Best of Japan

Tokyo announces itself the moment you leave the airport: a city of 14 million people operating at a precision and energy that no other metropolis quite matches. Your included 4-star hotel gives you two nights to begin absorbing the city before boarding Celebrity Millennium. Shinjuku’s Memory Lane izakayas, the temples of Asakusa, the teamLab digital art museum and the viewing deck of the Tokyo Skytree are all excellent first evening options. February in Tokyo means the city is approaching its finest season — the cherry trees are still bare but the anticipation is already building.

A full second day in Tokyo before tomorrow’s embarkation. The Harajuku Takeshita Street and Omotesando boulevard give two very different versions of Tokyo’s fashion culture within walking distance of each other. The Meiji Shrine in the forested heart of Harajuku provides a moment of genuine quiet in the most populated city on earth. Tsukiji outer market’s sushi breakfast counters open from 5am and the fresh tuna, sea urchin and salmon roe served at the counter seats are among the finest food experiences in Japan. The first cherry blossoms of the season sometimes appear in Tokyo in early March and the warm pink of the first blooms against the still-bare trees is a sight specific to this time of year.

A private transfer takes you from the hotel to Yokohama, where Celebrity Millennium is docked in Japan’s most historically international port city. There is time before the afternoon embarkation to explore Yokohama’s Chinatown, the largest in Japan, and the Sankeien Garden with its transplanted historic buildings before boarding. Sail away from Yokohama in the late afternoon as the Japanese coastline with its backdrop of mountains begins to recede.

A sea day heading southwest along the Japanese coast toward Osaka and Kyoto. The Pacific coastline of Honshu is visible to the north throughout much of the day. Kyoto arrives tomorrow and the onboard destination briefing on the temples, the geisha districts and the cherry blossom viewing culture of Japan’s ancient imperial capital is worth attending today as context for two of the finest days on this voyage.

Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital for over a thousand years and remains the country’s most concentrated repository of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, imperial palaces, traditional townhouses and geisha culture. The ship docks at Osaka, 45 minutes from Kyoto by train, and Kyoto is yours for the full day. The Fushimi Inari Shrine’s thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing the forested mountain behind the city, the Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji reflected in its garden pond, and the temple district of Higashiyama are the essential first-day destinations. In early March the first cherry blossoms may be appearing in Maruyama Park’s protected valley garden, where the famous single weeping cherry tree is the most photographed subject in Kyoto.

A second full day in Kyoto and the city opens its less-visited layers. The Philosopher’s Path, a two-kilometre canal-side walk connecting the Nanzenji and Ginkakuji temples, is lined with cherry trees that are approaching early bloom in early March and in full bloom by late March. The Arashiyama bamboo grove and the Tenryuji garden on the city’s western edge give a sense of the landscape architecture tradition that is unique to Kyoto. The Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s covered food market running five blocks through the city centre, is the finest introduction to Japanese culinary culture outside Tokyo.

You’ll find there’s plenty to see and do in Kochi, the approachable, friendly capital city of Japan’s Kochi prefecture. Kochi is an outdoorist’s paradise, where Pacific beaches and mountain views are easily accessible for tourists and locals alike to explore. Quieter than Tokyo and more outdoorsy than Kobe, a Kochi cruise is the perfect way to see a more relaxed, traditional Japan. One of Kochi’s best-known sites is the historic Kochi Castle, which dates back to the 1600s, or you can venture to the Niyodo River for a tour along Japan’s clearest, most peaceful waters.

Living like a local is the best way to experience Kochi. No rushing or speeding between excursions is necessary here. Shopping at Sunday Market is a must-do activity for weekenders looking to experience fresh produce and local goods in Kochi, plus there’s an entire shopping district along Harimayabashi Street where travelers can purchase clothing, handcrafted goods, and Japanese artwork. Take a break to see penguins and other marine species at the aquarium on Katsurahama Beach, then stop in at a restaurant to try the region’s signature katsuo no tataki, broiled bonito fish served with onion and garlic. While you’re on an Asia cruise, the small-town vibe of Kochi will make you feel right at home. Kochi sits on the Pacific coast of Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands and the one that receives the fewest international tourists, and the city’s relaxed, local character is exactly what makes it a distinctive counterpoint to the larger cities on this itinerary.

