Diamond Princess Japan Cruise: Seven Ports, One Volcano, and A Lot of Sushi

If you think a Diamond Princess Japan Cruise is all polite tea ceremonies and tranquil temple visits, think again. This 10-day round-trip from Yokohama served up castles, volcanoes, sacred shrines, Korean BBQ, and enough sushi to sink a samurai. Throw in bathhouse bliss, street market madness, and a ship that spoils you silly, and you’ve got a cruise that’s equal parts cultural deep dive and floating five-star hotel.

Diamond Princess Cruises Japan Itinerary

This trip, flying from Brisbane to Tokyo with a limousine transfer to Yokohama and an overnight stay before cruising, took 11 days with an overnight flight back to Brisbane.  The Princess itinerary varies between cruises with alternating ports so you could easily have a different ports list.  Ports also change according to the weather, which you’ll understand when you read the story.  Some passengers were doing back-to-back Japan cruises, which meant a second visit to a port and a chance to see different things, while others had cruised on the ship all the way from Australia.

Day 1: Arrival in Yokohama

Flight QF61 | Brisbane to Narita | Intercontinental Yokohama Grand

One of Japan’s major port cities, Yokohama, blends waterfront modernity with cultural richness, including one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. Just 30 minutes south of Tokyo, it’s a popular embarkation point for cruises and a fascinating city in its own right.

Touchdown Tokyo, transfer to Yokohama, and check into the Intercontinental Yokohama Grand. After nine hours squeezed into an economy airline seat, sinking into a business-class-style reclining car seat, with a footrest and a seat warmer, felt like pure bliss. I dozed off as we cruised from Narita Airport to Yokohama, where our adventure aboard the Diamond Princess begins! 

First hotel impressions? Very Titanic—but the good part before the iceberg. We arrived around 8 pm and went straight to our room to relax.  I was amazed walking through the door to see a fairyland view full of coloured lights.  We were opposite Yokohama Cosmo World, an amusement park full of rides.

RELATED POST – Economy Class Flight Review Brisbane to Tokyo & Return 

Diamond Princess Japan cruise

Day 2: A Rainy Detour

We boarded Diamond Princess the next morning and were supposed sail off into the sunset the next day, except Mother Nature had other plans. Cue: horizontal rain and a bonus night in  Yokohama and bye-bye Beppu.

As the ship stayed firmly in dock at Yokohama I thought this is a chance to see Yokohama’s famous The CupNoodles Museum. This is a shrine to the world’s greatest lazy meal, where you can honour the noodle overlord Momofuku Ando, design your own instant masterpiece, and leave feeling like a carb-loaded culinary genius with MSG in your soul. Sadly, everyone else had that thought before me, and it was booked out.

Instead, while others dodged puddles, we wandered into Yokohama’s Chinatown. The food was tantalising, the aromas were teasing, and my wallet? Empty. Note to self: get yen before drooling over street food.

Our cabin was Cabin A212, a standard balcony stateroom located on Deck 12 (Aloha Deck), port side, towards the forward section of the ship. It offers approximately 237 square feet of space, including the balcony. Cabin A212  delivers all the cruise essentials in a neat little package with the emphasis on little. You’ll sleep like royalty (or at least like mildly pampered nobility) on a queen-sized bed, and step out onto a private balcony just big enough for two chairs, a table, and dreams of Champagne sunsets. The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors give it a luxe touch, though you may find yourself playing a bit of balcony Tetris.

Inside, there’s a compact bathroom with a shower and the ever-faithful clingy cruise shower curtain—don’t fight it, it always wins. The cabin includes all the modern comforts: a flat-screen TV, mini fridge for sneaky snacks, a desk for writing postcards you’ll never send, and a spacious closet for your wildly overpacked suitcase. You’ve also got a hairdryer, digital safe, and the holy grail of cruise control—thermostat air con. With 24-hour room service and a nightly turndown, it’s cosy, efficient, and just private enough to forget your neighbours are doing exactly the same thing ten centimetres away.

Cruise Tip: Want to stretch out like the cruise royalty you are? Go for a Premium Balcony cabin on the Caribe Deck (Deck 10) of the Diamond Princess. These balconies are so spacious, you could host a small cocktail party. Two semi-recliners, two ottomans, two chairs, and a proper table.

Dinner:

On our first night at sea, I grabbed a couple of slices from Prego Pizzeria, but while it hit the spot after a long day, it didn’t quite measure up to the crisp, flavour-packed pies I devoured aboard Majestic Princess cruising through New Zealand.

