cruise in osaka

• Tours & Experiences
• Tailor-made Trips
• Bahasa Indonesia

We are happy to see you again!

Continue with

Or use email.

No Account? Create one

Create account

Already have an account? Sign in

Quickly Sign up with

I agree to Japan Travel's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Terms of--> and acknowledge that Japan Travel's Privacy--> applies to me.-->

Email reset password link

Please check your inbox and click the link we will send to you.

Tombori River Cruise in Osaka

Historical Glico billboard, Christmas lights, & Comedy

In one of the liveliest areas of Osaka, Dotonburi (道頓堀, pronounced Dotombori), lays the Tombori River Cruise . A 20-minute cruise along Dotonburi River is a great way to experience the neon city lights from a different angle particularly during the Christmas season. Not only are holiday decorations strung across the bridges, the animated cruise guide even dresses up as Santa Claus! Even though the tour is spoken only in Japanese by a Rakugo comedian, if you pay close attention you might just understand and laugh along. At 700 yen per adult ticket, it’s one of the popular touristy things to do when you’re in Osaka. Not just during the Christmas season, but all throughout the year.

You’ll start by lining up at the Tazaemonbashi Bridge Boat Dock, a 5-minute walk from Namba Station. With seating capacity of about 20 passengers, be sure to bundle up for chilly nights. Once comfortable you’ll want to have your camera ready to capture the fun electronic displays and mechanical ones, too. Photo tip: apply a low light exposure and action setting for best coverage at night along the canal (Ugh! I didn’t realize this myself until I reviewed my pictures after the cruise was finished).

The highlight of the course was when the boat paused beneath the Ebisubashi Bridge where the Glico man billboard shines bright above. Glico is one of Japan’s largest food distributors and is popularly known for its Pocky (crunchy petite biscuit sticks covered in frosting such as chocolate or strawberry). A landmark since 1935, locals & tourists alike so often use it as a meeting spot while enjoying a takoyaki (octopus dumplings) appetizer. Across from Glico is the Asahi beer billboard. Watch closely because the colors change from solid white to yellow as the mug is topped off with “Super Dry” formula.

According to the brochure , boats depart every half hour. Infants & children are allowed; 300 yen for Elementary students. Rest your feet, wrap your arm around your sweetheart(s) and enjoy the cruise. With nine bridges, a panoramic view of Osaka Minami and the comedy of the tour guide, you’ll experience some of the best views of Downtown Osaka on the Tombori River Cruise .

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Copy link to share

By Jessica A Paje

Community writer

Information

〒542-0071 Dotombori, Chuo-ku, OsakaCity ( Directions )

06-6644-7565

osaka-info.jp

Book your trip

Find a nearby hotel, explore nearby.

Gyukaku BBQ Dining

By Stefanus Husin

Creoru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki

By Yuna Gena

Kaneyoshi Ryokan by Dotonbori Canal

By Bonson Lam

Exploring Osaka by Night

By Navodinee Wickramanayake

Top Articles

• Recommended

SpongeBob Cafe “CAFE Secret Recipe” is Opening for a Limited Time in Shibuya

Guide to Golden Week

A Tale of Two Temples

Two New Demon Slayer Attractions Are Opening at Universal Studios Japan

Anime Museums in Tokyo

Cafe Gallery Doka Doka in Onna

Experience the Sansha Taisai Festival!

Haneda Airport Ranked World's Cleanest

A Quaint Ride on the Nagaragawa Railway

Sapporo Beer Opens New Brewery in Tokyo’s Ebisu

Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan

Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo

Sanja Matsuri

Hachiko Statue in Shibuya

Shibuya Crossing

Japanese Urban Legends

Gion Matsuri

Daikoku Car Meet

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Guide to Suica Cards

More from this category.

Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone..

By Abby Rodriguez

Nabana no Sato Illumination

By Chris Glenn

Wakayama Top 10 Attractions

Two new demon slayer attractions...

By Veronica Carnevale

Leave a comment

Let us know how we can help.

Help us improve JapanTravel.com

We welcome any suggestions regarding this content. Your feedback is confidential and will be used to help improve this page.

Suggest an edit

https://en.japantravel.com/osaka/tombori-river-cruise-in-osaka/7140

Thank you for your support!

Your feedback has been sent.

What will you uncover?

• Create a DiGJAPAN! account
• Login with Facebook

• SIGHTSEEING
• TRAVEL INFO

SEARCH BY TAG

• SEARCH BY MAP
• Search Criteria

Top 6 Water Cruising Tours in Osaka

• TRADITIONAL_JAPAN

1. Ninja Cruise  *Currently closed

Information

2. osaka castle gozabune .

3. Ofune Camome Breakfast Cruise

4. Nakanoshima River Cruise

5. Osaka Duck Tour

6. Aqua-Liner Water Bus

Cruising the Aqua Metropolis Osaka

Liked this story? Like DiGJAPAN! on Facebook for daily updates!

THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 07 23,2018 Author： DiGJAPAN! 編集部

NEW COMMENT | 0 COMMENTS Display comments Hide comments

• No comments to display

Open a DiGJAPAN! account to comment.

Open a DiGJAPAN! Account

Special Coupons

Katsushika, tokyo, now hiring: contributing writers for digjapan.

MOST POPULAR

10 Can't Miss Snacks from Don Quijote!

A First-Timer's Guide to Shimokitazawa

A First-timer's Guide to Shinjuku's Golden Gai

16 Unusual Vending Machines in Tokyo

6 Delicious Breakfast Spots for Early Morning Sightseeing in Kyoto

• ABOUT DiGJAPAN!
• REGISTER AS A DiGJAPAN! MEMBER
• ABOUT THIS SITE
• PRIVACY POLICY
• TERMS OF SERVICE

© 2015 MAPPLE, Inc.

SEARCH BY AREA

The selected area will be displayed.

• HIROSHIMA(69)
• FUKUOKA(82)
• HOKKAIDO(272)
• OKINAWA(85)
• KUMAMOTO(70)
• KYUSHU(341)
• ASAKUSA(104)
• SHINJUKU(93)
• YOKOHAMA(98)
• KAMAKURA(78)
• Mt.FUJI(92)
• KANAZAWA(91)
• SHIRAKAWA_GO(3)

SEARCH BY CATEGORY

You may only select one.

Search by tag

• WORLD_HERITAGE
• TEMPLES/SHRINES
• 100 Yen Shop
• DEPARTMENT_STORES/MALLS
• MEAT_DISHES
• CAFE/SWEETS

Be sure to login to access all the features of the site!

• For Educational Travel
• For Meetings & Events
• Travel Passes
• Area Map & Guidebook Download

• Official Corporate Site
• Meetings & Events
• Privacy Policy
• Site Policy
• Employment information
• Tourist Attractions and Experiences

Tombori River Cruise

This is a 20-minute cruise of the Dotonbori canal. You’ll learn about hidden highlights and the backstory to famous spots with your guides, the Osaka Guide Crew.

This 20-minute mini-cruise is a delightful “stroll” along the waterway that’s easy to work into your schedule. Come out on the water and let your breath be taken away by a brand-new view of Dotonbori, packed with some of Naniwa’s most well-known sights. The boat departs from the Tazaemonbashi Bridge Boat Dock.

Basic information

Related information

• Itineraries

• #Minami Area
• #Leisure / sports
• #For Families
• #AQUA METROPOLIS OSAKA
• #Scenic Cruise

Tombori River Cruise

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tombori River Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL

Interactive world cruise map, home | cruise ships | port expenses | hints and tips, osaka japan cruise port guide.

Ships dock at the Tempozan Pier , in the center of Osaka's ever-developing waterfront. It is adjacent to a large mall and impressive Ferris wheel.

A complete refurbishment of the port’s cruise terminal was completed in in mat 2024.

Map of Osaka

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Osaka Japan

Sightseeing:

With a population of over five million people, Osaka is Japan's second largest city. For centuries, Osaka was Japan's cultural and commercial gateway to Asia -- the point of entry not only for trade goods, but most importantly, cultural influences that shaped Japan. Today, Osaka is a vibrant cultural center known for its shopping and exquisite cuisine.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Osaka has a convenient subway system (easily navigable by non-Japanese speakers), and there's a stop at Tempozan Harbor Village. A taxi from the pier to the Sony Building in Shinsaibashi, a central area of downtown for shopping and dining, costs 3,000 yen (about $30).

Universal Studios Japan is a 10-minute ride from the port.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Its location makes Osaka a perfect base for doing one-day trips to nearby cities like Kyoto (30 minutes), Kobe (20 minutes), Nara (40 minutes) or Himeji (1 hour). (Typical times shown on JR Trains available without extra express charges starting from Osaka Station.)

Shopping and Food

Osaka's most famous shopping district is Shinsaibashi, which offers a mix of huge department stores, high-end Western designer stores, and independent boutiques ranging from very cheap to very expensive.

The currency in Japan is the yen. It comes in denominations of ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 notes, as well as ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1 coins.

ATMs in Japan are becoming more useful, and most can be used to withdraw funds from overseas accounts. Post offices also offer ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted at a majority of stores and restaurants in large urban areas, but if you plan on spending any time in rural areas, be sure to carry sufficient cash. Japan is still very much a cash society and some stores, hotels and restaurants-regardless of location-refuse credit cards.

Don't tip, as it's considered rude!

Currency Converter

Communication:

Osaka Free Wi-Fi is available at stations and major locations. Osaka Free Wi-Fi Lite is available at individual stores.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Help us to keep this page up to date: Mail us your suggestions

Thank you for printing this article! Please don’t forget to come back to whatsinport.com for new and updated port guides.

