Japan is open to tourists for the first time since 2020, and Azamara is offering a brand-new travel experience to celebrate.

With the addition of pre-voyage and post-voyage activities and additional shore excursions at the first port of call, Niigata, the new itinerary will allow visitors to delve deeper into the country.

Wine tastings in a local miso and soy sauce factory in Akita, mangrove kayaking in Ishigaki, and exploring the Seiben Garden in Aomori are just some of the unique experiences that visitors can expect on Azamara’s popular and nearly sold out Japan Country Intensive voyages, such as Azamara Quest’s back-to-back 15-Night Japan Intensive Voyage in March.

Niigata will be the first port of call, allowing passengers to spend a day in a region noted for its majestic mountains and vast rice fields along the Sea of Japan.

Azamara will also provide an exclusive three-night land journey to the new Historic Tokyo and Hot Spring in Hakone, where guests can immerse themselves in Tokyo’s customs and experience life in samurai-era Edo.

Guests staying the night in a Japanese ryokan in Hakone, a place known for its hot springs, natural beauty, and views across Lake Ashinoko of nearby Mount Fuji, can relax and rejuvenate in an authentic onsen (hot spring) bath, gain insight into the nuances of samurai aesthetics with a batto (swordsmanship) and tea ceremony, and learn the taiko drumming tradition at a nearby drum shop in Asakusa.

Tourists visiting Japan will undoubtedly take advantage of the country’s long ski season, but cruise lines highlight the country’s splendour during other times of the year.

Oku Hokkaido, Japan, is a popular place to go skiing and snowboarding in the winter because of its abundance of amazing options. On the other hand, the summer months provide a welcome relief from the oppressive heat and ideal conditions for trekking and visiting the island’s various national parks.