RELATED POST: I Took a South Pacific Cruise with Princess – Here’s What Surprised Me Most

Diamond Princess Cruises Japan 

Princess Cruises Japan itinerary Bridge Tour

Day 3: A Ship Day with a Twist (and a Bridge Tour Bonus)

Beppu is known for its steamy onsen towns and volcanic hot springs, making it one of Japan’s most popular wellness destinations. Located on Kyushu’s eastern coast, the city offers surreal landscapes shaped by geothermal forces. Unfortunately, wild seas meant we missed our stop in Beppu, but the Diamond Princess turned it into an unexpected at-sea experience. I joined a behind-the-scenes tour of the bridge and met the captain—definitely a highlight.

I also spent a blissful hour in the Izumi Bathhouse, steaming away any lingering weather blues. This is a traditional Japanese onsen experience with a luxurious, ocean-going twist. As the largest Japanese-style bath at sea, Izumi offers gender-separated indoor and outdoor soaking areas, complete with steaming hot baths, stone benches, and views that stretch across the horizon. Whether you’re easing tired legs after a shore excursion or just indulging in the ritual of yu (bathing), it’s the ultimate unwind. There’s even a tranquil open-air bath where you can soak under the sky. As per Japanese custom, swimsuits are optional here, so leave your modesty at the door and embrace the bathhouse tradition (with plenty of towels on hand if you’re shy).

Dinner:

Dining at Kai Sushi on the Diamond Princess is like discovering a serene corner of Tokyo at sea. There’s a choice between a set menu and a la carte. The sushi is fresh, the chefs are artists, and the green tea ice cream with red bean paste is the sweet finale you didn’t know you needed. Dining at Kai Sushi is included in Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages.

Tip: The Izumi Bath is a standout feature on Diamond Princess and not to be missed. With indoor/outdoor Japanese-style onsen baths, it’s a tranquil oasis at sea. Entry is limited and books out quickly, especially on sea days.

Miyazaki samurai town

Day 4: Miyazaki – Castles, Samurai and Sacred Shores

Miyazaki, on the southeastern coast of Kyushu, is famed for its lush scenery, mythical shrines, and ties to Japanese creation legends. It’s also home to Obi Castle Town, a preserved samurai settlement that offers a rare window into feudal Japan.

Excursion – Aoshima & Obi Castle Town

Obi Castle Town swept us into a real-life samurai story, where stone walls still stand tall, traditional homes whisper of bygone eras, and a museum brims with feudal-era finery. Tucked into the lush heart of Miyazaki, the ancient forests surrounding Obi Castle invite you to step into another rhythm—slower, deeper, quieter. This is more than a stroll; it’s forest bathing—shinrin-yoku—a gentle invitation to unplug from the noise and plug into nature’s calm. Breathe in the clean, earthy air. Let the dappled light dance on your skin. This is where the forest leans in and listens. In the hush of Obi’s whispering woods, silence says it all. I wandered through this timeless realm on a Diamond Princess day excursion, and I may have left a little piece of my heart among the moss and maples.

Then it was off to Aoshima Island, a tropical gem just off the Miyazaki coast, where a jungle-fringed shrine—Aoshima Jinja—waits quietly amidst the lush greenery, promising good fortune to lovers and curious wanderers alike. Nestled among the subtropical forest, the vermilion gates of the shrine rise like a beacon, welcoming visitors to tie their wishes to the sacred trees and pray for happy unions, whether romantic or spiritual.

Don’t be fooled by the tranquil vibes—Aoshima has a wild side. Every year, it plays host to the Hadaka Matsuri, or Naked Men Festival, a centuries-old tradition where loincloth-clad men jostle for luck in a frenzied display of strength, spirit, and semi-nudity. It’s an unforgettable clash of sacred and surreal—proof that this seemingly serene island knows how to throw a party for the gods.

Dinner:

You can’t have too much of a good thing, and we were back again at Kai Sushi.  It definitely was a cruise favourite.

Diamond Princess Japan cruise -Kagoshima volcano tour

Day 5: Kagoshima – Vinegar Tastings and Volcano Views

Located at the foot of the Sakurajima volcano, Kagoshima is often called the “Naples of the East” thanks to its scenic bay and hot springs. The city also has deep ties to the powerful Shimazu clan, who ruled southern Japan for centuries.

Day Excursion – Kinko Bay Highlights – Shrines, Volcano and Vinegar

Kagoshima brought us face-to-face with Sakurajima, Japan’s ever-watchful, smouldering volcano, puffing gently on the horizon like it had stories to tell. We cruised around the bay, soaking in views of the ash-dusted peak before heading ashore to explore the city’s cultural and culinary gems.

