Japan is a study in contrasts: tranquil retreats of profound beauty lay just outside cities where skyscrapers soar over stunning temples and shrines. Neon-bright architecture and tranquil gardens vie for attention amid the colorful ancient districts. Japan’s cuisine offers a culinary journey like no other, with an incredible variety of flavors and textures for everyone to explore. From the delicate artistry of fresh sushi and sashimi to the comforting warmth of steaming bowls of ramen or udon, every meal is a celebration of culture and quality. Walk through the centuries old districts of Kyoto, where local fashion is a juxtaposition of women in traditional kimonos walking next to those wearing futuristic styles by high-end designers. Sail through the Kanmon Strait, separating the two islands that make up Japan. Come away with an understanding of the tragedies of WWII as you experience the sites which were ground zero at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Experience Japanese culture with experiences that celebrate tea, the art of calligraphy, and the essence of the Japanese spirit. Be dazzled by the panoramic views of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, an active volcano and the most popular tourist site in the country. Enjoy a visit to Busan, South Korea, known for its beaches, mountains, temples and a thriving food scene.
Our beautiful ship, the Diamond Princess, was built in Japan for sailings in this country, providing a regional experience including local cuisine, drinks, entertainment, and even Japanese baths onboard. Highlights onboard our sailing include an understanding of the 400-year-old tradition of comic storytelling known as “rakugo, ” join in an evening of karaoke and watch folkloric dancers bring Japanese culture to life.
Add to this our celebrated Amazing Journeys touches such as onboard events, games and parties, a lively group of Jewish Singles from around the globe, group shore excursions, group dining and all fully escorted by our Amazing Journeys Group Coordinators. And to make your vacation as hassle-free as possible, we have bundled everything together, so the price you see is the price you pay. The rates on our Pricing tab include all taxes, gratuities and fees, a beverage package, unlimited wi-fi and much more.
Click here to see a preview video of the Japan Cruise!
Coming Soon! Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise options in Tokyo:
Our Pre-Cruise package will include one-night in a Tokyo hotel, breakfast, a half day tour and transfer from the hotel to the ship on May 8.
Our Post-Cruise package will include two-nights in a Tokyo hotel, breakfast daily, a full day tour with transfer from the ship on May 18 and additional optional tours.
Friday, May 8 – Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Embark Diamond Princess – Our cruise and your Amazing Journey begins today. Get to know your fellow traveling companions as we gather poolside for a sailaway celebration, followed by our Welcome Aboard program, Shabbat services with our Amazing Journeys community and group ice breaker. A group dinner onboard the beautiful Diamond Princess will follow.
Saturday, May 9 – Toba, Japan
Arrive at 7 am, depart at 4 pm (tender port) – Toba, located at the northeastern end of the Shima-hanto Peninsula in Mie, flourished as the castle town of the Kuki family who ruled this region from the 16th century. Toba is famous for its Mikimoto pearls (cultured pearls) and is also known for the Ama, about 500 female divers harvesting seasonal shellfish and seaweed in depths of up to 20 meters. Toba is the gateway to the Ise-jingu Shrine and the Ise-Shima National Park. Tonight, we’ll come together for an Amazing Journeys cocktail party and enjoy shipboard entertainment.
Sunday, May 10 – Osaka (for Kyoto), Japan
Arrive at 8 am, depart at 8 pm – Osaka is the gateway to Kyoto, just over an hour away, and is the former capital of Japan. With over 2000 temples and shrines, this is a UNESCO World Heritage city. It is famous for classical Buddhist temples including the Golden Temple, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses in the Gion District, where, even today, Geisha and Mako wander the alleyways of this old cultural center. In the nearby city of Nara, only 30 minutes away, you can visit temples and artwork dating back to the 8th century. The famous Red Deer roam in Nara Park, and you can see a 45 foot Buddha displayed nearby. For centuries, Osaka was Japan’s cultural and commercial gateway to Asia – the point of entry both for trade goods and, most importantly, cultural influences that shaped Japanese society. From tea to Zen, from art to science and philosophy, Osaka was Japan’s contact with the great East Asian cultures that flourished in China and Korea. Modern Osaka is home to monuments from Japan’s past including Toyotomi’s immense castle and the Sumiyoshi Shrine. This evening, enjoy the ship’s exciting nightlife with an amazing group of travelers.
Monday, May 11 – Day at Sea
Cruising – Our day at sea will provide lots of opportunities for great times on our floating resort. From lectures about Japan to learning origami, you will gain a further understanding of all you came to Japan to see. In addition, you can spend the day relaxing poolside with AJ friends, enjoy a massage at the spa, participate in an onboard class – choose to do it all, or nothing at all. It’s your vacation, and we want you to enjoy every minute of it!
Tuesday, May 12 – Hiroshima, Japan
Arrive at 7 am, depart at 4 pm – On August 6, 1945, human history was irrevocably altered when the American bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The bomb was code-named “Little Boy,” but its detonation left half the city in ruins and aflame. Today, Hiroshima is a monument not only to the destructive forces harnessed by men but also to the indomitable will of the human spirit to overcome tragedy. At the heart of the city lies Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The gutted walls of the city’s old Industry Promotion Hall and the skeletal frame that supported its copper dome, vaporized in the blast, are instantly recognizable symbols of Hiroshima. Tonight, come together for dinner and discuss what you experienced today.
