Wow! Another absolute gem! Thanks guys for such in depth analysis and helpful advice for this part of the world. There’s a lot of content out there, but your format makes it easy to understand in a very objective way. Keep ‘em coming!
I was hoping to learn more about the actual cruise, but learning about immigration at the end made me really glad I stuck around for the whole video. Thanks!
Everything you said is on point! I've been to Japan for land tours and a cruise and encountered most of what you spoke about! Thank you for sharing as we are anticipating another visit in the future! Japan is an awesome place to visit!
For my husband’s 60th bday we will be taking a 14-day cruise from Seattle to Yokohama from 9/30-10/15. Then spending 3 weeks in Japan and the last 3 or 4 days in S. Korea and flying back home (FL) from there. I’ve been trying to watch Japan/S. Korea videos and I’ve find yours the most helpful. Some really great tips to keep in mind. Thank you!
we did that exact cruise a few weeks ahead of you. We sailed on July 14th. I wonder what happened on your sailing with customs/immigrations. We had NONE of these issues. There was one day we all had to go to immigration that was set up on the ship in the Main Dining Room. You had assigned times, it was maybe 20 minutes start to finish. On and off in Korea was also easy, I don't remember any long lines. We walked off early, hit the money exchange trailer and got on free shuttle bus that took us downtown. From there UBER everywhere which was real cheap. I saw a video about the lack of trash bins, so we took some grocery store plastic bags from home and used them. Japan cruise is amazing, and I feel the best way to see many cities.
My daughter is on that cruise at the moment,she got on when you got off.Your videos are so informative and I've been passing on snippets of information, especially the ugly bit
Hi from Texas! It's so great to see y'all in a video together! I know y'all have been super busy with your business, and I'm glad to hear it, but it's just so nice that y'all are paired up for this one. Japan is def on my bucket list so I'm looking forward to what tips and tricks y'all have learned.
Maybe I was Japanese in a past life, but I have always been drawn to Japanese culture and food. I would love to go, and your video has been really helpful. Thank you so much!
Thanks for your insights. We’ll be taking our second trip to Japan next March and April 2025, our fourth Holland America cruise since we started the cruising lifestyle in September 2023. We’ll start on land for about a week, sail for 14 nights, travel independently over land for 14 nights, and then board the same ship, the Noordam from Yokohama to Vancouver, B.C., Canada for 14 nights, and fly home to California upon disembarking. We’ll be home by mid-May. LOVE JAPAN!
My daughter lived in Japan and ate almost all her meals at the Convenience Stores (7-11 and others). Fresh and delicious choices. She also had told me about a lot of the things you mentioned. Excellent overview!
We cruised around the north side this past April for Cherry Blossoms and returning in April 2025 doing more of the southern ports. The Suica is fantastic and it also works for payment in 7-11 and lots of other places.
So happy you had a great time!!! Japan is on our bucket list and the information you gave us here was so helpful. Thank you!!’ Looking forward to your next cruise❤
Hi JJ: This is Dickie who, with my wife Mila, met you both at the martini bar the first night of the cruise. Sorry we didn’t cross paths after that. We loved the cruise though the Millenium lacked the bells and whistles of the newest Edge ships. It was nice being on an older elegant ship on a cruise where the itinerary and not the ship was the destination. In hot weather we use neck fans ( off the internet) and in Japan all convenience stores sell “ -1 degree celsius” menthol wipes which you can put under your collar. We stayed in The Retreat which provides a smaller ship experience. We were on back to back sailings (8/7 and 8/19). Interesting that Celebrity cancelled going to North Japan Hakodate without any explanation on the 8/7 cruise but went there to avoid the typhoon on the 8/19 cruise. Many passengers were upset about this on the earlier cruise. We love back to back cruises on Celebrity and are booked to go around the British Isles and then Amsterdam to Barcelona next August. Maybe we’ll fun into you both again!
We just got off the Celebrity Millenium and although we wanted to try the bullet train we found the cruise line provided fabulous transportation into town as we docked. We also found using Uber to be fantastic. They send local taxis but you don’t have to find taxi stands or wait and often were about 1300 yen. We thought taxis were so easy and affordable and we had a group of 16 traveling. We got rerouted because of Typhoon Shanshan and were so impressed with our Captain to get us out of harms way so quickly. We loved our 12 day cruise and topped it off with Disneyland Tokyo. I want to bring my family back.
