Japan’s cherry blossom season is a popular and can be an expensive time to visit Japan, yet this deal makes it affordable and easy! Every spring, travelers from around the world flock to the country hoping to catch the brief but spectacular display of pink and white blooms that transform parks, temples, riversides, and city streets. The timing changes with the weather and location, but if you catch the blossoms it’s absolutely stunning.
What is surprising is finding a cruise during cherry blossom season that offers genuine value. In 2025 when I visited Tokyo popular hotels were easily over $600 a night. Then tack on food, transportation, and entertainment and the price just climbed and climbed. Which is why this deal is so great!
Mitsui Ocean Cruises is currently offering a complimentary upgrade from an Ocean View Suite to a Veranda Suite on select spring 2027 sailings, bringing prices as low as $4,169 for six-night itineraries during one of the most sought-after travel periods in Japan. Considering that Veranda Suites normally sell for $5,550 on those departures, that’s a substantial savings.
But what really caught my attention isn’t just the promotion. It’s the fact that these sailings are on Mitsui Ocean Cruises. A stunning small ship luxury cruise line which I recently reviewed.
Cherry Blossom Season Is More Than Just Flowers
I’ve visited Japan multiple times during different seasons, and while autumn foliage gets plenty of attention, cherry blossom season remains something special.
The entire country seems to slow down and celebrate. Locals gather under the trees for picnics. Parks fill with families and friends. Historic castles, shrines, and gardens become even more picturesque. Even cities like Tokyo and Yokohama take on a different atmosphere.
The challenge is that hotels, trains, and flights often reach peak pricing during sakura season and that’s where cruising can make a lot of sense.
Instead of constantly packing and unpacking, your hotel moves with you. One day you’re exploring Busan, the next you’re walking beneath cherry blossoms in Japan. The logistics become much easier while still allowing you to experience multiple destinations during the height of spring. Plus when you choose to travel with Mitusi you are being immersed in Japanese culture and land and sea. 80-90% of the guests onboard are Japanese and so is the service and travel style. Meaning you get to explore Japan throughout the entire journey, not just when in port.
Mitsui Isn’t Just Another Cruise Line
After sailing on Mitsui Ocean Fuji myself, I came away convinced that this is one of the most unique cruise experiences available today. Most cruise lines that sail Japan feel like international cruise lines visiting Japan. You get back on the ship and you might as well be in New England or Mexico. Mitsui feels Japanese and that’s is an important distinction. You’re going to Japan to experience Japan, do it right!
From the onboard service to the enrichment programming, the cultural performances, the cuisine, and the overall atmosphere, the experience feels connected to the country you’re exploring. The line’s “Funatabi” enrichment program is specifically designed around creating deeper connections to Japanese culture and destinations.
What impressed me most was how Mitsui balances traditional Japanese experiences with international comfort. If the main dining room is featuring regional Japanese specialties, you’ll find excellent international alternatives elsewhere onboard. Guests can lean into Japanese culture as much as they want without feeling locked into a single style of dining. Plus the food on Mitsui Ocean cruises is excellent.
It’s a thoughtful approach that I wish more cruise lines would adopt. If you’re visiting a region, the food and ship experience should reflect where you are, not where you came from. The entertainment and games are a mixture of western and Japanese. It’s inviting for everyone, which is what sets Mitsui above the rest.
Mitsui Value: All inclusive Fares
When people first see a fare around $4,000 to $8,000, they sometimes assume it’s expensive. For Japan during cherry blossom season, especially on a premium cruise line, I’d argue it’s quite the opposite. Mitsui operates two small ships which use to be own by Seabourn. With only room for 430 guests this is a floating luxury resort with near 1:1 staffing and high quality food and inclusions.
These fares include a complimentary shore extension in every port with an English-speaking guide, all beverages including beer, wine, sake, cocktails, fast starlink Wi-Fi, port charges, entertainment, and gratuities. You can easily go on this vacation and not spend another dime! All inclusive
The veranda upgrade alone adds significant value. Mitsui’s Veranda Suites are large! These rooms are probably 50% larger than your standard cruise room. With 385 square feet and feature private balconies, spacious 5 piece bathrooms with 2 sinks and a separate bathtub and shower. Plus large walk-in closets, actual sitting area plus a small table. These rooms are massive!
For travelers who want to experience Japan during one of its most beautiful seasons without constantly changing hotels or navigating crowded transportation networks, this deal is compelling. Plus its a great way to see Japan via sea and land. The Japanese inland sea and coastline is beautiful and it’s a great way to explore.
FREE Veranda Upgrade
Choose from any of the 5 departures below during cherry blossom season and enjoy a FREE Veranda upgrade when you book via Scott & Thomas Travel.
Spring Blossoms of Japan & Jeju: 6 Nights Japan Spring Cruise 2027, March 21 – 27, 2027.
