14-night Japan Discovery Cruise

Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.

Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.

The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.

Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Wheeling Your Way Through Tokyo - 6 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
Forget the bus, get out of the car, and by no means take the subway – experience Tokyo by bicycle a seemingly unusual way to explore one of the world’s largest megalopolises. But once on your bike and pedaling through the city’s many and varied neighborhoods you will experience Tokyo in a truly unique way.

You will transfer to Chuo-ku, Tokyo  where you choose your bicycle and try it out before setting off. Once ready and under the supervision of your cycling guide set off for the Tour de Tokyo pedaling your way through some of the distinctive districts that make Tokyo so memorable:–
↓
Tsukishima (traditional market area famed for its monjayaki savoury pancake) and Tsukiji Outer Market the largest seafood market in the world.
↓
Ginza (Tokyo’s chic shopping district – the city’s “Fifth Avenue”)
↓
Shinbashi Station (Japan’s oldest railway station)
↓
Azabu Juban Village (eclectic, eccentric and exciting – where trendy meets traditional)
↓
Roppongi, Aoyama and Harajuku & Omotesando (iconic architecture and fashion forward for today’s Tokyo)
↓
Yoyogi Park (site of the 1964 Olympic Village – weather permitting enjoy a picnic lunch)
↓
The New National Stadium (site of the 2020 Opening Ceremonies)
↓
Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo’s revered Shinto Shrine set within a verdant forest park)
↓
Yoyogi National Stadium (Tange Kenzo’s stunning design for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games)
↓
Jingu Gaien Mall (the beautiful Gingko lined Avenue)
↓
Akasaka Palace (the magnificent State Guest House)
↓
Parliament House (the site of the National Diet)
↓
Imperial Palace Grounds (The Iconic Nijubashi Bridge and the moat)
↓
Tokyo Station + KITTE (Marunouchi Minami Exit side)
↓
15:00:    Arrive at Chuo-ku, Tokyo – the end of this Tokyo tour

Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.

Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.

The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.

Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Wheeling Your Way Through Tokyo - 6 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
Forget the bus, get out of the car, and by no means take the subway – experience Tokyo by bicycle a seemingly unusual way to explore one of the world’s largest megalopolises. But once on your bike and pedaling through the city’s many and varied neighborhoods you will experience Tokyo in a truly unique way.

You will transfer to Chuo-ku, Tokyo  where you choose your bicycle and try it out before setting off. Once ready and under the supervision of your cycling guide set off for the Tour de Tokyo pedaling your way through some of the distinctive districts that make Tokyo so memorable:–
↓
Tsukishima (traditional market area famed for its monjayaki savoury pancake) and Tsukiji Outer Market the largest seafood market in the world.
↓
Ginza (Tokyo’s chic shopping district – the city’s “Fifth Avenue”)
↓
Shinbashi Station (Japan’s oldest railway station)
↓
Azabu Juban Village (eclectic, eccentric and exciting – where trendy meets traditional)
↓
Roppongi, Aoyama and Harajuku & Omotesando (iconic architecture and fashion forward for today’s Tokyo)
↓
Yoyogi Park (site of the 1964 Olympic Village – weather permitting enjoy a picnic lunch)
↓
The New National Stadium (site of the 2020 Opening Ceremonies)
↓
Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo’s revered Shinto Shrine set within a verdant forest park)
↓
Yoyogi National Stadium (Tange Kenzo’s stunning design for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games)
↓
Jingu Gaien Mall (the beautiful Gingko lined Avenue)
↓
Akasaka Palace (the magnificent State Guest House)
↓
Parliament House (the site of the National Diet)
↓
Imperial Palace Grounds (The Iconic Nijubashi Bridge and the moat)
↓
Tokyo Station + KITTE (Marunouchi Minami Exit side)
↓
15:00:    Arrive at Chuo-ku, Tokyo – the end of this Tokyo tour

In Ainu language, the city is pronounced "To Makomai" and means Makomai River with a swamp. As reflected in the name, Tomakomai is a beautiful place of untouched nature. Mount Tarumae which stretches to 1,041 meters above sea level, forests with swampy lakes, moss covered valleys, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Utonai make up Tomakomai's natural beauty. There are facilities that take advantage of the geographical conditions. Hokkaido University's experimental forest, Midorigaoka Park, Northern Horse Park, and the numerous golf clubs are among the services that help people appreciate the benefits of nature. Tomakomai is also known for its industrial strength. As the entrance to Hokkaido from Honshu, the Port of Tomakomai is a frequent stop for ferries as well as commercial carriers. The bayside is lined with factories for paper, automobile vehicles, petroleum, electricity and natural gas. A portion of the New Chitose Airport (opened in 1992) stretches to Tomakomai, and thus the city can also be reached via the sky.

A city for all seasons, Aomori attracts visitors from afar for its beauty and events. In the spring, Hirosaki Castle Park is one of Japan’s most famous sites for viewing the cherry blossoms. The Nebuta Festival is held in the summer time and is one of the largest and most colorful summer events in Japan. Lake Towada is famous for the changing of her leaves in the autumn, and the winter months bring glorious snow for skiing, skating and snowboarding. Aomori is also home to the largest outdoor Buddha’s in Japan – weighing over 220 tons.