Great video!! I have travelled Japan many times and always felt safe. Usually I took small gifts with me and randomly gave them to children (checking with a parent first).
This is the first video of yours that I have watched-really enjoyed it! I live and worked in Japan about 40 (40!!!) years ago and am booked on a Princess Cruise to go back next year. So, I am very interested in your insights as cruising Japan will be different from what I have previously experienced. The exchange rate is exception right now, so may buy some currency even though my cruise is still a year off. Really appreciate the info about immigration as I am not able to stand for long periods of time so will definitely take that into consideration! Will be recommending your channel to my travel companions.
Your video just randomly popped into my feed today and I have to tell you, Jared's SUPER smiley face just pulled me right in! Loved your very interesting and informative treatment of this topic. I will check out and subscribe to your channel! 💙🪭💙
We went in October 2023 and the weather was great plus we saw Mt Fuji multiple times. From Millennium whilst in port at Shimizu; visible all day and from pir hotel room in Yokohama (Yokohama Royal Park 61st floor).
Great breakdown on traveling to Japan! I think I'd stick to the blossom season, even if it's more crowded and expensive, because I hate heat and humidity. I swear my sweat, sweats!! 🤣🤣🤣
Mid Oct is a greats time to visit, you cal fall color. I have been twice and no rain and average temp in the 70’s. The Lake tour with sulfur Mtn and views of Mt. Fuji I would recommend.
Thank you for an excellent program and informative tips as to what you need to know and prepare yourself while traveling through Japan. I love your positive attitudes and respect for the Japanese culture. Thank you fir your time and effort making a wonderful and informative video. Happy and safe travels to you both.
Great information-I have booked the same cruise for 2026! We are actually doing a back2back starting in Singapore ending in Japan & then your cruise-would appreciate other tour tips-Thanks & love your videos
We did the Millennium in Japan last year in November. Fabulous weather! Break big bills at 7-11. Learning local customs and manners any time you travel is just common sense and common courtesy. Few trips turn out well if you haven’t done your homework Kagoshima was one of my favorites, you need to go back 😊
Hi their on your excursion from kyoto did you go to nara or what did it involve , we are going on the same cruise next april and what excursion did you do on Je Ju island sorry for the spelling
Doing a cruise in Oct. 2024 circling Japan. We stop 1 day in Busan Korea. So, we have to go through immigration both ways? Into Korea, and returning onto the ship?
This ship is superb especially for its age. Do your homework before going somewhere and by that I mean check the weather at that time of the year you plan to travel . On a boat with this capacity of passengers, some ports will take time so try to be patient and always carry water with you. Japan doesn’t always need prepaid excursions when you reach a port. I would say 90% of the tourist go-to sites can easy be reached by public transport or even walking if you want to get your steps in. We made a significant saving by doing a lot of the excursions by ourselves and you too could if you spent 5-10 minutes doing some homework and a map handy of the port of call. Enjoy your trip.
Was fortunate enough to have lived in Japan for 14 years. I would adore getting to go back on a cruise, we left there 30 yrs ago, I can only imagine the changes. Hopefully we will get back there one more time....
Your best piece of advice --- the importance of managing expectations!! People would have such a better time (complain less!) if we all prepared a bit better. Can't wait to visit Japan someday!!
We are going to cruise Japan in April Next year through Royal. We have never been and are following you guys for your wonderful tips!!! We met you both on the Edge (I believe) about 4-5 years ago. I was the one who knew who you two were and was THRILLED to be able to meet you!!! Follow all of your videos and have learned SO much!! Keep up the great work and thank you so much for sharing!!!!
I entered Kagoshima, Japan on a Princess cruise in April 2024 but don't recalled the finger printing issue the posters talked about. It was very easy leaving the cruise terminal and it was the same way coming back to the cruise ship. We just showed our cruise badge and walked right through custom. When I disembark in Yokohama, it was the same - no finger printing whatsoever.
Hi JJ, I am going to Japan the second time this year in less than a week. Your video is spot on in many fronts. I have never been on a cruise in Japan and now a little hesitant about it given the Customs process. It is the last thing I want to do to be standing in lines just to get through Customs, it doesn’t sound courteous given Japan’s welcoming culture. Thanks again for the traveling tips, Japan is certainly a place that I will keep going back with the strong currency exchange that we enjoy now.
