TIPS

While most of Japan’s population lives on the four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—the archipelago actually consists of 6,852 islands in total, offering endless possibilities for exploration.

• Harmony & Respect: Japanese society values harmony and mutual respect, evident in daily interactions and exceptional service.
• Politeness & Bowing: Bowing is a customary gesture of greeting, gratitude, or apology. While handshakes are acceptable in business, they are less common in everyday life.
• Time Management: Punctuality is key—being on time is expected and deeply respected.
• No Tipping: Service is of the highest quality, and tipping is neither expected nor customary. A sincere thank you is more than enough.
• Tradition Meets Innovation: Japan gracefully balances age-old customs with cutting-edge innovation, from temples to tech.

• Books: Midnight Diner by Yarō Abe is a heartfelt manga that tells the stories of colorful night-time diners in Tokyo. A deeply human, slice-of-life narrative that resonates with readers around the world.
• Music: While Western classical music is taught in schools from age six, traditional Japanese music is becoming rare—an art form now mostly preserved by a few passionate teachers.
• Film: Sweet Bean (2015), based on a novel by Durian Sukegawa, is a poetic tale of three unlikely companions whose lives revolve around dorayaki pancakes and second chances.

Japanese cuisine is renowned not only for its flavors but also for its visual artistry. Beyond sushi and ramen:

• Street Foods: Try takoyaki (octopus-filled savory balls), a street favorite.
• Kaiseki: A multi-course haute cuisine that celebrates seasonal ingredients, artistry, and tradition—a must for any gourmet traveler.

• Ancient Roots: Influenced by Chinese and Korean civilizations.
• Samurai & Shoguns: A feudal era defined by warriors and castles.
• Edo Period: Peace, art, and culture flourished.
• Modern Era: Rapid development following the Meiji Restoration, propelling Japan onto the global stage.

• Shinto & Zen Buddhism: Spiritual practices emphasizing nature, purification, and inner peace.
• Wabi-Sabi: Aesthetic appreciation for imperfection and transience—reflected in pottery, gardens, and architecture.
• Omotenashi: The spirit of Japanese hospitality—intuitive, thoughtful, and seamless.

• MICHELIN Dining: Japan holds the world record for MICHELIN-starred restaurants, from exquisite sushi to world-class wagyu.
• Private Experiences: Personalized tea ceremonies, geisha entertainment, and backstage access to kabuki or sumo.
• High-End Shopping: Ginza in Tokyo and Shinsaibashi in Osaka are havens for luxury retail and bespoke items.
• Exclusive Stays: From private-onsen ryokans to five-star penthouses and restored Kyoto machiya townhouses.

• Do: Bow instead of shaking hands. Always remove shoes when entering homes.
• Don’t: Never stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick—both actions mimic funeral rites.

• Spring (Mar–May): The most popular season—mild weather and cherry blossoms make it perfect for hanami and outdoor adventures.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid, but vibrant with festivals and fireworks. Escape to Hokkaido or the Japanese Alps.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Stunning fall foliage and ideal conditions for temple visits and cultural tours.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Best for skiing in Hokkaido/Nagano and relaxing in snow-covered outdoor hot springs.

This cruise is perfectly timed for spring, the most breathtaking season to visit Japan.