Japan Intensive Live -Take 2

[Jay19]

16 hours ago, uktog said:

That would be an excellent idea. Create a go to source for next years guests. I so want to do the survey so much was 10/10

Our experience has exceeded expectations both ashore and onboard though the latter was from quite a low base! 

Just a quick thought, it might be worth trying the survey again when you get home.  I had some really strange problems with email when we were in Japan in hotels and airport and they have now all resolved.  No clue why.

[Werangels]

I have really enjoyed reading this.  Thank you.  
 

Was there as much cherry blossom as you expected or more/less?

[uktog]

2 hours ago, Werangels said:

I have really enjoyed reading this.  Thank you.  
 

Was there as much cherry blossom as you expected or more/less?

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting. I’m kind of glad the reason ran late so that our peak viewing was in quieter places and not in the Sakura frenzy of Tokyo 

[Jay19]

The unpacking is done, the laundry finished so I thought it a good time to add in my comments on the cruise and ports where we did something different to uktog.

 

We flew into Narita and I had been somewhat apprehensive about how we would manage with the size of the airport but it was all very easy.   We completed the online information and I had printed our QR codes, they were so easy to use and there was help available if needed.  We got through very quickly although it looked as if the lines for those who didn't have the QR codes were longer.   As with uktog, no-one asked us about medication although I had been careful to pack everything in our carry-on and had copies of prescriptions etc.   Once through we were able to meet up with the car I had pre-ordered.   It was by now early evening and traffic seemed quite light although it is still quite a long drive.   Originally I had intended using the airport bus but unfortunately at the time we were due to arrive we would just miss one bus and there was a significant gap until the next one.   The car turned out to be a better option.    We were staying at the Grand Nikko Daiba which was a very good location for getting to the ship.   

 

We had a day before we were due to board and were lucky that it was lovely and sunny.   We went to breakfast the first morning and from the hotel restaurant window we could see Journey docked.   We decided first to try walking to the cruise terminal to see if we thought it was possible with our bags, we went very leisurely and were there in around 20 minutes.  Apart from a tiny rise  in the path near the terminal it was all flat and wide enough to walk and pull suitcases.   We then returned through the park which follows all along the waterfront.   At first we saw very few people but by late morning it was getting quite busy and is obviously a popular spot.    We saw the replica Statue of Liberty, lots more people there taking photos.   It was a very pleasant walk and we enjoyed sitting in the sun and people watching.   After lunch we had a quick look at the local mall then went to the Tokyo Plaza where there were masses of tulips and some early cherry trees in flower.   Elevated walkways made it very easy to get around and there was a train station right by the hotel for anyone wishing to go further afield.   We certainly found it to be a very handy location.

 

The next morning was overcast and the forecast was for rain so we decided to head for the terminal a little earlier than planned.   This time we walked faster knowing the way and arrived in about 15 minutes.  It wasn't too long before we were able to check in and then were shown to seats to wait for boarding.   It was all very efficient and again lots of people around to help.

 

Aomori:

We did the same excursion as uktog but a different bus.   We went to the Hirosaki Castle first and then walked back to the Nebuta Village.   There were lovely views at the castle and we enjoyed the performances and seeing the floats and museum at the village.   

 

Akita:

This was the only port where we did our own thing.  We took the shuttle bus into town, it dropped us near the entry to Senshu Park so it was quite an easy walk.   The park itself has some quite steep parts but was very pretty.   From the map we thought it was much bigger than it turned out to be but we spent a couple of hours there.   We then went for a walk through the shopping area before getting the shuttle back to the ship.