The information about the climate and immigration will be invaluable as we plan our trip to Japan. We were debating whether to take a cruise or attempt a land tour on our own. But, we can't do that many steps a day and I was dangerously over heated at the Taj Mahal once, so I know I don't want to stand in immigration returning from S. Korea.
I am so happy you were able to visit Kyoto! I love that little city and the Imperial palace. Japan is a must hit for anyone who loves to travel! I'm going back next spring but not taking a cruise☹ Glad you guy's had a great time!!! Fantastic Video!
@timduggan1461 - Sailed four times on Millennium to Alaska since 2010, and loved it. Was on Celebrity Apex last summer with an adult grandchild for a 12 night Best of Scandinavia cruise; we loved that ship, and the fabulous itinerary, too. My grandchild wanted to sail on Millennium again (their first cruise at 13 was on the Millennium to Alaska), and suggested Japan for this year. Because they work in a school district, we'd only be able to travel in the summer. At 72 yrs old, there's no way I could handle the type of heat Japan has in the summer, or the amount of walking I'd have to endure.🥵🥵🥵😅
I ate breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts at 7-11, including wine, which was $4.95 for a whole bottle of yellowtail australian wine back in 2019. Cheap eats and super delicious.
Great video guys, we've been to Japan multiple times and this is one of the fairest reviews. Hahaha - we hopped into a women's only train carriage on our first visit - it was soooo very embarrassing and couldn't wait for the next station to move carriages.
Thanks for very useful video and the info re: weather in Japan. The very hottest place I've traveled is Dubai in September. Brutal heat & humidity even for this Florida girl.
Japan is on my bucket list😊 I’ve been to China and Hong Kong and that is the hottest I have ever been😳We went in May and the humidity was unbearable. For Japan, we can’t decide if a cruise or land tour would be better. Your thoughts?
True story, When I applied for my TSA Pre-check clearance, the officer told me that I don’t have fingerprints! He said I could rob a bank and not get caught. Interesting but that felt strange coming from a TSA agent.
Thanks for all your great videos! We are in the initial planning for a Japan cruise for 2026. I SUBSCRIBED to your channel today based on this video! Question, we are in our fifties, how can we navigate the immigration issues when there are long wait times. Do the cruise lines assist with this?
I live in Kagoshima. Too bad you were diverted. I'm sure that it was because of the same typhoon that "stranded" my daughter and me in Osaka. Our flights to Kagoshima were cancelled for 3 days... but Osaka was beautifully sunny but 35C... The immigration procedure is something I need to look into for Kagoshima port. Hopefully they are well set up to quickly get people through immigration. I'm surprised that it took so long in Hakodate... maybe because it wasnt a scheduled stop. My brother-in-law and his friends are thinking of doing a Japan cruise next year. I'll definitely let them know that going to Korea may incur a time penalty due to clearing immigration in Japan again. I should say that the heat and humidity continue into mid-October in Kagoshima at least. Then its perfect dry, mild weather for a few months. Also people should keep older ¥500 yen coins for vending machines. Many still dont accept the newer two-tone ones. Same goes for ¥1,000 notes. Older vending machines might not accept the recently updated bills... especially at ramen shops where you buy a ticket first.
Very nice video :) I recently did a 22 days Japan cruise on the Diamond Princess. We stopped at two South Korean ports of Jeju and Busan. I guess we got lucky because our immigration time for those two stops were much shorter than your experience.
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I always appreciate you pointing out things that may be an issue for people with health or physical disabilities
Guys, this was really a well put together review. Very extensive, and love the suggestions and intricate points you highlighted.
Thank you
Thanks for watching and sharing your kind words! 🤗
Wow! Another absolute gem! Thanks guys for such in depth analysis and helpful advice for this part of the world. There’s a lot of content out there, but your format makes it easy to understand in a very objective way. Keep ‘em coming!
I was hoping to learn more about the actual cruise, but learning about immigration at the end made me really glad I stuck around for the whole video. Thanks!
Everything you said is on point! I've been to Japan for land tours and a cruise and encountered most of what you spoke about! Thank you for sharing as we are anticipating another visit in the future! Japan is an awesome place to visit!