Home | Privacy Policy

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Asia Cruise Ports

Kobe-Osaka (Kyoto, Japan)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Asia

Local Time 2024-06-06 02:56

Port Kobe-Osaka cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Kobe-Osaka, Kyoto, Japan. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Kobe is the cruise port that also serves Osaka City and Kyoto City. Kobe City is located on Honshu Island's southern coast and on Osaka Bay's northern shore. Kobe City is Japan's 6th-largest by population (1,5+ million) and also Hyogo Prefecture's capital. The city is part of the Keihanshin Metropolis/aka Greater Osaka (Kyoto+Osaka) with combined population 19+ million. By population, the metropolis is ranked Japan's second-largest (after Tokyo - the world's largest, population ~37 million) and one of the world's biggest (following after NYC New York - over 20 million).

Osaka City (population over 2,6 million) is located approx 30 km (19 mi) east of Kobe. Kyoto City (population around 1,5 million) is located in the island's central part and to the northeast of Kobe (travel distance approx 80 km / 50 mi, or around 1,5 hours). Osaka-shi is located at Yodo River's mouth (Osaka Bay). This is a merchant port city famous for its food and sake (made with fresh water from the mountains). Osaka's food popularity is due to high-quality ingredients and the huge number of merchants serving the market.

Great Hanshin earthquake (aka Kobe earthquake) started on January 16, 1995. It had 6,9 Richter magnitude and lasted for approx 20 seconds. Its focus was on the northern end of Awaji Island, approx 20 km (12 mi) away from downtown Kobe. The disaster resulted in 6434 deaths (~4600 from Kobe City) and severe buildings and infrastructure damages. Nearly 400,000 buildings were destroyed, as well as numerous road and rail bridges. The triggered by the earthquake 300+ fires raged over the city. In the seaport were destroyed 120 of its 150 quays.

Land tours from Kobe-Osaka also visit Asuka and Nara. High-speed trains also link to Himeji .

Port of Osaka (locode JPOSA) is Japan's principal seaport, located within Osaka Bay. According to statistical data for 2016, The Port has 111x coastal berths (of which 70 for ocean ships) and total harbor area 4684 hectares (11575 acres / 46,8 km2 / 18,3 mi2), of which 1860 hectares (~4600 acres) are land. Port's total shipping trade volume (FY2016) was 91,2 million tons, including 34,11M foreign and 48,09M domestic (of which 31,29M via ferries ).

Port Kobe (locode JPUKB) is a large seaport serving the Osaka metropolis. As flatlands here are limited, nearby were constructed several artificial islands, including Port Island, Rokko Island, Kobe Airport Island. The port was opened for foreign trade in 1858 and officially inaugurated in 1868 (named then "Hyogo Port"). The port has 34 containership berths, 2 cruise terminals, total area approx 4 km2 (1,5 mi2) and max draft (water depth) 18 m / 59 ft. Before the 1995 earthquake, Port Kobe was ranked the world's 6th-largest containership port (by annual throughput).

Port Kobe is managed by Kobe City Government. Kobe Port Terminal Corporation is responsible for all terminals (container, cruise and ferry ).

Rokko Island Ferry Terminals have 3 berths (RF1, RF2, RF3), quay length 193 m (RF1) and 266 m (RF2) and area 17,390 m2 (RF1) and 24,920 m2 (RF2). These terminals are operated by Hankyu Ferry Company serving the Kobe-Shinmoji route. RF3 terminal (operated by Shikoku Kaihastu Ferry) has quay length 238 m and area 22,690 m2.

Rokko Island Container Terminals have 4 berths, total area 612,500 m2 and max draft 14 m (46 ft). Three berths have quay length 350 m, the 4th is 530 m. Berths' operators are Nitto Total Logistics, Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation, UNI-X Corporation, Nippon Container Terminals Co Ltd.

Port Island Container Terminals have 6 berths and total area 786,880 m2.

Port Island's Passenger Terminals have max draft 10 m (33 ft) and quay length 200 m. The combined area is sized 241,345 m2, plus transit covered area 68,926 m2.

Port Kobe's two cruise terminals are named "Naka Pier Cruise Terminal" and "Kobe Port Terminal". Naka Pier handles medium-sized vessels and has berth length 286 m, max draft 9 m (30 ft) and average tidal range 1 m. Kobe Port Terminal has 6 berths, with total quay length 1238 m (649 plus 589).

Currently, Kobe is ranked Japan's 4th largest cargo port, connecting to over 500 seaports in 130 countries. The seaport's landscape is marked by Rokko Mountains (at its rear), which also protect it from the seasonal strong winds.

• Most popular waterfront tourist attractions are Harborland (1992-opened shopping district) and Meriken Park - an amusement park with Kobe Port Tower (opened in 1963) and Kobe Maritime Museum (themed on Japan's shipping and Kobe Harbour's history).
• Port Island's construction started in 1966 and was completed in 1981.
• Kobe Ohashi Bridge (cable-stayed, main span 485 m / 1591 ft) was opened in 1992. It connects the artificial islands in Kobe-Osaka Bay.
• Meriken Park's construction started in 1983 and was completed in 1987.
• Harbour Highway was officially inaugurated in 1993.

As cruise ports, Osaka and Kobe are interlinked, Kobe being the main (largest) seaport, and Osaka - an alternative port. Port Osaka is visited by smaller-sized cruise vessels only. Often, passengers are transferred via buses between Kobe and Osaka, with passenger embarkation / disembarkation at Kobe port. Port Kobe is located close to an airport and a railway station serving high-speed trains.

In 2016, Port Osaka expanded its cruise berthing capacity by adding new bollards and fenders, so now it can handle the world's largest passenger ships .

On March 13, 2017, Queen Elizabeth ( Cunard ) departed on its ever first itinerary leaving roundtrip from Kobe. The 7-day itinerary (March 13-20) came after the local municipal government asked Cunard to schedule a Kobe-based cruise as in 2017 the port celebrated its 150th anniversary. The itinerary included the Japanese ports Kagoshima , Busan , Hiroshima and Kochi . This "surprise cruise" became part of Queen Elizabeth's 2017 " World Cruise " roundtrip from Southampton (England UK) .

On December 16, 2017, the port commemorated its 150-year anniversary with a charity concert at the Harborland, with Christmas songs performed live by a 40 trumpet ensemble.

In 2017, Port Kobe handled 118 cruise ship calls, which number jumped in 2018 to 140. The increase was attributed to three domestic cruise lines (Japan Cruise Line, Mitsui OSK, and NYK Cruises) including Kobe as call port consistently.

The next aerial photo shows Port Osaka and all its terminals/docks serving RoRo ships (ferries, car carriers) and cargo vessels.

Regularly scheduled cruiseferries link Osaka with Beppu (Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island, MOL Ferries, crossing time 12 hours) and with Busan Korea (Panstar Cruise Line, 3x weekly crossings, travel time 19 hours).

On the Osaka-Beppu route are deployed two newbuilds /2023-inaugurated MOL Ferries -  Sunflower Murasaki and Sunflower Kurenai .

Osaka City (Osaka-shi) is part of Honshu Island's Kansai region, the capital of the Osaka Prefecture and japan's third-largest city by population (around 2,7 million) - following only Tokyo (~14 million) and Yokohama (~3,7 million). Osaka and Koyoto form the Keihanshin Metro - Japan's second-largest (after Kanto Metro) as well as the world's 10th largest (total population over 19 million).

Osaka developed as Japan's economic center (both trade and industry), an important seaport, and was the country's capital city in the 7th-8th centuries. In the late-19th-century (following the Meiji Revolution in 1868) the city started rapidly to expand (in size and population) and industrialize. After WW2 (1939-45) Osaka started to develop as one of Keihanshin's financial centers. As a financial center, Osaka is currently ranked the world's 15th-largest and Asia's 5th-largest (after Singapore , Hong Kong , Tokyo, Shanghai ). OSE-Osaka Securities Exchange is Japan's second-largest (after TSE-Tokyo Stock Exchange).

Here are headquartered numerous major domestic and multinational corporations, including Panasonic, Sharp, Sanyo. The city is famous for its large prestigious universities, annual festivals and posts events, museums, art galleries, premium shopping malls and leisure facilities, nature parks, gardens, historical sites and landmarks like Osaka Castle, Kaiyukan Aquarium, Dotonbori Canal, Tsutenkaku Tower, Tennoji Park (botanical garden and zoo), Abeno Harukas skyscraper (Abenobashi Terminal Building), Sumiyoshi-taisha/Grand Shrine, Shitenno-ji (Budist temple aka Arahaka-ji / Nanba-ji / Mitsu-ji), Naniwanomiya Palace.

The city is divided into two areas - Kita (downtown) and Minami (uptown). In between are the CBDs Semba (business districts) connected via a large boulevard. In the bay area (city's western part) are located the seaport and popular tourist destination like Kyocera Dome (1997-built baseball stadium, capacity ~37,000 seats/max 55,000), Universal Studios Japan (theme park operated by USJ LLC/NBCUniversal), Mount Tenpo (Tempozan Harbour Village).

Greater Osaka has an extensive railway network with the largest train stations being Umeda (Kita-ku), Namba (Chuo-ku), Shinsaibashi (Chuo-ku), Tennoji (Tennoji-ku, Abeno-ku), Kyobashi (Joto-ku, Miyakojima-ku) and Yodoyabashi (nearest to the City Hall, part of Midosuji Line and Keihan Main Line). Osaka City proper is mainly served by JR West as well as numerous other private railway companies (Keihan, Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu, Nankai). The city's Metro system (by annual train passenger traffic/~915 million) is currently ranked the world's 8th-largest (Keihanshin's is ~4 billion).

