inspo & info

Rainy season in Japan doesn't have to be a washout. Here's our travel guide to make sure you get the best out of your June trip to Japan: Tsuyu dates by region, honest weather expectations, a packing list, and why Japan's rainy season might actually be the smartest time to visit.

If you're a seasoned cruiser and fancy visiting Japan, a cruise around Japan can feel like a no-brainer. You already understand the comfort and convenience of cruising and it can take some of the stress out of exploring an unfamiliar country - you might be worried about navigating Japan if you've seen some of the social media posts on how complicated the Japanese transport system is (hint: it isn't really!). But we've also seen plenty of push-back online against Japan as a cr

Yokohama is where most Japan cruises begin and end — and that alone makes it worth knowing well. Sitting just 30 minutes south of Tokyo by express train, it is Japan's second-largest city and one of its most liveable, with a relaxed, cosmopolitan energy quite different from the intensity of the capital. As cruisers ourselves, we understand the value of adding on a day or two before or after your cruise, but we also know most of you will be tempted to spend that time in Tokyo.

As experienced cruisers ourselves, the Japansophy fam knows the thrill of waking up every morning with a new town or city (or sometimes even country!) to explore. But we're also aware of the research and preparation that goes into making the most of every port and the old dilemma - do we need to buy a cruise ship excursion or can we go it alone? With a whole lot of wistful yearning, we scoured the Japan cruise listings for 2026 and 2027 to see what ports were being offered by