Sail into spring on a blossom-filled journey through Japan and Jeju. Departing Yokohama, explore Nagoya’s rich heritage, unwind at sea, and discover the floral beauty of Ibusuki and Sasebo before crossing to Jeju’s scenic shores. Conclude in Hakata as cherry blossoms frame historic streets and coastal vistas. Between ports, indulge in refined dining, cultural enrichment, and impeccable service for a voyage as graceful as the season itself.
ITINERARY:
- Day 1 – Yokohama
- Day 2 – Nagoya
- Day 3 – At Sea
- Day 4 – Ibusuki
- Day 5 – Sasebo
- Day 6 – Jeju Island
- Day 7 – Hakata
Spring Gardens of Japan & Korea: 6 Nights Japan Spring Cruise 2027, April 5 – 11, 2027
Sail from Kobe across the Sea of Japan to vibrant Busan, then continue to the scenic coastal ports of Hososhima and Shingu. Enjoy relaxing days at sea before the voyage concludes in dynamic Yokohama, blending cultural discovery with peaceful ocean sailing.
ITINERARY:
- Day 1 – Kobe
- Day 2 – At sea
- Day 3 – Busan
- Day 4 – Hososhima
- Day 5 – Shingu
- Day 6 -At sea
- Day 7 – Yokohama
Spring’s Embrace: 7 Nights Japan Spring Cruise 2027 April 11-18, 2027.
Depart from Yokohama and visit the coastal charm of Toba before a relaxing day at sea. Continue to historic Hiroshima, then cross to lively Busan. After another peaceful day sailing, enjoy views of Shimizu before returning to Yokohama, completing a voyage that blends culture, history, and scenic cruising.
ITINERARY:
- Day 1 – Yokohama
- Day 2 – Toba
- Day 3 – At sea
- Day 4 – Hiroshima
- Day 5 – Busan
- Day 6 -At sea
- Day 7 – Shimizu
- Day 8 – Yokohama
Northern Japan in Bloom: 12 Nights Japan Spring Cruise 2027 April 18 to 30, 2027.
Depart from Yokohama and enjoy two relaxing days at sea before arriving in Sasebo. Continue to vibrant Busan, then explore Japan’s scenic coastal gems including Tottori, Nanao, Ryotsu (Sadogashima), and Oga. The voyage continues north to Otaru and Hakodate before a final day at sea returning to Yokohama, showcasing a diverse journey through Japan and Korea
ITINERARY:
- Day 1 – Yokohama
- Day 2 – At sea
- Day 3 – At sea
- Day 4 – Sasebo
- Day 5 – Busan
- Day 6 -Tottori
- Day 7 – Nanao
- Day 8 – Ryotsu (Sadogashima)
- Day 9 – Oga
- Day 10 – Otaru
- Day 11 – Hakodate
- Day 12 – At sea
- Day 13 – Yokohama
Golden Week 2027: 10 Nights Japan Spring Cruise 2027, April 30 to May 10, 2027.
Sail from Yokohama and enjoy a relaxing day at sea before exploring northern Japan in Tokachi and Esashi. Continue to the cultural port of Akita and Toyama Shinko, then cross the sea to scenic Sokcho. Unwind with peaceful days at sea before returning to Yokohama, completing a voyage through Japan’s northern coast and Korea.
ITINERARY:
- Day 1 – Yokohama
- Day 2 – At sea
- Day 3 – Tokachi
- Day 4 – Esashi
- Day 5 – Akita
- Day 6 – Toyama Shinko
- Day 7 – At sea
- Day 8 – Sokcho
- Day 9 – At sea
- Day 10 – At sea
- Day 11 – Yokohama
Looking for a larger room? Penthouses are not discounted but we can offer you a $500 per person onboard credit for Penthouse rooms or other suites. Plus you get free dining at HOKUSAI FINE DINING. The famous Japonais” (French & Japanese fusion) specialty restaurant.
Contact me to book your Mitsui Ocean Cruise today.
Bottom Line
I’ve sailed with many cruise lines over the years, from luxury expedition ships in Antarctica to premium ocean cruises across the globe. Mitsui remains one of the most pleasant surprises I’ve experienced.
The ship is elegant without being pretentious. The service reflects Japanese hospitality. The food is outstanding. Most importantly, the experience feels authentic rather than manufactured for tourists. Combined with cherry blossom season and a free upgrade to a Veranda Suite, these 2027 departures represent some of the most attractive Japan cruise pricing I’ve seen recently.
If Japan during sakura season has always been on your bucket list, this may be one of the most enjoyable and culturally immersive ways to experience it. And unlike many cherry blossom trips, you’ll have your own private veranda waiting for you at the end of each day. I look forward to booking your trip and offering you a free upgrade to save you thousands. Contact me today for your free Veranda upgrade.