Japan March 25-April 10

16.04.2026

This trip came about when aboard ship for Australia and New Zealand . They offered a special rate on a Japan cruise that would include the famous cherry blossom time.Two years ago. We
booked an incredible rate.

The cherry blossom, or sakura, is the flower of trees in Prunus subgenus Cerasus. Sakura usually refers to flowers of ornamental cherry trees,

Michele texted me and ask me to book a room for her and Doug, She said she could not get that good of rate! you got to be kidding me. So that is how trip began.

preparation for Japan was so fun. So many online u tubes to explore on line
Where to stay; what to eat; souvenirs and what to do. Tokyo is a dynamic blend of modern and deep rooted tradition.Where futuristic trends coexist with centuries old customs

Toyko has population of over 41 million in metropolitan area the most populous in the world In 1603 to now evolved from small fishing village to one of largest in world. Toyko was greatly damaged by 1923 earthquake and then by bombing raids during WW2.

We decided to stay in Shinjuke

for 2 nights prior to cruise.
At hotel Gracery in Shunuke I loved being submerged in the busy Toyko area with

There is a government shutdown so airports are a nightmare. We parked a car and took shuttle to airport at 1. Michele and Doug.Nikki and Cody and ba baby Lilly were just getting out of their transfer car from home when we arrived.
We got there too early Ana was not open for a hour. Well our experience was so fast we weas through tsa in half hour. Since flying economy plus we got to use United lounge. Great place to be comfortable and kill time
We are staying at hotel Gracery in Shinjuke for 2 nights 75,000 yen

With time change up early and went out for walk . Felt safe shopped at famous Don Quixote store

7 elevens, Lawson are know for egg salad sandwiches and strawberry fruit seriously good. It lived up to all the hype. Shokupan is a Japanese milk bread known for its incredibly soft, Fluffy, and pillowy texture with a subtly sweet, milky flavor, making it a staple for toast and sandwich in Japan

MARCH 27 Yosuke tour 9-5

He picked us up and went to Tsukiji fish market, old market. It is full of stalls selling not only fish but different kinds of food

Every one said to try glazed strawberries they were good

We went to Senso-ji temple found in Asakusa. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo one of the more popular temples in Japan visited by 30 million visitors per year

Cleansing ritual

Michele did incense blessing inside

We drove through Akihabara the birth place of pop culture and Mecca for animal lovers

Ginza the largest high end shopping in Japan

Saw the Imperial Palace the Emperor and Inperial family residence it had large moat that was huge like a river

Arrived at Harajuku and continued on to Meiji Jinju Shrine dedicated to former Emperor Meiji (1852-1912). Thanks to donation of 100,000treesfrom all over Japan the forest is man made Forrest.

Jim had started not to feel good had his cheeks puffed out I grabbed a bag and he was able to relieve himself. He stayed with car while we visited. Our guide freaked out when he got sick.

We drove through the famous Shibuya crossing

Had pour over coffee at hotel

There was a 7 eleven in our hotel. I went down and got some ramen noodle soup and blueberries for Jim. At three am I used the hot pot and made best noodles. Not sure if old wife’s tail but my mom said the pectin in blueberries helped diarrhea and upset stomach.
Jim was able to keep it down and felt better just tired. We walked around this beautiful city before it woke up. We had a transfer from hotel to port.

March 28 transfer to Millennium

MARCH 29 Mt Fuji Shimizu excursion Hokone rope way and lake Day 2 march 29 Mt Fuji, Shimizu

Destination highlights Hakone Ropeway and lake Ashi

We boarded the Hakone Ropeway for a 24 min ride to view the sights of smoking sulfurous Owakudani the lines were long to get on and only had a half hour. We did not have time to stop to see beautiful lake Ashi

Mt Fuji was engulfed in clouds if you look close can nearly sea it peaking m

We stopped Iat Hakone Jinga on the shores of lake Ashi. Passing through a Tori symbolizes crossing from the everyday world into a sacred one. The shrine is surrounded by towering cedars and mountain air .