Shinkansen (high-speed/bullet trains) directly link Osaka with Kobe, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Tokyo. The city is served by two large airports - Kansai Airport (primarily serving flights) and Osaka Airport (serving mainly domestic flights, plus international cargo aircraft). Ferries link Osaka-shi with numerous domestic ports ( Kitakyushu /Fukuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima and Miyazaki /Kyushu Island, Naha /Okinawa Prefecture's Ryukyu Islands) as well as with ports in China ( Shanghai , Tianjin-Beijing ) and Korea (Busan).

Kobe-Osaka cruise terminal

The first Kobe cruise terminal was renovated in January 2006. It has CIQ Facilities, Immigration and Customs, adjacent shopping and entertainment complex. Naka Pier Cruise Terminal serves medium-sized ships. The boarding bridge can also serve disabled passengers.

Port Kobe cruise terminals

The second Kobe cruise terminal has some of the largest facilities in Western Japan. Shinko Pier 4 has all 6 berths (on both its sides and serves differently sized vessels. The passenger terminal is approx 5 min away from downtown. Kobe Domestic Airport and Kansai International Airport are easily accessible from the terminal. Next photo shows Kobe's Shinko Pier 4 Terminal (berths Q1,Q2, R, O1, O2, P).

Kobe Port Authority plans to install a luggage elevator in the building, also to renew its escalators, add more check-in booths and to expand the bus parking.

The lesser-used cruise pier is at Kobe's Oriental Hotel (Meriken Park).

• Kobe Meriken Park and Harborland: close to Kobe cruise port is the beautiful Meriken Park. The Harborland is a district for entertainment. Find amusement parks, shopping malls, theaters, restaurants, etc. it is accessible via Hanshin Motomachi or JR.
• Kitano Town: located in Kitano-cho Chuo-ku. Popular visitors’ spot with ijinkan (foreigners’ residences).
• Mt. Rokko, Rokko-san: take a breathtaking view of Kobe from the mountain top. Located in Rokkosan-cho Nada-ku.
• Nankin-machi (Chinatown): located in Sakae-machi-dori Chuo-ku is one of the biggest Chinatowns. The other big ones are Yokohama Chinatown and Nagasaki Chinatown.
• Kobe Luminarie: this is an annual event, usually in December. The illumination commemorates the Great Hanshin Earthquake from January 1995.
• Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum: Nada, Kobe’s westernmost region, is very famous with its Sake. This is a special type of wine made of rice. There are a lot of sake breweries where you can taste the typical drink.
• Nunobiki Falls: the most impressive Japanese waterfalls. They are located within 20 minutes walking distance from the Chuo-ku train station.
• Ikuta Jinja: historic religious site. According to a legend, it dates from the 3rd century.
• Himeji: World Cultural Heritage Site and National Treasure in Japan. “White Heron Castle” is also a popular name of the Himeji Castle.

Kobe-Osaka tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

NCL rolls out new Asia-Pacific and Australia cruises for 2024-2026 seasons

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line is set to launch 30+ new port-intensive cruises across the Asia Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand regions. These voyages...

MOL announces arrival of 3rd LNG-powered ferry, Sunflower Kamuy

Japan’s maritime behemoth MOL anticipates the commencement of operations for its third LNG-powered ferry, Sunflower Kamuy, on the late-night...

RCI-Royal Caribbean unveils China deployment plan for 2025-2026 season

RCI-Royal Caribbean International unveiled its latest deployment plan for China on Tuesday, March 12, detailing the deployment of two cruises across...

Bookings open for AIDA's longest-ever 2025-2026 World Cruise

Bookings are now open for World Cruise 2025-2026 on the newly refurbished ship AIDAdiva. Departing roundtrip from Hamburg Germany (November 10...

HAL-Holland America's ship MS Westerdam visits 11 Asian countries in 2025-2026

HAL-Holland America's ms Westerdam is poised to embark on an immersive exploration spanning 11 captivating countries in Asia, unfolding her maritime...

NCL's 2025-2026 cruises: Antarctic itineraries, Breakaway-Plus ships, new ports

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed its 2025-2026 itineraries, introducing maiden port calls and homeports for Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Viva...

Silversea initiates exclusive pre-sale for winter 2025-2026 cruises

The ultra-premium travel brand Silversea has initiated an exclusive pre-sale for its winter 2025-2026 voyages, encompassing 150+ itineraries to 200...

NCL returns to Asia with the Norwegian Jewel ship from Tokyo, Japan

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line marked its highly anticipated return to the Asian cruise market on Thursday, October 19, with the departure of the...

Princess Cruises releases 2025 Japan season (ship Diamond Princess)

In response to the growing demand for voyages in Japan, Princess Cruises has unveiled its 2025 Japan season. This newly announced program aims to...

MSC Cruises deploys 2 ships in China in 2024

The world's 3rd-largest cruise shipowner - MSC has announced its return to the Chinese market with its glagship MSC Bellissima. With a reverberating...

•   show more news

Kobe-Osaka - user reviews and comments

For the most recent version of this page, visit:

www.cruiseandsea.com

https://www.cruiseandsea.com/port/osaka-japan/

Osaka Japan

The Port of Osaka is located in Osaka Bay and in the prefecture of the same name. Kobe is part of the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area. There is a lot to see in this area. A 2-day stopover will be very convenient to visit the attractions of Kobe and Kyoto.

Share this page

Useful Information

Tipping is not a custom in Japan.

Japanese yen - 1.5, 10 and 100 yen coin and 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen notes.

Credit cards are generally accepted. For cash, you will have to make withdrawals at the exchange offices or at the 7-Eleven counters, as the counters of Japanese banks do not accept foreign cards.

Time difference

from New York: +14h

from San Francisco: +16h

from London: +9h

Where is located the Port d'Osaka Cruise Terminal

Travelling around the osaka cruise port.

The metro system is very efficient and the indications are also in English.

To get to Osaka Castle from Osakako Station, take the Chuo Line (green) towards Gakken-Nara-Tomigaoka and transfer to Hommachi Station on the Midosuji Line (red) towards Senri-Chuo and disembark at Umeda Station.

Activities in Osaka

Osaka castle.

The castle was built at the end of the 16th century. A museum tells the history of the castle and about the Edo period is inside.

Sumiyoshi Taisha

This shrine was built before the introduction of Buddhism in Japan. It’s purely Japanese style of architecture dates from the third century.

Osaka History Museum

The museum presents the 1400 years of history of the city.

Osaka Mint Museum

This museum presents the history of money in Japan. The building, built during the Meiji era, was built with Western influence in Victorian and Neo-Renaissance style.

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

This park runs along the banks of the Ogawa River. If you visit Osaka during cherry blossom season, this park is a must see.

Tempozan Marketplace

Several souvenir shops and restaurants can be found in this shopping center.

Family activities

Kaiyukan aquarium.

This aquarium is home to more than 562 species of marine animals.

Universal Studio

Amusement Park.

Interactive museum on the theme of Lego.

Ryoanji Temple - Kyoto

In this ancient villa transformed into a temple, you’ll find a stone garden. The fifteen stones would be arranged in such a way that at least one stone would always be hidden.

Kiyomizudera Temple - Kyoto

This temple built on a platform supported by a lattice is a symbol of Kyoto. You will have a breathtaking view of Kyoto.

Kinkakuji Temple - Kyoto

The gold leaf pavilion was built by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine - Kyoto

Dedicated to Inari, the protective good of harvest, this sanctuary would have been erected in the year 711. A path leading to Mount Inari is marked by a hedge of torii gates.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine - Nara

This Shinto shrine is dedicated to the gods of luck and is a magnificent example of the Kasuga-zukuri style of architecture. There is also the Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden, which has more than 200 species of plants.

Temple od Todaiji - Nara

This temple was built using the same techniques as the Greek Parthenon. The 1000-arm Senju Kannon wooden carved statue is considered the oldest wood sculpture in Japan.

Horyuji temple Nara

It houses the oldest wooden buildings in the world and a magnificent five-story pagoda.

Cruise and Sea is not responsible for the content of external websites and transactions made on third-party websites. Ad Find unforgettable experiences to discover the world.

Cruise and Sea is not responsible for the content of external websites and transactions made on third-party websites. Ad Find amazing things to do. Anytime, anywhere.

Useful References

• Tourism Board - Osaka
• Tourism Board - Japan
• Osaka on Wikipedia
• Japan on Wikipedia
• Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada)

For details or to book an excursion, visit our page:

Alternative:

https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Osaka/d333-ttd?pid=P00045706&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=morebutton

Hong Kong Hong Kong

Keelung (Taipei) Taiwan

Nagasaki Japan

Naha, Okinawa Japan

Shanghai China

Shimizu (Mount Fuji) Japan

Tokyo Japan

Yokohama (Tokyo) Japan

Other cruiseports in the area

• Keelung (Taipei)
• Naha, Okinawa
• Shimizu (Mount Fuji)
• Yokohama (Tokyo)

More World Destinations

• Adriatic Sea
• Canada and New England
• Central America
• Mediterranean Sea
• Northern Europe
• Norwegian Fjords
• Panama Canal
• South America

Wonder Cruise Osaka: Enjoy Luxury Sightseeing Tours

Shin Yamamoto Building 6F, 1-1-25 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0003, Japan

Fees & hours, links & resources.

Wonder Cruise is a luxury cruise company that offers sightseeing tours of Osaka Bay and the Yodo River. The cruise provides a unique perspective of Osaka’s beauty, including iconic landmarks such as Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku Tower, and the Umeda Sky Building. Wonder Cruise offers three different routes: the Ohanami Route, Dotonbori Route, and Osaka Castle Route. Each route provides a distinct experience of the city’s beauty, making it a must-do activity for any traveler visiting Osaka. With state-of-the-art facilities and world-class amenities, Wonder Cruise provides a luxurious experience that is perfect for couples, families, and friends.

