Azamara Quest Japan Intensive Mar or Apr 2023

[gootie]

Would any Azamara cruisers have an opinion on Japan intensive? I am interested in whether the Mar or Apr 2023 Japan intensive would be recommended

[TeaBag]

I am not an Azamara cruiser yet but we are booked on the Journey Asia Intensive Apr 26, 2022. 

We have been to Japan twice.  The first time we arrived Mar 29 and later that week walked around Tokyo spellbound by the cherry blossoms.  They are indescribable.  So, I would opt for March if you want to see them at their fullest.  Apparently they peaked the earliest this year in 1200 years and looked beautiful Apr 5!  if you have the option to view them at night, it is spectacular.  They back light them and people picnic beneath them. enjoying the whole experience and drinking sake.

I fear we will be too late to see them at their best next year.

Maybe cherry blossoms are not on your list of interesting things to see at all. In that case the Apr departure date might be a little warmer.

Enjoy your cruise.  Japan is wonderful and the people are so gracious.

 

Edited April 7, 2021 by TeaBag

[gootie]

TeaBag , very helpful

 

[gootie]

Another request for advice from anyone who has done Azamara Japan intensive, port or starboard cabin(veranda of course)?  Thanks in advance

[Leo_On_Geo]

53 minutes ago, gootie said:

Another request for advice from anyone who has done Azamara Japan intensive, port or starboard cabin(veranda of course)?  Thanks in advance

Port cabins will allow views of land.  

Hint: check the starboard side the first morning for possible Mt Fuji  sightings. 

[Four21eyes]

We were on a cruise of Japan in spring 2019. It was fabulous. The small cities we visited were so grateful we were there. I think every single port of call had entertainment at the dock. The absolute best excursion, was one added after we sailed. It is to the Kawachi Fujien wisteria gardens.  It was magnificent. The most amazing wisteria display we have ever seen. We also went, on our own, to the Takenaka Carpentry Tool Museum in Kobe. If you enjoy architecture and design this place is extraordinary. Carpenters were not only the architects but also made their own implements. If you take a taxi, there are two different docks in Kobe. Make sure someone writes the correct one down for you in Japanese. We almost missed the ship departure. We also rented a wifi hot spot which worked extremely well, as we were in eye sight of land most of the time. Many people used the wifi once we were in port. Our hot spot did not work in Korea. Oh. If they offer cooking class in Korea, skip it !!