Tokyo Adventures: Exploring and Eating
Seeing the kids confidently navigate a big city like Tokyo is such a joy! They’ve been out exploring shops and tasting all the different Japanese foods on their own, loving every moment. They definitely take after me with their ability to function without a full 8 hours of sleep.
Jet lag has hit hubby a little harder than the rest of us, so when I found myself wide awake at 3am, I decided to embrace the early morning instead of tossing and turning. I wandered around the city at 4am, letting hubby get some much-needed rest. It was magical watching Tokyo come to life. After visiting the Meiji Jingu Shrine, I found a cosy café near Shibuya Scramble for some people-watching. With a refreshing drink in hand, I waited for family to wake up and join me. Can you believe it was over 30 degrees and humid even at 4am?
Once everyone was up, we had our coffees at Starbucks overlooking the Scramble, then headed back to Meiji Shrine at 8:30am to show the family its beauty. We then enjoyed some famous egg sandwiches from 7/11. They were so good we devoured them before snapping any pics! Hubby joked he could eat them every day – they were that delicious, with sweet crustless bread and creamy egg filling.
Did you know it’s considered rude to walk and drink or eat in Japan? So, I didn’t wander around with my coffee as I usually do in the mornings taking in the sights.
We went toiletry browsing as we hoping to take some home. I hear Japan’s facial products are amazing. Let me know if you have a brand or product you recommend.
After cooling off and resting our legs at the hotel, we headed out for lunch at a Korean fast food restaurant called Mom’s Touch. It was way better than any KFC burger – so fresh and tasty!
Our plan to visit the Shibuya Sky Observatory fell through since we couldn’t get tickets online last week and none were available at the door either. So, a tip for future travellers: book those tickets online as soon as they are released!
We wrapped up our day with a trip to Shinjuku on the train, soaking in its vibrant atmosphere and having amazing sushi. The train ride from Shibuya to Shinjuku was an adventure in itself as it was the first time we bought tickets and went on a train here in Japan, but in the end, it’s very similar to the London Underground. The Tokyo Metro is incredibly efficient and clean, with clear signage making it easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.
After we zipped through the underground tunnels and then emerged from the subway into the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku. It felt like stepping into another world. It’s like Leicester Square on a Friday night on steroids.
It’s definitely sensory overload everywhere you look, seeing things you’ve probably never seen before. I loved it. It’s so fascinating and much busier than Shibuya where our hotel is located.
We had very good food at Hanamichi Tokyo and our bill was £73, which for what we ordered, was good value, but I’d probably do more research if go to this area again as we decided very quickly where to eat as kids were hungry.
Walking around Tokyo at night feels incredibly safe. The streets are well-lit, and there’s a strong sense of order and security. Even in the busy districts. It’s one of the many things that make Tokyo such a fantastic city to visit.
Even though we didn’t cover everything on our list, the day was fantastic. The jet lag and heat may have slowed us down, but it just gave us more time to savour each moment.
What a day in Tokyo, and we’re all very excited to be boarding Celebrity Millennium tomorrow for a 12-night cruise to see more of Japan and South Korea!!!
𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 – 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻!
Today, we caught the train from Shibuya to Motomachi-Chūkagai Station, the closest station to the Yokohama cruise terminal. It was a swift 45-minute ride on the express train (normal train is around 1 hour), costing just under £3 per person. When we arrived, I checked Uber, and a taxi was just 2 minutes away for about £4, but we could also walk for 20 minutes.
Hubby persuaded us to walk, and I was holding in my laughter after a few steps, as it was 32 degrees, but I did enjoy the views on the lovely walk…lol.
We arrived at our boarding time of 11.30am and went straight through security, had our boarding passes scanned, and walked straight onto the ship. It probably took us 10 minutes from the moment we entered the terminal. The terminal is beautiful too.
Once on board, we dropped our backpacks off in our cabins and headed straight to the buffet for lunch. After a quick bite, we briefly explored the ship on our way to the muster station. We’re on this ship for 12 nights, so there’s no rush to see everything right away.
First impressions? Excellent. The food is good, the pools are fabulous, and despite being at full capacity, the ship doesn’t feel crowded. Built in 2000, this ship is probably one of my favourite sizes, holding 2,138 passengers.