 

Niigata:

We chose the ship's excursion Shibata Castle, Shimizu-en Garden & Sake Tasting (5 hours).  Although the tour description said the visit to the castle would be first, we actually went for the sake tasting - perhaps a little early right after breakfast but no-one seemed to mind!   The gentleman doing the presentation was really amusing and we got to try 3 different types of sake.   There were also some photo opportunities and a shop which seemed to do very well.  From there we headed to the Suwa Shrine followed by a visit to the gardens.   There was apparently a tea ceremony taking place and most of the women were wearing kimonos and looked lovely.   The gardens were not very big but very traditional and serene and the pond full of huge koi carp.   The last stop was at Shibata castle which is surrounded by a moat and had loads of cherry trees, unfortunately only just beginning to bloom.  We had time to walk around the outside by the moat and a brief visit inside before heading to our last stop, the Fukushimagata Wetlands to view the canola fields.   We had a good guide and very much enjoyed this tour.

 

Kanazawa:

We actually did pretty much the same as uktog but had chosen to do a tour, Kanazawa Samurai District & Kenrokuen Garden (4 hrs)  Although not in the title, this also included a visit to the Geisha district.   On reflection I would have preferred to DIY as I felt there was too much time at the Geisha district, although those visiting the shops might have disagreed, and not enough time at the gardens.   Our guide was not well organised and did not provide maps at the gardens so it was hard to know the best routes to take or how long you could go down a path without getting lost.   As a result we stuck to the main area where the guide had left us although we did walk down and take photos of the castle and cherries (see uktog's beautiful photos).  The gardens were very, very crowded which didn't help.   Last stop was the Samurai residence which was interesting with a small but attractive garden.

 

Sakaiminato:

Really our only touring day with poor weather.   We had chosen the tour, Explore The Tottori Flower Park (4 1/2 hours) so it was a bit disappointing when there was no sun.   However it turned out a lot better than anticipated as by the time we arrived there was just a little drizzle.   As you go through the main entrance there is a beautiful display of planters and hanging baskets, an abundance of tulips of all colours, hyacinths, pansies and other spring bulbs.   There is a little train which takes people around the garden but also a 1km covered walkway, often quite a way above the ground so you look down on the trees.   The cherries were flowering but some of the main planter beds were in the early stages, a shame as there were mass plantings of pansies and poppies which would be beautiful when all flowering.   There were supposed to be views of Mt. Daisen but the clouds were too low, however the gardens were still very attractive.   There is one large dome greenhouse in the centre which is full of gorgeous orchids and bougainvillea, so very colourful.   There were also a couple of smaller greenhouses and lots more orchids.  The walkway worked very well as it was possible to come off in various places if you wanted to get a closer look at anything.    There were some small fountains and more tulip beds along the way.    If you enjoy gardens I would definitely recommend these.  It was quite a long drive but we felt it was well worthwhile and we had plenty of free time in the gardens to look around.

 

Busan:

Our tour was Wonders by the Sea:  Ancient & Modern (4 1/2 hours).   It visited the temple mentioned by uktog and also APEC house but no lunch.   We were very glad that we went to the temple first as it was already very busy but was much more crowded by the time we left.  We really enjoyed it despite all the steps!   The views from APEC house were really nice and we got a quick visit to the beach.   Our guide was excellent, probably the best of the whole trip. 

 

Kitakyushu:

The tour we had chosen was actually changed slightly.   Originally it was to have been to the Mt. Sarakura Funicular and then a lookout point but when we got our tickets and letter it said that due to feedback from previous guests it was changed to Mt. Sarakura Funicular, TOTO museum and Mekari Park observatory (4 1/2 hrs).   This was probably the only truly disappointing tour of the trip.   The trip up the mountain was quite fun although anyone with a fear of heights would not like it at all as it was very steep.   There was quite a bit of confusion about the times but basically we all went up together but could come down when we were ready to meet at a set time.   There were certainly wide views over the city and harbour but I would not have used the description "awe-inspiring" shown in the shore excursion brochure.   There was also really more time there than needed.   Next up was the TOTO museum and I confess I had no clue this was a museum about toilets.  You were free to wander around on your own and to be honest we found it a bit hard to get excited about displays of toilets through the ages and modern bathroom fittings.   However others seemed to enjoy it.   The last stop was at the Mekari Park observatory which overlooked the harbour and bridge, again less time would have done.   I wish we had done the same as uktog and others.

