Cruising in Japan is taking travellers to places that may be difficult to reach otherwise.

There are no shortage of spots to explore, says to Naoki Kitazawa, executive director of Japan National Tourism Organisation’s Sydney office.

“Dock at a port in Japan, and there’s so much to experience, from culture, to food and everything in between,” he says.

“Not only this, but cruising in Japan is beautiful year-round, thanks to our varied climate. As we move into the autumn season, cruisers can expect mild temperatures, spectacular autumn colours, fewer crowds and competitive fares.”

The JNTO team has come up with some tips . . .

Shimizu

+ Miho no Matsubara is a UNESCO-listed pine grove on a black sand coastline, which has some of Japan’s best views of Mt Fuji across Suruga Bay.

+ Visitors can walk from the beach along the “Path of the Gods” to Miho Shrine.

+ Kunozan Toshogu Shrine is renowned for its ornate decoration and is accessible by cable car. There are good views from the observation deck.

+ Shimizu Fish Market (Kashi no Ichi) serves one of Japan’s busiest tuna landing ports.

+ Shiraito Falls has curtain-like streams cascading over a rock face and is about 75 minutes from the port.

Hiroshima

+ The port is about 15 minutes from the city centre by shuttle or taxi. A JNTO team spokesperson says: “If you have a full-day port call, visit the city’s most important site, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. And the Peace Memorial Museum is one of Japan’s most moving museums, which tells the story through personal accounts, artefacts and historical exhibits. Nearby, the Atomic Bomb Dome, a preserved ruin, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

+ Hiroshima Castle, which was built in the 16th century, has exhibits on samurai history.

+ Shukkeien Garden has traditional landscaping and teahouses.

Nagasaki

+ Cruise ships dock close to the city centre, so everything is easy to get to.

+ Nagasaki is a blend of Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese influences.

+ Glover Garden is a hillside open-air museum with restored 19th-century Western merchant houses.

+ Oura Cathedral, built in 1864, is said to be Japan’s oldest surviving Christian church. It is part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site.

+ Megane Bridge, built in 1634, is is one of the country’s oldest stone bridges and very photogenic.

+ Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum commemorate the 1945 atomic bombing.

Sakata

+ Sakata is at the mouth of the Mogami River, and there are traditional river cruises through a scenic valley.

+ The Kamo Aquarium has the world’s biggest jellyfish collections.

+ Historic Sankyo Warehouses showcase Sakata’s rice-trading history beneath an avenue of zelkova trees.

+ Try a bowl of Sakata ramen made with seafood-based broth. It is considered a local soul food.

Otaru

+ Otaru is considered one of Japan’s best cities for sushi. There are more than 100 restaurants. It is famous for locally caught sea urchin, abalone and mantis shrimp.

+ Visit “Sushi Street” or check out Sakaimachi Street, which is famous for its glassware, music boxes and confectionery shops.

+ Otaru is also home to wineries, whisky distilleries and sake breweries, with guided tours.

+ Otaru is famous for its canal, with warehouses lining the banks.

+ Gas lamps are lit in the evenings.

Hakata

+ Hakata Port is in central Fukuoka City. Try Hakata’s famous yatai (open-air food stalls), where local favourites including ramen, yakitori and seafood are served into the evening.

+ Canal City Hakata is a shopping and entertainment area built around a central canal.

+ Yanagibashi Rengo Market is known as the “Kitchen of Fukuoka”.

+ Kushida Shrine’s history spans more than 1200 years.

+ Visit Tocho ji Temple, a historic temple featuring a massive 10.8m-tall wooden seated Great Buddha.