A wide aerial view of the Kanmon Strait featuring a large suspension bridge, a cargo ship, densely built coastal cities, and green mountains under a bright blue sky with streaked clouds.

Kanmon Straits, Japan

Cruises to Kanmon Straits, Japan

Scenic cruising at Kanmon Straits

Sail through one of Japan’s most historically rich water ways. Cruises to Kanmon Strait take you between the islands of Honshu and Kyushu as your ship glides beneath the iconic Kanmon Bridge. Along the way you’ll pass twin 19th‑century lighthouses, see the narrow channel where 700+ ships daily transit and feel the pulse of a strait that helped transform Japan into an international trading hub.

Explore itineraries with cruises to Kanmon Straits

Kanmon Strait cruises often appear as part of larger Japan cruise itineraries that include calls in both Japan and Korea or move onward to other East Asian destinations. On this rare scenic cruising opportunity, you’ll get the unique experience of threading a historic channel, where modern infrastructure and maritime tradition come together like a Japanese haiku in motion.

Discover Kanmon Straits on your next cruise

Imagine your ship carving through the narrow channel while city lights of Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu flank you, and twin lighthouses guide the way. The strait’s currents made it formidable in naval history and today it offers a striking interplay of nature and industry. From the deck you’ll see merchants, ferries, tunnels, bridges and trade routes all woven into one remarkable passage.

Cruise to Kanmon Straits
Elevated view of Shimonoseki at dusk showing illuminated city streets, a glowing green Ferris wheel, and the Kanmon Bridge spanning calm blue water between forested hills.

Watch Shimonoseki light up as evening settles over the Kanmon Strait and the city comes alive.

A serene coastal scene showing deep blue water, rolling green hills, and a tall mountain peak in the hazy distance, with gentle boat wake in the foreground.

Glide along calm blue waters in the Kanmon Straits.

a smiling family walking through the beautiful Piazza of a Princess® cruise ship.

A smiling family walking through the beautiful Piazza of a Princess® cruise ship.

Front-facing view of a Princess® cruise ship sailing through calm ocean waters.

Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

Discover our ships

The Princess fleet brings its signature comfort, style and attention to detail into this region. The result? You get to navigate one of Japan’s most important channels without sacrificing the luxury your voyage deserves.

Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards

No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

Explore ships visiting this port

Cruises to Kanmon Straits FAQs

                        *The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

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Aerial view of a large cruise ship's top deck, featuring multiple pool areas, lounge chairs, and glass-domed structures, sailing through deep blue ocean waters.

Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

A couple stands together on the deck of a cruise ship, smiling as they enjoy the ocean view under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

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