We sailed our first Japan Cruise 2024 | Our Honest Full Review | The Good, Bad and Ugly

[@amyhadley6021]

I always appreciate you pointing out things that may be an issue for people with health or physical disabilities

[@davidh2420]

we did that exact cruise a few weeks ahead of you. We sailed on July 14th. I wonder what happened on your sailing with customs/immigrations. We had NONE of these issues. There was one day we all had to go to immigration that was set up on the ship in the Main Dining Room. You had assigned times, it was maybe 20 minutes start to finish. On and off in Korea was also easy, I don't remember any long lines. We walked off early, hit the money exchange trailer and got on free shuttle bus that took us downtown. From there UBER everywhere which was real cheap. I saw a video about the lack of trash bins, so we took some grocery store plastic bags from home and used them. Japan cruise is amazing, and I feel the best way to see many cities.

[@KC-ef6zv]

I agreed with you. I just posted my comments. I didn't experience any of the "finger printing" process that the posters talked about.

[@paulstjean8035]

I lived in Japan for 4 years and I loved the whole country. Sapporo was beautiful especially in the winter. I loved watching you all in the vlogs.

[@jtrav2025]

My daughter lived in Japan and ate almost all her meals at the Convenience Stores (7-11 and others). Fresh and delicious choices. She also had told me about a lot of the things you mentioned. Excellent overview!

[@kategibb5245]

My daughter is on that cruise at the moment,she got on when you got off.Your videos are so informative and I've been passing on snippets of information, especially the ugly bit

[@carolatchley3797]

Maybe I was Japanese in a past life, but I have always been drawn to Japanese culture and food. I would love to go, and your video has been really helpful. Thank you so much!

[@jacquelinewilliamson8265]

We just got off the Celebrity Millenium and although we wanted to try the bullet train we found the cruise line provided fabulous transportation into town as we docked. We also found using Uber to be fantastic. They send local taxis but you don’t have to find taxi stands or wait and often were about 1300 yen. We thought taxis were so easy and affordable and we had a group of 16 traveling. We got rerouted because of Typhoon Shanshan and were so impressed with our Captain to get us out of harms way so quickly. We loved our 12 day cruise and topped it off with Disneyland Tokyo. I want to bring my family back.

[@loriwelln7321]

We cruised around the north side this past April for Cherry Blossoms and returning in April 2025 doing more of the southern ports. The Suica is fantastic and it also works for payment in 7-11 and lots of other places.

[@mJazzle]

I was hoping to learn more about the actual cruise, but learning about immigration at the end made me really glad I stuck around for the whole video. Thanks!

[@MermaidKerri]

Great video guys!! I am considering this cruise and this was very informational.

[@andariegos9466]

For my husband’s 60th bday we will be taking a 14-day cruise from Seattle to Yokohama from 9/30-10/15. Then spending 3 weeks in Japan and the last 3 or 4 days in S. Korea and flying back home (FL) from there. I’ve been trying to watch Japan/S. Korea videos and I’ve find yours the most helpful. Some really great tips to keep in mind. Thank you!

[@JJCruise]

We are so happy to hear! Thanks for watching and have a wonderful trip!

[@helenrizi4719]

Ty for the tips- going in August so appreciated this video.

[@MiriamPrell]

Thanks for your insights. We’ll be taking our second trip to Japan next March and April 2025, our fourth Holland America cruise since we started the cruising lifestyle in September 2023. We’ll start on land for about a week, sail for 14 nights, travel independently over land for 14 nights, and then board the same ship, the Noordam from Yokohama to Vancouver, B.C., Canada for 14 nights, and fly home to California upon disembarking. We’ll be home by mid-May. LOVE JAPAN!

[@RichardBlock-kc3eg]

Hi JJ: This is Dickie who, with my wife Mila, met you both at the martini bar the first night of the cruise. Sorry we didn’t cross paths after that. We loved the cruise though the Millenium lacked the bells and whistles of the newest Edge ships. It was nice being on an older elegant ship on a cruise where the itinerary and not the ship was the destination. In hot weather we use neck fans ( off the internet) and in Japan all convenience stores sell “ -1 degree celsius” menthol wipes which you can put under your collar. We stayed in The Retreat which provides a smaller ship experience. We were on back to back sailings (8/7 and 8/19). Interesting that Celebrity cancelled going to North Japan Hakodate without any explanation on the 8/7 cruise but went there to avoid the typhoon on the 8/19 cruise. Many passengers were upset about this on the earlier cruise. We love back to back cruises on Celebrity and are booked to go around the British Isles and then Amsterdam to Barcelona next August. Maybe we’ll fun into you both again!

