The top cruises that showcase Japan like roads, trains and planes can't

Ships can take you to parts of the country that roads, rails or planes don't. All you need is this guide.

As a string of islands, Japan is made for cruising. The sparkling waterways, mountainous landscapes and culture-rich cities are easily explored through its many ports.

Yet as the number of Australian travellers to Japan has soared since the pandemic, only a tiny handful have been visiting the country on cruise ships. More than 510,000 Australians visited between January and July this year, an increase of 64 per cent on the same time last year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO). Only 16,500 of those arrivals were by cruise ship, even as the number of cruise ship calls to Japanese ports more than doubled in 2023.

Cruising deserves more credit as an easy way to explore Japan - there's no need to move from hotel to hotel or grapple with trains or road traffic to see different regions. Many itineraries seamlessly sail between a diverse mix of ports.

Some of them, like Tokyo, offer a city experience of skyscrapers, neon lights, fine dining and great shopping, says Naoki Kitazawa, the Sydney executive director of JNTO. Other ports present more tranquil opportunities, "to get out into nature and visit ancient temples and shrines," Kitazawa says. Many Japan cruise itineraries include overnight calls to lesser-known cities such as Kagoshima and Nagasaki, while some ships venture to Hokkaido in the north, the stunning southern islands and the remote Okinawa archipelago, which is only accessible by sea.

Here's a guide to the best options for different types of travellers.

WHY: Instead of staying in one city or trying to cover several by land, a cruise effortlessly delivers you to multiple places. Guided excursions ensure you won't get lost in the confusing streets, before escaping the hustle and bustle by returning to your relaxing ship.

WHAT: Diamond Princess sails round-trip from Yokohama from March to November. The nine-night Japan Explorer itinerary features Shimizu, Wakayama (Shimotsu), Kochi, Nagasaki and Kagoshima, plus South Korea's second-largest city, Busan. The August 15 departure arrives in Kumano in time for its fireworks festival; other dates are available in March and May. The 18-night Grand Japan, departing July 27, returns to Yokohama halfway through the cruise for a chance to take the ship's tour to the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Upon disembarkation, Princess Cruises offers a city tour with airport drop-off for people with evening flights.

WHEN: Consider the less crowded shoulder seasons; book the earliest cruise in March or the last cruise in November.

TOP TIP: The ship's Izumi Japanese Bath has designated "nude hours" (in separate male and female facilities) so be sure to double-check the schedule.

WHY: From snow-capped mountains to lush forests and pristine beaches, Japan's natural beauty is unparalleled. Expedition cruises reach remote ports, where there is no other access by road or air, to enjoy water-based activities and hiking in the most scenic settings.

WHAT: Coral Expeditions' 16-night cruise Through Japan's Ryukyu Islands explores unspoilt landscapes and underwater worlds. Walk among thousand-year-old cedar forests at Yakushima, venture into Okinoerabujima's caves and kayak through mangroves around Iriomote Island. Swim, snorkel or dive in the Kerama Islands, and encounter manta rays in the coral reefs of Ishigaki. The 120-guest Coral Geographer departs Fukuoka on November 16, 2025 and disembarks in Keelung, Taiwan. Two convenient departures from Tokyo depart in October and November in 2025. The 14-night Through the Heart of Japan visits Shimizu to see Mount Fuji, and Miyajima, where the Itsukushima shrine's red torii gate seems to float on the Seto Inland Sea.

WHEN The scenery is most vibrant in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the climate is ideal for outdoor exploration.

TOP TIP "Come with your adventure essentials including a dry bag, binoculars and waterproof camera as every day brings forth spectacular natural surrounds to explore and to capture," says Mark Fifield, managing director, Coral Expeditions.

WHY A cruise allows you to experience the various cuisines in different regions without the hassle of driving, flying or catching trains across the country. Wake up in a new port every day to discover its culinary traditions, and then come back to the ship to dine in its Japanese restaurants.

WHAT Silversea has five ships sailing in Japan next year, either undertaking circumnavigations or Asian itineraries including neighbouring countries. Several 14-night voyages sail round-trip from Tokyo via Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kanazawa and Hakodate (Hokkaido). Among the shore excursions is Taste of Hiroshima, sampling the local specialities at Ekie Kitchen food court, followed by a hands-on class making okonomiyaki (pancakes with Wagyu beef). In Osaka, indulge your appetite at Kuromon Market, a bustling street with 170 shops selling fresh produce and sweets, or join the half-day excursion to a teppanyaki restaurant.

WHEN Silversea's circumnavigations run through the spring months of March and April. In other seasons, summer is all about keeping cool with cold ramen noodle soup (hiyashi chuka) and Hokkaido's sea urchins, harvested from June to August. During the autumn harvest (September to November), apples and grapes are ready for picking, fields of buckwheat become aromatic soba noodles and chestnuts are baked into tantalising desserts.

TOP TIP Silversea's Kaiseki restaurant costs $US80 ($120) for dinner, but at lunchtime the sushi and sashimi are complimentary. For dining on land, reservations are not required in most restaurants for lunch, but book ahead if it's Michelin-starred.