Top Attractions to See on a Wonder Cruise in Osaka

Osaka Castle: One of the most iconic landmarks of Osaka, the Osaka Castle offers a magnificent view from the Yodo River. Passengers can admire the castle’s beauty from a unique perspective.

Tsutenkaku Tower: The tower is one of the symbols of Osaka and offers a spectacular view of the city. Passengers can enjoy the view of the tower from the Yodo River.

Umeda Sky Building: The Umeda Sky Building is a modern skyscraper that provides a panoramic view of the city. Passengers can admire the building’s beauty from the cruise.

Tempozan Ferris Wheel: The Ferris wheel is one of the largest in the world and offers a stunning view of the city’s skyline.

Tempozan Harbor Village: This entertainment complex offers a variety of attractions, including an aquarium and a shopping mall. Passengers can admire the complex’s beauty from the cruise.

Osaka Bay: The bay is a beautiful sight to see from the cruise, with its serene waters and the surrounding landscape.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: The bridge is the world’s longest suspension bridge and offers a breathtaking view from the cruise.

The Best Time to Take a Wonder Cruise in Osaka

The best time to take a Wonder Cruise in Osaka is during the spring and autumn seasons. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is breathtaking. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage add to the beauty of the city’s skyline. The cruise offers a unique perspective of the city’s beauty during both the day and night. Passengers can enjoy the stunning view of the sunset, and the city’s lights illuminate the skyline in the evening.

Tips for a Memorable Wonder Cruise Experience in Osaka

Book your tickets in advance to avoid last-minute rush and ensure availability. This is also covered by Osaka City Pass.

Plan your cruise around sunset or evening to enjoy the stunning view of the city’s lights.

Try the local cuisine offered onboard, which includes fresh seafood and sushi.

Carry a camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful sights during the cruise.

Why Wonder Cruise is a Must-Do in Osaka Wonder Cruise offers a unique experience to explore Osaka’s beauty from a new perspective. With luxurious facilities and amenities, the cruise offers comfort and relaxation to its passengers. From iconic landmarks to serene waters, Wonder Cruise provides a picturesque view of Osaka’s beauty. Book your Wonder Cruise experience to create unforgettable memories on your trip to Osaka.

To Book your ticket

For reviews visit, what is wonder cruise.

Wonder Cruise is a luxury cruise company that offers sightseeing tours of Osaka Bay and the Yodo River. The cruise provides a unique perspective of Osaka’s beauty, including iconic landmarks such as Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku Tower, and the Umeda Sky Building.

What are the top attractions to see on a Wonder Cruise in Osaka?

The top attractions to see on a Wonder Cruise in Osaka include Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku Tower, Umeda Sky Building, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Tempozan Harbor Village, Osaka Bay, and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

What is the best time to take a Wonder Cruise in Osaka?

The best time to take a Wonder Cruise in Osaka is during the spring and autumn seasons. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is breathtaking. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage add to the beauty of the city’s skyline.

What amenities are provided on Wonder Cruise?

Wonder Cruise provides state-of-the-art facilities and world-class amenities to ensure a luxurious experience for its passengers. These include comfortable seating, air conditioning, panoramic views, onboard restaurant and bar, and more.

How do I book a Wonder Cruise in Osaka?

You can book a Wonder Cruise in Osaka online through their website or via travel agencies. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability and to enjoy early bird discounts. You can also purchase tickets on-site at the Wonder Cruise ticket counter, but availability is not guaranteed.

Leave the first comment (Cancel Reply)

Hover or click the text box below

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter

Oita Prefectural Art Museum: A Beacon of Artistic Expression in Japan

Umitamago Aquarium: A Deep Dive into Marine Life

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway: A Scenic Expedition into Japan’s Flora

Nasu Animal Kingdom: An Overview

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura: A Timeless Journey

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

Cruise to Kyoto (Osaka), Japan

Kyoto (osaka) shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in kyoto (osaka).

Golden Pavilion

The Kinkakuji Temple, also called the Golden Pavilion for its yellow-colored walls atop a pond in Kyoto, Japan

A traveler's favorite for centuries and one of Japan's most famous sights, the gold-covered main hall of Kinkaku-ji temple seems to float between the sky and the pond of Kyoko-chi that it stands over. It was originally built in the 14th century as a villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a samurai lord. Snap photos while walking around Kyoko-chi, and see the temple from Sekka-tei Cottage — the view from here can't be beat.

Garden Without Plants

A zen rock garden in the Ryoan Temple in Kyoto, Japan

Not far from the Golden Pavilion, the Zen temple of Ryoan-ji is famed for its mysterious yet beautiful rock garden. This grouping of 15 rocks set in raked gravel is a delight to contemplate from the veranda of the Hojo, the residence of the temple's head priest. Walk around the tatami rooms, and admire the painted fusuma sliding doors. Don't miss the picturesque tsukubai stone washbasin with a bamboo pipe in the back — designed for the tea ceremony, it's inscribed with a Buddhist maxim saying one should be happy with what one already has.

Ten Thousand Gates

Beloved for its spectacular rows of red torii gates, this hilly, sprawling Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and business; you'll see statues of his messenger, the fox, everywhere. During your visit to Osaka, take the four-kilometer path up the mountain and lose yourself in this vermilion wonderland — the number of gates totals around 10,000. Small restaurants along the paths sell kitsune udon noodle soup and inarizushi rice balls.

Local Cuisine

As the kitchen for Japan's imperial court for centuries, Kyoto has a long tradition of excellent food. Get the full experience with Kyo-kaiseki-ryori , a multicourse meal of seasonal Kyoto cuisine: You'll be treated to many dishes made with exceptional attention to detail, including gently sashimi -style raw fish and vegetable dishes like turnips simmered in local water with white miso.

Head to the Kyoto Handicraft Center near Heian-jingu shrine for a wide selection of Kyoto crafts including ironware kettles, woodblock prints, Japanese dolls, lacquer ware, as well as kimono and yukata (lightweight summer kimono). Visitors can also try their hand at making handicrafts, such as painting folding fans.

Best Deals to Kyoto (Osaka), Japan

These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can.

Departs From {{card.portName}}

Onboard {{card.shipName}} of the Seas

{{ card.totalGroups }} Itineraries

We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. View All Cruises

We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. View All Results

Similar to Kyoto (Osaka), Japan

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Book a Europe cruise this summer with direct flights starting at £1*

• Need help? 0344 493 2043 0344 493 2043
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Stay Packages
• Alaska & Galapagos Packages
• Family Cruises
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Overnight Stays Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

Our revolutionary Edge series ship, Celebrity Apex, sails from Southampton, exploring Europe's must-see destinations.

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Ascent NEW
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium
• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration
• The Retreat
• Suite Life. Elevated.
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• View All Suites
• Concierge Class
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Our Distinction
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• At Least 30% Off 1st & 2nd Guest
• Fly to Europe from £1
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail from £129pp
• 20% Off Galapagos Cruises
• Exciting Deals
• Cruise and Stay Packages
• Bluelight & Military Offers
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Loyalty Status Match

Get at least 30% off your first and second guests' cruise fare, plus return flights for 2024 Europe sailings starting from £1.

Cruises to Osaka, Japan

Tabs view osaka cruises.

• Osaka Port Guide
• Asia Shore Excursions
• Asia Cruises
• View Osaka Cruises

Osaka Japan Port Guide

On any Asia cruise , a stop in Osaka, Japan is special for many reasons. It isn’t Japan’s largest city or its most picture-perfect, but Osaka is both distinctly modern and approachable, from its tourist district Dōtonbori, which embodies the spirit of the city and its shopping scene, to the pure fun of Universal Studios Japan. History is alive at the 16th century Osaka Castle, where blooming cherry blossoms color the landscape and tell the story of Japan’s unification, and the 5th century Buddhist temple Shitennō-ji, which is the first Buddhist temple ever built in Japan.  Along the way, Osaka has gained a reputation as Japan’s kitchen and is home to everything from upscale restaurants to impossibly delicious street foods. Eating your way through Osaka is easy when the culture is so food-centric. Osaka residents believe that food and living life to the fullest are inherently connected, and on your cruise to Osaka, so will you.

Recommended Sailing

Starting From

Avg. Per Person

Osaka Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon.

Please, come back later to show you what we have available

View All Cruises to Osaka, Japan

Top sights & attractions for cruises to osaka, osaka castle.

Osaka Castle is one of the country’s most important and internationally valued monuments that tells the story of Osaka during the 16th century and the unification of Japan. It’s also home to an incredible garden, and when the cherry blossoms are in season in April, Osaka Castle blushes pink as the trees bloom. Visitors come from all over Japan to experience the beauty of Osaka Castle. Entry to the grounds is free, though there’s a fee to explore the castle tower and garden.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

The architecture of the Sumiyoshi Taisha is completely unique to Japan. It was built without any outside influences, and for that reason it’s considered one of Osaka’s most culturally significant attractions. Millions visit this famous shrine each year. You can walk in the footsteps of Japanese history, whether you’re strolling through the gardens or exploring the four elaborate halls within the shrine. It’s a must-do experience for travelers on a cruise to Osaka.

Osaka Aquarium

Osaka Aquarium just happens to be one of the biggest in the world and offers nighttime and interactive exhibits to provide something new and fun for all ages. There are 15 tanks home to diverse marine life from all over the world, each representing different regions and oceans. You’ll travel around the world in just a few hours here.

Learn More About Asia Shore Excursions

Top things to do in osaka, shop at amerika-mura.

Osaka’s premier entertainment and shopping district is Amerika-Mura, located in the Chūō-ku district of the city. Vintage stores, record shops, bookstores, and cafes line the streets. At night, the district pops with bars and live music.