[@loissartori8701]

Oh my goodness! Now I understand why so many Japanese tourists are taking pictures by trash cans and not the beautiful surroundings! Thank you! Lois😄

[@ginsil7284]

🤣

[@patriciaedwards5834]

I don't recall seeing public trash cans in my almost 2 week stay.

[@shellyvick6300]

We went on a 3 week cruise to Japan with Viking. A couple of things that were unique: it was hard to find breakfast (finally resorted to McDonald's), and we had to have our passports with us at all times. Definitely one of our favorite cruises. Japan is clean, safe, and very inexpensive.

[@SimsfanCrystal]

Hi from Texas! It's so great to see y'all in a video together! I know y'all have been super busy with your business, and I'm glad to hear it, but it's just so nice that y'all are paired up for this one. Japan is def on my bucket list so I'm looking forward to what tips and tricks y'all have learned.

[@tceller08]

We did the Millennium in Japan last year in November. Fabulous weather! Break big bills at 7-11. Learning local customs and manners any time you travel is just common sense and common courtesy. Few trips turn out well if you haven’t done your homework Kagoshima was one of my favorites, you need to go back 😊

[@scherzva]

I was on this cruise June 19-31, 2024. It as quite humid.

[@randijaffe-7665]

Great video guys! Love how you explain all categories and not add lots of fluff!!

[@madameyong2765]

I’m going to Japan next April 2025 and this cruise sounds ideal for a Solo 65 year old Lady traveller👍🏻☺️

[@CynthiaAntonelli]

So informative! Thank you so much for giving such good advice!!!!

[@debesevening3335]

Was fortunate enough to have lived in Japan for 14 years. I would adore getting to go back on a cruise, we left there 30 yrs ago, I can only imagine the changes. Hopefully we will get back there one more time....

[@stovinh.2446]

Wow! Another absolute gem! Thanks guys for such in depth analysis and helpful advice for this part of the world. There’s a lot of content out there, but your format makes it easy to understand in a very objective way. Keep ‘em coming!

[@cindybuege5792]

Just came back from a Panama Canal cruise that disembarked in Miami. Immigration and customs took almost a full 2 hours there this week.

[@KC-ef6zv]

I entered Kagoshima, Japan on a Princess cruise in April 2024 but don't recalled the finger printing issue the posters talked about. It was very easy leaving the cruise terminal and it was the same way coming back to the cruise ship. We just showed our cruise badge and walked right through custom. When I disembark in Yokohama, it was the same - no finger printing whatsoever.

[@pickypants9696]

Great breakdown on traveling to Japan! I think I'd stick to the blossom season, even if it's more crowded and expensive, because I hate heat and humidity. I swear my sweat, sweats!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@johnd.9]

I have a 14-day cruise booked with Norwegian that leaves Tokyo in late March and sails to Seoul, South Korea. Cannot wait. ❣️💯🇨🇦🇯🇵🇰🇷

[@zylbygdfn6542]

It’s going to be very cold

[@elainebyrne1039]

We went in October 2023 and the weather was great plus we saw Mt Fuji multiple times. From Millennium whilst in port at Shimizu; visible all day and from pir hotel room in Yokohama (Yokohama Royal Park 61st floor).

[@Keep-on-ok]

Good to know. We love Europe in October too!

[@EmmaCruises]

Yes! The heat in Japan is crazy, I wanted to just burn my clothes about 3x a day 🤣

[@MeredithHM]

I lived in Japan 30 years ago as a kid & I want to go back & visit so much! This video had great info & had very helpful tips.

[@sueodlin5596]

Great video!! I have travelled Japan many times and always felt safe. Usually I took small gifts with me and randomly gave them to children (checking with a parent first).

[@arleenwallace3550]

So happy you had a great time!!! Japan is on our bucket list and the information you gave us here was so helpful. Thank you!!’ Looking forward to your next cruise❤

[@sircharlesmormont9300]

It's funny that ramen is becoming so popular in the west. To me, it has always been what you eat when you're trying to make it to the next pay day!

[@billgracey6369]

Ramen restaurants are much more sophisticated than nuking some noodles and powder in a microwave!

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

I ate breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts at 7-11, including wine, which was $4.95 for a whole bottle of yellowtail australian wine back in 2019. Cheap eats and super delicious.

[@Maria-rv8wb]

Thanks for your very informative video.