WHY: Japan's iconic cherry blossom season varies by region, so a cruise is perfect to travel between different areas to witness the sakura in various stages of bloom.

WHAT: Botanica World Discoveries' 15-night Cherry Blossoms and Celebrated Gardens of Japan and South Korea escorted tour kicks off in Kyoto before an 11-night cruise aboard the 80-passenger Heritage Adventurer, and ends with a two-night hotel stay in Tokyo. Accompanied by horticulture experts, the journey includes Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the gorgeous gardens at the Zen temples of Ryoan-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji. Explore Tensha-en Garden, built during the Samurai era, the 350-year-old Ritsurin Park, and Kenroku-en Garden, classified as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. The trip starts on April 4, 2025, with airport transfers from Osaka to a hotel in Kyoto.

WHEN: Late March to early April is prime time to behold blossoms in full bloom.

TOP TIP: Book early to secure a balcony cabin, providing a private space to admire the pretty views from your stateroom.

WHY: Japan's rich history and cultural heritage are best experienced through guided tours of its revered sites. Cruise lines take care of the transportation, often with skip-the-queue privileges.

WHAT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers the widest range of complimentary shore excursions in every port. On the 11-night Japanese Traditions & Temples voyage, round-trip from Tokyo, Seven Seas Explorer sets sail on October 28 for an overnight stay in Kobe (the port nearest to Kyoto). The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises 17 landmarks such as Nijo Castle and the Golden Pavilion. In Osaka, see its famous castle and one of the oldest temples in Japan, Shitennoji. In Hiroshima, don't miss the Atomic Bomb Dome at the Peace Memorial Park. Regent also has a similar March 19 departure that coincides with cherry blossom season, and a wine-themed voyage departing March 31.

WHEN: Spring sailings in March and autumn cruises in September and October have a lovely climate and fewer tourists.

TOP TIP: Many attractions are more than 1.5 hours from ports such as Kobe, so book the cruise line's excursions instead of exploring independently.

WHY: Cruises are an all-in-one package of food, entertainment, childcare, accommodation and transportation, so you don't need to plan anything, except shore excursions.

WHAT: On MSC Cruises, kids sail free on select sailings, paying only the port and hotel service charges (check with your travel agent for valid departure dates). MSC Bellissima, which has interconnecting cabins accommodating up to ten people, has two five-night round-trip sailings from Tokyo in May. In Sasebo, excursions include Kujukushima Bay Aquarium or Huis Ten Bosch theme park, quirkily designed to mimic a Dutch village, with rides and imitations of famous attractions. Water lovers may prefer the eight-night cruise departing May 13 to tropical islands with beautiful beaches and lakes. Two days at sea allow lots of time to enjoy family-friendly music productions, fun activities and parties in the kids and teens clubs, the Lego play area, swimming pools, waterslides and a splash park for little ones.

WHY: Cruising is the most rejuvenating form of travel, combining leisurely days at sea, wellness and fitness amenities, and healthy cuisine options. Taking it up a notch, some ships in Japan have onboard onsens, similar to traditional hot springs on land.

WHAT: Japanese company Asuka Cruises' Asuka II has open-air baths overlooking the ocean, a luxurious spa, pools, hot tubs, gym and sports courts. Departing March 8, a relaxing cruise from Naha to the remote Okinawa islands visits the beautiful beaches at Miyakojima and Kabira Bay. These subtropical isles are renowned for white sand, turquoise waters, snorkelling and diving. The new Asuka III is set to debut next year with a resort-style pool area and glass-walled observation saunas. Cruises will depart from Kobe and Yokohama, with itineraries yet to be released.

WHEN: Winter and early spring itineraries, departing January to March, are currently available for booking online.

TOP TIP: Asian travellers tend not to plan cruises several months or years in advance, so be prepared to book last-minute.

WHY: A serene sailing that honours Japanese traditions and aesthetics, unlike anything offered on big ships.

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WHAT: Guntu is an exquisite floating ryokan on the Seto Inland Sea. This modern take on a traditional inn is quintessentially Japanese, with flawless interiors using 11 different woods, a gabled roof, sliding paper screens, peaceful verandas, and communal baths and saunas. The 19 cabins have private terraces and special touches such as yukatas (kimono-style dressing gowns); five cabins have an open-air bath. Fishermen deliver the daily catch at the boat's jetty to be served on the same day at the six-seat sushi counter onboard. Short sailings of three or four days set sail from Onomichi, with transfers included from either Hiroshima Airport or Fukuyama Station. Year-round routes explore cultural, spiritual and artistic sites on tiny islands.

WHEN: Winter (December to February) is recommended for appreciating the local seafood. "Because of the cold, many fish develop extra layers of fat, making them even tastier," says a spokesperson.

TOP TIP: Guests must follow rules such as no tattoos on display, no strong perfumes at mealtimes, and no passengers under 15 years old.