Why choose Yokohama as your cruise departure point?
Yokohama holds a unique place in the Japanese landscape. Located just 30 kilometers south of Tokyo, this metropolis of nearly 3.8 million inhabitants is much more than just a stopover city. It's a lively port, open to the world, whose history can be seen in every neighborhood.
A port city with a cosmopolitan history
It all started in 1858, when the shogun designated Yokohama as one of the five Japanese ports open to foreign trade. What was then a modest fishing village transformed within a few decades into an international city, animated by foreign merchants, silk exports, and unprecedented cultural effervescence. The city has faced numerous trials, including the great earthquake of 1923, but has always rebuilt itself with remarkable energy.
Today, this openness to the world is still felt in its streets. The Chinatown district, one of the largest in Asia, neighbors the Western-style buildings of Kannai and the futuristic skyscrapers of Minato Mirai. The Tokyo Bay, visible from the waterfront, offers a striking panorama that makes you want to set sail. It is precisely from these docks that your sea adventure begins.
Easy access from major Japanese cities
Reaching the port of Yokohama is simple, whether you are coming from Tokyo or another Japanese city. Yokohama station is served by several express train lines from Shinjuku, Shibuya or Tokyo Central Station, with journeys between 25 and 45 minutes. From Narita International Airport, expect about a 1.5-hour journey, while from Haneda, access is under one hour. The Daikoku Futo cruise terminal, the main embarkation point, is accessible by shuttle from Yamashita Park, in the heart of the city.
What cruise itineraries are possible from Yokohama?
Cruises from Yokohama offer a variety of itineraries that will appeal to travelers seeking cultural discoveries as well as those attracted by vast maritime spaces. From this strategic port, routes open to all of Asia and beyond.
Main routes from the port of Yokohama
Among the most popular destinations, Japan itself occupies a central position. A coastal cruise connects Yokohama to Shimizu, Kobe, Hiroshima, and Kagoshima, along landscapes of rare beauty. Itineraries including South Korea are also very popular, with stops in Busan or Jeju Island. For travelers wishing to venture further, circuits to Taiwan, Okinawa, or Southeast Asia are regularly available from this port. Some ships even offer segments of a world tour with Yokohama as a port of call or departure.
Iconic vessels such as the Diamond Princess regularly cruise these waters, offering cruises of 8 to 15 days depending on the season. To help you visualize the major available options, here is an overview of itinerary types:
| Type of itinerary |
Average duration |
Key destinations |
Recommended period |
| Coastal Japan |
8 to 11 days |
Shimizu, Kobe, Hiroshima, Kagoshima |
March to May, October |
| Japan and South Korea |
9 to 14 days |
Busan, Jeju, Nagasaki, Osaka |
April, September-October |
| Japan and Taiwan |
10 days |
Taipei, Okinawa, Miyakojima |
June to August |
| Grand tour of Asia |
14 to 15 days |
Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Fukuoka |
March to April |
At Vialala, our Travel Planners know these routes by heart. They assist you in building a trip that combines the cruise with land stops, so that your journey is much more than just a sea crossing. Each itinerary is tailored to your desires, your pace, and your interests.
What to discover in Yokohama before or after your cruise?
Planning a few days in Yokohama before boarding or after disembarking is an excellent idea. The city is full of experiences to be had, and it would be a shame to pass through without lingering.
Chinatown is a must: with its 600 restaurants and shops spread over a few lively streets, it's the largest in Asia. A short walk away, Sankeien Garden unfolds its 175,000 m² of meticulously maintained nature, dotted with historic pavilions dating back several centuries. For a breathtaking view of Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji on a clear day, head up to the Sky Garden at the Landmark Tower, at 273 meters high.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Yamate district, a former foreign enclave perched on the heights, with its Western-style villas and its quiet atmosphere. And if you want to get away from the city, Hakone is less than 90 minutes by train: its hot springs, lake, and view of Mount Fuji make it one of the region's most popular excursions.
Here are some must-sees to include in your program:
- The Chinatown district and its flavors from Asia;
- Sankeien Garden, a peaceful haven just steps from the harbor;
- The Landmark Tower observatory for a 360° panorama;
- The Yamate district and its historic Western-style houses;
- A day trip to Hakone or the foothills of Mount Fuji.
Our Vialala Travel Planners can integrate these stages into your tailor-made travel program, coordinating your transfers, accommodations, and visits with your cruise. The idea is simple: you enjoy fully, without worrying about logistics.
