Princess Cruises has announced its most expansive Japan season ever in 2027, featuring two Japanese-built ships sailing from the Tokyo region throughout the season. The 2027 program includes 78 departures across 50 different itineraries, with voyages ranging from seven to 28 days, making it Princess’ most robust Japan deployment to date. The March–December 2027 Japan season opens for sale August 20, 2025.
The 2,670-guest Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will offer itineraries featuring 45 destinations across six countries. Here are a few highlights:
- Cherry Blossom Voyages (Nine to 24 days) – Timed to follow the blooming season from south to north across all four of Japan’s main islands
- Festival Cruises (Eight to 24 days) – Celebrate Japan’s most vibrant summer festivals including the Aomori Nebuta, Tokushima Awa Odori and Kochi Yosakoi with late-night stays
- Circle and Grand Japan Voyages (Nine to 28 days) – Circumnavigate the country with visits to Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and more
- Okinawa & Taiwan Itineraries (Nine to 18 days) – Explore the subtropical beauty of Okinawa and the cultural richness of Taipei and Hualien
- Japan Explorer Cruises (Nine to 13 days) – Explore cities such as Shimizu (for Mount Fuji), Kobe (for Kyoto) and Kagoshima
Guests can experience seven festivals with late-night stays in port, including:
- Aomori Nebuta Festival (August 2 and August 7) – Towering illuminated floats, traditional music and energetic dancers.
- Hakodate Minato Festival (August 3) – A maritime celebration with a historic parade with spectacular floats.
- Akita Kanto Festival (August 6) – Performers balance towering bamboo poles with candlelit lanterns to festive flute and drum music.
- Yamagata Hanagasa Festival (from Sakata) (August 7) – A colorful celebration featuring 10,000 local dancers to the rhythm of taiko drums.
- Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival (August 12) – One of Japan’s largest festivals, with vibrant dance teams and audience participation.
- Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival (August 13) – A centuries-old dance event known for the joyful “Fool’s Dance” performed throughout the city.
- Kumano Fireworks Festival (August 17) – A dazzling display of over 10,000 fireworks.
With 12 “More Ashore” late-night ports, guests enjoy extended evenings in vibrant destinations including Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakodate, Sakata and Halong Bay.
Guests can visit 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Mount Fuji (from Shimizu); Itsukushima Shrine & Hiroshima Peace Memorial (from Hiroshima); Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (from Kobe or Osaka); and Jomon Prehistoric Sites (from Aomori or Hakodate).
The line will offer a range of scenic sailings for guests to marvel at iconic sights from sea. Guests can sail past Mount Fuji in Shimizu Bay; cruise the Kanmon Straits and Japan Inland Sea; and admire Sakurajima Volcano from Kagoshima Bay. They can also experience Japan’s vibrant contrasts—from the electric streets of Tokyo’s Ginza district to peaceful Zen gardens in Kyoto, bustling fish markets in Shimizu to the reflection of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park.
Good to know: Guests sailing on Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess can enjoy Japanese touches onboard, including regional dishes such as noodles and sushi; Japanese whiskeys, sake and shochu; the 400-year tradition of storytelling known as “rakugo”; and an evening of karaoke and folk dance.
Tip: Those who book by August 27, 2025, will enjoy Captain’s Circle Savings up to $200 per stateroom.
For more details, call 1-800-774-6237 or visit www.princess.com.
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