In 2027, Princess Cruises will make a strong return to Japan with its longest-ever season in the archipelago. Two iconic Japanese-built ships – the Diamond Princess and the Sapphire Princess – will sail from the Tokyo area from March to December, offering 78 departures and 50 different itineraries, for voyages lasting from 7 to 28 days.
This program marks a true “homecoming” for the company, which maintains a historic connection with Japan. Passengers will be able to enjoy unique experiences, ranging from the magic of cherry blossoms to the colorful celebrations of seven major traditional festivals.
Culture lovers can experience the excitement of seven major festivals, from the spectacular Aomori Nebuta with its huge illuminated floats, to the Tokushima Awa Odori and its famous “Fool’s Dance”, not forgetting the Kumano Fireworks and its 10,000 fireworks.
The 7 major festivals on the program
| Festival | Date 2027 | Location | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aomori Nebuta | August 2 & 7 | Aomori | Illuminated floats, music, and dance |
| Hakodate Minato | August 3 | Hakodate | Historical maritime parade |
| Akita Kanto | August 6 | Akita | Lanterns on tall bamboo poles |
| Yamagata Hanagasa | August 7 | Sakata | 10,000 dancers to the rhythm of drums |
| Kochi Yosakoi | August 12 | Kochi | Vibrant dances and audience participation |
| Tokushima Awa Odori | August 13 | Tokushima | Famous “Fool’s Dance” |
| Kumano Fireworks | August 17 | Kumano | More than 10,000 fireworks |
On the heritage side, Princess offers visits to 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Mount Fuji, the Itsukushima Shrine, the historic monuments of Kyoto and the Jomon prehistoric sites. Panoramic sailing moments will also allow you to admire the Sakurajima volcano, the Inland Sea of Japan and the passage of the Kanmon Strait.
Featured Itineraries Overview
| Itinerary Type | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hanami Cruises (Cherry Blossoms) | 9 to 24 days | Blossoms followed from south to north on the four main islands |
| Festival Itineraries | 8 to 24 days | Participation in the biggest summer festivals, extended stopovers |
| Grand Tours of Japan | 9 to 28 days | Complete tour of Japan including Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki |
| Okinawa & Taiwan | 9 to 18 days | Tropical landscapes, Taiwanese culture (Taipei, Hualien) |
| Japan Explorer | 9 to 13 days | Stopovers in Shimizu (Mt. Fuji), Kobe (Kyoto), Kagoshima |
On board, the cultural immersion continues: authentic Japanese cuisine, freshly prepared sushi, whiskey, sake, and shochu tastings, folk dance performances, karaoke evenings, and even the art of rakugo, a 400-year-old form of humorous storytelling.
With this 2027 Japan season, Princess Cruises promises a life-size Japan: age-old traditions, vibrant modernity, striking landscapes, and festive experiences, all to the rhythm of the sea.
