Princess Cruises brings deeper cultural immersion to Japan cruises
One of the world's top travel destinations for cultural experiences, Japan is a country that's easy to explore by cruise ship. Cruises offer a seamless way to travel around the island nation to experience the diversity and striking contrasts of its futuristic cities, ancient traditions, and coastal scenery while only unpacking once.
Japan is a cruise region where port-immersive itineraries reign and overnight and late-night port stays are highly sought after by passengers for more time to travel to historic sites, experience nightlife, and savor local cuisine.
Recognizing that cruise travelers are increasingly interested in culturally immersive cruises, especially in destinations like Japan, Princess Cruises is making it easier for passengers to experience Japan's vibrant celebrations of culture, tradition, and heritage during the summer festival season with its newest Japan cruise itineraries.
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Princess Cruises will sail more festival-focused Japan cruises in 2028
With expanded late-night port stays aligned with major summer festivals across Japan, Princess Cruises is offering travelers more opportunities to experience Japan's most famous cultural celebrations with its newly released 2028 Japan program - the cruise line's largest-ever Japan season.
The 2028 Japan season features two Japanese-built, sister ships - Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess - sailing a wide range of itineraries from Tokyo, including cruises timed to coincide with the country's most celebrated seasonal events.
Related: Why you should book your cruise through a travel agent
A number of summer voyages feature late-night port stays for access to festival experiences including:
- Aomori Nebuta Festival
- Hakodate Minato Festival
- Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival
- Tokushima Awa Odori Festival
- Osaka Bon Odori Festival
- Kumano Fireworks Festival
Other cultural experiences available on Japan sailings with Princess include traditional tea ceremonies, Kabuki performances, Zen gardens, and Shinto shrines. Enrichment programming on board Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, such as lectures and entertainment traditional to the destinations, will complement the local culture ashore.
Princess Cruises' Japan sailings highlight scenic regions, authentic cuisine
In addition to summer festivals, Princess Cruises' Japan itineraries are designed to showcase Japan's unique blend of modern cities, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes. Featured destinations and experiences include:
- Cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto (via Osaka), Hiroshima, and Sapporo
- Landmarks such as Himeji-jo Castle, Kochi Castle, Sannai-Maruyama ruins, and Mt. Fuji (from Shimizu)
- Scenic regions including Aomori, the Oga Peninsula, and Lake Towada
- Seasonal sailings to experience spring cherry blossoms and fall foliage, as well as itineraries highlighting mountains and coastal scenery
Related: Planning a Japan trip? Go at this time
Passengers can savor authentic Japanese cuisine both on board and ashore, with highlights including:
- Fresh seafood markets in Shimizu and local specialties like Aomori apples
- Iconic dishes such as sushi, ramen, tempura, and wagyu
- Cultural dining experiences in izakayas, tea houses, and sake breweries
- Chef Makoto Okuwa's Edomae-style sushi at the cruise line's popular Makoto Ocean specialty restaurant available on board both ships
"This is the most immersive Japan season we've ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today," said Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer Jim Berra. "With Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Tokyo for the first time, late‑night stays timed to Japan's most celebrated summer festivals, and sailings that visit all four main islands during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, we're delivering unprecedented access to the culture, cuisine and traditions that define Japan."
Together with the 2028 Japan season, Princess released new Southeast Asia cruise itineraries for 2027-2028 featuring a curated collection of longer, destination-rich sailings on Diamond Princess that connect Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 4:18 PM.