Tokyo is rapidly becoming one of Asia's premier cruise departure ports, offering travelers an incredible gateway to explore Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and beyond.
Whether you're drawn to ancient temples, futuristic cities, pristine beaches, or culinary adventures, cruises from Tokyo provide access to some of the most fascinating destinations in Asia.
For travelers planning a cruise vacation in 2025, Tokyo offers unique advantages: world-class pre-cruise experiences, convenient transportation, and access to itineraries that showcase the best of East Asia. Here's everything you need to know about the top cruise destinations from Tokyo and how to plan your perfect Asian cruise.
Why Cruise from Tokyo?
Most cruise lines recommend arriving a few days early to explore Tokyo, adjust to the time zone, and ensure you don't miss your ship due to travel delays. This gives you the opportunity to experience Tokyo's incredible blend of ultra-modern technology and ancient tradition.
Benefits of cruising from Tokyo include:
- Easy access via two major international airports (Narita and Haneda)
- Excellent infrastructure with efficient trains, taxis, and English signage
- World-class pre-cruise experience exploring Tokyo's neighborhoods, cuisine, and culture
- Multiple departure ports including Tokyo Port (near Odaiba) and Yokohama (just 30 minutes away)
- Diverse itineraries ranging from 5-day coastal cruises to 14-day grand voyages
- Peak season flexibility with sailings from April through November
- Cultural immersion starting from the moment you arrive in Japan
Tokyo's cruise terminals are modern and well-equipped, making embarkation smooth and stress-free. Plus, the city's reputation for safety, cleanliness, and hospitality sets a high standard for your entire cruise experience.
Japan Coastal Cruises: Exploring the Japanese Archipelago
One of the most popular cruise options from Tokyo explores Japan's stunning coastline, visiting ports that showcase the country's natural beauty, rich history, and regional diversity. These cruises typically range from 5 to 10 days and focus exclusively on Japanese ports.
Osaka and Kyoto
Osaka serves as the gateway to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital and one of the country's most culturally significant cities. Ships dock in Osaka, and most cruise lines offer shore excursions to Kyoto, about an hour away by bus or train.
What to experience:
- Kyoto's temples and shrines: Visit iconic sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates, and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Traditional geisha districts: Explore Gion, where you might spot geishas and maikos in traditional dress
- Japanese gardens: Experience the zen beauty of perfectly manicured gardens
- Osaka's food scene: Known as "Japan's kitchen," Osaka offers incredible street food, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and fresh sushi
- Osaka Castle: Tour this historic landmark and its surrounding park
The Kyoto port call is often considered the cultural highlight of Japan coastal cruises, offering a glimpse into traditional Japan that contrasts beautifully with Tokyo's modernity.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a deeply moving port of call that combines historical significance with natural beauty. The city has rebuilt itself into a vibrant, peaceful place while honoring its past through powerful memorials and museums.
What to experience:
- Peace Memorial Park and Museum: A sobering but essential visit that documents the atomic bombing and promotes peace
- Miyajima Island: A short ferry ride from Hiroshima, famous for its "floating" torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine, considered one of Japan's most scenic views
- Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki: Try the local version of this savory pancake, prepared with distinct regional techniques
- Shukkeien Garden: A beautiful traditional garden perfect for peaceful reflection
- Hiroshima Castle: Reconstructed after WWII, offering insights into feudal Japan
Many cruisers find Hiroshima to be one of the most emotionally impactful ports, balancing historical education with hope and natural beauty.
Shimizu (Mount Fuji)
Shimizu is the port for viewing and accessing Mount Fuji, Japan's most iconic natural landmark. On clear days, the views of Fuji-san from the ship and shore are absolutely spectacular.
What to experience:
- Mount Fuji views: Weather permitting, you'll see Japan's sacred mountain from various vantage points
- Fifth Station: Visit this halfway point on Mount Fuji for closer views and photo opportunities
- Miho no Matsubara: A pine tree grove with stunning views of Mount Fuji across Suruga Bay
- Tea plantations: Tour the region's famous green tea fields and enjoy fresh matcha
- Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: An ornate shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Fresh seafood: Shimizu's port offers incredible sushi and sashimi from Suruga Bay
The Mount Fuji excursion is weather-dependent, but even if clouds obscure the peak, the region offers beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.
Kobe
Kobe is a sophisticated port city famous for its world-renowned beef, scenic mountain backdrop, and international history. It's a compact city that's easy to explore independently or via shore excursions.
What to experience:
- Kobe beef: Try authentic Kobe beef at one of the city's many teppanyaki restaurants
- Sake breweries: Visit traditional sake breweries in the Nada district
- Arima Onsen: Relax in one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, located in the mountains above Kobe
- Nunobiki Herb Gardens: Take a ropeway up the mountain for panoramic city views and beautiful gardens
- Chinatown (Nankinmachi): Explore one of Japan's largest Chinatowns with great food and shopping
- Harborland: A modern waterfront area with shopping, dining, and entertainment
Kobe offers a perfect blend of culinary excellence, natural beauty, and urban sophistication.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is often called "Little Kyoto" for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. This port offers an authentic glimpse into historical Japan without the crowds of more famous cities.
What to experience:
- Kenrokuen Garden: One of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, especially stunning during cherry blossom season
- Higashi Chaya District: A preserved geisha district with traditional teahouses
- Nagamachi Samurai District: Walk streets once home to samurai families, with preserved residences
- Kanazawa Castle: Tour the impressive castle and its surrounding park
- Gold leaf crafts: Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan's gold leaf; try gold-leaf ice cream or shop for gold-decorated items
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: A circular museum featuring innovative modern art installations
Kanazawa is ideal for travelers who want to experience traditional Japan with fewer tourists.