[@stevanc2790]

This ship is superb especially for its age. Do your homework before going somewhere and by that I mean check the weather at that time of the year you plan to travel . On a boat with this capacity of passengers, some ports will take time so try to be patient and always carry water with you. Japan doesn’t always need prepaid excursions when you reach a port. I would say 90% of the tourist go-to sites can easy be reached by public transport or even walking if you want to get your steps in. We made a significant saving by doing a lot of the excursions by ourselves and you too could if you spent 5-10 minutes doing some homework and a map handy of the port of call. Enjoy your trip.

[@batshevanivylerner8582]

Japan is one of our favorite countries in the world. It's difficult for me to imagine cruising Japan, as it misses out on so much of what makes Japan Japan. But i suppose like visiting everywhere, it's a softer landing for some people.

[@thomasvanantwerp728]

The strict and meticulous immigration procedures of Japan is what makes it such a great country: safe, clean, efficient, and orderly.

[@sharimissmanmiller1185]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing! Really enjoy your content ❤❤

[@tdub18914]

We were on the Millennium in August, but had a slightly different route. It was fun seeing some of the same sights again so soon via your video!

[@donnapee8402]

Omg thank you, guys. I'm hoping I can get a good deal on a japan trip . I love the Japanese people. I would never fear eating anything there. It is the cleanest country. Thank you for your helpful video

[@Keep-on-ok]

True story, When I applied for my TSA Pre-check clearance, the officer told me that I don’t have fingerprints! He said I could rob a bank and not get caught. Interesting but that felt strange coming from a TSA agent.

[@anntuck2170]

This has been so helpful! We're going for Spring Flowers in April.

[@JJCruise]

We are so glad to hear!! Enjoy the cherry Blossoms 🌸

[@debrawhitmore6553]

This is the first video of yours that I have watched-really enjoyed it! I live and worked in Japan about 40 (40!!!) years ago and am booked on a Princess Cruise to go back next year. So, I am very interested in your insights as cruising Japan will be different from what I have previously experienced. The exchange rate is exception right now, so may buy some currency even though my cruise is still a year off. Really appreciate the info about immigration as I am not able to stand for long periods of time so will definitely take that into consideration! Will be recommending your channel to my travel companions.

[@emmaarcher8095]

THANK YOU! Great video. Japan Cruise is on my bucket list

[@onebeached1]

Mid Oct is a greats time to visit, you cal fall color. I have been twice and no rain and average temp in the 70’s. The Lake tour with sulfur Mtn and views of Mt. Fuji I would recommend.

[@SaraMC-v3b]

Your best piece of advice --- the importance of managing expectations!! People would have such a better time (complain less!) if we all prepared a bit better. Can't wait to visit Japan someday!!

[@carinolsson5544]

Going to Japan in April 2026 (!) for a two week cruise - you have to book well in advance for the cruises sell out. We're going with HAL.

[@margieura1146]

Everything you said is on point! I've been to Japan for land tours and a cruise and encountered most of what you spoke about! Thank you for sharing as we are anticipating another visit in the future! Japan is an awesome place to visit!

[@andrewsabol5045]

Great video, very informational. Thanks 👍 😃

[@jimboandkris]

Always great information! Thanks for all your hard work (and some fun too!).

[@Philanthropist97323]

Very Informative. Thank you. Thinking about Sailing on Royal's Spectrum Of The Seas December 2025.. Trying to look more into the ports.

[@JJCruise]

Happy to help book and advise on your cruise! Just fill out our form at JJCruise.com

[@Keep-on-ok]

I have zero desire to cruise to Japan but I do love your videos!

[@elainebyrne1039]

Re immigration coming back from S Korea in October 2023 (Kagoshima), I needed wheelchair service so it only took 30 mins as I was fastracked past the queue; Celebtity gave me a 'pusher' as my partner was on a ship excursion. I noticed they also fasttracked many passengers with mobility aids.

[@robertlake1395]

Thanks for the video. Japan is definitely on my bucket list. Taking a cruise will be my choice.

[@marleneambrister8669]

We are going to cruise Japan in April Next year through Royal. We have never been and are following you guys for your wonderful tips!!! We met you both on the Edge (I believe) about 4-5 years ago. I was the one who knew who you two were and was THRILLED to be able to meet you!!! Follow all of your videos and have learned SO much!! Keep up the great work and thank you so much for sharing!!!!

[@Keep-on-ok]

We met them both a few months back, also. Very nice young men.

[@JJCruise]

Aww thank you so much for following us ever since!!! 🤗 We hope you continue getting some great tips from future vids as well! 🇯🇵

[@nelsonshum6721]

We took the same cruise sailing on 8/31/24. Enjoy it very much!

