Selected region
Hokkaido
4 upcoming sailings call at ports in this region.
Otaru's canal, stone warehouses, glassmaking traditions, and seafood markets preserve the atmosphere of a Hokkaido trading port.
Featured ports
- Otaru
- Hakodate
- Tomakomai
発見 | DISCOVER
Why Japan, and when to go
Mitsui Ocean Cruises was built to connect guests with Japan's people, landmarks, and traditions — FUNATABI, "Beautiful Encounters with Japan". Here's what makes each season, region, and moment onboard worth sailing for.
Four seasons, one Japan
A remarkable place to sail, year-round
Cherry blossoms, summer festivals, autumn color, and snow-lit winter landscapes make every season a distinct way to encounter Japan.
March – May
Spring
Japan's most famous season. Cherry blossoms (sakura) sweep north from Kyushu to Hokkaido starting in late March, usually peaking in early-to-mid April around Tokyo and Kyoto. Mild temperatures and clear skies make it one of the best times to be on deck for coastal scenery.
Notable celebrations
- Cherry Blossom (Sakura) season, late March–April
- Golden Week, a string of national holidays in late April–early May when much of Japan travels domestically
Sailings in this season
Where we sail
The regions of Japan
Select a region on the map. Use arrow keys to move between regions.
Culture & hospitality
Omotenashi, brought to sea
Omotenashi — Japanese hospitality rooted in anticipating a guest's needs before they're spoken — shapes daily life aboard MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, from Japanese dining and onsen-inspired bathing to onboard programming grounded in Japanese art, tea, and craft. Ashore, itineraries are built around real Japanese ports and traditions rather than a generalized "Asia" itinerary.