Reset search
Cruise to JapanCruise to Japan
SatelliteEdit route

Cruise to Japan

April - May 2024
An open-ended adventure by Anne Read more
Currently traveling
  • 8footprints
  • 3countries
  • 19days
  • 42photos
  • 2videos
  • 27.2kkilometers
  • 21.8kkilometers
Follow Calendar Share Bucket list
Date ascending
  • TravelerCruise to Japan
    1
    1
    Day 2

    Tokyo arrival

    April 19 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    We arrived at Narita airport and took the Express train to Tokyo station, then a cab to our hotel. Once we checked in, we did a quick freshen up, then headed out to brave the subway system.

    After a couple of missteps, we made our way to Team Labs, planets. This is an art museum which makes extensive use of light and mirrors to provide an experience for the senses.

    We walked through water in two areas, toured a crystal palace of light and saw a garden that was growing in air. It was a very enjoyable experience    Read more

  • TravelerCruise to Japan
    Day 3

    Day 1 Tokyo

    April 20 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    We started our day with a short walk to the Art Aquarium. Like many attractions in Tokyo, it was located inside a large building which contained a high end department store. We found some similarities to Team Labs Planets as there was extensive use of light and mirrors in the displays. There was a huge variety of goldfish and koi, some of which had large, flowing tails and others with bulging eyes.

    Following that, we made our way to the Meiji Jingo shrine. This Shinto shrine contains a temple and several gates, and is located in a 70 acre forest in the heart of Tokyo. It's an extremely peaceful place in spite of the crowds of people visiting. We saw several wedding parties, with the brides in traditional dress processing across the courtyard.

    Our next stop was the Imperial Palace. We enjoyed some time at the Imperial Garden which has a lovely series of fountains. We decided it was wiser not to cross a six lane road to get to the palace, especially since people can only view the palace from the outside.

    We decided to walk back to our hotel as the train connections were quite complicated and it was about a thirty minute walk. Following the days adventures and a brief rest we went to a small local restaurant and had a delicious Ramen dinner.    Read more

  • TravelerCruise to Japan
    1
    1
    Day 5

    April 22 - Sea day

    April 22 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Today was a relaxing day on board Millennium. We had a delicious breakfast and dinner in Blu, watched the show with a British entertainer named King Jamsheed, and that was about it.

    I forgot to post pics yesterday, so will add them here.Read more

  • TravelerCruise to Japan
    1
    Day 6

    Kyoto

    April 23 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    The ship docked in Osaka and we had booked a tour to Kyoto. The first stop was at Kinkaku-ji Shrine, also known as the Golden Palace. The top two floors are covered with gold leaf, both inside ad out . The palace sits in a small pond with trees and is located in a beautiful forest garden. There is a huge pine tree which is about 800 years old.

    Our second stop was at a traditional factory for dyeing fabric where we learned a technique using stencils and each made a handkerchief. Dan's turned out so much better than mine!

    Finally we went for a Shabu Shabu dinner. This is a Japanese style hot pot meal where you cook your food in boiling water. It was an interesting meal, rather like a fondue. There was a performance by a Meiko who is a professional artist in traditional Japanese arts in training to be a Geisha.

    We arrived back at the ship in time to see the performance of a Japanese drum group, which was very entertaining.    Read more

  • TravelerCruise to Japan
    1
    Day 7

    Osaka, Day 2

    April 24 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    As the ship stayed in Osaka overnight, we took another trip to Kyoto, this time to the Arashiyama bamboo forest. This is a natural bamboo forest and it stretches as far as the eye can see. The bamboo trees are very tall and point straight up to the sky. Their leaves only allow a small account of sunlight through to the forest floor.

    The Togetsukyo bridge is near the forest entrance as is the Tenryu-ji Temple. While we didn't visit the temple, we did walk through its garden.

    Back on the ship for the evening, we were entertained by Katie, a classically trained violinist who prefers to perform rock. His shpw was very entertaining and energetic.    Read more

  • TravelerCruise to Japan
    Day 8

    Hiroshima

    April 25 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    This was our day to visit Hiroshima. The excursion began with a visit to the Shukkein Garden. It's a large, traditional Japanese garden built around a pond which contains carp and turtles, symbols of longevity in Japan. There are several pagodas around the pond and a lovely series of pathways to follow. Although we were too late for the cherry blossoms, there were a few plants in bloom. I can imagine how beautiful it would be with most of the plants blooming.

    We moved on to the Hiroshima Peace Park and museum. The entrance to the Peace Park is dominated by the Atomic Dome. The dome is what remains of a structure that was very near the hypocentre of the bomb. In the Peace Park there are several memorials to the victims of the bomb and a children's memorial dedicated to peace. It's a large, green area in the midst of a bustling city, but it is sombering to stand where so much devastation took place. Visiting the Atomic bomb museum adds to the dark mood as you see visual records of the destruction.

    Dan was temporarily misplaced at the Peace Park. Our guide did not have a transmitter and moved on without giving clear signals. I assumed he was right behind me and didn't notice he was missing. 🤦 Well, all's well that ends well and he joined another tour group from our ship and we were reunited at the museum.    Read more

  • TravelerCruise to Japan
    1
    Day 10

    Jeju Island, South Korea

    April 27 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Our first stop in Jeju was the museum dedicated to the Women Sea Divers. This is a traditional occupation for the women of Jeju, and many begin diving at 13, and continue into their 80's. The women dive for seaweed, octopus and abalone, staying underwater for up to two minutes, without using oxygen tanks. They repeat the dives for three to four hours each day, year round. At one time, this was the prime economic resource of Jeju, but today, the number of women sea divers has dwindled to about 15 000, from a high of approximately 40 000.

    We visited a traditional village area which is still inhabited today. The government subsidizes people to continue living in the traditional manner to preserve their heritage.

    From there we moved on to Sunset Peak, a World Heritage site. Dan braved the long climb to the top, while I took the low road. There was spectacular scenery along both paths, but the volcanic crater was underwhelming.

    Our final stop in Jeju was the local market. I have never seen so many tangerines in my life! The market was huge and sold a great variety of goods. We restricted our purchases to some candies.    Read more

  • 2024© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Blog
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Support
  • Legal notice
  • English