Quick answer
Japan cruises are best in spring (March–May, with cherry blossom in late March–April) and autumn (October–November). Many sail round-trip from Tokyo (Yokohama) or Kobe, calling at Korean ports.
- Cruise season
- Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
- Best months
- Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
- Typical length
- 5–14 nights
- Main departure ports
- Yokohama, Kobe, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Keelung
- Popular ports
- Tokyo (Yokohama), Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto (via Osaka), Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Busan
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 14
Why cruise here
- Cherry blossom cruises
- Temples, gardens and food
- Typhoon season is August–September
Weather by month in Tokyo
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | 10 | 10 | 13 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 29 | 31 | 27 | 22 | 17 | 12 |
| Avg low °C | 1 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 24 | 21 | 15 | 9 | 4 |
| Rain days | 5 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
Ports of call
- Tokyo (Yokohama)
- Osaka
- Kobe
- Kyoto (via Osaka)
- Hiroshima
- Nagasaki
- Kagoshima
- Busan
- Jeju
- Shanghai
- Hong Kong
Sailings & fares
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Cruise lines sailing Japan, Korea & China
Mainstream ocean cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff)
- Adora Cruises
- StarDream Cruises
- Resorts World Cruises
- Blue Dream Cruises
Premium ocean cruises
Luxury & ultra-luxury cruises
Expedition & polar cruises
Visas for Japan, Korea & China cruises
Japan offers an eVISA to Indian residents for short tourism stays; cruise passengers can sometimes land on a special cruise landing permit. South Korea and China have their own rules.
Guides: Japan.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise Japan, Korea & China?
The cruise season is Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov; the best months are March, April, May, October, November.
Do I need a visa for a Japan, Korea & China cruise?
Japan offers an eVISA to Indian residents for short tourism stays; cruise passengers can sometimes land on a special cruise landing permit. South Korea and China have their own rules.
How long is a typical Japan, Korea & China cruise?
Most are 5–14 nights, usually from Yokohama, Kobe, Shanghai.
Which cruise lines sail Japan, Korea & China?
Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff), Adora Cruises, StarDream Cruises, Resorts World Cruises, Blue Dream Cruises, Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Viking (ocean & expedition), Asuka Cruise, Mitsui Ocean Cruises and 2 more.