The boom in the cruise market in Japan

Japan is one of the fastest-growing cruise destinations and within two years passenger numbers have grown 488% from 170,000 guests in 2013 to one million in 2015.

The trend looks set to continue as tourists remain hungry to discover the ‘real Japan’ rather than visit the major cities of Tokyo or Kyoto – and this represents a huge opportunity for the cruise trade, says Tetsuji Hashimoto, CEO of Kitakyushu Seaport Bureau.

Mr Hashimoto, who was in London for the Japanese Embassy’s first Japan Cruise Seminar in February, said ports from north to south of Japan were preparing to welcome more cruise ships.

re cruise ships. “We can enable passengers to explore the country’s ancient history and traditions, its countryside, arts and industrial heritage,” he said.

The ‘Rare Gems of Japan’ seminar featured five port destinations and representatives from cruise companies including Noble Caledonia, Silversea Cruises, Princess Cruises and Carnival, alongside specialist tour operators and travel agents, heard about each of the ports’ unique offerings.

Aomori offers ancient and modern beauty; Kanazawa is the home of the Samurai, Geisha and spectacular cherry blossom; Sakai is known for its stunning scenery and mysterious legends; KitaKyushu has a historic industrial heart but is now a leading eco-city and Kobe is a stylish city that has seen rapid development and is the gateway to western culture.

Princess Cruises featured 23 itineraries to Japan in 2015 and has 80 cruises planned for 2016. Tony Roberts, vice president of Princess Cruises UK, said: “Over the last couple of years we have seen strong demand from the UK market for Asia cruises and it is now our second-most popular destination.

“We offer a variety of itineraries, designed to appeal to the local Japanese market as well as international travellers. These comprise of cruises that sail solely around Japanese ports or voyages that visit Japan as well as other countries in Asia.

“We have also seen an increase in short voyages around Japan which allow UK guests to combine a cruise with a land holiday. There are also 14 to 20-night cruises for a more immersive experience.” Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is optimistic the cruise sector will boost UK visitor numbers from 71 cruise calls in 2015 to 256 calls in 2016.

Travel industry teams can sign up for Japan Tourism’s free online training programme Visit www.seejapan.co.uk for details or email Yumi Takakubo, Travel Trade Partnerships Manager on [email protected]

Fast Facts
48% rise in Japan’s cruise guest
265 cruise calls in 2016