 

Hiroshima:

We had been to Hiroshima before so chose the tour Floating Shrine of Miyajima (4 hrs).  I had checked the tides and was delighted to find that we would be there with the tides in so the Torii gates appeared to be floating and the water was also in under the shrine.   We had a really good guide.   We drove to the ferry, then a quick trip over to the Island before a walk to a good viewpoint of the gates and then on to the shrine.   We then had free time and a meeting point back by the ferry.   We had plenty of time to look around on our own and visit the shopping street before the trip back.   We had a quick lunch back at the ship and then got the shuttle into town to walk to Hiroshima castle to take some photos and visit the grounds.   A really enjoyable day.

 

Takamatsu:

This time we chose the tour Bonsai & Ritsurin Garden (4 1/2 hrs).   Our first stop was at a family owned business where we were able to learn something about the art of bonsai, see many of the trees and also watch as one of the older trees was trimmed and pruned.  From there we went to Ritsurin Gardens where the guide gave us maps and said he would take everyone to where a Tea Ceremony was to be held at 4pm and then give some free time.  We found the gardens to be absolutely stunning and got so absorbed that we actually missed the tea ceremony but were happy to have had the extra time in the garden.   

 

Kobe:

Some years ago we were on an Azamara cruise that spent 2 days at Osaka so we had already visited quite a few of the main sites.   This time we chose Nara & Kyoto Temple Discovery (9 1/2 hrs) as many of the other tours covered places we had already been.

The first stop was to the Golden Pavilion and although it was early it was still very crowded and busy, but it helped that people couldn't stand right in front of the building so everyone was able to take photos clearly.   From there we went to a local hotel for a western style lunch followed by a visit to the Temple of Todaiji.   This was so crowded that it was quite uncomfortable inside where people were trying to take photos of the Great Buddha statue, but it was really interesting.   Our last stop was to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.   It was quite a steep path but worth the visit.   There were deer everywhere along the way and lots of people buying food for them.   It was a busy and strenuous day but well worthwhile.

On the second day we chose the tour to the Nunobiki Ropeway & Herb Garden (3 hrs).  Originally I had thought that a herb garden might be a bit boring but after doing some research and discovering that the garden also had greenhouses and lots of other flowers I decided to give it a try.   It was a great decision.   It wasn't too far away and first of all we got a cable car to the very top.   It took about 5 minutes and there were some lovely views along the way.  At the top we were told to walk slowly down to the cable car station at mid point to go back to the bus.   At the top there were some shops, a cafe and pretty flower displays.   There was a rose garden but sadly they were only just beginning to bud.   As you walked down there were herb gardens which had different displays, herbs to use with meat, herbs to use with fish and so on.  The green houses were next and again gorgeous flower displays, little fountains and an observation deck.   From there a path led down past big beds of tulips, then more gardens of summer flowers, fountains and cherry trees.   It was a beautiful sunny day so everything showed to best advantage and a really beautiful garden.

 

Shimizu:

Tour Three Wonders of Shizuoka (4 hrs).   The first stop was to the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.   To reach the shrine you take a cable car down and then climb up a lot of steps to the shrine.  It was really worthwhile but the steps are very steep in places and it was quite crowded.   Fortunately you go up the first set of steps and then have a rest while you look around before starting up the next level.   There were several different buildings to see and sets of gates.  The colours and artwork were beautiful and it helped that the cherry trees were flowering.   The cable car ride is quite steep and they pack in a lot of people so anyone wanting to visit needs to take this into consideration.   We drove up Mount Udo hoping to see views of Mt Fuji but the cloud cover had already come down so the last stop was to Miho no Matsubara.   This was a walk along a boardwalk area through huge pine trees to the beach, again apparently there can be great views of Mt Fuji but not on that day sadly.   We did see a poster of what the views look like on a good day so for many of us a photo of that was as good as it got!   Again we had a really good guide who was very informative about the shrine and the other places we visited.