[@QueenSuperJ]

Really Great Video! Thanks for sharing 😊😊

[@ritalee8781]

Hi JJ, I am going to Japan the second time this year in less than a week. Your video is spot on in many fronts. I have never been on a cruise in Japan and now a little hesitant about it given the Customs process. It is the last thing I want to do to be standing in lines just to get through Customs, it doesn’t sound courteous given Japan’s welcoming culture. Thanks again for the traveling tips, Japan is certainly a place that I will keep going back with the strong currency exchange that we enjoy now.

[@MyargonautsJason]

nice video and I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Japan. As someone who has lived in Japan since 2004, I do have to pushback on one thing you mentioned and that is retailers and shops refusing to accept larger bills. I have never had a shop refuse to accept a 10,000 yen note or a 5,000 yen note when i was buying something. Can is possibly happen at a small, mom&pop ramen shop in a small town - sure. But it shouldn't. 10,000yen notes are very common here and everyone uses them all the time. And if that ever were to happen, you could pop into any conbini and buy anything and get change for a 10,000 or 5,000yen note. Not to worry. But yes, having cash is always a good idea, altho the country is moving toward electronic payments more and more.

[@lenidave]

We have been to Japan 3 times,, 2 times by cruise and one time using the train system within the country. Our best cruise was the transpacific . We did Japan, South Korea and then crossed the ocean to Alaska and ended in Seattle. This included sites that were during the Cherry Blossom season. It was not as crowded because it was the shoulder season. The weather during this time was great and we did not have the hot weather you did during your August cruise.

[@CaMT888]

Wow, this is what I was looking for to do. Would you mind sharing the cruise line for this itinerary? Thanks

[@wendyon4517]

I live in Kagoshima. Too bad you were diverted. I'm sure that it was because of the same typhoon that "stranded" my daughter and me in Osaka. Our flights to Kagoshima were cancelled for 3 days... but Osaka was beautifully sunny but 35C... The immigration procedure is something I need to look into for Kagoshima port. Hopefully they are well set up to quickly get people through immigration. I'm surprised that it took so long in Hakodate... maybe because it wasnt a scheduled stop. My brother-in-law and his friends are thinking of doing a Japan cruise next year. I'll definitely let them know that going to Korea may incur a time penalty due to clearing immigration in Japan again. I should say that the heat and humidity continue into mid-October in Kagoshima at least. Then its perfect dry, mild weather for a few months. Also people should keep older ¥500 yen coins for vending machines. Many still dont accept the newer two-tone ones. Same goes for ¥1,000 notes. Older vending machines might not accept the recently updated bills... especially at ramen shops where you buy a ticket first.

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for sharing these top tips! We did notice the coins not always working but didn’t know why until now 😅

[@patriciaandrada4]

I was there first week of July, weather was good and not too hot. 😊

[@michaelwynn6372]

Great commentary and very informative. I am looking forward to my trip in 2026. Thanks 😊

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for watching! So glad you enjoyed it! 🥳

[@lorrainekelton6425]

I have a cruise to Japan in October. Thank you for that valuable information.

[@scherzva]

It’s a great cruise.

[@TheEmptyArmchair]

Thanks guys! Excellent video. Just booked ours for October 2026. Fingers crossed no typhoons!

[@timduggan1461]

I've been aboard the Millennium two times? I think. She isn't the newest, but no matter. Celebrity never disappoints.

[@SharonPerson-hm9ds]

@timduggan1461 - Sailed four times on Millennium to Alaska since 2010, and loved it. Was on Celebrity Apex last summer with an adult grandchild for a 12 night Best of Scandinavia cruise; we loved that ship, and the fabulous itinerary, too. My grandchild wanted to sail on Millennium again (their first cruise at 13 was on the Millennium to Alaska), and suggested Japan for this year. Because they work in a school district, we'd only be able to travel in the summer. At 72 yrs old, there's no way I could handle the type of heat Japan has in the summer, or the amount of walking I'd have to endure.🥵🥵🥵😅

[@scherzva]

I agree, I’ve taken three cruises on her.

[@SwimminWitDaFishies]

Your video just randomly popped into my feed today and I have to tell you, Jared's SUPER smiley face just pulled me right in! Loved your very interesting and informative treatment of this topic. I will check out and subscribe to your channel! 💙🪭💙

[@roneekalochan9889]

hiya which excursion in Kyoto and Jeju island did you book via celebrity cruises? thank you

[@maxinebarrett9919]

Loved your video. So much valuable information. Plan to go to Japan in 2026. Cannot wait.

[@JJCruise]

Thank you! Let us know when you decide to book as we’d love to book you! JJCruise.com 🐙

[@bridgetdavis9752]

Excellent video, thank you! I actually thought you were going to show a Japanese cruise on a Japanese cruise ship. That would be so cool too.

