Japan has 14,125 islands. So, wherever you are in this sprawling archipelago – even up in the mountains – you’re never farther than 150 kilometres from the sea. This also means that nearly all of Japan’s most iconic sites and cities are right by the ocean.
Travelling Japan by sea; weaving past small islands and skirting along its undulating coastline, isn’t just spectacular – it’s extremely practical. Whether you’re mulling over your first ever Japan trip, or you’re a veteran of the Land of the Rising Sun and long to see it from a new perspective, a Viking voyage is the way to do it. Natural hot springs, exceptional street food, ancient temples and sprawling cities – here are just a handful of the things you could experience on an ocean voyage around Japan.
Get to know Hiroshima
As one of southern Japan’s most important cities, Hiroshima has a rich history that extends far beyond the events of 1945. If you discover Japan with Viking, you’ll have the added benefit of onboard historians to brief you on the ports you’ll be visiting, plus local insights and guides for immersive and culturally significant experiences in every location.
Don’t miss this: Visit the picturesque landscape of the island of Itsukushima, and tour its “floating” Shinto shrine. The present structure dates back to the mid-16th century and is an important Shinto shrine. Its dramatic 50-foot-tall, red-orange torii gate is distinctive—built over water creating the illusion of floating in the sea during high tide. Built on pillars, the shrine complex consists of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall and a main hall, which are all connected by boardwalks. There is also a Noh theatre stage, where plays that paid homage to the gods were once performed.
Soak it up in a natural hot spring
A centuries-old tradition in Japan is taking an onsen – a hot spring bath – at Beppu. Thanks to Japan’s position on the volcanic Pacific Rim, it’s home to over 25,000 hot springs. And Beppu, on the shores of the island of Kyushu, is one of Japan’s favourite onsen towns.
From private hot springs to seeing the vents of steam throughout the city, you’ll have plenty of shore excursions to choose from on a Viking voyage. There’s no better – or more relaxing – way to experience Japanese culture than this.
Don’t miss this: The natural beauty of Yabakei Gorge. Formed over two million years, this 22-mile ravine boasts jagged rock formations, caves, cliffs and tangled foliage. A scenic drive will take you to the expansive Yabakei Bridge, the longest of its kind in Japan. The tunnel is said to have been dug by a monk using only a hammer and chisel, to help worshippers reach a shrine, the Rakan-ji Temple which you can now access by chairlift.
Try Osaka’s famous street food
Osaka is a major port-of-call on many of Viking’s Japan-focused voyages, and it’s easy to see why: the country’s third-largest city is a bustling, cosmopolitan port town – and it’s most famous for its exceptional food. Head on into town and make a beeline for Dotonbori – the neon-soaked heart of the city. There you’ll find everything from piping hot takoyaki (doughy fried treats filled with octopus) and okonomiyaki – Osaka’s saucy street-side pancakes.
Don’t miss this: The summit of Mt. Rokkō, with sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes. Learn how the art of traditional sake has developed from 18th-century methods to those of the modern day at a sake brewery. Savour a tasting during your tour and learn how best to enjoy Japan’s signature drink.
Visit the temples of Kyoto
While you’re docked in Osaka, why not head to Kyoto, Japan’s famous historic capital? It’s just 50 kilometres away, and you can comfortably get there by train.
Wander through the old Imperial Palace; or take in the serene beauty of the Golden Pavilion. Or, you can spend the day going to Nara, to say hello to its famous roaming deer population.
Try some of Sapporo’s famous ramen and sake
Viking’s ocean ships, when full, have fewer than 1,000 passengers aboard. This makes them an ideal size for balancing comfort and discovery, and also means their ships can access smaller ports such as Sapporo. The capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost major island, Sapporo is renowned for its ramen mastery, as well as its beer and sake – and it’s a delicious way to keep the cold away.
Don’t miss this: Hike Cape Kamui and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and natural beauty of Hokkaidō. Kamui—“God” in the local Ainu language—overlooks the famous blue waters of the Sea of Japan from its location at the northwestern tip of the rugged Shakotan Peninsula.
Japan’s coastline and Miyazaki
Japan has the sixth-longest coastline in the world – nearly 30,000 kilometres all up. It’s one of Japan’s most beautiful attractions, and as you make your way from port to port, from Tokyo and Osaka to the Tsugaru Strait, you’ll have the best seats in the house – seeing it from the water. That’s thanks to Viking’s unparalleled staterooms: there’s not a single inside room on any ship, which means everyone gets to enjoy the views. No wonder Viking’s the world’s most awarded cruise line.
Don’t miss this: Miyazaki, on the southeastern shores of the island of Kyushu, is known for its warm climate year-round. The shrine dedicated to Japan’s first emperor resides here, so Miyazaki is a both historically and culturally significant destination. Legend says nearby Takachiho, a stunning gorge with sheer cliffs and a cascading waterfall, is where the gods descended to Earth to create Japan.
Live it up in Tokyo, the biggest city in the world
It wouldn’t be a trip to Japan without at least some time in Tokyo. It’s the rightful star of Viking’s Japan voyages, and there are few more impressive sights than its panoramic harbour. As you come into the terminal, you’ll see everything from the Rainbow Bridge to Tokyo Tower. Head onshore for an unforgettable time where you can eat, shop and unwind to your heart’s content in the biggest city in the world.
To view these seven highlights and many others across Japan and Southeast Asia, visit the Viking website and start planning your next culturally immersive experience.
Viking offers premium ocean, river and expedition voyages. State-of-the-art ships, with no kids, no casinos, and everything you need included, complement destination-focused itineraries delivering culturally immersive experiences across all seven continents.
