JAPAN CRUISES

A land with an ancient heart, proud of its centuries-old and sacred traditions, yet with a firm calling for the future. In Japan, the sacred aura of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines weaves into the advanced high-tech, the towering skyscrapers, the glimmering lights, and the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama. Embark on a Japan cruise and venture into a land of ethereal bamboo forests, serene Zen gardens for physical and spiritual quietness, historic wooden temples, and a famed Ukiyo-e iconography that captures the essence of Japanese beauty through its depictions of people adorned in traditional kimonos and yukatas set against the backdrop of stunning seascapes and forests.

On a Japanese cruise, every city reveals the country's magnificent heritage. From the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto to the Floating Torii Gate in Miyajima, from the Todai-ji Temple in Nara, home to one of the world's largest bronze Buddha sculptures, to the Osaka Castle among the many other monumental landmarks that showcase the brilliance of Japanese culture.
A holiday in Japan is also a culinary journey where rice, fish, seaweed, soy, and other ingredients artfully come together in an embrace of flavors and aromas, offering one of the world’s most renowned cuisines. Here you can taste everything from sushi to sashimi, from ramen noodles to wagyu beef, all while sipping a delicious glass of sake. Enjoy a tea in a Chashitsu, a traditional Japanese tea house, where you'll be spoilt for choice with exquisite variety like Matcha, Sencha or Genmaicha.

A cruise around Japan will introduce you to the thousand nuances of this land with an ancient heart but with its gaze constantly turned towards the future.

Experience a different side of Japan! Immerse yourself in the warm sea breeze and the lush tropical nature of the southern Japanese islands with MSC Cruises itineraries departing from Naha. Explore the natural grandeur of Miyako Island or the coral beaches of Ishigaki, and reach Kabira Bay, renowned for black pearl farming, and even reach the charming island of Taipei.

Immerse yourself in a holiday of crystal-clear seas, tropical beaches, and stunning sunsets! From Naha, you can also reach China with departures to Shanghai. Choose your cruise from Naha and discover a sea of emotions.

Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, seamlessly blends modern technology with ancient sites, showcased by the awe-inspiring Asakusa Buddhist temple and the Meiji Shinto shrine. Departing from Tokyo, you can embark on a cruise circumnavigating Japan, making your way to Muroran in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, before heading down to Kanazawa.  Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit Shirakawa-go and its famed traditional houses known as "Gassho-zukuri," which have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Reach the Republic of Korea with a trip to Busan, where you can indulge in a shopping spree at the Shinsegae Centum City Department Store, the world's largest shopping centre. When visiting Osaka, make sure to discover the stunning Himeji Castle, a renowned ancient stronghold that stands as one of Japan’s main historical monuments, or take a moment to immerse yourself in the tranquil splendor of the Tōdai-ji Buddhist temple.

With a cruise from Yokohama, you will set sail to discover some of the most iconic destinations in Japan. In Kobe  reach Mount Rokko for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city or opt for an MSC excursion to explore the magnificent Himeji and Engyoji castles. While in Kagoshima, marvel at the Sakurajima volcano, one of Japan's most famous natural landmarks.

Cruises departing from Yokohama also reach Jeju Island in the Republic of South Korea, dominated by Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a stunning volcanic crater overlooking the ocean and UNESCO World Heritage site. Alternatively, make your way to the enchanting Okinawa archipelago and dive into the tropical waters of Naha  and Ishigaki, all the way to Taipei.