2027 Sakura Seas vs Essence of Japan
Thinking about Japan for 2027 and would love comments or opinions over how to choose. I see that the Sakura voyage is a reworked cruise itinerary to include Seoul. This part is appealing. But the cruise only spends part of a day in Kyoto, vs 4 nights on land. The ship is Le Soleal. I'm not too concerned about the convenience of a cruise as far as unpacking, in this situation.
I know that generally you see more on a land tour but this cruise looks fairly comprehensive. Thank you!
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Japan just has to be done by land to have any appreciation of life there compared to going via ship. I’ve been three times and would go again in a heartbeat, it’s my favorite country. I’m not generally impressed by any of Tauck’s Japan tours which is why we did not choose them for our tour in 2023. The other two times were not tours.
We are doing this trip in April/May of 2026. I agree with British that Tauck's land tours are more comprehensive than their small ship tours and river cruises. We chose this trip for entirely personal reasons. Our sons are both adopted from Korea and the time in Korea on this tour was important to us. Our oldest son married a South Korean citizen - we were in Korea 15 years ago for about a week for his wedding but have always wanted to go back. We are starting the tour in Seoul and going three days early so we can see some sites we haven't already seen and are not included in the Tauck tour.
I agree with British about Japan. But it depends on what your interest is. A cruise will show you modern Japan. If you want to see the more traditional culture you'll have to do a land tour, and choose your land tour carefully.
Japan's traditional culture is unique and very interesting but it requires you to learn about Japan and it's culture before you go so you can appreciate it.
I would recommend you see this video- he compares the two options and explains why one it's better than the other.
He is Shawn Power a Trusted Cruise &Tauck Tour Expert!
Say no more, thanks Mil. Still think the land tour has a very basic itinerary and is too short. But yes, you have to do land to appreciating the country properly. My husband lived there on and off for six months too.
You will see so much more with a land tour. I agree with British that Tauck's land tour isn't long enough but it was a good tour. We had four full days in just Kyoto and it still wasn't enough time for that city. Do extend in Kyoto if you can. We also came into Tokyo early and were glad we did.
If you want to see Seoul, it's only about a 2 hour flight from Osaka. The next time we go to Japan we will go on our own but will make a side trip to Shanghai before our ten year Chinese visas expires.
The Sakura Seas cruise is a new itinerary for 2026 and the first sailing is in April, so you will not be able to solicit direct feedback until then.
I took the Essence of Japan land tour in 2024 and enjoyed it very much. This new cruise is appealing because it visits areas of Japan not covered in the land tour and also includes South Korea. However, hearing about "filler ports" in the video above does give me pause. As a solo traveler, this trip runs about $25K so for that kind of money I don't want any filler. I am also waiting to hear from travelers who have taken the cruise before I book it to hear their impressions and decide if it makes sense.
Wow, I just actually took a look at this tour and quite frankly it barely skims the surface of what there is to see in Japan. And it is deceiving. On some of the days you think, wow, you see a lot today and then you realize that it is all done in the morning, so there can’t be time to see these places thoroughly. You have lunch, I assume those long lunches, and then you have free time, that's a lot of research you have to do to make the best use of your time.
I strongly recommend a land tour.
By the way, we took part in a show with Taiko drummers last year and got to know them quite well. Some of us took a taster lesson at their center and it was great fun, so I recommend taking part in that.
I’m not sure how manyTauck customers will be comfortable with the naked public bathing which is offered. On a tour last year we had several opportunities and few took part. It is a single sex experience and we both enjoyed it, super relaxing and spiritual.
I loved the Essence of Japan land tour, Japan is very special, the food is amazing, I was able to fulfill a long time wish when I was very young to see a Kabuki play, one of the best experiences of my life, the people are kind and welcoming. Would love to return some time.