Welcome to Japan!

Welcome to Tokyo! An English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will introduce you to your driver for a transfer back to your hotel.

Meet your driver for an enjoyable airport transfer with a private vehicle.

Recognized as one of the country's best shopping districts, Ginza is the perfect place for once-in-a-lifetime retail therapy. Boasting plenty of department stores, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, this upscale district dazzles with high-end wares and a stylish weekend pedestrian promenade. Wander the former stomping grounds of the exclusively wealthy, peruse incredible high-tech electronic specialties, and end the day with a posh cocktail in one of the neighborhood's many swanky bars.

Spend a half day discovering Tokyo’s fascinating sites that juxtapose traditional temples with futuristic skyscrapers. With the help of your local guide, set out to explore the city in the comfort of your private vehicle. Begin with a visit to the city's oldest town of Asakusa. Soak up the atmosphere of the Tokyo of yesteryear, exploring Tokyo’s oldest and most popular temple, Sensoji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. Then move on to nearby Nakamise - a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks for centuries. Next it's on to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. And lastly, stroll along Omotesando shopping street - vastly different from Nakamise - a broad tree-lined avenue home to the flagship stores of the world’s top fashion brands. brands. The adventure concludes with a drop-off at your hotel.

After years of traveling to and from Japan, our Destination Experts all agree that when traveling to the other side of the globe, we all need some time at leisure to acclimate to the new time zone, a fast-paced city, and a different country, culture, and way of life. Take this day to explore the city at your own pace or rest at your accommodations and set off tomorrow fresh-faced and ready to take in the incredibly country that is Japan with your private guide along side.

Please note: If you're the type to 'hit the ground running' when you travel, simply let your Destination Expert know and they will help you choose the best tour for the first, full day of your time abroad.

Japan's culinary scene is a delight for the senses. From elaborate sushi dinners to kaiseki meals, and hundreds of exclusive Michelin star rated restaurants to choose from, the dining options are sure to please even the most discerning of palates. Tonight's dinner reservation will be arranged for you. Transportation to and from the restaurant of your choice will be paid for on the spot, and tonight's meal is not included in your itinerary and is to be paid for at the restaurant. Please note that many fine dining establishments in Japan require a set course menu to be pre-ordered at time of reservation, or a deposit in order to secure a space. If this is the case, you will be advised at time of booking.

Uncover the art of Japanese hospitality with a private half-day cultural experience in the historic district of Asakusa. Your day begins with a seamless hotel pick-up by your private driver and guide. Near the revered Sensoji Temple—Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic—step into a charming family-run tea shop that has preserved the delicate customs of tea for generations. Here, partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where every movement, from the folding of the cloth to the whisking of the matcha, is imbued with meaning and mindfulness. Learn the proper etiquette of sipping tea, as you take in the quiet elegance of this timeless ritual. After the ceremony, deepen your understanding with a guided tasting of green teas, from everyday varieties found in local markets to rare, premium blends reserved for esteemed tea masters. Each cup offers insight into Japan’s layered culinary heritage. Conclude your journey with a comfortable return to your accommodation.

Meet your driver for a pier transfer with a private vehicle.

Embark your ship this afternoon in Tokyo.

Dense and delightful, there’s nowhere else like Japan’s kinetic capital - a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with a relentless pursuit for the future’s sharpest edge. See the city from above, as elevators rocket you up to towering viewing platforms, from which you can survey a vast urban ocean, interspersed with sky-scraping needles. Look out as far as the distant loom of Mount Fuji’s cone on clear days. Futuristic – second-accurate - transport seamlessly links Tokyo’s 14 districts, while the glow of flashing advertisement boards, clanks of arcade machines, and waves of humanity flowing along its streets, adds to the sense of mesmerising, dizzying and glorious sensory overload. One of Tokyo’s most iconic sights, don’t miss the flood of people scrambling to cross Shibuya’s famous intersection. Join the choreographed dance, as crowds of briefcase-carrying commuters are given the green light to cross at the same time – bathed in the light of massive neon advertisements. The culture is immensely rich and deep, with 7th-century, lantern-decorated temples, stunning palaces and tranquil scarlet shrines waiting below cloaks of incense and nestling between soaring skyscrapers. Restaurants serve up precisely prepared sushi, and wafer-thin seafood slivers, offering a unique taste of the country’s refined cuisine. Settle into traditional teahouses, to witness intricate ceremonies, or join the locals as they fill out karaoke bars to sing the night away. In the spring, cherry blossom paints a delicate pink sheen over the city’s innumerable parks and gardens.