[@paulies1871]

In Japan, it's considered bad manners to walk and eat or drink . That's why there are only trash receptacles where they sell the food or drinks.

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you for the information. Can’t wait to visit.

[@limacom]

Great travel advice

[@tonigerdelan5647]

Thanks guys!!! For some context, regarding your experience in Japan, was this your first time travelling (as opposed to transet) in Asia?

[@caraoleary3789]

Did you get to Tokyo Disney? That's my favorite park of the intro, is Jarrod walking thru the ears to board the ship.

[@neresq]

We have been to Nagasaki, Japan as part of a 17 night Southeast Asia cruise we took back in 2016. But we still have a circle Japan cruise on our bucket list. We WERE supposed to cruise there in September 2021 (literally, cruising TO there) on a Princess cruise from Whittier, Alaska to Tokyo which would then circle all of Japan. But the cruise fell victim to the covid pandemic and we haven't found a comparable replacement since then. But we keep looking...

[@patriciaandrada4]

What cruise line was this?

[@MiniJCW22]

This video makes me want to go back to Japan asap! Tokyo is still my favorite city, glad you were able to enjoy it, despite the heat!

[@Blondenightmares1]

Great video ! We're doing the 12 nights best of Japan on the Millenium on 12th September 😊

[@Kecarter1]

Great tips guys, thank you so much

[@regischen]

Very nice video :) I recently did a 22 days Japan cruise on the Diamond Princess. We stopped at two South Korean ports of Jeju and Busan. I guess we got lucky because our immigration time for those two stops were much shorter than your experience.

[@ckbarry]

Lots of great tips - thanks. I’m curious how your week on land was. I’m in beginning stages of planning a trip to Japan and I’ve seen quite a lot of info on what to see on land. I’ve never done a cruise before and trying to decide if it should be all land, all cruise or a mixture. Leaning toward a mix. I’m wondering if you feel like you missed out on staying longer at some places you liked by being on the cruise? Or maybe that was a good respite? How might you do things differently next time..if anything. Thanks

[@Sparks_Alive]

You have raised my interest in going to Japan. Seems like an ideal way. 🙂Great video. Thanks

[@simplyaj4006]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@billybob7088]

Great information, as we are looking at this sailing some day

[@mm-yt8sf]

it seems surreal that a place without trash cans have such clean streets 😀

[@pickypants9696]

I could be wrong, but I believe I've heard a few times there are extreme consequences in Japan if ever caught littering. 😜

[@makotito73]

​​​​@@pickypants9696Yes you are wrong. You're mistaking it for Singapore. There are no extreme consequences for littering in Japan. We don't litter not because we're afraid of being punished but because we just want our streets and cities clean, that's all.

[@laurieGaryCruise]

Looks amazing! We have a Japan 2026 cruise goal! The good definitely looks like it outweighed the ugly!

[@JJCruise]

Absolutely 😉

[@jenniferproctor3142]

Loved the video J&J. Can you please share with me the tour guide that you hired for your Kyoto tour? Thank you

[@debsmith3448]

After hearing this video, I would actually go to Japan on a cruise now. Very interesting content. Thanks!

[@NLMusique]

Great video. I heard that bringing in medications can be a problem and we need to ask for permission first. Is that correct?

[@JJCruise]

Many medications are not legal in Japan but are legal in the U.S. In example, Benadryl was not allowed so we had to get a prescription medicine that is allowed in Japan prior to traveling there since Jordan has a severe food allergy.

[@super60sand70s]

Great info. I am leaving for my Japan cruise next month.

[@bonniekuhl1003]

Excellent information. We have been to Japan twice....it is a marvelous country to visit!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@steveong4738]

Great video. What month did you cruise and was the weather stormy as we are prone to motion sickness?

[@robertboyd5257]

Just discovered your channel. You guys are AWESOME!!!!!!!!

[@caromitchell1125]

Thank you Going around Japan cruise this coming October.

[@croberts709]

Have you been to Singapore? I felt that immigration was way worse then when we entered Japan. Really, I didn't think Japan was so bad but maybe the cruise line did a better job preparing us for it, we knew what it was going to be like. Entering Singapore...jeez I never showed my passport so many times going off and coming back on the ship.

[@mm-yt8sf]

"oh i love japanese tea ceremony where life slows down in a stately and ceremonial way so you can be mindful of life" "then you'll love our immigration check in!"

[@geograph-ology4343]

Guys, if you think Japan in August was bad, only go to Miami in March. Basically, everyone from Palm Beach to the Keys should be evacuated in August and September.

[@AussieGirl-x6d]

When did you guys travel? What month?