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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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).
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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 😊
@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.🥵🥵🥵😅
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.
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....
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.
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❤
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!! 🤣🤣🤣
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! 💙🪭💙
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.
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.
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...
Doing a cruise in Oct. 2024 circling Japan. We stop 1 day in Busan Korea. So, we have to go through immigration both ways? Into Korea, and returning onto the ship?
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.
Hi their on your excursion from kyoto did you go to nara or what did it involve , we are going on the same cruise next april and what excursion did you do on Je Ju island sorry for the spelling
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).
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!!!!
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!!
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.
Japan is on my bucket list😊 I’ve been to China and Hong Kong and that is the hottest I have ever been😳We went in May and the humidity was unbearable. For Japan, we can’t decide if a cruise or land tour would be better. Your thoughts?
Great information-I have booked the same cruise for 2026! We are actually doing a back2back starting in Singapore ending in Japan & then your cruise-would appreciate other tour tips-Thanks & love your videos
Great Video! My husband has difficulty walking and can not stand very long. Would you recommend this cruise. Sounds like from video it would be extremely difficult. Thanks for your thoughts
Thanks for all your great videos! We are in the initial planning for a Japan cruise for 2026. I SUBSCRIBED to your channel today based on this video! Question, we are in our fifties, how can we navigate the immigration issues when there are long wait times. Do the cruise lines assist with this?
Going to 12 night Japan cruise on Sept 24. Thanks for the great information. Couple of questions about the immigration issue: Do you recommend NOT doing a port activity in South Korea to avoid getting off ship and going through customs? Does everyone on the ship have to go through customs coming back if you didn't get off the ship?
Thank you for an excellent program and informative tips as to what you need to know and prepare yourself while traveling through Japan. I love your positive attitudes and respect for the Japanese culture. Thank you fir your time and effort making a wonderful and informative video. Happy and safe travels to you both.
The immigration process might be due to your cruise line. I took a 21-day cruise around Japan on Diamond Princess with 4000 people and not one port did we have a problem going through the immigration. It was last year.
The information about the climate and immigration will be invaluable as we plan our trip to Japan. We were debating whether to take a cruise or attempt a land tour on our own. But, we can't do that many steps a day and I was dangerously over heated at the Taj Mahal once, so I know I don't want to stand in immigration returning from S. Korea.
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.
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.
Question- How much and fast paced is the walking? I have a bad back and can only walk for about 10 min before I need to sit for a couple min. Would these guided tours in Japan and Europe be too much for someone like me?
We did this cruise in March, with a slight different itinerary. Pretty rough to get around. 15-20k steps a day many of the shrines and temples don’t have accessibility options. Most of the accessible people stay at the bottom and didn’t go up to the castles and shrines.
@@eddieor5964- Last year did a 12 night Best of Scandinavia cruise on Celebrity Apex. Adult grandchild and I loved both the ship and the itinerary. I do remember saying, as we were walking uphill on cobblestones before climbing up steps to go into a beautiful, historic church, "they don't have an 'American with 'Disabilities' Act here in Europe". I felt like I had walked at least 500 miles in 18 days (and 4 of those were sea days on the ship!). Would do it again in a heartbeat, though.😊💖
I'll be on a transpacific from Seattle to Japan in October. Do you know anything about the immigration process if you are coming across the ocean from the US, as opposed to flying in or coming in from Korea? Just want to set my expectations. I do have a cruise line shore excursion booked for our first Japan port. Also, how is the process flying out of Tokyo to return to the US? Is it also lengthier than, say, Heathrow or Rome Fiumcino? Thanks for your videos. I'm more excited now for my first visit to Japan.
I am so happy you were able to visit Kyoto! I love that little city and the Imperial palace. Japan is a must hit for anyone who loves to travel! I'm going back next spring but not taking a cruise☹ Glad you guy's had a great time!!! Fantastic Video!
Looks like Japan met all your expectations.Sounds like the bad and the ugly weren't so bad and ugly just being prepared. Look forward to all your tips and tricks for the caribbean group trip in 2026.
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.
I always appreciate you pointing out things that may be an issue for people with health or physical disabilities
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.
I agreed with you. I just posted my comments. I didn't experience any of the "finger printing" process that the posters talked about.
