The schedule of all 32 cruises aboard the passenger ship ASUKA III (52,265 gross tons), departing from Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, and Hakata between April and October 2027, has been announced by Yusen Cruise Co., Ltd. (Nishi-ku, Yokohama), the operator of ASUKA Cruise.
To mark the 35th anniversary of ASUKA Cruise, the lineup includes the "2027 Japan Circumnavigation Discovery Cruise," a voyage of about 10,000 km in total. It also features an 11-day Taiwan cruise over Golden Week and the "Four Seasons on ASUKA III" series, which follows the seasons from early summer through summer to autumn. ASUKA Cruise will call at Shimabara (Nagasaki Prefecture) and Suo-Oshima (Yamaguchi Prefecture) for the first time. Two-night, three-day short cruises, which are also recommended for first-time cruisers, are available as well.
Sales Start on November 11, 2026
Bookings open on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Reservations are taken at the company's cruise desk, on the official website, and through travel agencies that handle ASUKA III.
Official website: https://www.asukacruise.co.jp/
2027 Japan Circumnavigation Discovery Cruise
- Course A: departs Yokohama on May 11 (Tuesday), 2027 and arrives in Tokyo on June 3 (Thursday), 24 days
- Course B: departs Kobe on May 12 (Wednesday), 2027 and returns to Kobe on June 4 (Friday), 24 days
The third Discovery Cruise aboard ASUKA III travels from Ogasawara to the Shiretoko Peninsula, sailing the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The route includes Shimabara, a first port call for ASUKA Cruise, and covers a total distance of about 10,000 km. Passengers can explore the history, culture, and natural scenery of each region, enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, and experience the hospitality at each port of call.
Onboard, stage performances are planned by cellist Kohei Miyata, vocalist Ken Nishikori, and actress Jun Shibuki.
A 25% discount on the cruise fare is available for passengers who pay the full amount by February 15, 2027 (Monday).
Note: The distance is an approximate figure measured on a satellite map as the shortest line connecting the ports of call. It differs from the actual route.
Golden Week Taiwan Cruise
- Departs Yokohama on April 29 (Thursday), 2027 and returns to Yokohama on May 9 (Sunday), 11 days
This 11-day Golden Week cruise around Taiwan calls at Penghu, Kaohsiung, and Keelung. At Penghu, passengers can watch the fireworks festival light up the night sky from the ship. At Kaohsiung and Keelung, shore excursions are offered for an additional fee with limited capacity, visiting places such as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Formosa Boulevard Station, and Jiufen, a nostalgic town of old streets.
Onboard, singer and actor Rei Dan will perform a special stage show.
A 25% discount on the cruise fare is available for passengers who pay the full amount by January 31, 2027 (Sunday).
Four Seasons on ASUKA III
ASUKA Cruise has long visited Japan's seasonal highlights at their best time of year. "Four Seasons on ASUKA III" was created to carry on that approach and mark the 35th anniversary. Each cruise visits ports of call selected for the season, with seasonal ingredients in the cuisine, entertainment, and decor designed to let passengers experience Japan's four seasons with all five senses.
Note: Onboard events and services vary by cruise.
Early Summer
Eight cruises departing between June 5 (Saturday) and July 8 (Thursday), 2027
The early summer series includes a cruise to Ogasawara and others that visit scenic spots in the fresh greenery of the season. Onboard, passengers can enjoy cuisine made with seasonal ingredients and lectures by authors and athletes. A collaboration with Bungeishunju is also planned, with novelist Natsuo Kirino and tennis player Kimiko Date among the guests who will board ASUKA III. Passengers on cruises departing from and returning to Yokohama will receive an admission ticket to "GREEN×EXPO 2027."
Cruise Examples:
- Kobe Round-Trip Deep Blue Ogasawara Cruise — June 5 (Saturday) to June 10 (Thursday), 2027 — 6 days
- Early Summer Gamagori Weekend Cruise — June 11 (Friday) to June 14 (Monday), 2027 — 4 days
- Early Summer Weekend Yokohama Short Cruise — June 19 (Saturday) to June 21 (Monday), 2027 — 3 days
- Sea Breeze Beppu and Hiroshima Shimanami Cruise — June 21 (Monday) to June 27 (Sunday), 2027 — 7 days
Summer
Eleven cruises departing between July 14 (Wednesday) and August 23 (Monday), 2027
The summer series visits lively summer festivals and fireworks displays around Japan, with fireworks viewable from the ship. At the Noshiro Tanabata "Tenku no Fuyajo" and the Aomori Nebuta Festival, viewing seats are provided close to the powerful performances and large lanterns. Onboard, music ranging from 1980s standards to lounge music and disco music will be played.
Cruise Examples:
- Summer Hakodate, Noshiro and Sendai Cruise — July 14 (Wednesday) to July 21 (Wednesday), 2027 — 8 days
- Noshiro Tenku no Fuyajo and Aomori Nebuta Festival Cruise — July 31 (Saturday) to August 5 (Thursday), 2027 — 6 days
- Kobe Round-Trip Kanmon Straits Fireworks Cruise — August 12 (Thursday) to August 16 (Monday), 2027 — 5 days
- Summer Hokkaido Cruise — August 23 (Monday) to August 31 (Tuesday), 2027 — 9 days
Autumn
Eleven cruises departing between August 31 (Tuesday) and October 9 (Saturday), 2027
The autumn series offers a relaxed look at historic townscapes and scenic harbors, with calls at Suo-Oshima (Yamaguchi Prefecture), a first port call for ASUKA Cruise, and cruising on the Seto Inland Sea. Each cruise has a different roots music theme, such as folk songs, country music, oldies, and a Beatles tribute, performed live. Dishes made with ingredients of the harvest season are also served.
Cruise Examples:
- Hakata Round-Trip Korea Cruise to Busan and Jeju — September 3 (Friday) to September 6 (Monday), 2027 — 4 days
- Nagoya Round-Trip Seto Inland Sea Route Tanegashima and Suo-Oshima Cruise — September 13 (Monday) to September 18 (Saturday), 2027 — 6 days
- Kobe Round-Trip Autumn Breeze Hokkaido and Michinoku Cruise — September 26 (Sunday) to October 3 (Sunday), 2027 — 8 days
- Kobe Round-Trip Autumn West Sea Karatsu and Nagasaki Cruise — October 4 (Monday) to October 9 (Saturday), 2027 — 6 days
About ASUKA III
ASUKA III is built around the concept of a journey that expands to suit each guest's tastes. All cabins have a private balcony facing the sea and come in three classes: Penthouse, Suite, and Balcony. The ship has six restaurants and is decorated with art and craft works by leading Japanese artists. The dress code is "Elegant Casual." Onboard programs include learning and wellness programs, live performances by musicians held throughout the ship, and other entertainment.
- Flag: Japan
- Home Port: Port of Yokohama
- Gross Tonnage: 52,265 GT
- Overall Length: 230 m
- Passenger Capacity: 680
- Crew: Approx. 490
- Cabins: 351 (all with a private balcony facing the sea)
