Reflecting on our "Best of Japan" cruise onboard the Celebrity Millennium

Setting Sail from Yokohama

It's hard to believe that its been a month since we returned home from our Japan cruise adventure! In late August we set sail from the picturesque port of Yokohama aboard the Celebrity Millennium. With a full 12 days ahead of us, we were eager to embrace the culture, food, and sights that awaited!

Kobe and Osaka: A Cultural Expedition

Our first port stop was the vibrant city of Kobe, known for its stunning waterfront and delicious beef. We strolled through the bustling streets, sampling authentic Japanese cuisine and immersing ourselves in the local culture. The next highlight was Osaka, where we spent two days exploring this lively metropolis. One day was dedicated to our visit to the serene shrines in Kyoto, a short train ride away, which felt like stepping into a different era.

We also couldn't miss taking in a few thrills at Universal Studios Japan! It was a HOT but fun experience overall!

From History to Scenic Beauty: Hiroshima and Beyond

Next on our itinerary was Hiroshima, where we paid our respects at the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome. Standing at the memorial was a humbling experience, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit.

An additional stop on our Hiroshima excursion visited Miyajima Island. This unique stop allowed us to see the famous floating torii gate, which was so unique! The deer roaming the streets created a very interesting dynamic as well.

The cruise then took us to the historical city of Nagasaki, known for its unique architecture and rich history.

Then just when we thought our journey couldn’t get more adventurous, Typhoon Shan Shan altered our course to Hakodate, where we enjoyed fresh seafood and stunning views from the mountain cable car.

Continuing Our Adventure in Tokyo

The cruise wrapped up, but our vacation didn’t end there! We then spent the next three days exploring Tokyo, diving into its vibrant districts. From Shibuya's bustling streets to the traditional temples in Asakusa, each neighborhood offered something uniquely different. We also made time to explore all the top sights, indulging in delicious ramen and trying out a few trendy cafes. We wont lie, we had plenty of 7-Eleven and iconic fast food chains too.

After taking in the neighborhoods across Tokyo we spent additional two days visiting Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. Being from Orlando we had to compare the two resorts. The parks were QUITE busy, however, things generally flowed and we felt like we got to experience most of the top attractions.

Every moment spent on our Japan cruise felt like it was filled with incredible sights and each day seemed to bring something new. This cruise was definitely one that is leaving us with unforgettable memories. As we boarded our LONG flight home, we felt like we really took in the "Best of Japan" experience during our 3 weeks in the country.

-The Gurus