Tour Japan’s vibrant capital and attractions in the shadow of sacred Mt. Fuji and come away with a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and history. For contrast in downtown Tokyo, you will see a temple founded in the 7th century and a soaring broadcast tower that symbolizes Japan’s rebirth following World War II. Near Mt. Fuji, you will visit a traditional village and ride a cable car that will present extraordinary views of Japan’s tallest peak. You will also browse a museum dedicated to a revered textile artist.
DAY 1
Upon arrival at either the Narita or the Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, you will be met at the exit of the Customs area. You will then transfer to the Hilton Tokyo or a similar hotel, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure with meals on your own.
Check-in at the hotel commences at 4:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have the rooms available before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you have an early-morning arrival, you may wish to book an extra night so that your room will be available when you arrive.
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
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will begin a half-day tour of Tokyo, allowing you to see the city from a different perspective. You will first visit the Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, which was founded in the early 7th century. You will enter through a gate decorated with a huge red paper lantern, weather permitting.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the next stop will be 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.
After visiting the tower, you will transfer to the hotel in Kawaguchiko. The remainder of the day will be yours to enjoy as you please, with dinner at the hotel included.
DAY 3
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for 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 4
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the cruise ship for embarkation.
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. Program times 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.
• Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
• All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program.
• If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 4:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until Day 2 of the program.
• If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 4:00pm.
• If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at either the Narita or the Haneda International Airport in Tokyo
Met a representative near the exit of the Customs area and transfer to your hotel
The afternoon and the evening will be your leisure
Check-in time at the hotel is at 4:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.
Overnight at Hilton Tokyo or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
• Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, in case you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
• Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
• Meet and Greet and transfers for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
• If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel and check out
9:00am Meet guide for a full-day tour including the Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Tower and lunch
4:30pm Transfer to your hotel in Kawaguchiko for an afternoon at leisure
Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Fuji Speedway Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Meet for a full day tour including Sako Iyashi no Nemba, Kubota Itchiku Museum and the Mt. Fuji
Panoramic Ropeway
12:00pm Lunch at a restaurant
5:45pm Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure
Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Fuji Speedway Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel and leisure time
10:00am Check out of the hotel
12:30pm Transfer to the cruise ship for embarkation
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, 2 lunches and 2 dinners.
• 1 night in a standard double room at the Hilton Tokyo (or similar hotel) and 2 nights at the 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:
• Meals and beverages other than stated as included.
• Gratuities to drivers and guides
• 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. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
