5 reasons why you should cruise to Japan
All major cruise lines are including Japan in their travel itineraries as an increasing amount of travellers flock to the country each year. Here are five reasons why cruisers are being drawn to Japan.
1. It’s cheaper than you think
Despite having a reputation for being expensive, Japan is actually considered quite cheap by most travellers due to the low cost of food and travel in the country. Subway fares cost around $1 a journey and hour-long train journeys average at $5.
2. There is a wide range of experiences
Japan has a vast range of experiences that tourists of all kinds can enjoy. Whether you are interested in visiting exotic beaches, mountains, active volcanoes, there will be adventure to suit your pleasure. A city on Japan’s southern tip, Kagoshima, allows you to experience all these things in one day. Cruise lines offer excursions such as taking a bath in hot volcanic sand, watching a sumo-wrestling demonstration or being entertained by a geisha for a few hours.
3. It is very clean
Did you know that Japan is one of the cleanest countries in the world? The streets of Japan are free of litter, dirt and gum because of a culture of cleanliness in the country. Their hygiene habits also extend to public toilets.
4. It can be enjoyed all year round
Japan can be enjoyed by cruisers all year round. Depending on which season of the year you travel, different sights and experiences will be available to you. The country’s famous cherry blossom season occurs in April and in July or you can celebrate Aomori's Nebuta Festival with a daily parade of giant lantern floats. In August, the Kumano Fireworks Festival lights up the sky. As winter draws in, travellers can enjoy an outdoor onsen with mesmerising views of snow-coated mountains.
5. There are great cultural experiences
Japan has a rich culture that should definitely be experienced when travelling to the country. One favourite is the Japanese onsen which are natural hot springs. Locals prefer to soak naked in single-sex baths. The minerals are believed to leave skin soft and silky and the experience is said to have health benefits such as improving circulation, digestion, muscular pain and blood pressure. There are many other cultural experiences available to tourists such as traditional tea ceremonies or visiting temples.
Have you ever visited Japan? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.