Niigata has a long history as a port and is distinguished for being the site of one of only five international ports opened in 1868 when Japan resumed contact with other countries after nearly 250 years of self-imposed isolation. Since that time, Niigata has developed into one of Japan's most important modern international ports. Geographically, the city is distinctive in that it is surrounded by water. The Shinano and Agano, two of the largest rivers in Japan, run through the heart of Niigata before emptying into the Japan Sea. In addition, until relatively recently, the city was crisscrossed by a series of canals used to transport goods. Although the canals have been filled in to make the construction of modern roadways possible, the willows that lined these canals still remain today and now serve to lend a gentle air to the bustling downtown area. Although Niigata has grown into an important regional center of activity, the city has pursued a plan of careful development in order to preserve its traditional culture, natural environment, and distinctive local character. When Niigata is mentioned, many people often think immediately of the area's delicious rice and sake or the city's beautiful sunsets, but the residents of Niigata themselves take pride, rather, in the spirit of hospitality and community that so distinguishes the city. Following this tradition, the city's long held goal has been to create a society where every citizen is valued and allowed to shine. Numerous cultural and civic facilities support the activities of local groups and organizations. In addition, Niigata's conscientious system of social welfare seeks to preserve the dignity as well as the well-being of all of the city's residents. The city is constantly trying to tackle society's problems in progressive, innovative and caring ways.

Korea's "museum without walls" is akin only to China in its depth and cultural wonder. From Pusan, you can journey to the ancient Silla capital of Kyongju, a dynasty which reigned in Korea for almost a thousand years. Today this small provincial town is virtually a museum without walls, dotted with many splendid ruins. Nearby, the forested mountains and valleys shelter hundreds of beautiful Buddhist shrines including the renowned Sokkuram Grotto, and Tongdosa and Pulguksa Temples. Pusan is also a shopper's mecca and Korea's vital southern link to Japanese and American trade.

Destination Guide

Hakata is a port city that merged with Fukuoka city, and is now one of the largest cities in the northern part of Japan. There is a fantastic shopping and entertainment complex on the water at Hakata Wharf . Inside the building there is a beautiful aquarium, which contains about 500 fish from the local sea. There is also a museum, a year-round indoor snowboard facility, and the Hakata Port Tower. The wharf is also the boarding point for many sightseeing cruises and passenger ferries. And if that were not enough there is also Canal City Hakata, where the canal has been turned into a nature garden, with plants, live fish and even fireflies. The complex contains two hotels, office space, a movie theater with 13 screens, a Sega amusement park, a theater for musicals and plays, and a variety of shopping and dining.

Hiroshima in southwestern Honshu has grown rapidly as a commercial city, and after 1868 it was developed as a military base. Every August 6 since 1947, thousands participate in multidenominational services in the Peace Memorial Park built on the site where the bomb exploded. After the war the city was largely rebuilt, and commercial activity gradually resumed. Visit the Peace Park but also explore Miyajima Island and its colourful shrines and mysterious forests.

Destination Guide

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Kobe - Osaka Day Tour — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:

• Osaka Castle
• Umeda Sky Building
• Shitennoji Temple
• Dontonbori

• Transfers and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary by private vehicle
• Services of driver and private English-speaking guide during sightseeing and transfers (different guide and driver in each city)
• Local restaurant lunches including 1 drink per person (soft drink, local beer, bottled water, tea or coffee)

• Pier permits

• Complimentary local bottled water during sightseeing/transfers

• Entrance fees while sightseeing

• Any accommodations/ meals/ flights/ sightseeing/ transfers other than specified
• Excess baggage charges
• Gratuities to the local guides and drivers
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Any expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, minibar charges, telephone charges, etc.
• Any visa

Shimizu is located on the northwest coast of Suruga Bay on the island of Honshu. Protected by a sandspit, it is a major commercial port and fishing centre. Places of scenic and historic interest include the Pine Groves of Miho, the Ryuge Temple, containing a fern palm believed to be more than 1,000 years old, and the nearby Nippon-Daira plateau.

Shimizu is located on the northwest coast of Suruga Bay on the island of Honshu. Protected by a sandspit, it is a major commercial port and fishing centre. Places of scenic and historic interest include the Pine Groves of Miho, the Ryuge Temple, containing a fern palm believed to be more than 1,000 years old, and the nearby Nippon-Daira plateau.

Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.

Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.

The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.

Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Wheeling Your Way Through Tokyo - 6 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
Forget the bus, get out of the car, and by no means take the subway – experience Tokyo by bicycle a seemingly unusual way to explore one of the world’s largest megalopolises. But once on your bike and pedaling through the city’s many and varied neighborhoods you will experience Tokyo in a truly unique way.

You will transfer to Chuo-ku, Tokyo  where you choose your bicycle and try it out before setting off. Once ready and under the supervision of your cycling guide set off for the Tour de Tokyo pedaling your way through some of the distinctive districts that make Tokyo so memorable:–
↓
Tsukishima (traditional market area famed for its monjayaki savoury pancake) and Tsukiji Outer Market the largest seafood market in the world.
↓
Ginza (Tokyo’s chic shopping district – the city’s “Fifth Avenue”)
↓
Shinbashi Station (Japan’s oldest railway station)
↓
Azabu Juban Village (eclectic, eccentric and exciting – where trendy meets traditional)
↓
Roppongi, Aoyama and Harajuku & Omotesando (iconic architecture and fashion forward for today’s Tokyo)
↓
Yoyogi Park (site of the 1964 Olympic Village – weather permitting enjoy a picnic lunch)
↓
The New National Stadium (site of the 2020 Opening Ceremonies)
↓
Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo’s revered Shinto Shrine set within a verdant forest park)
↓
Yoyogi National Stadium (Tange Kenzo’s stunning design for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games)
↓
Jingu Gaien Mall (the beautiful Gingko lined Avenue)
↓
Akasaka Palace (the magnificent State Guest House)
↓
Parliament House (the site of the National Diet)
↓
Imperial Palace Grounds (The Iconic Nijubashi Bridge and the moat)
↓
Tokyo Station + KITTE (Marunouchi Minami Exit side)
↓
15:00:    Arrive at Chuo-ku, Tokyo – the end of this Tokyo tour