Adventure at Universal Studios Japan

Good old-fashioned fun awaits travelers of all ages and interests at Universal Studios Japan, which is Osaka’s only theme park. Roller coasters, rides, and interactive experiences with your favorite characters are just part of the fun. Travel across worlds and time periods to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Hollywood Studios, and more.

360-Degree Views from Abeno Harukas

Osaka cruise passengers enjoy the observation deck of Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in all of Japan. Clocking in at almost 1,000 feet tall, Abeno Harukas boasts a view of Osaka like no other spot in town. Stop in the cafe and forget life’s troubles as you stare out the all-encompassing glass panels.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Osaka Cruise Port

Address: 1 Chome-4-１６ Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

This 24-hour ramen spot has gained international acclaim, and several chains of Ichiran exist throughout Osaka. You get to choose exactly how you want your ramen, from texture to consistency, right down to their freshly made flour noodles. Even Forbes has called it the best ramen in town, but you’ll have to ask the locals when you’re there on an Osaka cruise.

Awajishima Burger

Address: 4-1 Ikedachō, Nishinomiya-shi, Hyōgo-ken 662-0911, Japan

You might not come to Osaka and immediately think about burgers, but it would be a shame to leave town without trying the acclaimed Awajishima Burger. It’s outfitted with a classic lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo combo, plus a mouthwatering secret sauce. Burgers come with fried onion rings and hearty portions, so come hungry. 

Address: 5th fl, SouthSide Terrace Bldg, 1-1-38 Daimyō

Ready to try authentic Japanese cuisine? At Hakatarou, you’ll get a sense of regional Japanese dishes and delicacies that aren’t often represented at Japanese restaurants stateside. Not overly expensive and located in a quaint shopping center, Hakatarou is approachable and spacious. The dishes and atmosphere are modeled after the traditional izakaya style of Japan. Order a variety of sashimi and a round of sake.

Address: Japan, 〒550-0002 Osaka, Nishi Ward, Edobori, 1 Chome−9−11 アイプラス江戸堀

Hajime is an upscale treat for visitors. Come prepared and call ahead to get a reservation. They bring French inspiration to Japanese ingredients, and they offer both a vegetable tasting menu and an exclusive shorter menu tasting for patrons who have limited time to imbibe and enjoy.

Culture & History of the Osaka Cruise Port

Human beings have been living in the area we call Osaka today for thousands of years. In the 5th century, Chinese settlers came to the area. Osaka was named the capital of Japan in the 17th century before the capital moved, and the city grew in renown and as an international trading power. Throughout the centuries, Osaka grew and faced challenging developments, but never lost its rich culture and traditions. During World War II, Osaka was frequently raided and was forced to rebuild in the 1950s and 60s. 

Today, Osaka has become known as one of Japan’s best cities for foodies and is even nicknamed “the nation’s kitchen” for its importance in the gastronomical landscape of the country. Over 2.5 million residents call Osaka home today.

Osaka Port Facilities & Location

When your Osaka cruise ship docks in the Port of Osaka, you’ll be able to easily navigate from Tempozan Pier, where ships disembark. The pier is also close by to attractions like the Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium and plentiful shopping at the Tempozan Marketplace. It’s easy to spend the day hanging nearby the port if you don’t feel like venturing further into Osaka.

Transportation in Osaka

Osaka’s public transportation is clean and efficient, including the subway lines and bullet trains. Japan’s subways are consistently the most on time in the world. The subway stops running at midnight, but at most times of the day, the eight subway lines in Osaka are the best way to navigate the city. If a taxi has a red light on, that means they’re taking passengers.

Shopping Near the Osaka Cruise Port

Not far from the Port of Osaka is the Tempozan Marketplace, which is a food court and shopping center selling Japanese specialty cuisine and handmade goods. The America-Mura shopping district has also grown in popularity for its imports of Western merchandise, vinyl shops, bookstores, and cafes.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The official currency in Japan is the yen. It is recommended you keep extra change on hand to purchase snacks, pay for a taxi ride, or hop on a bus if needed. In Osaka, ATMs are commonly available, and credit cards like Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted. Many ATMs in Japan will only accept credit cards issued by a Japanese bank, so plan ahead on currency exchange before leaving the cruise terminal. Though strange to Western cultures, tipping isn’t really a thing in Japan, so tipping a restaurant server, bartender, or taxi driver is out of the ordinary for Japanese workers. Culturally, tipping tends to be rejected.

Find Cruises to Japan's Osaka Port

You might also like.

Singapore Cruise

Yokohama Cruise

Japan Cruise

Thailand Cruise

Vietnam Cruise

Asia Cruise

China Cruise

Cruise Philippines

Southeast Asia Cruise

Transpacific Cruise

Korea Cruise

Repositioning Cruises

Best Honeymoon Cruises

Tokyo Shore Excursions

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

• Authentic Shore Excursions

• Search for:
• Kobe Shore Excursions
• Kyoto Shore Excursions
• Osaka Shore Excursions
• Hakodate Shore Excursions
• Shimizu Shore Excursions
• Tokyo Shore Excursions
• Miyazaki Shore Excursions
• Aburatsu Shore Excursions
• Naha – Okinawa Shore Excursions
• Aomori Shore Excursions
• Muroran Shore Excursions
• Nagasaki Shore Excursions
• Fukuoka Shore Excursions
• Hiroshima Shore Excursions
• Kanazawa Shore Excursions
• Kochi Shore Excursions
• Sakaiminato Shore Excursions
• Akita Shore Excursions
• Beppu Shore Excursions
• Ishigaki Shore Excursions
• Kagoshima Shore Excursions
• Kitakyushu Shore Excursions
• Kumamoto Shore Excursions
• Kushiro Shore Excursions
• Maizuru Shore Excursions
• Otaru Shore Excursions
• Sakata Shore Excursions
• Sasebo Shore Excursions
• Tokushima Shore Excursions
• Yokohama Shore Excursions
• Karatsu Shore Excursions
• Phnom Penh Shore Excursions
• Siem Reap Shore Excursions
• Sihanoukville Shore Excursions
• Beijing Shore Excursions
• Hong Kong Shore Excursions
• Dalian Shore Excursions
• Guangzhou Shore Excursions
• Qingdao Shore Excursions
• Sanya Shore Excursions
• Shanghai Shore Excursions
• Xiamen Shore Excursions
• Yantai Shore Excursions
• Zhoushan Shore Excursions
• Busan Shore Excursions
• Jeju Shore Excursions
• Seoul Shore Excursions
• Halong Bay Shore Excursions
• Hanoi Shore Excursions
• Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions
• Hoi An & Da Nang Shore Excursions
• Hue Shore Excursions
• Nha Trang Shore Excursions
• Phu Quoc Shore Excursions
• Vung Tau Shore Excursions
• Haiphong Shore Excursions
• Bangkok Shore Excursions
• Koh Samui Shore Excursions
• Phuket Shore Excursions
• Pattaya Shore Excursions
• Krabi Shore Excursions
• Bali Shore Excursions
• Ende Shore Excursions
• Jakarta Shore Excursions
• Komodo Island Shore Excursions
• Larantuka Shore Excursions
• Lombok Shore Excursions
• Makassar Shore Excursions
• Palopo Shore Excursions
• Parepare Shore Excursions
• Semarang Shore Excursions
• Surabaya Shore Excursions
• Kota Kinabalu Shore Excursions
• Kuala Lumpur Shore Excursions
• Langkawi Shore Excursions
• Penang Shore Excursions
• Manila Shore Excursions
• Boracay Shore Excursions
• Coron Island Shore Excursions
• Hundred Islands Shore Excursions
• Palawan Shore Excursions
• Keelung (Taipei) Shore Excursions
• Kaohsiung Shore Excursions
• Hualien Shore Excursions
• Cochin Shore Excursions
• Goa Shore Excursions
• Mumbai Shore Excursions

Showing all 10 results

Osaka Shore Excursions, Day Tours & Trips for Cruise Ship Passengers

Located in the Kinki region on Honshu Island, Osaka is Japan’s third largest and second most important city. Thanks to its strategic location and global status as a trading center of many international waterways, the city was designated as the capital in the mid 7th century. Not only does Osaka shore excursions see a harmonious blend of human life and nature, but it also converges tradition and modernity, past and present into one unified mass, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers.

In Osaka, you can experience a humid tropical climate. From March to mid-April, spring arrives with crisp breezes, signaling the beginning of cherry blossoms. Summer lasts from June to September when the temperature can climb up to 36°C. The seasonal changes become more distinct from October onwards when it’s much colder at night. Snow is more intense in January and February of the following year.

Asia Shore Excursions  provides many exciting Osaka shore excursions  for cruise passengers who stop at Osaka port in Japan. Please contact us  to get the best Osaka day tours or tailor the tour  to suit your budget and interests.

Osaka Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Delights

• Duration: 5 hours
• Pick-up/Drop-off: From the port
• Highlights: Osaka Castle - Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
• Tour Customizable:  Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
• Note: Specifically designed for cruise travelers with this docking schedule in Kobe/Osaka, Japan (11:59 PM -23:00 PM) who don’t have much time.