A sea day crossing the Korea Strait toward Busan as Celebrity Millennium leaves Japanese waters briefly. The strait is approximately 180 kilometres wide and the crossing takes most of the day. The transition from the Japanese island world to the Korean peninsula is one of the most culturally significant border crossings in East Asia and the destination briefing on Busan’s character, its distance from Seoul in both geography and temperament, is worth attending today.

It is Busan’s premier trading port, adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, that makes it an international metropolis but its beautiful sea vistas that make it a charming place to unwind. Experience the serenity of Beomeo-sa Temple, climb the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park and rejuvenate at Hushimchung Spa.

Historically rich Nagasaki features beautiful seaside scenery and fabulous nighttime views from its mountain slopes. Secluded hot springs, fascinating museums, and ornate temples live side by side in this exciting city. Ten natural parks grace the area, and unique festivals can be experienced throughout the year. Walk through streets influenced by both Chinese and European cultures in fascinating Nagasaki.

Sunny Kagoshima lives in the shadow of Sakurajima, an active volcano that last erupted in 2016. Kagoshima balances an air of mystery with a seaside approachability thanks to its location in Southern Japan along the coast and proximity to Sakurajima. In addition to being the capital of the Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan, the city is home to ancient castles and traditional Japanese Gardens that delight locals and visitors alike.

Vacationers on an Asia cruise to Kagoshima, Japan can relax at Ibusuki Onsen, the local hot springs, while adventurous travelers will be awed by the volcano’s peaks after a hike to one of the many observation points. There are plenty of experiences for foodies in Kagoshima, too, like taking a tour of Shochu Brewery for sake tastings or enjoying a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

On clear days, particularly in winter, Mount Fuji (Fuji-san in Japanese) is visible from as far as Tokyo, 60 miles away. When Japan’s highest mountain is capped with snow, it’s a picture-postcard perfect volcanic cone. One of the best-known symbols of Japan, this iconic mountain has been considered sacred since ancient times and was even forbidden to women until the early 1900s.

Even though Tokyo is among the largest, most frenetic cities in the world, it’s still able to maintain a great deal of efficiency and charm. Amid the endless buzzing neon signs and the overhead cable webs, Tokyo is home to some of the world’s most impressive architecture, stylish shops and 4-star restaurants. But just a short distance outside the clamor of the city is a whole different world. In the surrounding small towns and villages you’ll get a glimpse into Japan’s rich culture and traditions. Here you’ll discover scores of wooden residential homes, ancient temples, shrines and imperial gardens. From the frenzy-filled metropolis to the tranquil bonsai-tree-lined neighborhoods, Tokyo is truly a study in delightful contrasts.

Be sure to visit our Shore Excursions page or speak with our onboard Destination Concierge for arrangements to any of these must-sees.

Even though Tokyo is among the largest, most frenetic cities in the world, it’s still able to maintain a great deal of efficiency and charm. Amid the endless buzzing neon signs and the overhead cable webs, Tokyo is home to some of the world’s most impressive architecture, stylish shops and 4-star restaurants. But just a short distance outside the clamor of the city is a whole different world. In the surrounding small towns and villages you’ll get a glimpse into Japan’s rich culture and traditions. Here you’ll discover scores of wooden residential homes, ancient temples, shrines and imperial gardens. From the frenzy-filled metropolis to the tranquil bonsai-tree-lined neighborhoods, Tokyo is truly a study in delightful contrasts.

Be sure to visit our Shore Excursions page or speak with our onboard Destination Concierge for arrangements to any of these must-sees.