We have interconnecting oceanview cabins. I’ve had oceanview cabins before when travelling solo, but it’s a first for us as a family. It’s also the smallest and oldest ship my hubby and kids have sailed on, so I’m eager to hear what they think in a few days. I’m already enjoying the views from our large round window, watching luggage go through scanners before being loaded on the ship, and now admiring the waves as we sail. Perfect for typing up this blog!
Luggage was taking forever, so I gave up waiting for it to arrive so I could unpack and instead went for a dip in the solarium pool before dinner. The solarium is adults-only, air-conditioned, and the pools have amazing jets, giving it a bit of a thermal spa vibe. I can see myself there every day.
Dinner in the Main Dining Room was very good, a reminder of Celebrity’s reputation for great food. I had to remind myself, like I did on P&O Iona 2 weeks ago, that it’s big cruise ship food, as I’ve been spoilt with AmaWaterways river cruise food recently, which is on another level. But for cruise ships, especially bigger ones, the food is excellent.
Tonight’s show featured Marty Thomas, an singer, dancer and actor, who was incredibly enjoyable as he was singing Broadway show songs, which is right up my street. He’s quite an accomplished individual and I look forward to seeing him again later on in the cruise.
There’s a lot happening around the ship from a silent disco to various musicians scattered around the ship in bars and lounges, but we’ve got an early excursion tomorrow, so it’s off to bed for us. Though with the family’s afternoon naps while I was swimming, we’ll see how successful that is! I think we’ll need that sea day after tomorrow
We’re off to Mt. Fuji tomorrow. The forecast is clouds and rain, but I’m sure our excursion will be fantastic anyway.
𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝘂: 𝗔 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀
After an early start, we embarked on an exciting excursion in Shimizu, which cost us £84 per person and was one of cheapest excursions for this port. My first choice for this port was Hakone National Park and Lake Ashi excursion, but it sold out quickly, so we missed booking it and chose this one instead. I recommend booking excursions quickly; with Celebrity, you can cancel them easily online if you change your mind. I didn’t feel confident doing a DIY excursion in this port, but after today, I’m more confident if come again. The Miho no Matsubara is only 10 minutes drive away, so easy to taxi there for great photo opportunities if Mt Fuji makes an appearance.
Our first stop was the breathtaking Shiraito Falls. The sound of the cascading water was both powerful and soothing, especially feeling the mist of water in this heat. It created a perfect backdrop for family photos.
Next, we visited the Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, a peaceful sanctuary with beautiful architecture. It felt like stepping back in time and experiencing a slice of traditional Japan in the middle of a city. This historic Shinto shrine is part of the Mt. Fuji UNESCO heritage site.
Our final destination was Miho no Matsubara, a stunning pine tree-lined beach with black sand. The views were lovely, even though we didn’t get to see Mt. Fuji this time. They say the average chance of seeing it is one in three days.
After our wonderful morning, we headed back to the ship. The excursion bus driver dropped some of us off at a shopping centre, just a five-minute walk from the ship. It was fascinating to browse the local food hall and clothing shops before walking back to the ship.
We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the buffet, which had a great variety of delicious options. The beautiful views from the deck were perfect for unwinding, and a refreshing swim was just what we needed afterwards. I haven’t been in the jacuzzis yet as they seem too hot in this weather.
Dinner also ended up being at the buffet as, en route to the main dining room via the top decks to see if Mt. Fuji had made an appearance, we changed our minds and ate alfresco in the terrace outside the buffet, listening to a duo singing beautiful songs, watching fireworks, AND seeing Mt Fuji peek out from behind the clouds. I think I found my favorite spot on the ship in the evenings.
In the evening we saw Andrew Lee, a renowned illusionist and mentalist. His show was mind-blowing. There was a whirlwind of activities around the ship. From an ABBA sing-along to an all-night party, there was no shortage of entertainment. We had an amazing time people watching in the Sky lounge before having hot chocolate and watching the Olympics on the rooftop terrace.