 

Tokyo:

On our last day we took a tour called Kamakura Highlights (5 1/2 hrs).

The first stop was at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.   The bus park was a short distance away so we entered through a side gate about halfway up from the main entrance.  Again there were lots of steps up to the shrine and although you were allowed to take photos outside, there were none allowed inside.   The gardens of the shrine were lovely and after a brief tour of some we were given free time to either spend more time in the gardens, including an optional visit to the peony garden, or visit a shopping street opposite the main entrance.   We decided to go to the peony garden and it was gorgeous, the flowers were huge and so many lovely colours.  They were covered by pretty parasol umbrellas, partly I think for decoration and partly for protection.  The azaleas were also in flower as well as double cherries and all around a big pond so there was plenty to see.   The maples were all out as well, so pretty with their pale green leaves and the odd red one.   We did a short visit to the shops but they were mostly restaurants so we didn't linger.  The other stop was at the Kotokuin Temple which has a huge Buddha statue outside, it was very impressive but hard to photograph as there was a constant stream of people posing with it.   The drive back was along the coastal beaches with apparently the possibility of seeing Mt. Fuji but the clouds were again not co-operative.

 

As you can probably tell, we are big garden fans and we certainly got to see plenty of them.  There were perhaps not as many cherry trees in flower as we had hoped but we did get to see them and the double ones which were out towards the end of the trip were especially lovely.   We are not keen on tours that include meals as we have done so many over the years that are mediocre at best and to be honest I regard time spent on them as wasted sightseeing time.   Just a personal preference of course!  😊  These 4-5 hour tours worked very well for us from that perspective.   Many of them were described as strenuous and most of them were, there were a lot of steps and a lot of fast walking guides so again the tour length was about right for us.   We had some great guides, some good and a couple whose English was a bit hard to understand but they all tried very hard to make the tours enjoyable.   

 

We loved the cleanliness of all the places we visited, the lack of graffiti and the politeness and helpfulness of the Japanese people.   There were times when the inflexibility was a bit annoying but that didn't happen too often thankfully.   All in all it was a wonderful visit to a lovely country and we would recommend it very highly.

 

I apologise for the length of this post but if anyone has any questions I'd be glad to answer.  I also apologise for not including photos but I still haven't figured out how to attach them!

 

 

 

 

[uktog]

Fantastic review - it was so hard to decide which excursions to do and I spent many hours agonising over it.  I think your post demonstrates that whatever you do you are going to see things that are so different and which amaze and fascinate you.

How I miss the orderliness of Japan now I am home - why dont people walk on one side of the pavement/sidewalk only - it makes so much sense and leads to so much less hassle!!!

[Jay19]

Thank you.   I very much enjoyed your posts also and was reading them on the ship.   I have used your "live from" threads previously to help plan our cruises, the last one in Croatia/Greek Islands in particular, so I hope this thread, together with the one from last year, will help those planning for this cruise in the next couple of years.

 

I agree with you about the shore excursions, I spent hours going through them and researching and even then I got some wrong.   There were also some places I would have liked to see but it just wasn't possible to do everything.   On the whole though I was very happy with what we did and feel we got a very good overview.

 

As a garden lover this cruise probably came second only to an early Azamara one planned by Claudius Docekal which meant we were able to visit Keukenhof, the Floriade in Belgium, the Chelsea Flower Show in London, the Monet garden in Vernon, Tresco Abbey Gardens in the Scilly Isles, Bodnant Gardens in Wales and Powerscourt in Dublin among others.   That one would be hard to beat.

[Werangels]

On 4/20/2024 at 9:32 PM, uktog said:

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting. I’m kind of glad the reason ran late so that our peak viewing was in quieter places and not in the Sakura frenzy of Tokyo 

Thank you.  I understand.