The Silver Moon features superb onboard facilities to accompany your voyage. Savor varied dining options at eight restaurants sure to tantalize your taste buds. Visit the deck to take a dip in the pool, relax in one of the whirlpools, or simply soak up the view from one of the sunbeds. Indulge in a full range of salon services at Zagara Beauty Salon and maintain the look of prestige travel while you cruise. For even more head-to-toe renewal, make an appointment at the Zagara Spa. Stop by The Connoisseur’s Corner for exceptional cognacs served with premium cigars for purchase. Drink in exceptional views overlooking the ocean at the Observation Library or the Panorama Lounge. Stop by the duty-free boutique for a carefully curated selection of cutting edge fashions, jewelry, and accessories. Keep your wellness goals on track courtesy of the onboard fitness center, boasting state-of-the-art Technogym® equipment, free weights and specialty classes. Enjoy an unforgettable night of entertainment at the multi-tiered Venetian Lounge, or see if Lady Luck is on your side at the casino.

Your voyage aboard the Silver Moon offers a wealth of included features and services. Onboard, the vessel's knowledgeable lecturers provide insightful talks on your favorite places. All meals are included, with your choice of diverse cuisine at a selection of restaurants, and beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, selected wines, and spirits. The regionally-inspired S.A.L.T. Bar, Kitchen and Laboratory aboard the Silver Moon also offers a completely unique culinary deep-dive. Butler service is included with every suite, ensuring that your every wish is fulfilled with earnest precision. Additional luxury perks include award-winning live entertainment, 24-hour gourmet dining, and unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

The Japanese city of Kobe needs no introduction. The name is synonymous with its home grown superstar. We are not talking of its stunning shrines, cherry trees laden with blossom during sakura or effervescent city, buzzing with life 24/7. We are of course talking of a much more grass roots hero – its eponymous beef. The delicacy might have put the city on the map, but there is far more to Kobe than its meat. Naturally, Kobe wears its cuisine as a badge of honour. Its port history has given it a gastronomy that is quite different from its neighbours. Seafood and sushi is naturally some of the freshest and most diverse you can find, but Kobe’s multi-cultural nature (the city is home to 98 different nationalities) means that it has one of the most diverse gastronomic cultures in Japan. Bread and bakeries are also an (unexpected) delicacy. Additionally, Sake is taken very seriously – Kobe even has its own museum dedicated to the national spirit. Historically, Kobe has always been a key city for Japan. Renamed in 1889, it was known as Owada no Tomari during the Nara Period (710-784 C.E.). Kobe’s location on the calm Inland Sea between Osaka and Kyoto has proven to be pivotal in Japanese history; it is mentioned in famous literary works such as The Tale of Genji (from approximately late 9th century) and the Taiheiki (14th century). The city and region are home to many attractions including the Himeji Castle (widely considered to be Japan's most beautiful feudal castle), a short ride away.

The Japanese city of Kobe needs no introduction. The name is synonymous with its home grown superstar. We are not talking of its stunning shrines, cherry trees laden with blossom during sakura or effervescent city, buzzing with life 24/7. We are of course talking of a much more grass roots hero – its eponymous beef. The delicacy might have put the city on the map, but there is far more to Kobe than its meat. Naturally, Kobe wears its cuisine as a badge of honour. Its port history has given it a gastronomy that is quite different from its neighbours. Seafood and sushi is naturally some of the freshest and most diverse you can find, but Kobe’s multi-cultural nature (the city is home to 98 different nationalities) means that it has one of the most diverse gastronomic cultures in Japan. Bread and bakeries are also an (unexpected) delicacy. Additionally, Sake is taken very seriously – Kobe even has its own museum dedicated to the national spirit. Historically, Kobe has always been a key city for Japan. Renamed in 1889, it was known as Owada no Tomari during the Nara Period (710-784 C.E.). Kobe’s location on the calm Inland Sea between Osaka and Kyoto has proven to be pivotal in Japanese history; it is mentioned in famous literary works such as The Tale of Genji (from approximately late 9th century) and the Taiheiki (14th century). The city and region are home to many attractions including the Himeji Castle (widely considered to be Japan's most beautiful feudal castle), a short ride away.