For my husband’s 60th bday we will be taking a 14-day cruise from Seattle to Yokohama from 9/30-10/15. Then spending 3 weeks in Japan and the last 3 or 4 days in S. Korea and flying back home (FL) from there. I’ve been trying to watch Japan/S. Korea videos and I’ve find yours the most helpful. Some really great tips to keep in mind. Thank you!
We are so happy to hear! Thanks for watching and have a wonderful trip!
we did that exact cruise a few weeks ahead of you. We sailed on July 14th. I wonder what happened on your sailing with customs/immigrations. We had NONE of these issues. There was one day we all had to go to immigration that was set up on the ship in the Main Dining Room. You had assigned times, it was maybe 20 minutes start to finish. On and off in Korea was also easy, I don't remember any long lines. We walked off early, hit the money exchange trailer and got on free shuttle bus that took us downtown. From there UBER everywhere which was real cheap.
I saw a video about the lack of trash bins, so we took some grocery store plastic bags from home and used them. Japan cruise is amazing, and I feel the best way to see many cities.
I agreed with you. I just posted my comments. I didn't experience any of the "finger printing" process that the posters talked about.
My daughter is on that cruise at the moment,she got on when you got off.Your videos are so informative and I've been passing on snippets of information, especially the ugly bit
Thanks for your very informative video.
Hi from Texas! It's so great to see y'all in a video together! I know y'all have been super busy with your business, and I'm glad to hear it, but it's just so nice that y'all are paired up for this one. Japan is def on my bucket list so I'm looking forward to what tips and tricks y'all have learned.
So informative! Thank you so much for giving such good advice!!!!
Maybe I was Japanese in a past life, but I have always been drawn to Japanese culture and food. I would love to go, and your video has been really helpful. Thank you so much!
Thanks for your insights. We’ll be taking our second trip to Japan next March and April 2025, our fourth Holland America cruise since we started the cruising lifestyle in September 2023. We’ll start on land for about a week, sail for 14 nights, travel independently over land for 14 nights, and then board the same ship, the Noordam from Yokohama to Vancouver, B.C., Canada for 14 nights, and fly home to California upon disembarking. We’ll be home by mid-May. LOVE JAPAN!
My daughter lived in Japan and ate almost all her meals at the Convenience Stores (7-11 and others). Fresh and delicious choices. She also had told me about a lot of the things you mentioned. Excellent overview!
We cruised around the north side this past April for Cherry Blossoms and returning in April 2025 doing more of the southern ports. The Suica is fantastic and it also works for payment in 7-11 and lots of other places.
Great video. What month did you cruise and was the weather stormy as we are prone to motion sickness?
Great video guys! Love how you explain all categories and not add lots of fluff!!
We took the same cruise sailing on 8/31/24. Enjoy it very much!
I’m going to Japan next April 2025 and this cruise sounds ideal for a Solo 65 year old Lady traveller👍🏻☺️
Yes! The heat in Japan is crazy, I wanted to just burn my clothes about 3x a day 🤣
This has been so helpful! We're going for Spring Flowers in April.
We are so glad to hear!! Enjoy the cherry Blossoms 🌸
So happy you had a great time!!! Japan is on our bucket list and the information you gave us here was so helpful. Thank you!!’ Looking forward to your next cruise❤
Hi JJ: This is Dickie who, with my wife Mila, met you both at the martini bar the first night of the cruise. Sorry we didn’t cross paths after that.
We loved the cruise though the Millenium lacked the bells and whistles of the newest Edge ships. It was nice being on an older elegant ship on a cruise where the itinerary and not the ship was the destination. In hot weather we use neck fans ( off the internet) and in Japan all convenience stores sell “ -1 degree celsius” menthol wipes
which you can put under your collar.
We stayed in The Retreat which provides a smaller ship experience. We were on back to back sailings (8/7 and 8/19).
Interesting that Celebrity cancelled going to North Japan Hakodate without any explanation on the 8/7 cruise but went there to avoid the typhoon on the 8/19 cruise. Many passengers were upset about this on the earlier cruise.
We love back to back cruises on Celebrity and are booked to go around the British Isles and then Amsterdam to Barcelona next August. Maybe we’ll fun into you both again!