Wednesday, May 13 – Kanmon Straits, Japan/Day at Sea
Kanmon Straits: arrive at 6 am, depart at 8 am, Cruising to follow – The Kanmon Straits, aka the straits of Shimonoseki, separates Yamaguchi prefecture on the western edge of Honshu and Fukuoka prefecture on Kyushu island. About 6,000 years ago a crustal change divided Honshu in two, and the straits and Kyushu island were born. To some, it may just look like ordinary straits, but in fact this is the place where some great historical sea battles were fought, which makes it significantly dramatic and not just an ordinary expanse of sea water. Our day at sea will continue with lots of opportunities for group engagement onboard. There will be more lectures, local music and learning the art of Japanese culture. Enjoy a massage at the spa, participate in wine tasting or learn a new skill – the day is yours to recharge. Later, join us for “Jacuzz-a-Palooza” with your new friends. Tonight, join together with others from our group for pre-dinner drinks.
Thursday, May 14 – Busan, South Korea
Arrive at 7 am, depart at 4 pm – The second largest city in South Korea, Busan is your gateway to a fascinating land whose culture is a unique amalgam of old and new. Modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples. The city’s bustling business district offers a stark contrast to the serene grounds of Yongdusan Park. In short, Busan is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose startling economic success often obscures one of Asia’s most sophisticated and venerable cultures. This evening, join your friends for fun onboard activities, dinner, and entertainment.
Friday, May 15– Nagasaki, Japan
Arrive at 7 am, depart at 4 pm – For most travelers, Nagasaki is a symbol of the horror and the inhumanity of war. An estimated 75,000 people perished in 1945 when the city became the second target of a nuclear attack. Today, Nagasaki’s Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world. But this beautiful city on the island of Kyushu offers other sights. Often described as the San Francisco of Japan, the city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. For three centuries, Nagasaki was Japan’s sole window on the world. The city is also celebrated as the setting for Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly.” Join together tonight with our AJ community for Shabbat services followed by Shabbat dinner.
Saturday, May 16 – Day at Sea
Cruising – Today you’ll get to enjoy all you came on a cruise to do… enjoy a massage at the spa, participate in a class or learn a new yoga pose. Our day at sea will provide lots of opportunities for great times on our floating resort. Try your luck in the casino, take in a lecture and learn about your surroundings or enjoy a Broadway Style show. This evening, join with your friends onboard to recap your favorite part of the trip so far as we toast Japan with a sunset cocktail on deck.
Sunday, May 17 – Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Japan
Arrive at 9 am, depart at 5 pm – A mesmerizing landscape, a revered cultural history, and Japan’s most sacred volcano are just a few of the many delights beckoning you to come and explore this ancient city. While Shimizu may have the reputation as being bustling and modern, its cultural and spiritual side is on display in the form of ancient and enthralling shrines. Of course, it may be the sacred and snow-capped Mount Fuji, visible in all its glory from Lake Kawaguchiko, that garners the most attention. Towering over the region at approximately 12,388 feet above sea level, the active volcano, designated a “place and source of artistic inspiration” by UNESCO is just one of the many unforgettable adventures Shimizu inspires. Tonight, join together with others from our group for our Amazing Journeys Farewell.
Monday, May 18 – Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Arrive at 6:30 am – Soak in the last of your Japanese experience as we head home, taking with us new friends and memories of a fabulous vacation. We will also be offering a two-night Tokyo post-cruise package and more details will be available soon.
Please Note:
This itinerary is subject to change.
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All staterooms onboard the ship and hotel rooms are non-smoking.
Cancellation Policy for Cruise: Prior to December 11, 2025, there is a $150 penalty for cancellation. From December 12, 2025 to February 3, 2026 the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From February 4 – 17, 2026, the cancellation penalty is 25% of the total for the cruise package. From February 18 – March 2, 2026, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total for the cruise package. From March 3 – April 3, 2026, the cancellation penalty is 75% of the total for the cruise package. From April 4, 2026 or after and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation after the start of the cruise. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase Travel Protection. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Proof of Citizenship: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. At this time, no visas are necessary for those holding passports from the US, Canada, Australia, UK. If you are a citizen of a country other than those mentioned above, please check with the Embassy of Japan to find out if a visa is necessary. Please note that visa information is subject to change at any time and it is up to the individual traveling to stay current on visa requirements.
This trip is for you: This trip is for you if you love cruising and visiting a culture different than your own. On our pre-cruise and post-cruise tours and our cruise shore excursions, this is for those who are able to walk at a moderate pace, covering several miles. Walking or standing for 2-3 hours is very doable. You can navigate hills, stairs, uneven surfaces, and climb up and into various modes of transportation – including boats – independently. You can expect several early mornings and some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. You must be in good health and prepare properly. This trip is not a fit for those who require assistance with walking or who travel on mobility devices.
Dining Onboard: Princess Cruises offers dining in the main dining room as part of your cruise. In addition, there is a buffet (Horizon Court), casual dining restaurants, afternoon tea, a sushi restaurant, and two specialty restaurants (which are offered at an additional fee). Room service and delivery services are also available. The following are also included in our cruise package: two “Casual Meals” at several restaurants onboard, two “Premium desserts” onboard the ship and fees for room service and OceanNow delivery waived,
Vaccines & Precautions: At this time there are no specific vaccinations required for international travelers. We recommend visiting a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. You can get more information at the following web site: Center for Disease Control. Please note that our Amazing Journeys staff are not medical professionals and therefore are unable to give specific information on vaccinations or medications you may need for this or any other tour.
Taxes, Fees & Gratuities: Port taxes, government fees and gratuities for all staff on the cruise have all been included in the rate. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion. Taxes, surcharges and government fees are subject to change.
Air & Transfers: It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a Confirmation Letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters. Most of the flights into Tokyo from the US will arrive in the late afternoon/early evening.
Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together. Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation or switch to a Single accommodation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.
Credit Card Payments: Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3% credit card fee.
Fuel Surcharge: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and the cruise line adjusts the rate of the cruise or tour costs accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the cruise/tour.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the cruise and tours effectively.
This cruise and pre-cruise is operated by Princess Cruises. We must have a minimum of 15 participants in order to escort this tour.