A stop at Terukuni Shrine offered a moment of calm amidst towering torii gates and ancient cedar trees, before things took a tangy turn at a traditional black vinegar brewery. Here, rows of ceramic pots sat basking under the southern sun—each one part of a time-honoured fermentation process that transforms rice, water, and koji into liquid gold. This is kurozu country, and the vinegar is aged for up to five years in clay jars, developing deep, mellow complexity that’s as prized for its health benefits as it is for its umami bite.

Lunch at the facility was a revelation in balance and acidity—think pork simmered until tender in black vinegar glaze, vinegar-laced dressings on vibrant seasonal vegetables, and even a surprisingly delicate vinegar jelly for dessert. Who knew sour could be so sensational? This was a meal that danced on the palate—and left us eyeing those fermentation pots like they held the secrets to eternal youth.

Dinner: 

Spreading our wings, we decided to try Italian at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria. This restaurant serves up a taste of Tuscany at sea, with a menu inspired by traditional Italian flavours and crafted in collaboration with the famed Frescobaldi wine family. From truffle fettuccine to slow-braised meats, each dish is a celebration of regional Italian cooking, paired with an all-Italian wine list. It’s included with the Princess Premier Package or available for an additional cost.

Diamond Princess Japan cruise

Day 6: Diamond Princess Japan Cruise – Nagasaki – Peace, History and Dutch Charm

Nagasaki is a city of poignant contrasts, remembered for the devastating atomic bomb of 1945, but also celebrated for its centuries-long history as Japan’s gateway to the West. It’s home to peaceful parks, European architecture, and a legacy of cultural exchange.

Excursion: Best of Nagasaki

Nagasaki’s moving history took centre stage at Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum. Visiting the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park is a profoundly moving experience that leaves an indelible mark on the heart. The museum offers a sobering journey through the events of August 9, 1945, displaying artifacts like melted rosaries, a clock stopped at 11:02 a.m., and personal belongings of victims, each telling a poignant story of loss and resilience. Survivor testimonies and detailed exhibits convey the immense human cost of nuclear warfare, fostering a deep understanding of the tragedy’s impact. Adjacent to the museum, the Peace Memorial Park provides a tranquil space for reflection, featuring the iconic Peace Statue and various monuments dedicated to the victims and the global call for nuclear disarmament. Together, these sites not only commemorate the past but also serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace and the enduring human spirit. ​

Later, we explored the historic Dutch trading post of Dejima and the Western-style mansions of Glover Garden. This hillside park showcases the former residence of Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover, a key figure in Japan’s 19th-century industrial revolution. The centrepiece, the Former Glover Residence, was built in 1863 and stands as Japan’s oldest surviving Western-style house. It blends British and Japanese design elements and is affectionately linked to Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.

Dinner:

After a big day exploring, we decided to be lazy and dine in our stateroom. Room service on  Diamond Princess is available 24 hours a day, with a menu that includes everything from continental breakfast to hearty sandwiches, snacks, and desserts. Guests can place orders via the in-cabin TV or the MedallionClass app. Many items are complimentary, but some specialty dishes and beverages incur additional charges.

Tip: I found the room service coffee was the best available unless I went to Good Spirits at Sea on Deck 5.

Diamond Princess Japan cruise- Busan shore excursions

Day 7: Busan, South Korea – BBQ and Bargain Hunting

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, a buzzing seaside metropolis known for its seafood, street food, and sprawling shopping markets. It also boasts historic temples, dramatic beaches, and a lively dining scene that rivals Seoul.

Excursion: Premium Korean BBQ & Gukju International Market

We kicked off the day with a Korean BBQ experience that was nothing short of theatrical. Slices of marinated beef and pork belly hit the built-in tabletop grill with a dramatic sizzle, filling the air with smoky, mouthwatering aromas. Side dishes appeared in a flurry—kimchi, pickled radish, sesame spinach, and tiny bowls of sauces that made every bite pop. Tongs clicked, meat flipped, and before long, our table had transformed into a full-blown feast.

Bellies full, we headed to Gukje Market, a post-war institution turned shopping labyrinth, where “you never know what you’ll find” is part of the fun. Locals browse for bargains, tourists snack their way through food stalls, and somewhere between the vintage crockery and cheap electronics, you’ll find sweet, sticky hoddeok—fried pancakes filled with brown sugar and crunchy sunflower seeds. I couldn’t resist buying a few. I also may have walked away with a questionable K-pop keychain and some novelty socks shaped like sushi.

Dinner:

The Churrasco dining experience on Diamond Princess is where South American sizzle meets high-seas indulgence. Think juicy cuts of meat—beef, pork, lamb, and even spicy sausage, slow-roasted over an open flame and carved tableside by servers who somehow make skewers look stylish. It’s a carnivore’s carnival, with endless rounds of perfectly grilled protein accompanied by bold chimichurri, crisp salads, and Brazilian-inspired sides. Pair it with a bold red wine or a zesty caipirinha, and you’ve got a dinner that’s as theatrical as it is satisfying. It’s definitely not your average cruise buffet.

