The Best Sights To See In Japan On A Cruise Ship

The Best Sights In Japan To See On A Cruise – In A Snapshot!

As the “Tips For Travellers” name of my channel and blog suggests, I mostly post about tips, advice and suggestions based on my experiences to help make it easy and fun to discover, plan and enjoy cruising vacations, such as in my article Best and Worst Things About Cruising in Japan. But sometimes, pictures can tell the story best. So, with that in mind, here are the best sights I saw and did in the various ports on my Regent Seven Seas Explorer Japanese cruise. I think they will really help any traveller what to see and do in each port.

Tokyo – via Cruise Ship

What can you see and do in Tokyo? Here are some of my top picks based on what I saw and did over three days. I decided to make the most of the city’s metro system while in Tokyo, and although slightly confusing at first, I soon got the hang of it. My first stop was Shibuya, home of the supposed busiest pedestrian Crossing in the world.

Not that busy on a Friday morning though! I explored the area with lampposts blaring out crazy music and insane shops like one selling only toys, in particular capsules in rows of vending machines.

Next was the Tokyo National Museum, packed with samurai armour, weapons, costumes, artwork, and statues.

Then it was on to the famous posh shopping area of Ginza.

Tokyo – Day Two

On my second day, I headed to the Odaiba (odd- ay-ba) area, a man-made extension to Tokyo through landfill and now packed with high rise buildings and the headquarters of Fuji Television and their spherical shaped observation deck with wonderful views across the city.

Then I made my way to probably the most recognisable site in Tokyo, the Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa (ass-a-koosa) area. The large red lantern is the image used often in marketing or articles about Tokyo and Japan. It may look old, but it was reconstructed after WWII. The whole area around it is packed and there are loads of rickshaw rides available – a hit with tourists.

Tokyo – Day Three

My third day brought a downpour, but I still explored. First up was the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the father of modern Japan. Located in a forest of 120,000 trees and still in the heart of Tokyo. Impressive but not so great exploring in the rain, Millions of people visit here every new year to pray for good luck.

Next, I headed to see the exterior of the Imperial Palace where the emperor lives. You can’t go in – but you can see the moat, walls and Nijubashi (knee-ju-bashi) to bridges where you enter.

I carried on my day in the rain and went to the Hamarikyu (ham-ar-e-kee-yoo) Gardens, a large ancient peaceful garden built for a Feudal lord’s Tokyo home – and now surrounded by huge skyscrapers – but still with a large lake and traditional tea houses. Then it was time to head to my cruise ship, Regent Seven Seas Explorer in Yokohama to board for my 10-night Japan adventure.

Shimizu – via Cruise Ship

The first port of call was Shimizu. I went on an excursion that first headed to the Nihondaira cable car for a 5-minute ride to the beautiful Kunozan Toshogu shrine. A shrine for the man who united Japan. The only way up here before the cable car were 1,000 stone steps.

After exploring, it was Back on the cable car and onto the observation platform to see Mount Fuji. Sadly, it was too cloudy.

So, next we went to Miho No Matsubara with its 30,000 pine trees and 5km beach. Still the clouds obscured Mount Fuji!

Back at the port, it was time to explore the bonkers S-Pulse Dream Plaza packed with food and groceries stalls, and a truly mad games arcade. While there the clouds cleared & I saw Mount Fuji at last, and again sailing out.

Kobe – via Cruise Ship

Next up was Kobe. We were here overnight, so plenty of time to explore. As always, it was off the ship to check the amazing visitor information at the port. Then, an excursion to the 40-story Umeda Sky Building observation deck, to see Osaka from above.

Then, down in the glass elevator and off into the past to visit the sprawling Osaka Castle grounds. There’s a huge moat, stone walls, and ornate main tower. Absolutely packed with tourists!

It was soon time for me to head back to the ship, ready for Kyoto the following day.

Kyoto – via Cruise Ship

I was up and out bright and early for a long 9-hour excursion to Kyoto. First was Sanjusangendo (San-jus-an-gen-do) an 800-year-old Buddhist temple which has a staggering 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Dating back to the12th and 13th Century. Unfortunately, you can’t take photos in there, so I cheated and filmed the poster outside.

