travel deeper
Train
Or
Cruise
how to travel japan in 2025
It is a hard to choice to make: race through the heart of the land or drift along the shores? Navigate Tokyo’s neon-infused streets for a night to remember or watch the moon dance along the bobbing waves?
Speed or leisure?
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Japan, the country where ancient traditions meet futuristic modernity. The country is most notable for its kind-hearted locals, serene landscapes, and admirable cleanliness. Whether it's the thrill of being whisked between futuristic cities and tranquil countrysides or taking in the serene luxury of a cruise along Japan’s stunning coastline, this island nation offers travellers a choice between two distinct but equally captivating ways to explore.
The infamous bullet train in Japan (also known as the Shinkansen) merges speed with relaxation, whizzing from major city to major city in just a couple of hours. Its floor-to-ceiling windows make this efficient mode of transport a relaxing and picturesque journey. Riding the train through the cherry blossoms, remote villages and hopping off in cities which will make you second-guess time travel, is an almost perfect way to plan your itinerary around the country. That is unless you want to add a touch of slow-luxury. Cruises are making a major comeback this year and last we checked, Japan is an island country. Pairing this detail with the country’s know-how in luxury and hospitality, a slow cruise around the country may be the way to go. Will you traverse the countryside on steel tracks or chart a course along Japan’s sparkling seas?
The dilemma of the avatar
Earth
Water
or
train
Of course, a train works on land. This means zipping through landscapes filled with rice paddies, misty mountain views and postcard-perfect sunsets. It also makes it accessible, allowing travellers to hop on and off as they please. Walk through Hokkaido’s lavender fields or explore some of Kyushu’s infamous volcanic hot springs. You may even choose to go to some of Japan’s quirkier stops like the open-air museum at Hakone and Okayama’s station vending machine that serves hot ramen in a can. It may be worthwhile making a list of places to stop given the sheer amount of uniquely gorgeous locations dotted along the train line.
cruise
From north to south, cruising around Japan’s coast provides a surprising amount of jaw-dropping scenery. Every time you think you can’t be anymore impressed, sailing to the next stop proves otherwise. The country’s tremendous diversity is seen via its coastal bays surrounded by lush vegetation, remote beaches, rocky cliffs and tiny islands dotting the horizon. As much as cruising Japan means being on the water, there is still that element of cultural discovery on land as these itineraries take you through some of Japan’s most significant towns and cities.
Plan
Freedom: A blessing or a burden?
or
Relax
train
cruise
Once you get a hold of that Japan Rail Pass, it is up to you to make sure you take advantage of this endlessly fascinating country. You decide where to go, whether you want to spend two weeks whizzing through the major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Yokohama or try your hand at the more regional trains and towns*. Often, the most fascinating places are the ones you accidentally stumble upon between your intended major stops. Being free to hop-off when you please means you can do Japan your own way.
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*The trains to more regional areas of Japan require a separate pass
One of the best parts of a pre-planned holiday is being able to show up and not do anything else. You can afford to not have a single thought in your head as you board the cruise ship and let yourself be glided to some of the country’s most extraordinary places. Of course, this means going to cities and towns which have already been chosen and may not give you chances to explore certain areas as you want. However, it also guarantees that you won’t waste your time traveling to places which may not be so travel-friendly (although you may argue there is beauty in everything — even industrial buildings).
following a path
12 Original Castles
Coastal Hopping
or
​Hirosaki Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Inuyama Castle, Himeji Castle, Maruoka Castle, Hikone Castle, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Matsue Castle, Marugame Castle, Kochi Castle, Uwajima Castle, Matsuyama Castle
Local
a different kind of immersion
Luxury
or
train
As much as Japan is known for its cleanliness and sophistication, traveling by train in any country definitely brings out the rugged explorer in us. When sticking to the rail lines you can be sure to have to make conversation with the locals, figure your way around and run to catch these trains. It also means finding spots to rest your head at night whether that be in social hostels, humble homestays or the occasional hotel — maybe even try out one of their capsule hotels. It may also be pertinent to carry around a cheat-sheet of Japanese train-related vocabulary to discover the country.
cruise
It’s a no-brainer that wherever you are, when you hop on a cruise you automatically feel like you are in a certain type of extravagance which you can actually afford. Everything is ready for you to enjoy. From the private bedroom, culinary delights and of course, transportation from place to place; once the cruise is booked, nothing else needs to get planned. Not only that, but some cruise ships even have on-board facilities such as a spa, swimming pool and arcade areas. As such, you are free to explore the slow side of travel around Japan.
Going out
those hard decisions...
or
Staying in
train
Traveling through Japan by train presents any kind of traveler an opportunity to experience the unparalleled nightlife in the various cities. Immerse yourself in the neon lights which represent Tokyo while keeping it low-key in Osaka as you roam the streets for their exquisite late-night street food. If you’re looking for more cultural performances, Kyoto is the stop while you can find a charismatic yet laidback bar scene in Hiroshima. The flexibility of train travel allows you to indulge in each city’s unique nocturnal charm, making every evening a fresh adventure.
cruise
The art of staying in; solitude, self-reflection and appreciating the now. While cruise ships have plenty of evening activities, it may also be worthwhile taking advantage of the quiet luxury. After jam-packed days exploring iconic ports like Kobe, Hakodate, and Okinawa, returning to the ship provides the perfect retreat. With world-class dining inspired by Japanese cuisine, from fresh sushi to sake pairings, and serene onboard amenities like hot tubs, spas, or traditional tea ceremonies, your evenings can be just as enriching as the days. The moonlight bouncing off the waves will also transform a night-in into an unforgettable highlight of your journey.