After crossing the International Dateline, arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of your day is free to relax, explore, or rest after your long journey.

Even though Tokyo is among the largest, most frenetic cities in the world, it’s still able to maintain a great deal of efficiency and charm. Amid the endless buzzing neon signs and the overhead cable webs, Tokyo is home to some of the world’s most impressive architecture, stylish shops and 4-star restaurants. Sushi lovers will revel in Tokyo’s offering of the famous dish. And the city’s “Ramen Zones” serve up unique noodle dishes where slurping is encouraged. Visit the Tokyo Tower for heart-pounding panoramic views of the city way atop the 492-foot high Grand Observation Deck. And just a short distance outside of the clamor the city is a whole different world. In the surrounding small towns and villages you’ll get a glimpse into Japan’s rich culture and traditions. Here you’ll discover scores of wooden residential homes, ancient temples, shrines and imperial gardens. From the frenzy-filled metropolis to the tranquil bonsai-tree-lined neighborhoods, Tokyo is truly a study in delightful contrast.

Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast, meet your guide and start your discovery of Tokyo. Start with Tsukiji Outer Market. It consists of a few blocks of wholesale and retail shops, as well as restaurants crowded along narrow lanes. Here you can find fresh and processed seafood and produce alongside food-related goods such as knives. Next you will visit the upmarket area of Ginza, with high-end shopping and home to a large number of department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, and cafes.

Continue to The Imperial Palace East Gardens, located on the former site of Edo Castle’s innermost circles of defense. None of the main buildings remain today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist. Then make a quick stop at the Imperial Palace for photos. It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family.
After an included lunch, you will visit Asakusa, where you’ll find the Sensoji Temple, a very popular and colorful Buddhist temple. The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon. You’ll take a walk along Nakamise Street lined with boutiques, souvenir shops and street food outlets.

Finally, you will visit Tokyo Sky Tree, a television broadcasting tower and landmark of Tokyo. With a height of 634 meters, it is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world at the time of its completion. After the tour, return to your hotel before your group dinner this evening.

Overnight in Tokyo. (B, L, D)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the cruise port to board Celebrity Millennium and begin your sailing journey. Get settled into your cabin and prepare for your first night on board. (B, D)

Spend the day discovering all of the fun Celebrity Millennium has to offer. Enjoy an amazing array of flavors and a wide selection of restaurants to suit every mood. Be amazed by the breathtaking views in the Sky Lounge. Spin the roulette wheel or play the slot machines in the onboard casino. For a refresher, take a dip in the pool or rejuvenate in the whirlpool. (B, L, D)

See Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, and home to beloved historic sites, plus ancient weaponry and relics displays. Built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Mideyoshi, the warlord who then controlled Japan, Osaka Castle offers extensive displays of weapons, armor, and folk life relics of that era. The ancient Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and its sanctuaries are designated national treasures.

Stroll through the Dotonbori district, a must-see for visitors to Osaka. Here you can experience the city’s well-known reputation as a foodie’s paradise. The streets are crowded with restaurants, bars, and street-side food stalls that serve everything from kebabs and crabs to fugu and shabu shabu. (B, L, D)

A second day in Osaka means even more time to discover both ancient and modern Japanese history and culture. Visit Osaka Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums which has over 580 species of sea life on display, or Universal Studios Japan, the company’s first theme park outside of the U.S. Kyoto served as the nation’s capital for more than 1,000 years and is home to 17 different World Heritage Sites including Kiyomizudera Temple and Heian Jingu Shrine. (B, L, D)

The capital of Kochi Prefecture on the southern coast of Shikoku is small, friendly, and boasts several attractions of interest to travelers.

Make sure to enjoy some Katsuo no tataki, Kochi’s most famous dish, and visit the temple and botanical garden at Mount Godaisan. (B, L, D)

While paying tribute to the infamous nuclear attack that destroyed the city in 1945, Hiroshima is now defined as a beacon of peace and prides itself on its exceptional natural beauty. See more than 300 cherry blossom trees in bloom at Peace Memorial Park, journey to the breathtaking Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, and take time to sample “okonomiyaki”—a delicious example of Japanese soul food. (B, L, D)

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination. (B, L, D)

It is Busan’s premier trading port, adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, that makes it an international metropolis but its beautiful sea vistas that make it a charming place to unwind. Experience the serenity of Beomeo-sa Temple, climb the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park and rejuvenate at Hushimchung Spa. (B, L, D)

Historically rich Nagasaki features beautiful seaside scenery and fabulous nighttime views from its mountain slopes. Secluded hot springs, fascinating museums, and ornate temples live side by side in this exciting city. Ten natural parks grace the area, and unique festivals can be experienced throughout the year. Walk through streets influenced by both Chinese and European cultures in fascinating Nagasaki. (B, L, D)

Kagoshima is the southernmost city on Japan’s bullet train network and the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture. The city is often compared with its Italian sister city, Naples, due to a similarly mild climate, streets lined with palm trees, and Sakurajima, Kagoshima’s version of Vesuvius. Near port, find the fascinating Kagoshima aquarium, traditional Senganen Japanese gardens, museums, the Shiroyama mountain-top park with a view over the city, and Yakushima Island, a registered world heritage site. Plus, an abundance of hot springs, mud baths, and spas to promote serenity and relaxation. (B, L, D)

Relax, recharge, and spend time reminiscing on the last two weeks of adventure with friends old and new. (B, L, D)

On clear days Mount Fuji (Fuji-san in Japanese) is visible from as far as Tokyo, 60 miles away. When Japan’s highest mountain is capped with snow, it’s a picture-postcard perfect volcanic cone. One of the best-known symbols of Japan, this iconic mountain has been considered sacred since ancient times and was even forbidden to women until the early 1900s. (B, L, D)

Your ship returns to Tokyo and you disembark for your journey home. (B)