Princess Cruise, Japan

Itinerary: 10-Night Japan Explorer
Sailing Date: 26 August 2026
Ship: Diamond Princess
Author: Anne Adams, Partner Development & Support – Infinity Holidays                                             

Japan is a country of endless contrasts, and cruising aboard the Diamond Princess was the perfect way to experience them. One of the greatest joys of the journey was waking up somewhere completely different each day. From historic Kochi and pearl-famous Toba to vibrant Osaka, moving Hiroshima, picturesque Shizuoka, cosmopolitan Tokyo, and even Busan in South Korea, every destination offered a unique insight into local culture, history, and everyday life. One day I was exploring ancient temples and castles, the next I was sampling fresh seafood, wandering bustling city streets, riding the Shinkansen, or uncovering hidden gems in charming coastal towns. Each port delivered something new and unexpected, making this one of the most fascinating, diverse, and rewarding journeys I’ve ever taken. Here are my favourite moments, highlights, and travel tips from an adventure that exceeded every expectation.

1. Waking Up Somewhere New Every Day – One of the greatest joys of cruising Japan aboard the Diamond Princess was waking up in a new destination each morning. From Kochi’s historic charm and pearl-famous Toba to the energy of Osaka, the poignancy of Hiroshima, and the beauty of Shizuoka, every port offered a unique glimpse into Japan’s culture, history, and way of life, all without ever having to repack a suitcase.

2. Thrills at Universal Studios Japan – Universal Studios Japan was one of the most exciting days of the trip. From racing through Super Nintendo World and exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to riding The Flying Dinosaur twice, the park delivered thrills, nostalgia, and unforgettable fun. And yes, the famous Minion Curry Bao Bun is a must-try. My top tip? Get there early to make the most of your day.

3. Kyoto Cultural Experiences – Kyoto offered some of my most authentic and memorable experiences in Japan. Taking part in a traditional tea ceremony provided a fascinating insight into Japanese customs, where every movement carried meaning and every cup of matcha was prepared with care. Creating my own personalised chopsticks added another layer to the experience, allowing me to take home a truly unique souvenir. Wandering through the historic streets of Gion at sunset, lined with traditional wooden buildings and lanterns, felt like stepping into another era. Catching a glimpse of a Geisha made the experience even more magical and instantly brought the pages of Memoirs of a Geisha to life.

4. Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Places That Stay With You – While many travel experiences are exciting or entertaining, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were deeply moving. Visiting the Peace Memorial Parks, Atomic Bomb Museums, and Ground Zero sites offered a powerful reminder of the human impact of war. Seeing personal belongings, photographs, and thousands of paper cranes left by visitors from around the world was both heartbreaking and inspiring. These were not simply sightseeing stops but profound experiences that left a lasting impression long after the journey ended.

5. Exploring Busan, South Korea – One of the unexpected highlights of the cruise was visiting Busan, South Korea. From bustling seafood markets and colourful streets to stunning coastal scenery and the spectacular Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan offered a refreshing contrast to Japan and felt like a second holiday within the same trip. Ladies, while you are there pick up some amazing affordable skin care.

6. Mt Fuji: A Constant Companion – Some travellers spend an entire trip hoping for a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Somehow, I was lucky enough to see Japan’s most iconic landmark from almost every mode of transport imaginable. My first sighting was from the plane as we descended into Narita. Later, the mountain appeared from the Shinkansen between Kyoto and Yokohama, from the bus during a scenic tour, and finally from the Diamond Princess itself as we cruised into port. Each view was different, but the feeling of seeing Mount Fuji never lost its sense of wonder.

7. Temples, Shrines and Castles – Japan’s rich history and spiritual traditions came alive through its remarkable temples, shrines, and castles. Walking beneath the thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, exploring the vibrant grounds of Senso-ji Temple, finding tranquillity at Meiji Shrine, and visiting the sacred Ise Shrine provided unforgettable cultural experiences. Kochi Castle offered a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal past, while Busan’s cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple delivered some of the most breathtaking views of the entire trip. Together, these sites showcased the beauty, spirituality, and heritage that make Japan so captivating.

8. Japan’s Incredible Food Culture – Japan quickly became one of my favourite destinations for food, with every city, market, and neighbourhood introducing me to new flavours and local specialties. I sampled everything from freshly cooked takoyaki, savoury okonomiyaki, fluffy Japanese pancakes, and sweet strawberry mochi to some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted. From the vibrant street food stalls of Dotonbori and the atmospheric restaurants lining Pontocho Alley to the bustling Kuromon Market, Nishiki Market, Tsukiji Fish Market, and Busan’s famous Jagalchi Fish Market, every stop was a feast for the senses. Giant oysters, melt-in-your-mouth sushi, steaming bowls of ramen, and countless local delicacies turned every meal into an experience. In Japan, food isn’t just something you eat, it’s an essential part of the culture, and without question one of the highlights of my journey.

9. Relaxing in the Only Onsen at Sea – After a day spent exploring bustling cities, historic sites, and scenic port towns, there was no better way to unwind than with a visit to the Izumi Japanese Bath. As the only Japanese-style onsen at sea, it was a uniquely Diamond Princess experience. Soaking in the warm baths while gazing out across the ocean created a perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. It quickly became one of my favourite onboard rituals and added an authentic Japanese touch to the cruise.

10. Life Onboard the Diamond Princess – The Diamond Princess was much more than simply a way to travel between destinations. Between ports, there were outstanding dining experiences at Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, and Kai Sushi, comfortable lounges, evening entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to relax. One unexpected highlight was the onboard photography programme, with photographers capturing special moments both onboard and at each port. By the end of the voyage, I had collected around 125 digital photos and several professional prints that now serve as a wonderful reminder of the journey. Combined with the convenience of the inclusive package, Wi-Fi, reserved show seating, and excursion savings, life onboard was just as memorable as the destinations themselves.