Diamond Princess returns to Japan in 2025 with 35 cruises

The March through August season features the Japan-built Diamond Princess sailing from Yokohama to 36 destinations in three countries. Thirty-five cruises are available, ranging from seven to 22 days. 

'Our upcoming 2025 season features itineraries and offerings crafted with area tourism boards to showcase the best of the local art, cuisine, music and popular culture,' Princess President John Padgett said.

Wide-ranging itineraries

Itinerary highlights include 10-day and new 11-day spring flowers cruises in March and April, visiting all four main islands and following the predicted blooming season as it moves from south to north.

Nine-day southern islands itineraries make two calls at the Okinawan islands and two calls at Taiwan, including a return to Hualien.

Nine-day and 10-day Sea of Japan voyages feature ports along the historic Kitamaebune trading route.

Ten-day Hokkaido cruises visit Otaru (for Sapporo), Hakodate and Kushiro.

And 10-day 'Japan Explorer' voyages call at some of the country’s most iconic destinations like Shimizu (for Mount Fuji), Osaka or Kobe (for Kyoto), Hiroshima and others.

Summer festivals

Traditional Japanese festivals take place throughout the country in the summer, especially in August. Princess cruises will provide access to four of these: Aomori Nebuta Festival (Aug. 2 and 7), Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival (Aug. 12), Tokushima Awa Dance Festival (Aug. 13) and Kumano Fireworks Festival (Aug. 17).

Four late-night 'More Ashore' calls include Aomori (for Nebuta Festival), Kochi (for Yosakoi Festival), Shimizu (for Mount Fiji) and Tokushima (for Awa Odori Festival).

Cruise-tour

Passengers have options to combine a cruise with a land tour for a deeper look at Kyoto and Tokyo. They'll visit Kyoto's gardens, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Participants also have more time to explore bustling Tokyo and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Fuji with stunning views from Togendai and Lake Ashi.