Here’s 2 funny stories to end on: My son not only didn’t avoid photos today, but he also initiated some! And then an embarrassing story… In my early morning haze, I accidentally took loperamide instead of loratadine, which daughter picked up when I offered her a tablet (Imodium instead of an antihistamine). So, my advice is to keep meds in their boxes to avoid making this mistake like I did.
Tomorrow is a sea day, which we are looking forward to so we can rest before our overnight stop in Osaka/Kyoto on Saturday.
𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗘𝗔 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺
A sea day on a cruise is when you’re sailing all day without stopping at a port, and it’s one of my favourite parts of cruising. It’s the perfect chance to relax and soak up everything the ship has to offer.
Today was just that—a blissful sea day.
I had my best sleep since we arrived in Japan, waking up late to sunshine and clear skies.
We had a leisurely late breakfast and spent some time planning our day in Kyoto tomorrow. Then, we picked up our charms, on a mission to complete our charm collection during this cruise. On Celebrity, you get a free EFFY necklace with a locket to fill with teeny charms. Hopefully, by the end of the cruise, I’ll be able to show you the full collection and chat more about it.
We took strolls around the ship, soaking in the lively atmosphere. There’s so much happening, you won’t get bored.
I have to say, I was pretty impressed with the people doing dancing by the pool in this heat. But then I remembered there are a lot of people from warm countries on board who are probably used to this weather. We’re not really heat people, but we’re handling it better than I expected. Thankfully, there’s always some air-conditioned spots to cool off, and on this sea day, the shaded areas with a gentle sea breeze were a perfect retreat.
We made a quick stop at the buffet for an afternoon ice cream snack but ended up with trifle instead—it seemed like there was enough trifle to feed the whole world!
The lunch options looked great, but we were still full from breakfast, so we just enjoyed the trifle.
Later, we headed to the Sky Lounge, where we watched Deal or No Deal (and Trivia) while we were playing card games. It was quite entertaining! Have any of you played and won Deal or No Deal? Quite a few people walked away with winnings… $’s.
We couldn’t pass up another night of alfresco dining in this gorgeous evening weather. As the sun sets, the heat softens, making it perfect for enjoying the buffet outdoors. We ended the night with my favourite kind of entertainment—Broadway music and dancing in the theatre.
I can’t wait to share our Kyoto adventure with you tomorrow.
𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝘆𝗼𝘁𝗼: 𝗔 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗕𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗼, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘀
Our Kyoto adventure began with a morning ride on the Shinkansen from Osaka.
We walked to the train station near the cruise terminal and took a train to Shin-Osaka to then catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. You can take a taxi to Shin-Osaka for 6000yen if you don’t want to walk and take the train. Taxis are lined up outside cruise terminal.
There’s something special about Japan’s bullet trains, so smooth and fast, they make travel feel like part of the adventure. After arriving in Kyoto, we hopped on a local train and headed straight to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
The bamboo forest was our first stop, it’s free entry, and it was a great start to the day! Walking through the towering bamboo stalks was so lovely. The soft rustling of the bamboo in the breeze created an atmosphere that was both peaceful and surreal, even though it was a Saturday, and everywhere was busy, it was still amazing.
You can go on a rickshaw ride that takes you around the bamboo forest and to nearby temples. The prices vary depending on the length you choose. It does look fun.
We took a leisurely walk from the bamboo forest, through Kyoto’s charming residential streets, towards Jojakkoji Temple. The quiet neighborhood was a welcome contrast to the bustling tourist spots, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Kyoto. Jojakkoji Temple, nestled among beautiful gardens, was the perfect place to pause and soak in the serenity of the surroundings. This was probably our favorite part of the day and it was 500yen per person to enter the Temple and it’s gardens.
Next, we took a train and a taxi to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera, where the views of Kyoto from the temple’s wooden stage took our breath away. It’s one of those must-see spots in this area. It cost 500yen per person to enter this Temple and it’s gardens, but, the views and buildings before the entrance is stunning and if you short of time, it’s not necessary to go into the part you pay to enter.
We explored Higashiyama and wandered the historic streets of Gion, with it’s traditional wooden buildings and narrow lanes. It was very busy, so recommend visiting the area early in the morning if you can.
As night fell, Kyoto took on a magical quality. We wandered the streets, lanterns glowing softly around us. We even strolled through Miyagawasuji, catching a glimpse of two geishas making their way to their evening appointments. I loved seeing this and didn’t take any pictures out of respect.