South Korea: Dynamic Cities and Cultural Treasures
Many cruises from Tokyo include stops in South Korea, offering a fascinating cultural contrast to Japan. South Korean ports provide access to ancient palaces, cutting-edge cities, beautiful temples, and incredible food.
Busan
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and a major port known for its beaches, temples, seafood markets, and vibrant culture. It's often the primary South Korean stop on Tokyo cruises.
What to experience:
- Gamcheon Culture Village: A colorful hillside neighborhood with art installations, cafes, and stunning views
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: A rare seaside Buddhist temple with dramatic ocean views
- Jagalchi Fish Market: Korea's largest seafood market where you can see (and taste) fresh catches
- Haeundae Beach: One of Korea's most famous beaches, great for strolling
- Beomeosa Temple: A mountain temple complex offering peaceful walking and cultural insight
- Korean BBQ and street food - Busan's food scene is legendary, from spicy seafood stews to grilled meats
Busan offers a dynamic mix of modern city life, traditional culture, and coastal beauty that contrasts nicely with Japanese ports.
Jeju Island
Jeju is South Korea's tropical island paradise, known for its volcanic landscapes, beaches, and unique local culture. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site with natural wonders that make it one of Asia's most distinctive islands.
What to experience:
- Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak): A volcanic crater offering spectacular views after a moderate hike
- Manjanggul Cave: One of the world's longest lava tube caves
- Jeju's black sand beaches: Unique volcanic beaches unlike anywhere else
- Haenyeo (sea women): Watch traditional female divers harvest seafood
- Hallasan National Park: Hike South Korea's highest mountain (if time permits)
- Local specialties: Try Jeju black pork, fresh seafood, and hallabong citrus fruit
Jeju's natural beauty and volcanic landscapes provide a refreshing change from urban port calls.
Incheon (Seoul)
Incheon is the port for Seoul, South Korea's dynamic capital. While Incheon itself has attractions, most cruisers take excursions to Seoul, about an hour away, to experience one of Asia's most exciting cities.
What to experience:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: Seoul's grandest palace with impressive architecture and changing of the guard ceremonies
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses preserved in the heart of modern Seoul
- N Seoul Tower: Panoramic city views from this iconic landmark
- Myeongdong shopping district: Experience Korean beauty products, fashion, and street food
- Korean DMZ tours: Full-day excursions to the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea (book through cruise line)
- Korean cuisine: From kimchi to bibimbap to Korean BBQ, Seoul's food scene is incredible
The Seoul excursion is typically a full day, so prepare for a long but rewarding port call.
Taiwan: Tropical Beauty and Cultural Fusion
Taiwan combines Chinese cultural heritage with Japanese colonial influence and indigenous traditions, creating a unique cultural experience. Cruises from Tokyo often include Taiwanese ports, especially on longer itineraries.
Taipei (Keelung)
Keelung is Taipei's port city, and most cruisers take excursions to Taiwan's capital for its night markets, temples, hot springs, and incredible food scene.
What to experience:
- Taipei 101: Once the world's tallest building, offering observation deck views over the city
- Night markets: Shilin or Raohe night markets offer incredible street food and shopping
- National Palace Museum: Houses one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts
- Longshan Temple: A beautiful and active Buddhist/Taoist temple
- Beitou Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot spring baths near Taipei
- Din Tai Fung: Try world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at this Michelin-starred chain's birthplace
Taiwan's food scene alone makes this port worth visiting, and the blend of cultures creates a fascinating experience.
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second-largest city and southern port, known for its harbor, temples, and more relaxed pace compared to Taipei.
What to experience:
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: One of Taiwan's largest Buddhist monasteries with an impressive complex
- Love River: A scenic waterway through the city with walking paths and cafe
- Lotus Pond: Famous for its colorful temples, including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
- Pier-2 Art Center: A revitalized warehouse district filled with art installations and galleries
- Liuhe Night Market: Sample southern Taiwanese street food specialties
Kaohsiung offers a more laid-back Taiwanese experience with excellent food and cultural sites.
China: Shanghai and Beyond
Longer cruises from Tokyo may include Chinese ports, with Shanghai being the most common. These typically extend the cruise to 12-14 days but offer incredible cultural diversity.
Shanghai
Shanghai is one of Asia's most dynamic cities, blending colonial architecture, ultra-modern skyscrapers, traditional gardens, and world-class shopping.
What to experience:
- The Bund: Shanghai's famous waterfront with colonial-era buildings
- Yu Garden: A classical Chinese garden in the old city
- Shanghai Tower: One of the world's tallest buildings with observation deck
- Xintiandi: Trendy area with restored traditional architecture, cafes, and shops
- Shanghai Museum: Excellent collection of Chinese art and artifacts
- Nanjing Road: Major shopping street showcasing modern Shanghai
Shanghai requires a visa for most visitors, but China offers some visa-free transit options for cruise passengers—verify current requirements with your cruise line.
Book Your Tokyo Cruise Adventure
Cruising from Tokyo opens up some of Asia's most captivating destinations, from ancient temples and sacred mountains to ultra-modern cities and pristine islands. Whether you're drawn to Japan's cultural treasures, South Korea's dynamic energy, Taiwan's night markets, or the diverse experiences of a grand Asian voyage, cruises from Tokyo offer unforgettable journeys.
The combination of Tokyo's world-class pre-cruise experience and access to incredible Asian ports makes these cruises some of the most rewarding in the world. You'll experience multiple countries, diverse cultures, incredible cuisine, and stunning scenery—all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of cruise travel.
Ready to explore Asia from Tokyo? Visit CruiseDirect to compare Tokyo cruise itineraries, find the best rates, and book your Asian adventure.