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.
Guys, this was really a well put together review. Very extensive, and love the suggestions and intricate points you highlighted.
Thank you
Thanks for watching and sharing your kind words! 🤗
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!
We are so happy to hear! Thanks for watching and have a wonderful trip!
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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😄
🤣
I don't recall seeing public trash cans in my almost 2 week stay.
I’m going to Japan next April 2025 and this cruise sounds ideal for a Solo 65 year old Lady traveller👍🏻☺️
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).
Good to know. We love Europe in October too!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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 😊
I was on this cruise June 19-31, 2024. It as quite humid.
Thanks guys! Excellent video. Just booked ours for October 2026. Fingers crossed no typhoons!
I've been aboard the Millennium two times? I think. She isn't the newest, but no matter. Celebrity never disappoints.
@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.🥵🥵🥵😅
I agree, I’ve taken three cruises on her.
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!
Ramen restaurants are much more sophisticated than nuking some noodles and powder in a microwave!
I have a 14-day cruise booked with Norwegian that leaves Tokyo in late March and sails to Seoul, South Korea. Cannot wait. ❣️💯🇨🇦🇯🇵🇰🇷
It’s going to be very cold
Great video guys! Love how you explain all categories and not add lots of fluff!!
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.
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.
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....
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.
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❤
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!
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.
Thanks for sharing these top tips! We did notice the coins not always working but didn’t know why until now 😅
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.
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.
Loved the video J&J. Can you please share with me the tour guide that you hired for your Kyoto tour? Thank you
Thanks guys!!! For some context, regarding your experience in Japan, was this your first time travelling (as opposed to transet) in Asia?
Great video. What month did you cruise and was the weather stormy as we are prone to motion sickness?
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.
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.
Wow, this is what I was looking for to do. Would you mind sharing the cruise line for this itinerary? Thanks
This has been so helpful! We're going for Spring Flowers in April.
We are so glad to hear!! Enjoy the cherry Blossoms 🌸
So informative! Thank you so much for giving such good advice!!!!
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!! 🤣🤣🤣
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! 💙🪭💙
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.
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.
it seems surreal that a place without trash cans have such clean streets 😀
I could be wrong, but I believe I've heard a few times there are extreme consequences in Japan if ever caught littering. 😜
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...
Looks like an amazing place to visit.
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.
Doing a cruise in Oct. 2024 circling Japan. We stop 1 day in Busan Korea.
So, we have to go through immigration both ways? Into Korea, and returning onto the ship?
Thanks for your very informative video.
We took the same cruise sailing on 8/31/24. Enjoy it very much!
Always great information! Thanks for all your hard work (and some fun too!).
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.
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.
I will be contact with you the end of December for my 2025 Cruise on Royal Caribbean 😊
Look forward to booking your cruise!
@@JJCruise So do I
Hi their on your excursion from kyoto did you go to nara or what did it involve , we are going on the same cruise next april and what excursion did you do on Je Ju island sorry for the spelling
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).
It’s hard to decide though! Do you travel in heat or travel when tourist masses are large?!
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!!!!
We met them both a few months back, also. Very nice young men.
Aww thank you so much for following us ever since!!! 🤗
We hope you continue getting some great tips from future vids as well! 🇯🇵
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!!
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.
Japan is on my bucket list😊 I’ve been to China and Hong Kong and that is the hottest I have ever been😳We went in May and the humidity was unbearable. For Japan, we can’t decide if a cruise or land tour would be better. Your thoughts?
This is one of the best videos you have created. Very useful information as I am cruising Japan next May and I have noted all your pointers.
Thanks Anne! So glad to hear! 🥳
Great information-I have booked the same cruise for 2026! We are actually doing a back2back starting in Singapore ending in Japan & then your cruise-would appreciate other tour tips-Thanks & love your videos
The strict and meticulous immigration procedures of Japan is what makes it such a great country: safe, clean, efficient, and orderly.
When did you guys travel? What month?
Great Video! My husband has difficulty walking and can not stand very long. Would you recommend this cruise. Sounds like from video it would be extremely difficult. Thanks for your thoughts
Thanks for all your great videos! We are in the initial planning for a Japan cruise for 2026. I SUBSCRIBED to your channel today based on this video! Question, we are in our fifties, how can we navigate the immigration issues when there are long wait times. Do the cruise lines assist with this?
