Imperial Cities: Shanghai to Japan

Welcome to Shanghai. You have 2 nights to explore the city.

When you cruise from Shanghai, check the essential items off the to-do list: See the classical architecture of the Bund neighborhood and walk among the smell of tea and incense in the fortified Old City. Then, if you have extra time, see the nearby Qibao Ancient Town — check out the pagoda-like bell tower, see Qibao Template (it dates back to the 900s) and snap pics of the photogenic bridges and buildings along the Puhui River.

The gentle seaside city of Maizuru will win you over with its quaint collection of mountainside temples, pristine beaches and historical museums. Cruise to Kyoto and check out Maizuru Red Brick Park, a series of warehouses that today serve as a museum, and be transported to a Cold War-era spy thriller. See the nearby Amanohashidate sandbar, a 3-kilometer-long isthmus that connects the bay in a picturesque stretch of white sand and pine trees. Or head into central Kyoto, about a 90-minute drive from port — walk among the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, or climb to the top of Kyoto Tower for the area’s best views.

The gentle seaside city of Maizuru will win you over with its quaint collection of mountainside temples, pristine beaches and historical museums. Cruise to Kyoto and check out Maizuru Red Brick Park, a series of warehouses that today serve as a museum, and be transported to a Cold War-era spy thriller. See the nearby Amanohashidate sandbar, a 3-kilometer-long isthmus that connects the bay in a picturesque stretch of white sand and pine trees. Or head into central Kyoto, about a 90-minute drive from port — walk among the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, or climb to the top of Kyoto Tower for the area’s best views.

Perched on a hill sloping down to the sea, Kobe is a maritime gateway to one of Japan’s most metropolitan cities. Mt. Rokko dominates the skyline — from the summit, you can glimpse one of the best views in all Japan. Of course, Kobe’s also famous for breeding Wagyu cows that produce some of the highest-quality beef in the world. The stuff is so delicious that almost every restaurant in the area stocks it. Cruise to Japan and make your visit a full foodie mission and stop off at Osaka to indulge in the local tradition of kuidaore — “eat until you drop.”

The capital of Aichi Prefecture and the fourth-largest city in Japan, Nagoya is the historical heartland of ancient samurai as well as Japan’s modern industry. Explore the elegant samurai fortress Nagoya Castle, with cherry blossoms surrounding the castle’s understated turrets. During your Nagoya cruise, visit Osu Kannon Buddhist temple and see the statue of the goddess of mercy within. Then stroll through the bustling Osu Market nearby, with its stalls selling everything from antiques to anime pop art. Or head to Tokugawa Garden and stroll among the black pines, cherry trees and peonies surrounding a calm lake, then pop into the nearby Tokugawa Art Museum and see Edo-period artefacts.

Yokohama is the central gateway to exploring Tokyo, a once-humble fishing village that is now one of the world’s biggest, most densely populated cities. You’ll find an eclectic mix of traditional shrines and soaring skyscrapers lining these neon-lit streets. Walk the Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay alongside the Yurikamome Rail Line, a futuristic, operatorless train system. Then, see old Tokyo at the Imperial Palace, an Edo Castle surrounded by moats and gardens perfect for strolling. Cruise to Tokyo and head to iconic Sensoji Buddhist Temple and pass below the massive red paper lantern of the Thunder Gate. Then, unwind in Yoyogi Park, a literal forest in the heart of the city, complete with Zen gardens and a gingko tree forest.

When you cruise from Shanghai, check the essential items off the to-do list: See the classical architecture of the Bund neighborhood and walk among the smell of tea and incense in the fortified Old City. Then, if you have extra time, see the nearby Qibao Ancient Town — check out the pagoda-like bell tower, see Qibao Template (it dates back to the 900s) and snap pics of the photogenic bridges and buildings along the Puhui River.

Your holiday comes to an end today. Interested in extending you stay? Ask us about our amazing range of packages available or speak with a Cruise Travel Advisor who will be able to customise your holiday with you.