Discover the Hidden Gems of Japan on an Ocean Cruise

Ready to embark on a cruise to the hidden treasures of Japan?

Japan may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of cruise destinations, but expedition companies are changing that. With ports like Kume-jima, Zamamai, Ishigaki, Iriomote-jima, and Yonaguni-jima, you’ll be exploring the lesser-known parts of the country. From the subtropical landscapes to the rich history, Japan has so much to offer.

Japan is an under-explored cruise destination, but expedition companies are getting away from city crowds and expanding their horizons. Recently, Le Jacques-Cartier, one of French company Ponant’s luxury expedition ships, sailed from Nara in the Okinawa Islands on an eight-day journey to Keelung in Taiwan. Nothing too remarkable, you might think, until you see the list of ports it will visit. They include Kume-jima, Zamamai, Ishigaki, Iriomote-jima, and Yonaguni-jima.

This is one of three new Japan itineraries this year for Ponant, which in 2023 trail-blazed expedition cruises through the Ryukyu Islands, a 1000-kilometre chain of islands between southernmost main island Kyushu and Taiwan. Like all great expedition destinations, the Ryukyu Islands aren’t easily visited any other way than by cruise ship and, apart from main island Okinawa, are well over the tourist horizon. Yet the islands have subtropical landscapes where volcanoes meet sapphire seas and fish-filled reefs, and a rich history and heritage as a semi-independent trading kingdom influenced by Japan and China.

Ponant is also cruising in the Seto Sea this year. This Inland Sea is hemmed in by three of Japan’s four main islands. Osaka, Kobe and Hiroshima are its best-known port cities, but Ponant visits small heritage destinations too, such as Inujima, Tomonoura, Onomichi and Mitarai.

The list of expedition companies operating in Japan is growing. Coral Expeditions launched Japan itineraries in 2023, and this northern autumn sails a 14-night itinerary to the Seto Sea and other ports in Japan, as well as a 16-night expedition through the Ryukyu Islands. World Expeditions has three new expedition itineraries in Japan this year. Other expedition companies that sail in Japan include Abercrombie & Kent, Hapag-Lloyd, Heritage Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions and Wild Earth Travel.

Expedition ships are not the only ones getting off mainstream navigational routes. Oceania makes maiden calls in Beppu this year and Hitachinaka and Takamatsu in 2025; its ship Riviera arrived in Kumamoto on Tuesday for an inaugural Japan season, timed for the cherry blossoms. Princess Cruises, which has long been active in Japan, has announced it will sail to all four main Japanese islands in 2025, and make two calls in the Okinawan islands. Its August itineraries are timed for local festivals in smaller destinations such as Aomori, Kochi and Kumano.

Japan has been courting the cruise business since before the pandemic, and has developed cruise facilities in ports such as Shimizu, Kagoshima and Naha. In 2019, it allowed foreign-registered cruise ships into 67 ports; by 2025 it will be 100. It hopes to address overcrowding in big-name destinations and spread tourism spending into rural regions by encouraging cruise-ship visits to smaller ports and remote islands.

Keep your eyes on Japan. The deeply indented maritime nation is perfect for cruising and the market is as yet lightly tapped. Australians who have long appreciated Japan’s allure will find it has increasingly interesting ports to visit.

• Expedition companies are expanding their itineraries to include lesser-known ports in Japan.
• The Ryukyu Islands, only accessible by cruise ship, are a popular destination.
• Other cruise companies, like Oceania and Princess Cruises, are also exploring new routes in Japan.
• Japan is investing in cruise facilities to accommodate more ships in the future.

Japan is a hidden treasure when it comes to ocean cruises. With its unique ports and fascinating history, it offers a new perspective on the country. As more cruise companies explore the region, there will be even more opportunities to discover the beauty of Japan. So, why not set sail and explore this undiscovered gem?