Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million visitors last year, a surge that has led to overcrowding in popular tourist hubs. However, a new cruise route along the country's western coast is offering an alternative, showcasing serene landscapes and fewer tourists.
The experience on Swan Hellenic's ten-day cruise along Japan's western seaboard provided a stark contrast to the bustling crowds found in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo, or even at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The cruise, which began its voyage from Hiroshima, sailed into the Sea of Japan, opening access to sites and natural wonders less frequented by international travelers.
One of the initial stops was Sakaiminato, a port town known for its snow crabs. Here, visitors could experience local life, including visiting an onsen (hot spring) and exploring the Mizuki Shigeru Road, a street lined with artisan shops and local eateries. The port town, with a population of 30,000, offered a glimpse into "real" Japan, with few other Western tourists in sight.
Another excursion included a visit to the Adachi Art Museum and Yuushien Gardens. Unlike similar attractions in more popular regions, these gardens offered ample space for visitors to appreciate the meticulously designed landscapes without being overwhelmed by crowds. The Adachi Museum itself houses a notable collection of nature-themed Nihonga art.
Exploring Historical Sites and Unique Vistas
The voyage continued to Maizuru, a city with historical significance as a post-World War II repatriation center. The excursion to Amanohashidate, a famous sandbar, offered a unique cultural experience, including a local tradition of viewing the sandbar upside down between one's legs to see it resemble a dragon ascending to heaven. The surreal experience was further highlighted by encountering a Darth Vader impersonator outside a venerated Shinto shrine.
Further north, the cruise visited Sado Island, a volcanic isle recognized for its elegant homes built by wealthy merchants and its history of coastal rice trade. The island also offered a unique experience of sailing in a traditional wooden coracle, a boat historically used by locals for fishing.
Discovering Remote Beauty and Spiritual Sites
The final disembarkation point was near Hokkaido Island, with a stop in Sakata. This city, visited by only about 20,000 tourists annually, is dominated by the snow-streaked Mount Chokai. Here, travelers were greeted with local drumming displays and explored the Shonai Plain. A notable experience was the climb up Mount Haguro, following a 400-year-old pilgrimage route with 2,466 stone steps through a dense cedar forest, culminating in a visit to a five-tiered pagoda and a Shinto shrine.
This journey along Japan's less-traveled western coast provided a different perspective on the country, highlighting its natural beauty and cultural richness away from the concentrated tourist trails. While Japan's overall tourism numbers continue to break records, this approach suggests a way to experience the country's appeal without contributing to overtourism in its most popular destinations. Travel facts indicate that Swan Hellenic offers an 11-night 'Japan and Korea Cultural Shore and Northern Landscapes' voyage starting from £8,650 per person.