Monday March 30 th day at sea
Started with beautiful sunrise

Jim is the best and even though he does not drink coffee faithfully brought me a cup from cafe Bacio after. His morning walk

Today was relaxing day Jim went to couple beyond the podium speakers on discovering Japan and the Showgun and the Samurai

we had lovely lunch in the dining room well e the quiet dining room compared to busy buffet

Cocktails

We get free drinks from 5-7 so we don’t get drink package.I loved the Mexican martini that was not included in free drinks I got it several nights with jalapeño so Spicy

March 31 we are over night here. Kyoto Osaka

Michele daughter in law Nikki has been to Toyko and is planning our day She had been to Japan 8 years ago so was taking us on an adventure We took train 47 stops with transfers. Our leaders Nikki and Cody were both awesome. We got to bamboo forest before crowds and rain What a train quail walk. Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is like stepping into another world. The towering bamboo stalks stretch endlessly towards the sky. It was dreamlike and calming and otherworldly. This would end up being one

It started to rain so we decided to eat lunch.
We went toKINURO the best wagyu beef. It melted in your mouth

Wben we came out it was to a diluge of rain for about 10 min

Amazing day in Kyoto exploring. Thankfully the afternoon rain broke right in time for the Togetsukyō bridge where the Sakura blossoms were at peak.

Train home

April1, Kyoto Osaka here till 6 have tour destination highlights the Glory of Mt the outskirts of Kobe
Explore the outskirts of Kobe and visit Mount Rokko, the popular retreat for foreigners and the centerpiece of popular sightseeing and nature. Strolling Arima Onsen, surrounded by lush mountains, it features traditional buildings and a serene atmosphere. Reach the summit via a funicular, then admire and walk down on easy path through the beautiful gardens. This walk down was one of my favorites of trip. Japanese know how to do gardens. stunning views of Osaka Bay and the distant Awaji Island. Departing Mt. Rokko, you'll take a scenic drive to the Sake Brewery Museum for an inside exploration. Taste sake in the region that's home to some of the most famous brands of sake in Japan.

We stoppedto old town to wander in and out of shops

April 2, Kochi was. Easy day on our own

Despite still being relatively unknown, Kochi Prefecture is one of Japan's great destinations.
Taking up most of the southern part of the island of Shikoku, Kochi boasts a huge variety of natural attractions, unique culture and a population known for its easygoing, welcoming character. With so much to choose from, however, it can be Kohi difficult to know where to begin. This primer, aimed at the first time visitor to Kochi, will provide you with all yor need to get acquainted with this amazing part of Japan

We took the bus provided by Celebrity and arrived early
We went to famous red bridge. bridge

The famous red bridge in Kochi, Japan, is the Harimaya Bridge (Harimayabashi), located in downtown Kochi City. Known for its vibrant vermillion railings and a legendary, tragic love story from the 19th century, it is a key tourist spot in Kochi Prefecture. It is easily accessible, located just a 10-minute walk from Kochi Station.
高知市ホームページ
高知市ホームページ

Key Details About Harimaya Bridge:
Significance: Famous for the story of a monk named Junshin and a woman named Ouma.

We took a complimentary shuttle bus from port at 0830

Travel time of 30 min to tourist bus terminal

Spent day in Kochi, Japan, exploring the historic 17th-century Kochi Castle (one of Japan's 12 original surviving castles) and enjoying fresh bonito tataki at the vibrant Hirome Market.
Bonita

Friday April 3

Took bus 49 min to island

Koji was our guide for bus 20

Red Torrance gates in Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii. It is in the city of Hatsukaichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National

at Hiroshima oysters are Japan's top-produced, accounting for roughly 60% of the national market share, known for their plump texture, rich flavor, and high nutritional value. Cultivated for over 450 years in the nutrient-rich Seto Inland Sea, these winter delicacies are best enjoyed between November and March, often grilled

the oysters farms cruising into port

Hiroshima

At Children memorial I find this a difficult place and so hard to understand War and all the loss. It puts you ina somber mood.

Day 8 was a sea day
The seas were rough
Supper with our same waiter from India Purpa was like the old days of cruising. He was exceptional and made our meals special

Day 9
Jeju island South Korea

our bus was cool

Grew lots of potatoes

Located in Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Stone Park was inspired by Jeju's culture and applications of stones. The main theme focuses on the foundation and identity of Jeju Island, based on the myth of Seolmundae Halmang (Grandmother Seolmundae), who created Jeju Island and the stones of Obaek Janggun (Five Hundred Generals). The park serves as a historical and cultural space where collected stones respresent Jeju's foundation and culture.

Time to walk through park along water

We went to Market

Time to talk about toilets in Japan the cleanest and had fancy ones everywhere. You know how like heated seats in car and heated steering wheel? Well heated toilet seats are the best. Especially when get up at night and sit down on heated seat the absolute best invention! Oh the also have two sprays too

Nagasaki day 10
Shimabara Castle (島原城, Shimabarajō), is a white walled castle built during the early Edo Period as the seat of the local feudal lord. The castle was the extravagant centerpiece of the feudal domain and was far larger than those found in domains of similar status. The heavy taxation that was imposed to pay for its construction, together with the religious persecution of local Christians, were major factors that led up to the Shimabara Rebellion(1637-1638).
Shimabarajo was eventually destroyed during the Meiji Period (1868-1912). The current buildings are concrete reconstructions from 1964. The five-story keep houses the Castle Tower Museum with a collection of Christian artifacts excavated from the castle ruins, weapons and armor. An observation deck on the 5th floor has views out to Mount Unzen and across the water to Kumamoto on clear days.

