First established as a small fishing village named Edo more than 1,000 years ago, Tokyo grew into Japan’s political and cultural centre under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 17th century. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Edo was renamed as Tokyo and became the official imperial capital of Japan, and it has continued growing and modernising ever since.
The spirit of Edo continues to shape everyday life, with its influence visible in local cuisine, the traditional skills and crafts artisans still practice today, and the historic gardens, shrines, temples and neighbourhoods that were built by both samurai and common townspeople. However, Tokyo is also a contemporary city with advanced infrastructure, technology-led experiences, world-class shopping and entertainment, and a pop culture scene that has left its mark worldwide.
“Tokyo is a modern capital where authentic Japanese tradition is part of everyday life,” says Takeyuki Sato of the Port of Tokyo. “It is one of the few cities in the world where centuries-old tradition and cutting-edge innovation coexist seamlessly. Cruise travellers from overseas will experience a living cultural heritage that cannot be replicated elsewhere in Japan. They can explore the city and its attractions as individuals or in groups during classic tours or fully customised private experiences.”
Cruise guests can walk over the famous Shibuya Crossing while in Tokyo (credit: TCVB)
The city has two dedicated cruise terminals: Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, which accommodates the world’s largest cruise ships, and Harumi Cruise Terminal, which is well-suited for small- and mid-sized ships and expedition vessels. Both terminals offer easy access to central Tokyo and other major sightseeing districts, enabling guests to explore independently or take shore excursions organised by the cruise line or local tour operators.
“Tokyo is one of Asia’s most capable and versatile cruise hubs,” says Sato. “Cruise lines can choose which facility best suits their needs based on the size and specifications of their vessels.”
According to Sato, Tokyo is exceptionally well positioned to serve as a homeport and turnaround port for international cruise lines. “Both terminals provide seamless access to Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport, which offers flights to destinations around the world. The terminals are also modern, safe and well-equipped, and the staff provide high-quality hospitality services to create a welcoming environment for international travellers.”
Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district (credit: TCVB)
Cruise lines can also combine a call in Tokyo with a visit to the Tokyo Islands, which lie beyond the mainland in the Pacific Ocean.
“The islands offer pristine nature, volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear waters, making them ideal for snorkelling, hiking and other immersive outdoor activities,” says Kenta Yamada of Tokyo Islands Harbor. “There’s a powerful contrast between Tokyo’s busy urban metropolis and the peaceful, slower pace of life in the islands, which opens up new possibilities for cruise lines wanting to show their guests both sides of Japan.”
Partnering with Pacific ports
Tokyo is working in collaboration with other ports on Japan’s Pacific coast to help cruise lines create themed itineraries focused on giving guests a deeper insight into the country’s culture, cuisine, history and natural assets. Key port partners include Shizuoka, Wakayama, Kochi and Kagoshima.
Shizuoka: home of Mount Fuji
Located west of Tokyo, Shizuoka is home to one of the world’s most recognisable natural landmarks: Mount Fuji. Here, cruise guests can visit the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center to learn more about Japan’s highest mountain and embark on an hour-long trek from Fujinomiyaguchi, Mount Fuji’s fifth station, to the crater of Mount Hoei.
Nearby attractions include Nihondaira Park Outlook; Miho-no-Matsubara Pine Grove, a seven-kilometre stretch of coastline lined with 54,000 pine trees; Kakegawa castle park, where tourists can see cherry blossom in early March; and Shiraito Falls, which has been protected as a Japanese Natural Monument since 1936. There is also the Oigawa Railway along the Oi River and Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, the headquarters of the 1,300 Sengenjinjya Shrines nationwide and the famous spot for cherry blossoms.
While in Shizuoka Prefecture, cruise guests can also try Shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine), which is spearheaded by renowned Zen chef Taigen Koganeyama, as well as dishes made with fresh shirasu (whitebait) at Tagonoura Port Fishermen's Cooperative Cafeteria, and locally grown tea at shops including Kobayashien, which has won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award 11 times. In addition, they can enjoy a tea-picking experience at Grinpia Makinohara or participate in tours and tasting sessions at Takasago Sake Brewery, Hananomai Brewing and GAIAFLOW Shizuoka Distillery.
“Shizuoka offers international guests their first encounter with the Japan they have always imagined,” says Yuka Washizu from the staff, ports and harbours promotion division at Shizuoka Prefectural Government. “It provides the perfect bridge between the urban energy of Tokyo and the timeless natural beauty of the country. It’s refined gastronomic offering, cultural traditions and magnificent landscapes make it feel as though you’ve stepped into a living Ukiyo-e woodblock print.”
Wakayama: sacred Japan
Spanning a vast area with mountains, rivers and waterfalls, a rugged coastline and many shrines and temples, Wakayama is known as the spiritual heartland of Japan. Two of its most important religious areas are Koyasan and Kumano Sanzan, both of which have been named as Unesco World Heritage sites.
Kumano Hayatama Taisha is one of three grand shrines at Kumano Sanzan, which has been a sacred site for more than 1,900 years
Koyasan is a mountain-top tableland covered with thick forests and a monastic complex founded by Kobo Daishi (774-835) as the headquarters of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Meanwhile, Kumano Sanzan has been a sacred site for more than 1,900 years and has three shrines – Hayatama, Hongu and Nachi.
