Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Tokyo over two days with a look at sacred Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area in between. Japan’s vibrant capital is a study in contrasts as you will discover at the 14th-century Zojoji Temple, which stands in the shadow of modern Tokyo Tower. Similarly, visiting Meiji Jingu shrine will present a vastly different experience than browsing the glamorous Ginza shopping district. A cable car ride will offer stunning views of Mt. Fuji, while a textile museum showcases the works of a revered artist.
DAY 1
After disembarking from the cruise ship, you will begin a full day guided driving tour through Tokyo. Highlights might include the Roppongi district, which is the epicenter of nightlife, and Kasumigaseki, a neighborhood of government buildings. Along the way, you may pause for photos of landmarks such as the stately National Diet Building, where Japan’s parliament or diet meets.
The first stop will be the Tokyo Tower. A city landmark since its completion in 1958, it became a symbol for Japan’s rebirth as a major economic power and served as a radio broadcast antenna and tourist attraction. It is still Japan’s second tallest, self-supporting steel tower. If the sky is clear, you will be able to see as far away as Mt. Fuji from the main observatory.
You will also visit Zojoji Temple, a landmark founded in 1393. It is right next to Tokyo Tower, creating a unique contrast of tradition and modernity. Zojoji became the Tokugawa family temple, housing the mausoleums of six shoguns. You might stroll its serene gardens or explore the collection of Buddhist treasures in the grand main hall.
Lunch at a nearby restaurant follows, after which you will transfer to the Fuji Speedway Hotel or a similar hotel in Kawaguchi-ko area. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner served at the hotel.
In general, hotel rooms in Japan are smaller than hotel rooms elsewhere in the world. Per Japanese culture, standard bedding is two twin beds. Although every effort will be made to obtain rooms with one bed for couples, this cannot be guaranteed. If you require two beds, kindly make sure to advise this when booking your program.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be off to a full-day adventure to Kawaguchiko town. You will first visit Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba, a traditional village nestled on the shores of Lake Saiko. You will wander the narrow streets lined with beautifully preserved thatched-roof houses and explore workshops where skilled artisans keep traditional crafts alive, including ceramics, weaving, woodworking and making lacquerware.
After visiting the village and enjoying lunch at a restaurant, you will take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway in Kawaguchiko to an observation deck that will present a spectacular view of Mt.Fuji, weather-permitting.
The next stop will be the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, which presents the works of the renowned 20th-century textile artist Kubota Itchiku. He is revered reviving the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing that was widely practiced in the 14th through 16th centuries. Several of the artist's kimono creations, depicting themes of nature, the cosmos, and the seasons are on display.
The museum also offers an immersive artistic experience beyond the kimonos. Buildings blend Okinawan coral with soaring timber frames, while a waterfall and outdoor stage add a touch of dynamism. A serene tearoom provides a tranquil respite. Kubota designed the property’s vast gardens that wind through the woods, where you will find a collection of works from international artists that create a harmonious blend of nature and art.
Upon returning to your hotel, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner at the hotel.
DAY 3
After breakfast at your hotel and check out, you will head back to Tokyo, first stopping at the Ginza area. This is one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. Its streets are lined with numerous departments stores, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Upon arrival, you will enjoy some free time to browse, shop or perhaps visit some of the galleries.
After a lunch at a restaurant, you will stop at Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine built to venerate Emperor Meiji, who reigned from 1852-1912. It is the largest and most visited shrine in Japan, in part because of its beautiful park-like setting and the fact that Meiji is revered as Japan’s first modern emperor.
After the shrine visit, you will transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and after checking out, you will transfer to either the Narita or Haneda International Airport per your flight details. For guests with flights that depart late in the day, luggage storage will be available at the hotel.
NOTE: The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum is usually closed on Tuesdays, but specific closing dates are decided and published relatively on a short notice. Should our visit fall on a closed day, alternative site will be proposed in advance.
Land Program Details Step by Step
• The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
• Itineraries with up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a welcome letter upon arrival at your hotel. Please carefully review the letter and your final itinerary for further amendments.
• The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
• A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
• Guests on group bookings such as this program are not eligible to earn points Hilton Honors points.
DAY 1
9:00am Disembark the ship.
Half-day panoramic tour of Tokyo
Visit the Tokyo Tower and Zojoji temple
Lunch at a restaurant
3:30pm Drive to the hotel
4:30pm Check in at the hotel
Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Fuji Speedway Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Full-day tour including the Saiko Iyashi no Nemba, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and Kubota
Itchiku Museum
12:30pm Lunch at a restaurant
5:00pm Return to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure
Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Fuji Speedway Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel and check out
9:00am Full-day tour heading back to Tokyo, including the Ginza area and Meiji shrine
1:00pm Lunch at a restaurant in Tokyo
6:00pm Check in at your hotel
The remainder of the day will be at leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at Hilton Tokyo or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
11:00am Check-out of the hotel
TBA Transfer to either Narita or Haneda International Airport based on your flight time. Luggage storage is available at the hotel should you have a flight late in the day.
The drive to Haneda Airport is approximately 30–45 minutes; the drive to Narita Airport is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from the hotel
Extra Nights:
• All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
• When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out is 11:00am (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of the program.
Transfers: Guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up-to-date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged. If you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
If you have a late-departing flight, you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. Otherwise, you will be asked to vacate your room by 11:00am. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected weather
The average high in March in Tokyo is 9° C (48° F)
The average high in April in Tokyo is 14° C (57° F)
The average high in June in Tokyo is 21° C (70° F)
The average high in October in Tokyo is 18° C (64° F)
What to bring
A warm jacket or sweater, an umbrella, warm gloves for cooler months and comfortable walking shoes.
Local currency
Japanese Yen. The USD is not widely accepted therefore you will need to change your money into local currency.
Electricity
The voltage in Japan is 100 volts, which is different from North America (120V), Central Europe (230V) and most other regions of the world. You can use your electric appliances in Japan, if the standard voltage in your country is between 110 - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada, and most South American countries). If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia), you will need a voltage converter in Japan. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electronic devices.
Documents and visa requirements
Valid passports are required to embark on the ship. Please consult your local Japanese embassy for visa requirements.
Hotels
Fuji Speedway Hotel
Address: 645 Omika, Oyama-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka, Japan, 410-1308
Phone: +81 550 20 1234
Hilton Tokyo
6 Chome-6-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Phone: +81 3-3344-5111
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If a similar hotel is required, it will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
• Transfers
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
• 1 night in a standard double room at the Hilton Tokyo Hotel (or similar hotel) and 2 nights Fuji Speedway Hotel (or similar hotel)
• Tours and entrances as listed in the itinerary with a local English-speaking guide
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
• Gratuities to drivers and guides
• Meals and beverages other than stated as included.
• Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service.
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change.
Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.