Next, it was to the sprawling Niko Castle, built by a Shogun (kind of a general to the emperor). Impressive.

We had a fantastic Japanese lunch at a local resort next.

Then we went to the most famous site in Kyoto, the Gold Pavilion. Covered in real gold leaf, this is a replica – the original was burnt by arsonists in the 1950s. It is amazing and always packed.

Kochi – via Cruise Ship

As in most of my other Japanese ports, in Kochi I was off the ship to check out the Visitor Information booth. These really are fantastic and there was one lady super excited to see me as she watches my YouTube Channel. Off on excursion to the Ryugado (Roo-gar-do) Caves. It was way scarier, cramped, and strenuous than expected. There are over 800 steps! Spectacular!

My next stop was at one of the iconic places often seen in Japan promotional photos, Kochi Castle – one of the few original castles serving dating from the early 1600s. A lot of stairs here too, over 300 and I climbed right up to the top for stunning views. Checked out the souvenir stalls in the terminal, like at most Japanese ports before boarding the ship.

Hiroshima – via Cruise Ship

First it was off to see the famous Atomic Dome, a UNESCO world heritage site and now iconic symbol that survived, in part, the first atomic bomb dropped during WWII on 6 August 1945. Over 140,000 people died, 90% of the buildings were destroyed – it’s in an area called the Peace Park filled with over 60 memorials. There is also a museum that shows and tells stories of people that died or were injured, and about atomic bombs. I found it harrowing and did not stay long, having tea and sandwich at the cafe across the road as I pondered it all.

Next, a more peaceful stop at the Shukkeien (shook-kay) Japanese gardens, destroyed by the bomb and rebuilt. Stunning.

Nagasaki – via Cruise Ship

My first stop was at the Peace Memorial Park. Nagasaki was the second city to be bombed by a USA Atomic bomb in August 1945. The park was created to commemorate it and promote peace. In addition to the iconic statute of a man pointing to the sky there are around 60 sculptures, all donated by international countries.

Next on to the Atomic Bomb Museum covering the day, displays of damaged buildings & personal artefacts. It was packed solid with school parties!

I went to see the spot that marks the point where the bomb exploded 500 metres above ground.

I then made my way back to the cruise port area to explore Glover Garden, named after the Scottish man who helped modernise and industrialise Japan. It has many historic western style buildings that have been moved here including his house.

Yatsushiro (Kumamoto) – via Cruise Ship

Yatsushiro (Yat-su-shiro) Japan. I started my time here by exploring the fun port area created to attract more cruise ships, with 80 of these bear mascots called Kumamons (ku-ma-mons) from one 3 metres high to a group arranged as a choir.

I jumped on the shuttle bus into town to explore the shrine in the grounds of the Yatsushiro (Yat-su- shiro) castle, very pretty, spotted more Kumamons (ku-ma-mons) in the town on my way to the Shohinken (Sho-him-ken) gardens built by as a tea garden, so peaceful and calming.

Back on the shuttle bus to the Youme- Town mall for a quick Starbucks, checking out the food hall with the famous Japanese plastic replicas of the food, some fun in the crazy games arcade, Love these and back to ship.

A group of local kids doing performance marching band routines to see us off. Follow for me of my Japan and other port adventures.

Miyazaki (Aburastu) – via Cruise Ship

At the next and final cruise stop at Miyazaki (Mi-ya-zaki), I went on an excursion to the Aashima (a-o-shima) island to see the amazing shrine. It was a great day to visit as some sort of ceremony was going on with the priests in full garb. Outside was the famous Devil’s Washboard – the ocean has created these crazy patterns in the sandstone around the island.

Next, I headed off to visit Obi castle in the town for the same name. There’s no castle there anymore, but there is a small museum packed with original samurai armour and swords. The town is filled with original samurai buildings.

Back at the port in Aburatsu (ab-ur-atsu) there were food trucks and stalls, and then at spillway a fantastic school choir performed. As we set sail, they let loose loads of balloons.