Mitsui Ocean Cruises has released 22 new itineraries for 2026 onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji, offering “Funatabi – Beautiful Encounters with Japan.” Now open for booking in North America, these sailings deliver a genuine cultural experience—one that only a Japanese cruise line can provide—inviting guests to connect with Japan’s people, natural wonders, and time-honored customs.
“Our new 2026 Japan itineraries are perfect for discerning travelers and groups seeking to explore Japan in an extraordinary and authentic way,” said Joe Maloney, head of sales, North America, for Mitsui Ocean Cruises. “Aboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji, guests experience heartfelt omotenashi service on Japan’s most luxurious all-suite cruise ship. From cherry blossoms and Golden Week to summer festivals, fireworks, and holiday voyages, our 2026 program offers unforgettable journeys and lifelong memories.”
Sailing from March through December 2026, and ranging in length from five to 11 days, each voyage is designed to showcase the beauty of Japan’s four seasons, beloved local traditions, and tranquil coastal scenery. With convenient roundtrip departures from Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kobe, highlights of the season include:
- Spring
- “Sakura Serenade” (March 18, 2026) – Six nights roundtrip from Nagoya with Kochi, Uwajima, Nakatsu and Busan
- “Petals & Ports” (March 30, 2026) – Seven nights roundtrip from Tokyo featuring Ibusuki, Sasebo, Busan and Kobe
- “Echoes of the Sea” (April 6, 2026) – Nine nights roundtrip from Tokyo with Kagoshima, Yatsushiro, Fukue, Hamada, Busan and Hososhima
- “Golden Week” (April 29, 2026) – 11 nights roundtrip from Yokohama sailing to Miyako, Matsumae, Akita, Nanao, Busan, Matsuyama and Shimizu
- Summer
- “Nebuta Summer Festival” (July 30, 2026) – Nine nights roundtrip from Yokohama featuring Beppu, Busan, Akita, Aomori and Miyako
- “Southern Japan Fireworks” (August 16, 2026) – Nine nights roundtrip Tokyo with Kumano, Kochi, Jeju, Kagoshima and Tanegashima
- Fall
- “Autumn Equinox in Southern Shores” (September 19, 2026) – Eight nights roundtrip from Kobe sailing to Hakata, Busan, Yatsushiro, Ibusuki, Naze and Tanegashima
- Winter
- “Coastal Japan Christmas” (December 17, 2026) – Eight nights roundtrip from Yokohama featuring Nagoya, Osaka, Beppu, Sasebo, Busan and Shimizu
On every cruise, a hand-selected shore experience with English-speaking guide is included in most ports—sometimes a half-day tour, sometimes a full-day tour with lunch, or convenient port shuttles—so guests can explore with ease at no extra cost. In addition, Mitsui Ocean Fuji voyages are inclusive of a range of beverages, Wi-Fi, and more.
Launched in December 2024, the 32,477-ton, 458-guest Mitsui Ocean Fuji delivers a one-of-a-kind cruise vacation, sailing with Japanese guests and crew, to organically feel the culture in a way that is genuine to how the locals enjoy leisure travel. An inclusive atmosphere paves the way for guests to find their own time and space to enjoy delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call to explore ashore.
In North America, Distinct Cruises International serves as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Mitsui Ocean Cruises, led by Albert Hartigan, executive vice president of partner marketing, and Joe Maloney, head of sales.
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