Osaka Highlight Tour (6.0 hours)

• Duration: 6 hours
• Pick-up/Drop-off:  Osaka Port
• Highlights: Osaka Castle – Shitenno-ji Temple

The Symbol of Osaka & Shopping Street (5.0 hours)

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Osaka Port
• Highlights: Osaka Castle - Dotonbori

The City of Osaka and Nara (9.0 hours)

• Duration: 9 hours
• Pick-up/Drop-off:  From the Port
• Highlights: Kōriyama Castle -Todaiji Temple - Kasuga Taisha Shrine - Osaka Castle

Taste of Osaka (6.0 hours)

• Highlights: Osaka Castle – Dotonbori

Osaka Highlights Excursion & Sake Brewery Experience | 10 hours

• Duration: 10 hours
• Highlights: Osaka Castle - Dotonbori - Sake BreweryUmenoyado

Kyoto Highlight Tour & Lunch with Maiko | 8 Hours

• Duration: 8 hours
• Highlights: Nijo-jo Castle - Jinmatsuan - Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Himeji Highlights Tour | 8 Hours

• Highlights: Himeji Castle - Kokoen Garden (Include Tea Drinking) - Maiko Marine Promenade (Hyogo-Maiko Park)

Essence of Arashiyama – Fushimi Inari Taisha | 9 Hours

• Highlights: Arashiyama bamboo forest -Togetsu-Kyo Bridge -  Kinkakuji Temple - Fushimi Inari-Taisha Temple

Nara Park & Osaka Castle | 8 Hours

• Highlights: Kasuga Taisha Shrine - Nara Deer Park - Osaka Castle

Attractions for Osaka Shore Excursions

Himeji castle.

Osaka Castle

Kasuga Shrine

Dotonbori Shopping Street

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

• Tickets & Passes Offers
• Ticket・Pass Article
• Events Calendar
• Events Article
• Route Map/Plan A Trip
• － Midosuji Line
• － Tanimachi Line
• － Yotsubashi Line
• － Chuo Line
• － Sennichimae Line
• － Sakaisuji Line
• － Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line
• － Imazatosuji Line
• Time of first train and last train
• How to Osaka Metro
• － Station Entrances, Ticketing & Ticket Gates
• － Find Your Way Around
• － Busiest Time to Travel
• Explore Kansai from Osaka
• Getting to Osaka
• Access from Airports & Shinkansen
• Tourist Information Centers
• Helpful Contacts
• Train Manners
• What is Osaka Metro NiNE?
• Special Contents
• Search Articles
• Search Spots
• Explore Metro Network
• Tickets & Passes
• Travel Guide

HOME Search Articles Explore Osaka with Witty Rakugo Comedian On Naniwa Exploration Cruise♪

Explore Osaka with Witty Rakugo Comedian On Naniwa Exploration Cruise♪

Written by: Nulek （ヌレック）

• Enjoy Witty Storytelling by Rakugo-ka Artist
• Nakanoshima's Historic & New Buildings
• The Sakura Cruise
• Disembark at Dotonbori

● Tour Begins at Minatomachi Pier in Namba

สวัสดี！ Hello! I’m Nulek. I came from Thailand five years ago to study Japanese. Did you know Osaka is known as the “Aqua Metropolis” or “City of Water”? This great urban city has lots of canals and rivers running through a sea of buildings and, along with that, different cruise ships that are perfect for sightseeing in Osaka. Among them is a Naniwa Exploration Cruise with Rakugo Comedian run by Ipponmatsu Shipping Company. Rakugo is a 400 year old Japanese traditional art of storytelling in which a Rakugo-ka artist tells and acts out a comical story. I’m not exactly sure if my Japanese is good enough to understand the story, but regardless of that, I’m looking forward to seeing Osaka from a boat♪

Naniwa Exploration Cruise offers two routes. I went on their “Loop Line on the River Course”. It departs from Minatomachi Pier , located just north of the Minatomachi River Place in Namba, just a 3-minute walk from Namba Station on Osaka Metro’s Yotsubashi Line. The other route, “Yumesaki Line on the River Course”, departs from the Universal City Port.

Fares are 3,000 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for students. Kids who are not yet in school (1st grade) ride for free! Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone. This was my cruise ship! It felt like I was going into a submarine. I was excited.

Unfortunately, it was rainy on the day I went on the cruise. But the cruise ship, Hotaru, offered a rain free space inside with all glass roof and walls that allowed for a nice panoramic view. The glass roof can be slid open. I’m sure it’d be really nice with the roof open on a sunny day. Natural wood used in the interior created a relaxing atmosphere and soft seats with backrest and tables made a comfortable seating.

The boat’s capacity was 40 persons. Many piled in and it was already time to depart. Ittekimasu!

● Enjoy Witty Storytelling by Rakugo-ka Artist

Rakugo-ka Artist, Katsura Kamon, was our guide. He is a young Rakugo-ka artist active on stage and radio. We welcomed him with a big applause. He looked handsome in kimono. His eloquent talk captured all the guests right away, while creating a cozy, at-home atmosphere.

The Loop Line on the River cruise went west on the Dotonbori River, then onto the Kizugawa River, the Dojimagawa River, and the Higashi Yokoborigawa River, and back to the Dotonbori River. It basically goes around Osaka’s city center in a loop in 90 minutes.

The Dotonborigawa River Floodgate looked like this in rain.

It’d look like below on a sunny day. The floodgates regulate the water level that changes as the tide level changes, and purify water while blocking the high tide. We went through the gate as it opened after the water level was adjusted.

On the other side of the floodgate was a junction where the Shirinashigawa River and the Kizugawa River meet. Our boat went up the Kizugawa River towards Kyocera Dome Osaka . This baseball stadium looks like an U.F.O. to me.

Along the river were colorful graffities. See the red torii behind them too?

The scenery changed when the boat came to the end of the Kizugawa River, where an express way ran above our heads.

And where the Kizugawa River meets the Azugawa River, which runs all the way to Osaka Port, I saw the Osaka Municipal Central Wholesale Market that comprises of fish, vegetable, and meat markets.

Looks like this on a clear day. With cruisers anchored along the market, it looks a little like the sea.

● Nakanoshima’s Historic & New Buildings

The scenery changed drastically as the boat enters the Dojimagawa River. We were entering the Nakanoshima area, surrounded by high rises and other buildings. On the south side of the river were Osaka International Convention Center and Rihga Royal Hotel.

Going under the Oe-bashi Bridge was an exciting moment. At the Oe-bashi Bridge, the clearance under the bridge is only a little over 3 meters, pretty tight for ships and boats to pass through. They usually have to go right in the middle, at the highest point, to avoid a crash.

But our boat was special and handled it no problem! Our boat is designed to function like a submarine(!) with a large tank at the bottom of the boat that can hold 40 tons of water. By sinking the ship with the weight of the water, the boat can clear the low bridge clearance with no problem. Isn’t that clever? See the white line behind me in the picture below? That is the bottom of the window. It was aligned with the wooden frame where my elbow is, but now it looks raised because the cabin has been sunk.

We’re ready to go under the bridge! Even the music in the cabin changed to add to the intensity of the moment lol.

They were not kidding. Our roof was undeniably close to the bottom of the bridge! But we got through safely! I got a kick out of this gripping moment.

As we came out of the Oe-bashi Bridge, I saw the Osaka City Central Public Hall on the right. I like the retro exterior of this historic building.

Elevated Hanshin Expressway continued on the left side.

Ahead of the boat, the big green apple sculpture at the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest appeared. Opened in July 2020, this library for children was designed by the world famous architect, Tadao Ando. I’d like to check out this new work of Tadao Ando someday. Advance reservation is required right now.

● The Sakura Cruise

As we got closer to the Tenjin-bashi Bridge, Sakura trees lined the riverbank. (Photo taken on March 1)

It’d beautiful—like below—when Sakura is in full bloom.

If you’re a Sakura fan, take the Sakura Special Cruise which operates during the Sakura season. It takes you a little further than the usual tour, onto the Okawa River to the Sakuranomiya-bashi Bridge, passing right by Osaka’s top Sakura spot, the Japan Mint. The Sakura Special Cruise will operate between April 1st and 10th this year.

This would be the view—Sakura on both sides of the river—that you would be able to enjoy it live on the Sakura Special Cruise.

If not this year, maybe you can plan for next year. And look forward to next year’s Sakura season already!

The boat made a sharp tun around the tip of the Nakanoshima island and we now faced Kensaki Park.

Passing the Hachikenya-hama Boat Dock, the boat entered the Higashi Yokoborigawa River.

The Higahi Yokoborigawa River was a little narrower than others. Originally built as a moat for Osaka Castle, this river has been buried and unburied accordingly with the historical events of the castle.

Another floodgate! Controlled release of water helps you know the location of the gates. The wall rose gradually out of water. It was quite impressive.

Our comedian guide told many stories around the places we saw. Here at the flood gate, he had a quick quiz about canals.

● Disembark at Dotonbori

Finally, we were back on the Dotonbori River .

We were surrounded by so many things to see. I held my camera up to take more pictures.

But it was rainy… And my picture turned out like this one…which I think is pretty cool? If only the sky was blue and the ceiling was open…

I imagine the Don Quixote(DON DON DONKI) Ferris Wheel would look much more imposing like this!

Now, can you tell what this is? It’s super famous.

You got it! It’s the Glico Running Man! It looks bigger from the boat.

The fun 90 minute ride was coming to an end. We laughed so hard the entire time. We all loved Kamon san’s talk. He even invited us all to snap a picture lol. Take lots of pictures on the cruise!

I’m still learning the Japanese language, but I was able to enjoy his storytelling. It covered a range, from facts and useful information to jokes and fun stories. Even if you don’t understand the language well, the Naniwa Exploration Cruise is a nice cruise where you can enjoy Osaka from the river.

The weather wasn’t great when I went, but I still enjoyed my exploration of the city on a boat. The same company operates a number of other cruises in Osaka, including the Tonbori River Cruise, Tonbori River Jazz Boat (Dotonbori cruise with a live jazz performance) , and Nakanoshima River Cruise that runs in the evening.

