Celebrity Millennium: Best of Japan Cruise

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Japan by Sea: A Cruising Adventure
Having not been on an international trip since before the dreaded COVID brought the world to its knees, the lead-up time to my recent trip seemed to have taken aeons. After almost 2 and a half weeks aboard the cruise ship Celebrity Millennium, stopping at multiple ports throughout Japan, my holiday flew by. Still, it was jam-packed with lasting memories, and many amazing experiences, which I’m excited to share and hopefully inspire you for your next overseas adventure!
Prior to boarding the cruise ship, we spent a couple of days in Tokyo to see a few sights and catch up with dear friends who also travelled from Australia and were meeting us there. The initial touchdown at Haneda Airport was a lengthy process, with over an hour's wait to get through customs. Top tip: sign up to [LINK https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001] to complete your customs declaration form online before you arrive.
After settling into our hotel in Tokyo, having been to Japan before, we took our friends around to see some of the sights on offer. Our first stop, Harajuku. Touted for its fashion, there are many high-end stores selling well-known brands, as well as vintage clothing stores offering a range to suit any wardrobe taste. If fashion isn’t necessarily your scene, the hedgehog, owl or cat cafe will be sure to assist in helping you get a quick fix of the adorable. Be sure to book ahead though, they can be popular! If traditional history is more your cup of sake, Meiji Shrine is just up the street and features many gorgeous photo opportunities as well as a wealth of knowledge about its history and the surrounding culture. There are quite a few shrines throughout Japan, their juxtaposition against the more modern architecture giving an insight into the progress of one of the world’s largest and historically rich countries.
While in Harajuku, be sure to also meander down Takeshita Street. Prepare to have all senses assaulted with a multitude of options in relation to food, fashion and all the souvenirs you could hope to buy! The trains in Tokyo are very efficient however, not the easiness you buy tickets by paying with card. I recommend having cash on hand (7-11 stores, all through Japan, accept all cards should you need to make a withdrawal) and if you plan to catch the train multiple times throughout the day, it is a lot more cost-effective to buy a day pass.
After Harajuku, we visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tower which boasts an amazing 360 degree view of Tokyo in all its entirety. Better still, entry is free! While up there, be sure to grab a bite to eat and make a few purchases from their super kawaii (cute) gift shop. They also host projection light shows on to the building throughout the evenings so check out their schedule if that’s something you might be keen on.
The evening was spent in Kabuchiko, Tokyo’s very popular entertainment district. With food and entertainment options en mass, there is bound to be something to suit every taste bud or past-time preference. Even just walking through the district and taking in the neon lights and the hustle and bustle will justify the reason to visit.
The following day, it was time to board the cruise ship, The Celebrity Millenium, where we would spend the next 12 days port hopping and cruising the seas. If it’s your first time visiting any country, a cruise is a great way to experience multiple places in a very short time without the need to book a bunch of flights and hotel stays. Not to mention, onboard entertainment, restaurants and shopping!
First stop was Kobe! Well known for its beef, this adorable little city features much more. Whether you take advantage of shore excursions courtesy of the cruise team or prefer to go it alone, map and google in hand, you will not be disappointed. If you’re not up for exploring, you can even stay on the ship and relax by the pool.
Our next port was Osaka, where we spent 2 days taking in all the fantastic experiences it had to offer. By the time we had ridden the ferris wheel, visited Universal Studios as well as the Osaka Aquarium, Lego Discovery Centre, pig cafe AND rode a bullet train, a few cocktails and a nap onboard the ship was very well deserved!
Next port of call was Hiroshima. Steeped in a history of tragedy in loss, the atmosphere here was emotionally heavy but a must, if only to pay tribute to the thousands of lives lost at the hands of war. Memorials and plaques abound as well as a museum, the legacy of Hiroshima's casualties prevails and is honoured with the utmost respect they deserve.
If however, you wish to view a lighter facet of Hiroshima, there are shrines, castles and even an outlet mall where you can partake in a bit of retail therapy.
Jeju in South Korea was our next mini adventure and although it rained rather heavily, we still managed to squeeze in a few sights and some shopping at the traditional local markets before we slunk back to the ship like drowned rats.
Kagoshima consisted of more aquariums, shrines and sightseeing beauty. Again, the weather was quite unpredictable so only a short sojourn ashore was had before retreating to the dryness of our cabin.
Final stop on the cruise was Shimuzu, a gorgeous little portside town offering spectacular views of Mt Fuji. Via chartered taxi, where they wait while you explore and then return you back to the ship, we took a short trip on a cable car to enjoy the panoramic view of the area. Once back at the port, we also explored the local area which consisted of more shrines, tori gates and a massive shopping complex full of niche little markets as well as a mini amusement park for kids to enjoy. Shimizu was surprisingly, unknown to me prior, one of my favourite stops on the trip!
With a cruise coming to a close, we bid adieu to our friends, who headed back to Australia, while myself and my partner had one final destination on our travel checklist-Tokyo Disney! The next couple of days were jam-packed, full of rides, shopping and soaking up the atmosphere of Tokyo Disney and Tokyo Disney Sea, it’s no surprise it’s considered to be “the happiest place on Earth”.
Our trip now over, we made the trek back to Australia, refreshed from a fantastic time away, ready to save and plan for the next holiday!
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290577 - 2024-07-19 01:32:42