We just got off the Celebrity Millenium and although we wanted to try the bullet train we found the cruise line provided fabulous transportation into town as we docked. We also found using Uber to be fantastic. They send local taxis but you don’t have to find taxi stands or wait and often were about 1300 yen. We thought taxis were so easy and affordable and we had a group of 16 traveling. We got rerouted because of Typhoon Shanshan and were so impressed with our Captain to get us out of harms way so quickly. We loved our 12 day cruise and topped it off with Disneyland Tokyo. I want to bring my family back.
Great video!! I have travelled Japan many times and always felt safe. Usually I took small gifts with me and randomly gave them to children (checking with a parent first).
Oh my goodness! Now I understand why so many Japanese tourists are taking pictures by trash cans and not the beautiful surroundings! Thank you!
Lois😄
🤣
I don't recall seeing public trash cans in my almost 2 week stay.
Always great information! Thanks for all your hard work (and some fun too!).
This is the first video of yours that I have watched-really enjoyed it! I live and worked in Japan about 40 (40!!!) years ago and am booked on a Princess Cruise to go back next year. So, I am very interested in your insights as cruising Japan will be different from what I have previously experienced. The exchange rate is exception right now, so may buy some currency even though my cruise is still a year off. Really appreciate the info about immigration as I am not able to stand for long periods of time so will definitely take that into consideration! Will be recommending your channel to my travel companions.
Your video just randomly popped into my feed today and I have to tell you, Jared's SUPER smiley face just pulled me right in! Loved your very interesting and informative treatment of this topic. I will check out and subscribe to your channel! 💙🪭💙
You have raised my interest in going to Japan. Seems like an ideal way. 🙂Great video. Thanks
THANK YOU! Great video. Japan Cruise is on my bucket list
We went in October 2023 and the weather was great plus we saw Mt Fuji multiple times. From Millennium whilst in port at Shimizu; visible all day and from pir hotel room in Yokohama (Yokohama Royal Park 61st floor).
Good to know. We love Europe in October too!
Great breakdown on traveling to Japan! I think I'd stick to the blossom season, even if it's more crowded and expensive, because I hate heat and humidity. I swear my sweat, sweats!! 🤣🤣🤣
Mid Oct is a greats time to visit, you cal fall color. I have been twice and no rain and average temp in the 70’s. The Lake tour with sulfur Mtn and views of Mt. Fuji I would recommend.
I have a cruise to Japan in October. Thank you for that valuable information.
It’s a great cruise.
Great tips guys, thank you so much
Japan is always on my list!
I have zero desire to cruise to Japan but I do love your videos!
Thank you for an excellent program and informative tips as to what you need to know and prepare yourself while traveling through Japan. I love your positive attitudes and respect for the Japanese culture. Thank you fir your time and effort making a wonderful and informative video. Happy and safe travels to you both.
Great video, very informational. Thanks 👍 😃
Great video!! Thanks for sharing! Really enjoy your content ❤❤
Great information, as we are looking at this sailing some day
Loved your video. So much valuable information. Plan to go to Japan in 2026. Cannot wait.
Thank you! Let us know when you decide to book as we’d love to book you! JJCruise.com 🐙
Book through jj cruise when you go!!!
I lived in Japan 30 years ago as a kid & I want to go back & visit so much! This video had great info & had very helpful tips.
Thank you Going around Japan cruise this coming October.
I have a 14-day cruise booked with Norwegian that leaves Tokyo in late March and sails to Seoul, South Korea. Cannot wait. ❣️💯🇨🇦🇯🇵🇰🇷
It’s going to be very cold
This is one of the best videos you have created. Very useful information as I am cruising Japan next May and I have noted all your pointers.
Thanks Anne! So glad to hear! 🥳
Great information-I have booked the same cruise for 2026! We are actually doing a back2back starting in Singapore ending in Japan & then your cruise-would appreciate other tour tips-Thanks & love your videos
Thank you for the information. Can’t wait to visit.
Japan is on our bucket list to do so your videos were very informative .
We did the Millennium in Japan last year in November. Fabulous weather!
Break big bills at 7-11.
Learning local customs and manners any time you travel is just common sense and common courtesy. Few trips turn out well if you haven’t done your homework
Kagoshima was one of my favorites, you need to go back 😊
I was on this cruise June 19-31, 2024. It as quite humid.