Catch a cruise at night and you will see a beautiful sunset or enjoy the bright city lights of downtown Osaka. Whichever cruise you choose, it will be a great addition to your day in Osaka. Do check the cruise details beforehand; the operation of these cruises may be limited currently due to the pandemic.

Spots Introduced

Minatomachi pier.

[Access] About 3 mins walk from Exit 26-C at Namba Station.

Recommended Plans

A Chill Day at Osaka's Nagai Park

Do you like to pack your days when you travel? Start the day at that breakfast place you read …

#TravelThruPhotos #travellater Osaka’s Best Rose Gardens!

Early summer brings fresh green leaves and colorful flowers to the city. The …

“Mountain Climbing” in the City – Osaka’s 8 Lowest Mountains

Early summer brings fresh green leaves, and the comfortably dry weather before the arrival …

Great for Osaka Travel Planning! Events Calendar, Updated Daily☆

Tea Time at A 400-Year-Old Temple♪

A Guide to the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan♪

Midosuji Line

Shinsaibashi Dotonbori Midosuji

Yotsubashi Line

Amerikamura namba Higobashi

Sennichimae Line

Nippombashi Tsuruhashi

Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line

Kyobashi Tsurumi-ryokuchi

Tanimachi Line

Tanimachi Abeno Nakazakicho

Osaka Castle Bentencho Osakako

Sakaisuji Line

Shinsekai Tenma Kitahama

Imazatosuji Line

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Asia Chevron

Japan Chevron

A New Cruise Is Making the Islands of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea More Accessible

By Kate Crockett

The morning sun was already high and hot, penetrating a blue sea haze that softened the forested islands on the horizon. The silhouette of a cargo ship inched north along the diffuse line between sky and sea, toward the frenetic cities on the mainland of Honshu. But where I was, all was peaceful.

In the milky blue below my Prestige stateroom balcony, two large Chrysaora jellyfish pulsed nonchalantly along the hull of Ponant 's 466-foot Le Soléal . Just the night before, this luxury expedition ship had transported me from the bustle of Osaka's crowds and heavy industry to the mysterious and beautiful Seto Inland Sea, the body of water that separates Japan' s main islands: Honshu , Shikoku , and Kyushu .

The reconstructed 16th-century Osaka Castle, on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.

Bon Odori festival dancers wearing traditional tube-sleeve happi coats.

The Seto Inland Sea was Japan's most important trade route for centuries, before road and rail. Its port towns prospered, hosting seafarers as they waited for tides to propel them east toward the imperial capitals or west toward the Sea of Japan, which was the way I was headed on this eight-day cruise from Osaka to Fukuoka . Traveling by sea remains the best—though least utilized—way to explore this sleepy region, which most travelers bypass at 185 miles an hour aboard the Tokaido-Sanyo shinkansen.

Le Soléal , which turned 10 last year, is a sleek, small ship with cutting-edge tech to reduce its impact on the environment. On my first morning, I descended to the marina deck to board one of her 12 Zodiacs (Ponant is the first international company permitted to operate Zodiacs in these waters), bound for Inujima (“dog island”), our first port of call. Inujima is the smallest of the four islands that comprise Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a revolutionary art project that started on Naoshima in 1992 and expanded onto its neighbors. Its innovative proposition to use art to drive rural regeneration has put the Seto Inland Sea firmly on the global art map.

The view from Taichoro Reception Hall, part of Fukuzen-ji Temple in Tomonoura Bay.

We crossed the water toward the crumbling brick chimneys of Inujima's Meiji-era copper refinery, which, for 20 boom years in the early 1900s, provided materials for the construction of Osaka's harbor but was subsequently abandoned. Reimagined in 2008 as Seirensho Art Museum, the site—part preserved ruin, part art gallery—has become a place to ponder the benefits and losses of Japan's rapid industrialization.

Sitting in the shade of artist Kazuyo Sejima's Nakanotani Gazebo, a small pavilion with a curving silver roof that creates echoes of nearby sounds, was a gentleman—the first person I'd seen—and his Shiba Inu. With fewer than 20 residents, most of them elderly, Inujima is one of Japan's countless genkai shūraku—villages doomed by depopulation. The art site is an attempt to revitalize life by attracting visitors. That day, it was unusually busy, as Seirensho had opened exclusively for Le Soléal 's 264 passengers.

The Art House Project, one of Inujima's exhibits designed to help revitalize the local community.

The following morning, expedition leader Ryo Ijichi navigated our Zodiac into a port of Tomonoura that felt like a time warp into the Edo era. We stepped ashore to find residents had planned a private concert from a local stringed instrument called a koto as well as tastings of homeishu, an herbal liqueur distilled on the island. We received a walking map created for Ponant guests to explore sites of interest, including the Taichoro Reception Hall at Fukuzen-ji Temple, with its commanding views of the Seto Inland Sea. Tomonoura's schoolchildren handed out origami cranes and ninja stars. “We have been careful to work with local communities to ensure the cruise is bringing benefits to them,” said Ijichi, the driving force behind this deep-access itinerary. It took three years of “meeting every mayor, every official, and drinking lots of sake with local fishermen” to bring the experience to fruition. Even the Zodiac landings would not have been feasible had Ijichi not lobbied Japan's Ministry of Transportation to pass the necessary legislation.

By Jessica Puckett

By Matt Ortile

By Olivia Morelli

By Alex Van Buren

Forty nautical miles west, on the eastern tip of Osaki Shimojima island, lies little-known Mitarai. We explored its Edo-era geisha house, sento bathhouse, and shop houses unhindered by other visitors. Locals pulled out all the stops, with hands-on ikebana, gagaku (imperial court music) by the sea at Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, and a shamisen and classical dance recital in a former cartographer's residence. Ponant handed out vouchers for passengers to spend in local cafés and later brought onboard a haul of local red snapper.

Passengers visit Tomonoura, a historic port town that is part of the Setonaikai National Park.

Each day brimmed with memorable moments. In Shimokamagari, I took part in an odori folk dance with ladies in traditional tube-sleeve happi coats. The next evening, Le Soléal 's packed dance floor swayed to the in-house band above six-foot swells in the Sea of Japan. In Hagi Castle Town, I scoured the historic grid for pink-hued Hagi-yaki pottery. Later, I relaxed with a full-body scrub in Le Soléal's Sothys spa. Tsushima Island , midway between Japan and Korea , marked our final full day in Japan. Le Soléal departed though the magnificent Aso Bay, becoming the first cruise ship ever to do so. As the sun set, sake flowed and musicians played beside the pool.

This Ponant sailing was not Bucket List Japan. You could easily bookend this too-short cruise with the popular Golden Route, as many of my fellow travelers did. This was a version of Japan reserved only for those traveling by sea, in the manner and pace of a bygone era . A matchless guest speaker, the Japan authority Alex Kerr, summed up the pioneering journey by saying: “We did not go to Naoshima, the world-famous art island. They don't need us. But Inujima and Mitarai—those places need us. I am thrilled Ponant chose the beautiful Inland Sea, which everyone has been ignoring up until now.”

This article appeared in the January/February 2024 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here .

Recommended

Six Senses Kyoto

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Asia Travel Guide

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Princess Cruises Announces Extended 2025-26 Japan & Southeast Asia Cruise Season

Diamond princess returns to the land of the rising sun for expanded program showcasing beautiful fall foliage.

By downloading this image you agree to the Princess asset use terms and conditions

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., (May 29, 2024) – On the heels of record-breaking travel to Japan by U.S. visitors in 2023, and another strong season underway this year, Princess Cruises today announced it will extend the number of itineraries in Japan during the 2025-26 season. 

The 2025-26 cruise season to the must-see island nations of Japan and Southeast Asia onboard a Princess ship has just been announced. On sale now, Japan-built Diamond Princess returns featuring an expanded Japan season showcasing the region’s breathtaking fall foliage, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and more. 

“We truly make it easy to travel to Japan and Southeast Asia on our Diamond Princess Love Boat to experience these amazing destinations,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. “For our fall 2025 through winter 2026 season, we’re thrilled to expand our Japan cruises from Tokyo (Yokohama) during the beautiful fall foliage season and continue to Singapore to highlight the best of Southeast Asia. Plus, our guests only need to unpack once to experience these storied countries while enjoying vibrant shore excursions and our regional culinary and entertainment offerings onboard.” 

From ancient temples and castles, to bustling markets and breathtaking gardens, cruisers experience the best way to see Japan with Princess with a new fall 2025 season offering 11 new voyages ranging in length from nine to 22 days, visiting 25 destinations throughout the Land of the Rising Sun, as well as stops in Korea and Taiwan. Highlights of the season include:

• 13-day Circle Japan Fall Foliage sailing taking place during the beautiful autumn leaves season
• 9-day Circle Japan voyage a circumnavigation of the country with stops at Nagasaki, Akita and Sakaiminato
• 9-day Southern Islands departures to the southernmost part of Japan and the lush islands of Okinawa and Ishigaki
• 10-day Kyushu & Korea cruise, which sails these large islands of Japan including visits to Hiroshima, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji)
• For the ultimate Japan exploration, guests can combine these 18- to 22- day itineraries for an unforgettable 40-day adventure

Following her extended Japan season, Diamond Princess will sail to Singapore on a 12-day Southeast Asia & Japan cruise featuring Taipei (Keelung) and Hong Kong to kick off three roundtrip Singapore sailings including:

• 14-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruise, which also includes calls to Phuket, Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My)
• 16-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam departure which also includes a call to Halong Bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a gateway to Hanoi
• Closing the season will be a 14-day Southeast Asia & Japan sailing from Singapore back to Tokyo (Yokohama) with late night More Ashore stays in both Hong Kong and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji)

Diamond Princess: Built in Japan, the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess offers a unique experience tailored to the region. Guests enjoy authentic cuisine at Kai Sushi, sip Japanese-inspired cocktails created by mixologist Rob Floyd, soak in the traditional Izumi bath and enjoy folkloric shows, regional entertainment and Japanese holiday celebrations. 