“Cruise guests can trace the steps of pilgrims by following the ancient Kumano Kodo trails through the forests and mountains to reach Kumano Sanzan,” says Genki Morishita, public relations manager for the harbour and airport promotions division at Wakayama Prefectural Government. “They can also visit Oyunohara, which was the original site of Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine until a flood in 1889. Today, they can see two small stone shrines, guarded by the world’s largest torii gate.”
Cruise guests can learn about the temple’s legends from a Buddhist monk at Dojo-ji Temple
While in Wakayama, cruise guests can also bathe in traditional Japanese onsens, embark on a traditional Japanese boat through Dorokyo Gorge, go to Shirahama beach, visit Nachi Waterfall and tour Wakayama Castle, which is a popular spot for viewing cherry blossom during the Spring Sakura Festival. In addition, they can take trips to nearby islands including Wakayama Marina City and Tomogashima Island, the latter of which has an abandoned military fort.
“Wakayama is where nature and spirituality converge,” says Morishita. “The destination offers something rare in modern travel – stillness, meaning and depth. It is the perfect place for discerning cruise guests to find peace and relaxation after experiencing the intensity of Tokyo.”
Kochi Prefecture: wilderness and welcoming locals
Kochi is situated on the southern side of Shikoku, Japan’s fourth-largest island, and offers easy access to the Pacific Ocean, rivers and mountains, which creates multiple opportunities for cruise lines to offer nature-based excursions. For example, they can dive, snorkel or take a ride on a glass-bottomed boat to see the colourful table coral at Kashiwajima island; head to the popular Instagram spot at Niyodo River, which has been repeatedly named as having the highest-quality water in Japan; or try various activities at Shimanto River. Options include hiking, cycling, canoeing, standup paddleboarding and sailing in a traditional yakatabune (roofed boat).
Alternatively, cruise guests could visit other notable attractions such as Hirome Market, Katsurahama Beach, Makino Botanical Garden, the historic Tosaden Streetcar, Chikurinji Temple and Kochi Castle, which was built in 1603 by Katsutoyo Yamauchi and is the only fully preserved castle in Japan.
Kochi Castle was constructed in the early 17th century and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property in Japan
While in Kochi, cruise guests can also experience unique okyaku drinking and entertainment culture, taste local cuisine including katsuo no tataki (seared bonito) and Tosashu Sake, or participate in culturally immersive activities like traditional knife forging or washi paper and postcard-making workshops. Guests who call in Kochi at certain times of the year will also be able to see Yosakoi dancing, which originated in the city and combines elements of traditional Japanese folk music and dance with modern styles, such as jazz, rock and hip hop. Yosakoi is performed at events throughout the year and during the annual Yosakoi Festival, which takes place in early August and features around 20,000 dancers.
“From its vast untouched nature to its culinary traditions, historic sites and cultural experiences – Kochi showcases regional Japan at its most authentic and memorable,” says Mayumi Hayashi, port sales representative at Kochi Prefectural Government. “It’s a place few international cruise guests have seen, but one they will never forget.”
Yosakoi originated in Kochi in 1954 and combines elements of traditional Japanese folk music and dance with modern styles
Kagoshima: Japan’s volcanic frontier
Situated at the southern edge of Japan’s main islands, Kagoshima is home to Mount Sakurajima, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. While in Kagoshima, cruise tourists can take a short ferry ride to the volcano and the Lava Observatory, try the natural sand bath warmed by the geothermal activity of the Kirishima volcanic belt, head to the Tenmonkan shopping district, or walk around Shiroyama Park, which has an observatory overlooking Kagoshima city and Sakurajima.
Mount Sakurajima in Kagoshima is one of the world’s most active volcanoes (credit: Kagoshima City)
Those looking to familiarise themselves with Kagoshima’s history can visit the Museum of the Meiji Restoration or the ruins of Kagoshima (Tsurumaru) Castle, which was built in 1601 and features Japan’s largest castle gate, Goromon Gate. They can also explore 12 acres of traditional gardens at Sengan-en, the former residence of the Shimadzu family, which dates to 1658 and was recognised as a Unesco World Cultural Heritage site in 2015.
Other points of interest in Kagoshima include Amami-Oshima Island; Ogawa Falls; Yakushima, a Unesco World Heritage island with forests that inspired the film Princess Mononoke; and Yukusa Ohsumi Umi no Gakko, a leisure and accommodation complex with a Finnish sauna and a cafe located in the former the Sugawara Elementary School building at the edge of Kinko Bay.
Sengan-en has 12 acres of traditional Japanese gardens with small ponds, streams, shrines and a bamboo grove (credit: K.P.V.B)
Cruise guests can further immerse themselves in local culture by taking a dashi (soup stock) tour, watching a traditional tea and dance ceremony, enjoying a shochu experience at an izakaya bar or taking part in hands-on classes to make sushi, soba noodles, fishing flags, tinware, Japanese paper, items made from bamboo, and more.
“Kagoshima is defined by fire, sea and history,” says Mizoguchi from the public relations and tourism division at Kagoshima Prefectural Government. “It has a warm climate, a rich cultural heritage, an abundance of attractions and acts as a natural gateway to Kyushu and the southern islands. As the last port of call on a Pacific cruise, Kagoshima leaves guests with a powerful realisation: Japan does not have one story, but many.”
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