villa by Lord Shimazu Mitsuhisa, the 19th patriarch of the Shimazu family. Today, it is one of the most famous gardens in Japan. Known for its “borrowed scenery,” the garden beautifully blends with the scenery of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay in the background.

Kagoshima Prefecture also has many outlying islands, including the World Natural Heritage sites of Yakushima Island, Amami-Oshima Island, and Tokunoshima Island.

Explore Japan by sea!

After your unforgettable voyage, the cruise will return to Tokyo where you can continue your journey of this beloved city.

Given the country’s connection to the sea, a cruise to or from Tokyo is a unique, memorable, and opportune way to experience multiple cities in Japan. The ocean is calling!

Sample itinerary