The bustling energy of the city as we walked to the train station was very enjoyable. It was the perfect way to end our day and hobble back to our ship after our train journey.
One thing that really stood out was the number of people dressed in kimonos, including men. If you’ve ever thought about trying one on, Kyoto is the place to do it. Don’t be shy, it’s all part of the experience, and you’ll fit right in with the locals and tourists alike.
We chose to explore this city on our own as cruise ship excursions are not only expensive, but sometimes feel a bit rushed, and we’re glad we did. We spent a lot of time at the places we visited. It is definitely possible to see much more than we did if you leave the ship early, use lots of taxis, and walk faster than us.
Kyoto has so much to see. We would have loved to visit Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari, and Kinkakuji, which is apparently the most beautiful temple in all of Japan, but ran out of time and energy.
Tomorrow we are planning on seeing a bit of Osaka and enjoying lunch off the ship before it departs at 2.45pm.
𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 – 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗮, 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻
It was our second day in Osaka, but we had to be back on board by 2:15pm for our departure.
After a long and tiring day yesterday, I was the only one eager to explore Osaka Castle, so did it solo. The journey was straightforward, a 14 minute direct train ride from the station by the port, followed by an easy picturesque 15 minute walk to the castle. When I arrived, the peaceful early morning atmosphere was just perfect, so I grabbed an iced coffee from Lawson’s and sat by the moat, soaking in the atmosphere before heading through the gates. With time running short, I decided to skip the museum inside the castle. At 600 yen, it didn’t seem worth it for a rushed visit, especially since I needed to meet the family for brunch/lunch.
My kids are really enjoying the local food. They’ve almost spent more time at 7/11 buying sushi than doing anything else.
We visited the market next to our ship, which was fascinating with all the fast food options. The area also boasts an aquarium, a Legoland Discovery Centre, and a large Ferris wheel. In hindsight, I regret not taking a ride on the Ferris wheel. For an ideal cruise, two nights at this port would be perfect, as there is so much to see and do.
We thoroughly enjoyed our last two days embracing this area of Japan, squeezing in as much as we could with our energy levels. Now, it’s time to recharge on the ship for the rest of the day, watching the Olympics in our cabin.
As we departed from the port, an orchestra played music while waving us goodbye. It was absolutely incredible!
Dinner in the Main Dining Room tonight was excellent, and the sunset this evening made it even more special. We asked for a window seat, and it was no hassle at all. They gave us a buzzer, and within just five minutes, we were seated with a perfect view.
Afterwards, we headed to the theatre for the evening show. I decided to switch things up and try the balcony seating this time. It was a treat to see the stage from that higher vantage point, especially since tonight’s acrobatics performance was one of the most fantastic I’ve ever seen. We were encouraged to take footage and share on social media, but I can’t find them on social media to tag them.
Next stop tomorrow: Hiroshima, where we have a cruise excursion planned to see Hiroshima and Miyajima.
𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐚, 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧: 𝐀 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐦
Today was one of those days that just stick with you.
We started the morning lazily, taking in the gorgeous views from the ship as we sailed into Hiroshima. There’s something so peaceful about being out on the water, knowing you’re about to step into a place with such deep history. We docked around 1pm, and headed off on our Celebrity Cruise excursion. I opted for a guided tour through the cruise line because I wanted to see both Miyajima and the Hiroshima Memorial, and I didn’t feel confident navigating both on our own to get back to the ship before 9.30pm. If you’re just planning to visit one of these spots, you can absolutely do it independently. They only about 20 minutes from the ship, but they’re in opposite directions and there’s traffic to navigate. There are taxis lined up outside the terminal and complimentary shuttle to city, where you can catch a train.
Our first stop was Miyajima, where we took a ferry over to the island. The ride itself was lovely, with great views of the famous Torii gate from the water. Once on the island, we had about an hour of free time after being shown the famous Torii gate and Shrine. This island is truly breathtaking, I’d go back in a heartbeat. Then, we made our way to the Hiroshima Memorial Park, which was incredibly moving. We spent about an hour in the museum, and having a guide really added to the experience, helping us understand the significance of everything we were seeing.