Going to 12 night Japan cruise on Sept 24. Thanks for the great information. Couple of questions about the immigration issue:
Do you recommend NOT doing a port activity in South Korea to avoid getting off ship and going through customs? Does everyone on the ship have to go through customs coming back if you didn't get off the ship?
Did you get to Tokyo Disney? That's my favorite park of the intro, is Jarrod walking thru the ears to board the ship.
Thank you for an excellent program and informative tips as to what you need to know and prepare yourself while traveling through Japan. I love your positive attitudes and respect for the Japanese culture. Thank you fir your time and effort making a wonderful and informative video. Happy and safe travels to you both.
The immigration process might be due to your cruise line. I took a 21-day cruise around Japan on Diamond Princess with 4000 people and not one port did we have a problem going through the immigration. It was last year.
THANK YOU! Great video. Japan Cruise is on my bucket list
Great video!! Thanks for sharing! Really enjoy your content ❤❤
I use google translate and always have data roaming, WiFi is accessible all over even in small shopping areas
Yes! The heat in Japan is crazy, I wanted to just burn my clothes about 3x a day 🤣
I was there first week of July, weather was good and not too hot. 😊
I have a cruise to Japan in October. Thank you for that valuable information.
It’s a great cruise.
The information about the climate and immigration will be invaluable as we plan our trip to Japan. We were debating whether to take a cruise or attempt a land tour on our own. But, we can't do that many steps a day and I was dangerously over heated at the Taj Mahal once, so I know I don't want to stand in immigration returning from S. Korea.
What cruise line was this?
You have raised my interest in going to Japan. Seems like an ideal way. 🙂Great video. Thanks
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.
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.
Thank you Going around Japan cruise this coming October.
Question- How much and fast paced is the walking? I have a bad back and can only walk for about 10 min before I need to sit for a couple min. Would these guided tours in Japan and Europe be too much for someone like me?
We did this cruise in March, with a slight different itinerary. Pretty rough to get around. 15-20k steps a day many of the shrines and temples don’t have accessibility options. Most of the accessible people stay at the bottom and didn’t go up to the castles and shrines.
@@eddieor5964- Last year did a 12 night Best of Scandinavia cruise on Celebrity Apex. Adult grandchild and I loved both the ship and the itinerary.
I do remember saying, as we were walking uphill on cobblestones before climbing up steps to go into a beautiful, historic church, "they don't have an 'American with 'Disabilities' Act here in Europe". I felt like I had walked at least 500 miles in 18 days (and 4 of those were sea days on the ship!).
Would do it again in a heartbeat, though.😊💖
I did the cruise after them, August 19-31, 2024. You will walk a lot!
Great information, as we are looking at this sailing some day
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!
I'll be on a transpacific from Seattle to Japan in October. Do you know anything about the immigration process if you are coming across the ocean from the US, as opposed to flying in or coming in from Korea? Just want to set my expectations. I do have a cruise line shore excursion booked for our first Japan port. Also, how is the process flying out of Tokyo to return to the US? Is it also lengthier than, say, Heathrow or Rome Fiumcino? Thanks for your videos. I'm more excited now for my first visit to Japan.
Going under that bridge is just crazy…only inches.
How much Won did you need at Jeju? Did local vendors take credit card?
Japan is on our bucket list to do so your videos were very informative .
Thank you for the information. Can’t wait to visit.
Great video, very informational. Thanks 👍 😃
Great tips guys, thank you so much
I am so happy you were able to visit Kyoto! I love that little city and the Imperial palace. Japan is a must hit for anyone who loves to travel! I'm going back next spring but not taking a cruise☹ Glad you guy's had a great time!!! Fantastic Video!
There is also an app on android and apple to help navigate the trains. Very helpful
Great video ! We're doing the 12 nights best of Japan on the Millenium on 12th September 😊
Looks like Japan met all your expectations.Sounds like the bad and the ugly weren't so bad and ugly just being prepared. Look forward to all your tips and tricks for the caribbean group trip in 2026.
Celebrity Beyond 2026 Group Cruise will be AMAZING!! 🤩