Tip: Go hungry and don’t peak too early.  Those fabulous meats will keep on coming.  I loved the pineapple too!

Intercontinental Yokohama Grand in Yokohama room view

Diamond Princess Japan cruise Sasebo island cruise

Day 8: Sasebo – Cruising the 99 Islands

Tucked into Kyushu’s western coastline, Sasebo is the launchpad for exploring the Kujukushima Islands—208 forested islets scattered across crystal blue water. The area is part of Saikai National Park and beloved for its natural beauty and maritime history.

Excursion: Kukukshima Islands Cruise

We boarded a sightseeing boat styled like an old-fashioned tall ship (but with a lift) and set off across the bay glidding past tiny forest-cloaked islets. The scenery was straight out of a travel brochure—serene, cinematic, and almost otherworldly. As we cruised, our guide shared the moving history of Kuroshima Island, one of only four inhabited islands in the group, where Japanese Catholics once sought refuge from persecution after the Shimabara Rebellion in the 17th century. Its brick church, a designated Important Cultural Property, still stands as a quiet symbol of faith and resilience.

Back on land, we wound our way up to Tenkaiho Lookout, perched high above the coastline. From the top, the panorama stretched across the shimmering sea, dotted with islands as far as the eye could see. It’s one of those rare places where you instinctively stop talking, just to take it all in.

Dinner:

We had dinner in the International Dining Room aboard Diamond Princess, which is included for all guests. It is a refined yet relaxed affair, where white tablecloths meet global menus and warm service. Each evening brings a rotating selection of elegant dishes—think seared scallops, slow-cooked lamb shanks, or perfectly crisp duck à l’orange—paired with thoughtfully selected wines and classic cruise ship charm. The atmosphere is quietly grand without being stuffy.

Tip: Diamond Princess showcases local flavours in the main dining rooms. From miso-glazed fish to matcha desserts, the menus often highlight the culinary traditions of ports you’re visiting. 

Diamond Princess Japan cruise formal night

Day 9: A Day at Sea – Spa Time, Sea Views and the Sweet Art of Doing Nothing

After a week of ports, palaces, and power-walking through markets, our day at sea felt like a gift. I started with a slow breakfast and a coffee with a view—because there’s nothing quite like watching the horizon stretch endlessly ahead while someone brings you eggs. The highlight? Another indulgent hour in the Izumi Bathhouse, soaking in steaming waters as the ship glided through open ocean, followed by a lazy wander through the boutiques and a quick nap in the sun-drenched Lotus Spa conservatory.

We also treated ourselves to a private escape in The Sanctuary, an exclusive adults-only retreat offering a serene alternative to the bustling outdoor decks. With a private pool, steam rooms, signature drinks, light meals, and even al fresco massages, it was indulgence on another level. Attentive Serenity Stewards were on hand with chilled face towels, Evian mist sprays, and whatever else we didn’t know we needed.

The afternoon was pure pampering as I prepped for formal night—a sleek updo at the salon, a fresh mani-pedi, and just enough sparkle to match the sunset. No schedule, no stress—just cruising at its most luxurious.

Tip: The Sanctuary is a bookable space and really worth it if you want a treat.

Dinner:

Back to  Sabatini’s.  How could I resist?

Tip: Head to The Sanctuary for Adult-Only Bliss. This exclusive deck space is worth the extra spend. Comfy loungers, personal stewards, al fresco spa treatments, and light meals make The Sanctuary ideal for sea days or a luxurious post-excursion recharge.

Day 10: Toba – Shinto Shrines and Sacred Cypress

Toba is located on the Shima Peninsula, home to Japan’s most sacred Shinto site, the Ise-jingu Shrine. The area is steeped in myth and spirituality, and also known for its dramatic coastlines and traditional pearl diving culture.

Excursion: Best of Ise and Shima

Our visit began at the Ise-jingu Shrine, Japan’s most revered Shinto site and the spiritual heart of the nation. Hidden within a lush forest, the shrine complex exudes a quiet majesty, with its minimalist architecture crafted entirely from hinoki cypress, joined without a single nail. The Inner Shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, felt especially serene, with towering torii gates and gravel paths that invite peaceful reflection.

From spiritual sanctuary to scenic splendour, we continued to Ago Bay, a sparkling inlet scattered with tiny green islands and traditional pearl rafts floating lazily in the water. Known for its historic pearl cultivation (it’s the home of Mikimoto Pearls), the bay’s calm waters and gentle coastal breeze offered the perfect end to a day.

Dinner:

Back to  Sabatini’s.  How could I resist?