With over 6,000 islands and 18,000 miles of coastline to explore, cruising is the best way to see the breadth of the country in one trip. What's more, this Far Eastern gem transforms throughout the seasons, bringing new intrigue and beauty. Below is our guide to cruising throughout Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer in Japan.
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Autumn
There are few rainstorms once September arrives and the temperatures settle in the high-teens, making the perfect conditions to explore this gorgeous country. Koyo, the Autumn changing of the leaves, sweeps the country from September, with its amber and deep red hues transforming the vistas. Try seeing Kyoto (from Osaka) in late November and Tokyo in early December.
Winter
Japan is cold in the Winter, with temperatures usually lingering just above freezing. This brings plenty of snow for exciting excursions and gorgeous pictures. A highly recommended experience is a visit to the onsens, thermal baths surrounded by snow, but beautifully warm. Skiing in the North is also hugely popular (try the slopes near Otaru) and if you're lucky enough to visit Sapporo (accessed from Hakodate) in Early February, you'll catch the Snow Festival with its monumental ice and snow structures.
Spring
This is one of the most popular seasons for cruises in Japan due to the famous cherry blossoms. These begin to bloom in the south and spread North throughout the season. Some of the most iconic locations to see these gorgeous scenes are Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. At this time, you'll find the Japanese enjoying picnics as the freezing cold weather comes to an end; temperatures begin in single figures, rising into the twenties by May. Prices also increase steeply as business take advantage of footfall.
Summer
Japan's summer is hot and humid. Expect average temperatures to sit around 25 degrees and frequent rain showers (these will dissipate as the summer continues). As a result, Japan’s gardens are blooming in the Summer. It's also the best time to climb Mount Fuji if you so wish (from Shimizu port). Japanese tourists are at their highest levels in the summer and so the country has a buzzing atmosphere, especially during some of the country's largest celebrations. The Kyoto Matsuri is one of the most exciting, with huge floats carried throughout the city (visit via Osaka port).
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