We got to castle early so no lines. The view from up top was spectacular

Monday
Nagasaki
Shimabara Castle (島原城, Shimabarajō), is a white walled castle built during the early Edo Period as the seat of the local feudal lord. The castle was the extravagant centerpiece of the feudal domain and was far larger than those found in domains of similar status. The heavy taxation that was imposed to pay for its construction, together with the religious persecution of local Christians, were major factors that led up to the Shimabara Rebellion(1637-1638).
Shimabarajo was eventually destroyed during the Meiji Period (1868-1912). The current buildings are concrete reconstructions from 1964. The five-story keep houses the Castle Tower Museum with a collection of Christian artifacts excavated from the castle ruins, weapons and armor. An observation deck on the 5th floor has views out to Mount Unzen and across the water to Kumamoto on clear days.

l districts of the samurai serving the local lord. One of these samurai districts, called Teppo-cho (Gun Town) after the gunmen foot soldiers who resided there, has been preserved with three restored samurai houses that are open to the public. The district lies along a small, atmospheric canal street about a five minute walk from the castle.

lunch was included with our tour. Authentic meal with unique flavors. It was better than expected not sure what some things were

First we removed our shoes

Yes Jim has a man bag Michele gave it to us years ago and Jim and Doug both rocked wearing it

Next we were off to peace park and epi center

Our guide had difficulty answering questions in English and could not find words.

The Peace Statue in Nagasaki, Japan, is a 9.7-meter-tall bronze sculpture by Seibo Kitamura, erected in 1955 in the Peace Park to symbolize the city's wish for peace after the atomic bombing. Its right hand points to the sky, representing the threat of nuclear weapons, while the left arm extends horizontally for peace, and its closed eyes are a prayer for the victims' souls. The statue's pose, with one leg folded in meditation and the other extended, signifies both prayer and the call to stand up for the world.

The epi center
Center OF THE ATOMIC BOMB EXPLOSION
1:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945, an atomic bomb exploded 500 meters above this spot. The black stone monolith to the right of this plaque marks the hypocenter. The fierce sand degrees and deadly radiation generated by the explosion reduced the city center to ruins.
ut one-third of Nagasaki City was destroyed and 150,000 people killed or injured, and it was said at the time that this area would be devoid of vegetation for 75 years. peace park and a symbol of the aspiration for world harmony.
photo was taken in October 1945 and shows the black monolith that was the first in

Tuesday

A humanising perspective of the kamikaze pilots of WWII. While they were willing to take drastic measures to die for their country, they were at the very core just soldiers and patriots who wanted to be loyal to their nation. And to their family and friends, they were ordinary men who had lives outside of the army before the war.

A sobering reminder that in war there are no winners, and that while Japan (as a political and military force) was the aggressor, ordinary people ended up paying the price they nee

Chiran, located in
Minamikyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a historic town renowned for its exceptionally preserved
Edo-period samurai district
the Japanese manicured gardens were beautiful

and its somber role as a World War Il kamikaze airbase. Key attractions include the Chiran peace
Memorial

Our last sea day was relaxing

The eggs Benedict were the best ever had.Main dining room or buffet. I asked the cook how long he had been making to make them so perfect. He had only been cooking for 4 months.

Morning break

last dinner together Lilly was an amazing table mate and traveler. She was always smiling and good natured. Nikki and Cody were terrific parents

Thursday coming into port.

We had an early disembarkation at 730. Michele had arranged a transfer from ship to port hotel. Hilton she treated us to our last night. Thank you for such a treat. It was too early to check in so they held our luggage.

In my research I had read about team lab. Michele agreed to come along. Nikki helped us out with all for taxi Wander, Explore, and Discover in One Continuous Borderless World

teamLab Borderless is a world of artworks without boundaries, a museum without a map created by art collective teamLab.

Artworks move out of rooms, relate to other works, influence each other, and at times intermingle, without boundaries. Through this group of works, one continuous world without boundaries is created.

Immerse your body in borderless art. Wander, explore with intention, discover, and create a world with others.

I had to get reservation before our trip. It was all booked upfor the date once we got there. What a fun experience

We took a cab back to port and went to mall to have lunch. Malls are very busy in Japan. We had a taste for Mexican and I had a salad. It was very good