Additionally, the all-new Churrascaria Brazilian Grill offers quality meats boasting bold South American flavors, cooked to perfection in the tasty tradition of grilling churrasco style. Servers present these flavorful cuts on vertical skewers, and hand-carve them right onto the plate. 

No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line’s award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization. Guests booking can take advantage of inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier which add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, desserts, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately. 

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com . 

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

"My final straw" - Naomi Osaka reveals she almost decided to go with orange ponytail at French Open; admires the 'glorious' one she went with instead

N aomi Osaka recently revealed a hilarious conversation with her hairstylist Marty Harper prior to the 2024 French Open about her hairstyle. The Japanese was mulling an orange ponytail.

Osaka went down fighting in the second round at Roland Garros to Iga Swiatek. The match was one for ages as the defending champion had to save a match point. The first set was tightly contested with Swiatek edging ahead in the tiebreak.

Osaka responded with a dominating second set, winning 6-1. The World No. 1 was trailing 2-5 in the deciding set but fought back to parity at 5-5. She broke again to take a 6-5 lead following which she served for the match.

The Japanese won her first-round match against Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 4-6, 7-5. The former World No. 1 impressed everyone with her clay game. She also impressed everyone with her 'glorious' hairstyle.

Revealing a conversation with her hairstylist Marty Harper about discussing hairstyle for the French Open, Osaka said she was initially thinking about an auburn/orange ponytail.

"Is it insane I'm thinking about a full auburn/orange ponytail for French Open? I need to do something with my hair it's driving me crazy," Osaka wrote in a message.

"Marty I miss you send help," she wrote.

In a video, she said her braid was stiff everywhere.

"This was prior to my text and probably my last straw," she wrote on the video.

Osaka also posted a video from the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2025 show showing her 'stiff' braid. She wrote:

"The way it moulded to my shoulder."

In another story, the Japanese thanked her hairstylist for suggesting the ponytail.

"Thankfully @themartyharper saved me cause this pony was glorious."

Naomi Osaka - "I'm kind of setting myself up for September anyway"

Naomi Osaka remained positive even after a tough defeat to Iga Swiatek. In the post-match press conference, she said that she would not be too hard on herself as clay was the Pole's strong suit.

Notably, Swiatek has won three titles at the French Open and has won two back-to-back WTA 1000s at Madrid and Rome in 2024. Osaka, on the other hand, has never made it past the third round at Roland Garros.

The Japanese said she would like to play Swiatek on a hard court, which is her favored surface. She also added that she is setting herself up for the US Open.

"I'm also just trying not to be too hard on myself. I feel like I played her on her better surface. I'm a hardcourt kid, so I'd love to play her on my surface and see what happens. Also, I said in Australia that I'm kind of setting myself up for September anyway, so," she said.

On hardcourts, the head-to-head between the two is tied at 1-1.

Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek cruise into French Open 4th round

• ESPN News Services

American Coco Gauff , the No. 3 seed, showed some second-set resilience in a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska on Friday to advance to the French Open fourth round and move a step closer to ending a three-year clay-court drought.

Meanwhile, No. 1 Iga Swiatek celebrated her 23rd birthday in style with an emphatic 6-4, 6-2 victory over Marie Bouzkova to also move into the last 16.

Gauff, the US Open winner who reached the final in Paris in 2022 and last won a title on clay in 2021, was in solid form in the first set against surprise Australian Open semifinalist Yastremska before struggling briefly in the second.

"I played her in Madrid, and she plays really well from behind," Gauff said. "I knew closing the match would be difficult. I definitely could have closed it out on my serve [in the previous game].

"The last game, she hit three or four balls on the edge of the line. ... It was difficult to stay focused and not get too mad. But I'm glad I was able to push through."

Gauff will next face Italy's world No. 51 Elisabetta Cocciaretto .

Yastremska, the Ukrainian world No. 32 who is racing up the rankings after her career was derailed by a provisional doping ban in 2021, which was later lifted, was inconsistent with her big-hitting game and her serve and sent a backhand wide to give Gauff an early break.

Gauff then cruised through the set courtesy of another break as Yastremska's unforced errors piled up.

She did break Gauff repeatedly in the second set, threatening to make a game of it, with the American struggling with her first serve.

Just as Yastremska seemed to have found her range and a way back into the match, Gauff, who had a match point at 5-2, held firm despite double-faulting in consecutive service games to clinch the win.

Swiatek survived a major scare in the previous round when she saved a match point against Naomi Osaka before sealing a hard-fought victory, but against Bouzkova, she picked apart the Czech player's serve with some precision hitting.

The defending champion showed no signs of a hangover from the three-setter with Osaka and consolidated an early break to go 3-1 up in the opening set, but Bouzkova fought back from 5-2 down to give the Polish player a workout.

However, Swiatek switched gears and carefully constructed her points, using the angles well to make Bouzkova run from one corner of Court Philippe Chatrier to the other, firing 18 winners in the opening set.

The top seed continued to dominate in the second set as she effortlessly turned defense into offense on Bouzkova's serve, breaking twice to race to a 4-0 lead before the Czech player managed to get on the board.

Bouzkova saved a match point on her serve, but she only delayed the inevitable as Swiatek sealed progress with a searing winner down the line.

Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic overcame a first-set bagel to defeat Croatian Donna Vekic 0-6, 7-5, 7-6 (8) in a nail-biting encounter that lasted 3 hours, 8 minutes.

Vekic served for the match twice in the final set, but Danilovic's resilience led to a thrilling tiebreak triumph.

"I don't know what to say. I have no word. Thank you for supporting me in this match," Danilovic said. "I am enjoying my time here, but I don't even know how I won this match. I was down so many times.

"There have been so many rain delays, but the folks that come to watch, merci beaucoup. ... I love clay. I love Paris. Going through [for the first time] means the world to me."

Also Friday, Tunisian No. 8 seed and last year's quarterfinalist Ons Jabeur beat Canadian No. 31 seed Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 7-6 (5) to set up a fourth-round clash with Denmark's Clara Tauson . Wimbledon champion and Czech No. 5 seed Marketa Vondrousova brushed aside French wild card Chloe Paquet 6-1, 6-3 to reach the fourth round, where she will face Danilovic.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.

Today's Digital Daily

site categories

Parent item expand the sub menu, louis vuitton’s high jewelry: fully traceable rubies, a tiara and the eiffel tower, chiara boni exits namesake brand amid reshuffle, hanesbrands is selling champion to authentic in $1.2 billion deal, behind the scenes in barcelona with haim for the louis vuitton cruise 2025 show.

The music trio shares a photo diary from their time in Barcelona.

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on X
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Pin It
• Share this article on Tumblr
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on LinkedIn
• Share this article on WhatsApp
• Share this article on Email
• Print this article
• Share this article on Talk

Last week’s Louis Vuitton cruise 2025 show , held in Barcelona, brought out several of the brand’s loyalists , including Sophie Turner; Jennifer Connelly; Pharrell Williams; Cynthia Erivo; Chloë Grace Moretz; Saoirse Ronan; Naomi Osaka; Ana de Armas; Stacy Martin; sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim ; Jaden Smith; Léa Seydoux, and Phoebe Dynevor.

For the trip, the Haim sisters worked with stylist Rebecca Grice, hairstylist Neil Woolley, makeup artist Loftjet and facialist Iván Pol. The trio opted for custom slipdresses in coordinating shades of white, black and gray for the occasion. 

Related Articles

Kerry washington embraces lace in slipdress, olivia wilde goes black and white and more stars at michael kors dinner party, amandla stenberg elevates futuristic dressing in see-through dion lee look and jodie turner-smith pops in balmain flamingo dress at 'the acolyte' nyc screening.

Accessories included “the most perfect little ring (by LV of course)” and new bags from the brand: “they’re structured but also slouchy!”

The sisters made sure to leave time for a stop at Park Güell on their way to the show. 

“Every time we come to Barcelona, we always make sure to visit Park Güell. It’s such an inspiring and gorgeous place to walk around,” they say.

Sign up for WWD news straight to your inbox every day

WWD Recommends

Former la models cfo files harassment complaint.

• Fashion Scoops
• By Rosemary Feitelberg

Influential Photographer George Platt Lynes Spotlighted in New Documentary

Mugler’s first china store blends fragrance with fashion.

• By Denni Hu

Behind-the-Scenes with Runway Phenom Colin Jones

WWD and Women's Wear Daily are part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Fairchild Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Fashion Expand fashion menu

• Fashion Trends
• Fashion Features
• Designer & Luxury
• Ready-To-Wear
• Accessories

Business Expand business menu

• Government & Trade
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Marketing & Promotion
• Human Resources
• Business Features
• Real Estate

Beauty Expand beauty menu

• Beauty Features

Men's Expand mens menu

• Mens Accessories
• Mens Clothing Furnishings
• Mens Designer Luxury
• Mens Lifestyle
• Mens Retail Business
• Mens Sportswear
• Mens Fashion

Runway Expand runway menu

• Men’s Fall 2024
• Pre-Fall 2024
• Spring Ready-to-Wear 2024
• Fall Couture 2023
• Resort 2024

Denim Expand denim menu

Sustainability expand sustainability menu.

• Environment
• Social Impact

Home/Design Expand home-design menu

• Interior Design
• Architecture

WWD Weekend Expand wwd-weekend menu

Events expand events menu, eye expand eye menu.

• Celebrity Real Estate

Shop Expand shop menu

More expand more menu.

• Fairchild Live
• RetailRx Community

Verify it's you

Please log in.