One thoughtful touch was the cooling cloths they handed out on the bus. They worked wonders wrapped around my neck, keeping me cool in the summer heat. I’m definitely going to pick up a few next time I spot them in a shop. I bought face masks which will try out tomorrow on our sea day.
After we got back to the ship, we hit the buffet for dinner. Food was excellent. I needed something quick after such an emotionally intense day. Later, we caught Marty Thomas’s show. He’s such a talented performer (he actually beat Britney Spears in a talent show when he was 11), and I really enjoy this kind of live entertainment on cruises, singing and dancing, right up my street.
We have a sea day tomorrow, which will be a nice chance to unwind after today’s adventure. Then, it’s off to Busan, Korea, the day after, another exciting day ahead!
𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺
Today was all about pure relaxation…or maybe just pure laziness!
We didn’t do much of anything except lounge around and eat, but honestly, it was exactly what we needed after yesterday’s busy excursion. The heat really does sap your energy quicker than you’d expect. But, even if you can only visit Japan in middle of Summer, do it! It’s absolutely incredible. Temperature’s have been mid 30s, but we are a family who don’t do well in the heat, so you may cope better.
Now, let’s talk laundry for a minute… Yesterday, our freshly pressed clothes finally made it back to us. It took about three nights, but that’s alright. As ‘select’ loyalty members (thanks to all our cruising with Royal Caribbean and the status match), Celebrity gives us two items per person pressed for free each cruise. We also sent off a full laundry bag three days ago, and that’s back too. It’s a great deal for select members, $20 for a full bag (just one per cruise per person at that price). You can even buy it online pre-cruise, usually for a bit more, but still worth it compared to the normal $59.95 charge. We managed to fit 14 items of underwear, 4 t-shirts, 1 dress, 10 pairs of socks, 3 shorts, 1 jogger, and 3 sets of pj’s into that bag!
As for the ship, the demographic is a varied mix. Mostly people from the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia, but we’re meeting people from all over the world.
Today’s entertainment was excellent. We caught the illusionist and mentalist Andrew Lee’s show in the afternoon and the evening theatre performance of Elysium by Celebrity’s entertainment crew. Both were fantastic! There were tons of activities going on, but we decided to take it easy, enjoy the views from the ship, and just relax.
Dinner was delicious as always in the Main Dining Room. The boys couldn’t resist and ended up having two desserts each, they’ve fallen in love with Celebrity’s Crème Brûlée.
The kids can’t wait to dig eat some authentic Korean BBQ.
𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻, 𝗞𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗮
We started our day by catching an Uber right outside the cruise terminal in Busan.
The area around the terminal was bustling with guides and taxi drivers, all eager to take us on tours. When I asked about the cost to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, I was quoted $200 for a round trip with an hour to explore. After a bit of haggling, they dropped the price to $75 for a one-way trip, but I politely declined and decided to order an Uber instead for just £17.
Since I didn’t have data in Korea, I went closer to the ship to get a signal, ordered the Uber, and took a screenshot of the car type and number plate. Within minutes, our driver arrived, and we were off on a 30-minute ride to the temple.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was simply breathtaking. Unlike most temples in Korea, which are tucked away in the mountains, this one is perched right on the coast. The view of the ocean from the temple grounds is stunning. As we walked up, we were greeted by a grand golden Buddha statue, and the path to the main temple was lined with stone lanterns and small shrines. The atmosphere was peaceful, with the sound of waves crashing against the rocks below.
We spent about an hour and a half exploring and enjoying the serene surroundings. For the first 20 minutes, we had the place almost to ourselves, but then the cruise ship excursion buses arrived, and suddenly it felt like a Celebrity Millennium reunion.
I was glad we had a bit of time without the crowds.
After exploring the temple, we noticed a long line of taxis waiting, but I preferred knowing the price upfront through Uber. I turned on my data briefly to order another Uber, and it turned out to be the taxi parked right next to us! For £16, we headed to Jagalchi Market.
The market was an experience like no other, with rows of stalls showcasing live fish, crabs, and all sorts of seafood you could buy and have prepared on the spot. The sheer variety of the seafood was amazing, and it was fascinating to watch the locals go about their daily business.