Excellent information. We have been to Japan twice....it is a marvelous country to visit!!!! Thank you!!!!
Hi their on your excursion from kyoto did you go to nara or what did it involve , we are going on the same cruise next april and what excursion did you do on Je Ju island sorry for the spelling
This video makes me want to go back to Japan asap! Tokyo is still my favorite city, glad you were able to enjoy it, despite the heat!
Great info. I am leaving for my Japan cruise next month.
When did you guys travel? What month?
Doing a cruise in Oct. 2024 circling Japan. We stop 1 day in Busan Korea.
So, we have to go through immigration both ways? Into Korea, and returning onto the ship?
I was there first week of July, weather was good and not too hot. 😊
This ship is superb especially for its age. Do your homework before going somewhere and by that I mean check the weather at that time of the year you plan to travel . On a boat with this capacity of passengers, some ports will take time so try to be patient and always carry water with you. Japan doesn’t always need prepaid excursions when you reach a port. I would say 90% of the tourist go-to sites can easy be reached by public transport or even walking if you want to get your steps in. We made a significant saving by doing a lot of the excursions by ourselves and you too could if you spent 5-10 minutes doing some homework and a map handy of the port of call. Enjoy your trip.
After hearing this video, I would actually go to Japan on a cruise now. Very interesting content. Thanks!
Really Great Video! Thanks for sharing 😊😊
Was fortunate enough to have lived in Japan for 14 years. I would adore getting to go back on a cruise, we left there 30 yrs ago, I can only imagine the changes. Hopefully we will get back there one more time....
It's funny that ramen is becoming so popular in the west. To me, it has always been what you eat when you're trying to make it to the next pay day!
Ramen restaurants are much more sophisticated than nuking some noodles and powder in a microwave!
I will be contact with you the end of December for my 2025 Cruise on Royal Caribbean 😊
Look forward to booking your cruise!
@@JJCruise So do I
Just discovered your channel. You guys are AWESOME!!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing ❤
Your best piece of advice --- the importance of managing expectations!! People would have such a better time (complain less!) if we all prepared a bit better. Can't wait to visit Japan someday!!
Glad the port you ended up being diverted to was a good one.
In Japan, it's considered bad manners to walk and eat or drink . That's why there are only trash receptacles where they sell the food or drinks.
We are going to cruise Japan in April Next year through Royal. We have never been and are following you guys for your wonderful tips!!! We met you both on the Edge (I believe) about 4-5 years ago. I was the one who knew who you two were and was THRILLED to be able to meet you!!! Follow all of your videos and have learned SO much!! Keep up the great work and thank you so much for sharing!!!!
We met them both a few months back, also. Very nice young men.
Aww thank you so much for following us ever since!!! 🤗
We hope you continue getting some great tips from future vids as well! 🇯🇵
I entered Kagoshima, Japan on a Princess cruise in April 2024 but don't recalled the finger printing issue the posters talked about. It was very easy leaving the cruise terminal and it was the same way coming back to the cruise ship. We just showed our cruise badge and walked right through custom. When I disembark in Yokohama, it was the same - no finger printing whatsoever.
I like these videos with both of you.
Hi JJ, I am going to Japan the second time this year in less than a week. Your video is spot on in many fronts. I have never been on a cruise in Japan and now a little hesitant about it given the Customs process. It is the last thing I want to do to be standing in lines just to get through Customs, it doesn’t sound courteous given Japan’s welcoming culture. Thanks again for the traveling tips, Japan is certainly a place that I will keep going back with the strong currency exchange that we enjoy now.
I’ve been to Japan, I agree with guys 100%. Will be doing Japan cruise in 2026. Thanks for the great info so useful .👍🏼
it seems surreal that a place without trash cans have such clean streets 😀
I could be wrong, but I believe I've heard a few times there are extreme consequences in Japan if ever caught littering. 😜
Our son is on S Korea Japan cruise next month and I will recommend this video for sure!
What cruise line was this?
Great show guys 🎉
Making this cruise next June. Can’t wait
Looks amazing! We have a Japan 2026 cruise goal! The good definitely looks like it outweighed the ugly!
