Japan Cruises

Spring is undoubtedly one of the best times for Japan holidays. Cherry blossom season - also known as sakura season - usually takes place from late March to mid-April, but can sometimes last into May. The landscape blooms with delicate pink and white petals as Japan's cherry trees come into flower. Take part in a hanami picnic to enjoy the blossoms like a local during one of our Japan cruises.

Autumn is also a great season for cruises to Japan. From September, temperatures are warm but not too hot - perfect for sightseeing. October and November see the country's foliage turn from green hues to vibrant shades of red and yellow, making it a beautiful time to visit.

December and January, while much colder, still have their merits for cruises around Japan. There are fewer visitors, so the big sights are even easier to visit. If you head north, you can even go skiing and take part in winter events such as the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

Japan's weather varies hugely between the colder northern island of Hokkaido and the hot southern islands of Okinawa. Overall, however, the months of March to May offer mild temperatures for holidays to Japan, with averages ranging from 10 to 20°C, and light rainfall. September to November have similar conditions, but can be slightly warmer. Both spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for Japan cruises. Winter is colder, particularly in the north, which sees heavy snowfall - perfect for winter sports.

Summer months are generally hotter and humid. Average temperatures are between 25 and 35°C and get even hotter in cities and subtropical Okinawa. June is also Japan's rainy season.

Depending on your Japan cruise itinerary, you might stop at Osaka, Aburatsu, Akita, Hakodate, Kanazawa, Miyako Island and many of our other ports. Each one has its own distinct character and attractions. Tokyo, Japan's epic capital, is our main port in the country, and offers a little - or even a lot - of everything you might want from a holiday: urban excitement via restaurants, bars and boutiques, nature (in the city's many gorgeous parks), history and tranquility through its various temples, plus first-rate food, art and culture, and lots more.

Kagoshima is known for its volcanic landscape and nearby Ibusuki sand baths, while Yokohama is home to both a historic 19th-century port, as well as futuristic waterfront Minato Mirai 21.

You can learn about the heritage of the Ryūkyū kingdom at the UNESCO-listed Shurijo Castle in Naha (the capital of Okinawa island), discover the breathtaking natural landscapes of the tropical island of Ishigaki, or indulge in a must-try American-Japanese hamburger in Sasebo. See all this and more on one of our holidays in Japan.

Cruises to Japan with MSC Cruises span a wide range of prices, ensuring there's something available for every budget, no matter what you're planning on spending. Start making those Japanese dreams an upcoming reality by booking in one of our Japan cruise deals.

There are a few packing essentials for Japan holidays: good walking shoes so that you can stay comfortable while striding round cities, temples and museums, plus a waterproof jacket in case of showers. Make sure to also bring some light, breathable layers that will see you through changeable temperatures during spring and autumn. If you're planning on visiting any hot springs, known as onsen, make sure to bring some swimwear, too.

Some of our Japan cruises take place during the winter months, when temperatures can be a little lower, so jumpers and a warm jacket are a good idea - especially in the northern regions.

Finally, don't forget to pack some smarter clothes if you're planning on attending any of the more formal events and dinners onboard your ship, such as Gala Night. These events are always great fun and allow our guests to dazzle with their very best outfits.

The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥). Although ¥1000 might sound like a lot of money, it is equivalent to approximately £5 (GBP), depending on exchange rates at any given time.

Japan uses Japan Standard Time (JST), which means it is nine hours ahead of the UK, or eight hours ahead during the summer.

Our Japan cruises can include stops in other countries, such as China, Taiwan (China) and the Republic of Korea, allowing for exciting explorations around East Asia. Experience different sides of this incredible region, perhaps by visiting Jeju Island - South Korea's largest island - and the mighty Jeongbang Waterfall (which rushes directly into the sea), followed by snapping a photo of Taipei 101, the world's tallest building when it was completed in 2004 in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan (China), until it was overtaken by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. And that's just the beginning of what awaits you.

Why not pick one of these itineraries and make your holidays to Japan an international affair?

Our cruises around Japan vary in length, ranging from three- or four-night cruises to the southern island ports of Miyako, Naha and Ishigaki to 10-night journeys circumnavigating Japan. Some itineraries venture further afield, including some five or seven-night cruises starting in Tokyo then visiting the Republic of Korea, before heading back to Tokyo.

Whether it's hiking through the volcanic terrain of El Teide National Park in Tenerife, grazing on tapas in Palma de Mallorca or sampling the party spirit of Ibiza, your Spain holiday with MSC Cruises is sure to be unforgettable.

Thanks to its unique culture and traditions, developed over thousands of years as an isolated country, Japan is famous for numerous things. Historic and religious landmarks such as the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto and Himeji Castle blend seamlessly with ultra-modern infrastructure, such as the bullet train. Traditions such as the chanoyu tea ceremony persist alongside robot restaurants and cosplay go-karting experiences.

The country's cuisine is well-known across the globe - you've likely already tasted dishes such as sushi, sashimi, tempura and ramen. Eat them during your holidays in Japan for a more authentic experience that takes these dishes to a whole new level.

Anime and manga fans will enjoy visiting the land that gave birth to their favourite comics and cartoons, from manga series such as One Piece to the world-famous Studio Ghibli films, such as Spirited Away.

Japan is also famous for its nature. Millions of tourists come to witness the spectacular explosion of pink and white flowers in cherry blossom season, while during autumn it's possible to see the fire-hued foliage in places such as Nikkō National Park and Kyoto.

Experience it all and more on a Japan cruise with MSC Cruises.