NEW! Grand Africa to Asia Explorer

Embark on a scenic drive through Tokyo and view some of its famed landmarks. Board your motor coach and begin your panoramic journey of Japan’s capital. Set out across the Rainbow Bridge, a 2,620-foot suspension bridge that links the mainland to the artificial islet of Odaiba. See the Odaiba Fuji TV building with its sphere-shaped observatory, and drive past Tokyo Tower, Japan’s second-tallest building. Pass the opulent State Guest Houses and stately House of Parliament before arriving at the Imperial Palace. Here, take time to enjoy a short stroll through the pine grove-lined plaza and view the bronze statue of Kusunoki Masashige, a 14th-century samurai who is celebrated for his unwavering loyalty to the emperor. Cap your excursion with a drive through the Ginza district, passing by the Kabuki-za Theater on the way back to your ship.

Discover Tokyo’s tranquil past and bustling present during a journey through the city’s highlights. Take a scenic drive to the Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine), established in 1920 and dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken—champions of modernization and the great-grandparents of the current emperor. The shrine is set within a 170-acre forest containing more than 100,000 trees, donated by people from all over Japan. After time to explore, continue to the Tokyo Tower, whose design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Enjoy panoramic views over the city from the tower, then head to a local restaurant for lunch. After, pass by Tokyo Skytree, the tallest building in Japan, en route to call at Sensō-ji temple. Its main house was built in 645 AD and is said to hold a gold statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. After your visit, return to your awaiting ship.

Explore the cultural treasures of Kamakura, a medieval capital of Japan. Drive by motor coach to the evocative Hase Kannon Temple, home to a 30-foot gilded statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Built in 721 AD, it is one of the largest wooden sculptures in the country. Stroll the grounds of the temple, see the pond garden and take in the views of the city and Yuigahama beach. Next, head to Kōtoku-in temple, where the Great Buddha of Kamakura sits. Cast around 1252, this imposing bronze statue stands at 43 feet tall and weighs approximately 102 tons. Step inside its hollow interior, then continue to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū shrine in the heart of Kamakura. Explore the grounds and view the pond, designed using the principles of feng shui, or walk to the top of the main hall’s steps to enjoy the views before returning to your ship.

Learn about Japanese traditions during a visit to a bonsai museum and an exploration of various arts. Board your motor coach and travel to the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, founded by renowned bonsai artist Kunio Kobayashi. This living museum displays a collection of 2,000 bonsai-related artifacts, including several 500-year-old bonsai. Gain insight into this 1,000 year-old art and learn how small trees are carefully cultivated to mimic the shape and scale of full-size trees. After, continue your discovery of Japanese culture. Try on a kimono, a traditional garment now worn only on special occasions, or practice the ancient art of calligraphy with brush and sumi (ink). You can also try your hand at origami, mastering the basics of folding paper into intricate shapes or animals such as paper cranes. At the end of your visit, return to your coach and onward to your awaiting ship.

Enjoy a delicious meal at a traditional Japanese restaurant accompanied by an authentic geisha performance. Transfer by motor coach to the restaurant, where you will be served a delicious kaiseki, or traditional multicourse Japanese dinner that is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, paired with a choice of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. While you dine, you will be entertained by geisha: skilled Japanese female performers—the word originates from gei, or “art,” and sha, or “person”—who are educated in the ancient traditions of art, dance and singing. Geisha emerged as an important part of Japanese culture during the 18th century and were highly valued and popular among Japan’s upper classes. Settle in to enjoy this rare treat as the geisha perform while bedecked in colorful costumes and makeup. After, you will return to your awaiting ship.