Absolutely 😉
The information about the climate and immigration will be invaluable as we plan our trip to Japan. We were debating whether to take a cruise or attempt a land tour on our own. But, we can't do that many steps a day and I was dangerously over heated at the Taj Mahal once, so I know I don't want to stand in immigration returning from S. Korea.
Lots of helpful information
It’s hard to decide though! Do you travel in heat or travel when tourist masses are large?!
I do love a clean city!
I am so happy you were able to visit Kyoto! I love that little city and the Imperial palace. Japan is a must hit for anyone who loves to travel! I'm going back next spring but not taking a cruise☹ Glad you guy's had a great time!!! Fantastic Video!
Hello J&J. Thank you so much for this extensive review. Very informative & I hope to have the opportunity to visit Japan 1 day
Thanks Martine! 🤗
I've been aboard the Millennium two times? I think. She isn't the newest, but no matter. Celebrity never disappoints.
@timduggan1461 - Sailed four times on Millennium to Alaska since 2010, and loved it. Was on Celebrity Apex last summer with an adult grandchild for a 12 night Best of Scandinavia cruise; we loved that ship, and the fabulous itinerary, too.
My grandchild wanted to sail on Millennium again (their first cruise at 13 was on the Millennium to Alaska), and suggested Japan for this year. Because they work in a school district, we'd only be able to travel in the summer. At 72 yrs old, there's no way I could handle the type of heat Japan has in the summer, or the amount of walking I'd have to endure.🥵🥵🥵😅
I agree, I’ve taken three cruises on her.
I ate breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts at 7-11, including wine, which was $4.95 for a whole bottle of yellowtail australian wine back in 2019. Cheap eats and super delicious.
Thank you..I’m on this cruise in 2026 as a solo..looks fabulous 😊
Great video guys, we've been to Japan multiple times and this is one of the fairest reviews. Hahaha - we hopped into a women's only train carriage on our first visit - it was soooo very embarrassing and couldn't wait for the next station to move carriages.
Thanks for very useful video and the info re: weather in Japan. The very hottest place I've traveled is Dubai in September. Brutal heat & humidity even for this Florida girl.
Japan is on my bucket list😊 I’ve been to China and Hong Kong and that is the hottest I have ever been😳We went in May and the humidity was unbearable. For Japan, we can’t decide if a cruise or land tour would be better. Your thoughts?
True story, When I applied for my TSA Pre-check clearance, the officer told me that I don’t have fingerprints! He said I could rob a bank and not get caught. Interesting but that felt strange coming from a TSA agent.
I use google translate and always have data roaming, WiFi is accessible all over even in small shopping areas
Great video ! We're doing the 12 nights best of Japan on the Millenium on 12th September 😊
Thanks for all your great videos! We are in the initial planning for a Japan cruise for 2026. I SUBSCRIBED to your channel today based on this video! Question, we are in our fifties, how can we navigate the immigration issues when there are long wait times. Do the cruise lines assist with this?
I live in Kagoshima. Too bad you were diverted. I'm sure that it was because of the same typhoon that "stranded" my daughter and me in Osaka. Our flights to Kagoshima were cancelled for 3 days... but Osaka was beautifully sunny but 35C...
The immigration procedure is something I need to look into for Kagoshima port. Hopefully they are well set up to quickly get people through immigration. I'm surprised that it took so long in Hakodate... maybe because it wasnt a scheduled stop. My brother-in-law and his friends are thinking of doing a Japan cruise next year. I'll definitely let them know that going to Korea may incur a time penalty due to clearing immigration in Japan again.
I should say that the heat and humidity continue into mid-October in Kagoshima at least. Then its perfect dry, mild weather for a few months.
Also people should keep older ¥500 yen coins for vending machines. Many still dont accept the newer two-tone ones. Same goes for ¥1,000 notes. Older vending machines might not accept the recently updated bills... especially at ramen shops where you buy a ticket first.
Thanks for sharing these top tips! We did notice the coins not always working but didn’t know why until now 😅
All the bads were fine with me. Can't wait to visit Japan
Very nice video :) I recently did a 22 days Japan cruise on the Diamond Princess. We stopped at two South Korean ports of Jeju and Busan. I guess we got lucky because our immigration time for those two stops were much shorter than your experience.
I go to Japan every year it’s like my second home finally u guys did a good video