After wandering through the stalls, we walked to a nearby shopping centre for lunch and then made our way to Busan Station to catch the complimentary shuttle back to the ship.
Busan is a lovely city with so much to see, but I had my heart set on visiting Korea’s most beautiful temple and the famous fish market. It was all incredibly easy to do on our own. If you plan on using taxis or need help navigating, I recommend taking screenshots of place names with Korean translations to show the drivers, as English isn’t widely spoken here.
After a delicious Korean-themed dinner at the buffet, we sat on the terrace listening to country music until it was dark and time for tonight’s theatre show.
We ended our day with an amazing performance by Katei, a rock violinist who really tugs at your emotions. Celebrity has truly impressed us with the incredible talent they’ve brought on board.
Tomorrow, we’re heading to Kumamoto, Japan. Our plans are still a bit up in the air, so we’ll make the final call in the morning on whether we stick with what we had in mind.
𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗼!
The sail into port was absolutely stunning, as they all are in Japan. If you’re on a cruise, I highly recommend grabbing a spot at breakfast with a view and soaking it all in.
As a family of four, we couldn’t quite justify the prices of the excursions offered at this port. We had plans to explore on our own, but with the temperature hitting a scorching 37 degrees today, the family decided they didn’t really want to get off the ship and explore for long periods of time. So, I did something a bit spontaneous and booked a last-minute excursion this morning for $240 (around £190) just for myself.
The cruise port here is pretty industrial and quite a distance from Kumamoto, but the terminal is fantastic, especially with the cute Kumamon bear mascot statutes welcoming everyone. There’s a complimentary shuttle bus that drops you off at Yatsushiro Town Hall, which is still far from Kumamoto itself. There are some lovely shrines, castle ruins, and parks around the Town Hall, according to my hubby and kids, who ventured there for lunch.
There are taxis available with fixed prices to various places (I’ve attached a photo of them).
Since we’re re-entering Japan, everyone has to get off the ship and go through immigration. That was really the only reason my family got off the ship. So they hopped on the shuttle to grab some sushi from 7/11 seeing they were already off the ship.
I ended up choosing one of the cheaper excursions that looked interesting, and luckily snagged the last spot. We started with a scenic drive to Hitoyoshi, where we visited the ancient Aoi Aso Shrine, a national treasure since 806. After exploring the shrine, we enjoyed a peaceful traditional raft ride on the Kuma River. It was a 15-minute ride, basically just going round in circles, but honestly, it was a bit underwhelming considering it was promoted as the main attraction…I was expecting a little more.
We made a quick stop at Kamata Brewery next, where I learned about their traditional soy sauce and miso-making using the river’s waters. The tastings were enjoyable, and I even picked up something for the family to try when we’re back in the UK. This was the highlight of this excursion for me.
The excursion ended with a stroll through the historic Hitoyoshi Castle ruins.
The park next door where our bus parked was buzzing with preparations for a big event tonight, the Hitoyoshi Fireworks Festival. It was lovely to see all the stalls set up and ready to go. I saw two girls taking selfies in their beautiful kimonos, so I asked if I could take a picture of them, they looked stunning! Then, it was a relaxing, scenic ride back to the port.
In the end, I’d have to say this was the least impressive and most expensive excursion I’ve done so far in Japan. At £190, it didn’t quite live up to the value of the others we’ve done, which were much more reasonably priced for what they offered. Our Hiroshima excursion, for example, was £55 per person going to Miyajima and Hiroshima Memorial, and the Shimizu one was £84 per person—both offered so much more for the cost. I’m glad the family didn’t come along on this one, or else we’d probably be dealing with a serious case of buyer’s remorse if we spent £190pp.
That said, I’m still happy to have supported the rafting and soy brewery businesses. The guide was wonderful, but overall, I wouldn’t recommend this excursion unless it’s priced under £80 per person.
Tomorrow we’re in Nagasaki, and we’ll be exploring the town on foot, as there’s lots to see within walking distance from the ship.
𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗶, 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻
This morning was great, wandering through the quiet streets of Nagasaki as the city slowly came to life. I stumbled upon 4,5 or 6 beautiful shrines and temples…lost count…lol.
The Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China (the yellow one in my pics) caught my eye. It was 660 yen entry fee, and heads up, they only take cash.
What I found fascinating is how much of Nagasaki’s identity is shaped by China, due to it’s role as a major trading partner during Japan’s isolation period. You can still feel that history in the city’s culture, food, and especially in Chinatown.
Nagasaki is such a lovely city to explore, rich with trading history and Dutch influences. If you’re up for it, Mount Inasa is just under an hour from the ship via train. Google Maps (which has been spot on) suggests a 10-minute walk to the train station, a train ride, and then a ropeway to the top. Taxis are available at the port too which should be much quicker at around 20mins. No uber here according to my app, but other apps like GO and Didi seem to work.
On your way back onto the ship, through the terminal it feels like a mini market, so great for souvenirs.
With all our off ship dining, we enjoy having salads and light meals in the buffet’s outdoor seating area, especially during sailaways with those stunning views and sunsets. We just aren’t in the mood for formal dining on this cruise, it seems.
Tonight, after an absolutely fab-u-lous theatre show, ‘Hollywood Cabaret,’ we headed to the pool deck for a full moon party with a bit of a white night theme. The atmosphere was electric, with great music, plenty of dancing, and non-stop entertainment. Our Cruise Director, Nate, is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. His energy is just contagious!
It’s been a wonderful day all around and I’m looking forward to the sea day tomorrow after a late night tonight.
Quite sad we only have 3 nights left on this cruise, time has flown by.
𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝗸𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗮
It’s another peaceful sea day here on Celebrity Millennium, so I thought it would be a good time to chat more about the ship.
Millie (her nickname) is a nice mid-sized ship, perfect for cruises that focus on the itinerary but still offer plenty of entertainment to keep everyone happy. There’s a bit of everything during the day, trivia, poolside games, indoor activities, crafts, sports, and even movies on the outdoor screen.
In the evening, the ship really comes to life with theatre shows, live music scattered around, late night dance parties, or quiet spots where you can just unwind. There’s always something to do when you’re not out exploring the incredible destinations.
Today, we had plans to enjoy lunch at Sushi on 5, one of the specialty dining restaurants on board. But as we strolled past the buffet, it looked so good that we decided to save Sushi on 5 for dinner instead.
I’ve also taken a few more pictures of the ship as I want to capture as much of it as I can.
We’re excited to explore Yokohama tomorrow. Our itinerary was changed about 6 weeks before boarding, due to some international cruising regulations, and some people weren’t thrilled about two ports replaced by others and ending the cruise with an overnight stay in Yokohama. But I’m totally okay with it, it gives us more time to explore Yokohama and enjoy the experience of being somewhere new at night.
L𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 – 𝗬𝗼𝗸𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗮, 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻
With Disney Tokyo on our minds, we took it easy today – just strolling around, enjoying coffee, having some good meals, and indulging in a little shopping. I’ve now got enough face products to last me years – who knew browsing drugstores in Japan could be so addictive? I now understand why people bring extra suitcases!
In the evening we strolled through the vibrant streets of Yokohama, taking in the bright lights and lively energy of the city at night. Chinatown was a feast for the senses, bursting with colour and excitement.
The kids enjoyed street food, while my hubby and I opted for dinner back on the ship in the Sunset Bar, enjoying alfresco dining at the buffet…a perfect choice. We spent the rest of the evening there, listening to a lovely singer play country (my favourite) and ’90s (hubby’s favourite) music. It was the perfect way to end our last night of the cruise at our favourite hangout, especially with the incredible view.
We were hoping to call it an early ish night because tomorrow we’re heading out to Disney Tokyo, but this music and view was too good to give up.
In the morning we are going to take a taxi to our Disney hotel, Fantasy Springs, drop off our bags, and dive right into the parks. I’m a huge Disney fan, so I’m really excited to see these parks. We’re staying at Disney’s newest hotel, that’s in the brand new land that opened in June. I actually woke up before 3am UK time a few months ago to get a reservation since it’s been selling out within minutes of availability opening up. Staying at the hotel guarantees us entry into the new land, where they’re limiting numbers. If we’ve come all this way, we might as well experience the newest magic.