Small and friendly, this castle town dates back from the early 17th century, and has just one of the 12 Japanese castles to have survived the feudal age. Regrettably, a WWII bombing in 1945 destroyed half the city, although thankfully not the original castle, which serves as a shining example of the Edo Period. A buzzing food market next to the castle provides sustenance – both local and international cuisine and those who are feeling adventurous must try the sugar tomato and rice omelette, either separately or why not together. For those in search of a quintessentially Japanese experience, Kochi is blessed with a superb landscape and an enjoyable local pastime is bathing in the hot springs (onsens) that surround the city. They come in many different shapes, sizes and colours (the colour of the water indicates the dominant minerals present: red for iron, milky for sulphur, blue for bicarbonate and so on). Some are considered rare and each type is said to have a different therapeutic effect. However, some etiquette is expected and first-time visitors should perhaps be aware of the formalities surrounding this bathing ritual. Home as well to some stunning beaches, visitors are advised against swimming in the sea because of strong undercurrents, instead being encourages to enjoy the many beachside attractions of the area, such as the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, the lovely walking paths or the sumptuous local speciality katsuo no tataki, served on one of the many surrounding restaurants. Although perhaps not the most picturesque of downtowns, downtown Kochi holds a legendary tale, which centers on the Harimayabashi, (the small red bridge on the west side of the main street). Legend has it that a young priest from Godaisan fell in love with and a girl from Kochi. Because the priest's temple forbade relationships, the couple hid their romance by meeting in secret and exchanging clandestine gifts. One day, the priest was seen buying a hair comb at Harimayabashi, and the couple's secret romance was discovered.

History buffs will want to write home Hiroshima. Despite being devastated in 1945, this Japanese city is known to all for its commitment peace – its ruin on the 6th August 1945 led to the end of the war and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) , is a constant reminder of the destruction that war brings. A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace Memorial Park brings quiet contemplation. The Flames of Peace – set in the park’s central feature pond – burn brightly and will continue to do so until all the nuclear bombs I the world have been destroyed. There are many other inspiring messages of hope around the city too; the Children’s’ Peace Monument just north of the park is a homage to little Sadako Sasaki, who was just two in 1945. When she developed leukemia in 1956, she believed that if she folded 1,000 paper cranes – a symbol of longevity and happiness in Japan – she would recover. Sadly she died before she finished her task but her classmates finished the rest. If you are lucky enough to visit during the unpredictable and short-lived Sakura (cherry blossom) season, then the extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom floating across the water to the red gate, means you can consider yourself one of the luckiest people on the planet.

Discover the poignant history of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Shukkeien Garden with your private guide. Meet your guide at your port of call and proceed via Hiroshima’s efficient public transit to explore these iconic sites. Begin at Peace Memorial Park, located at the heart of the devastation caused by the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. Created as a tribute to those who perished, the park features memorials, monuments, and the Peace Memorial Museum, offering a moving experience as you stroll through. Afterward, visit Shukkeien Garden, aptly named the "shrunken-scenery garden," which beautifully replicates valleys, mountains, and forests in miniature. Dating back to 1620, the garden blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with a variety of scenic views. Winding paths surround a central pond, with tea houses offering serene spots to admire the landscape. The garden's peaceful ambiance and historical significance provide a perfect contrast to the solemnity of the memorial park. Conclude with a transfer to your port of call for embarkation.

Please note that with this tour makes use of Hiroshima’s efficient public transit system.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

"A tapestry of kaleidoscopic colours, intense seafood flavours, and urban beach bliss, Busan rolls across a glorious natural setting on the Korean Peninsula's south-east. One of the largest and busiest ports in the world, 3.5 million people call South Korea's second city home, and the amiable locals help to lend the city its quirky, offbeat outlook. A spacious, playful and cosmopolitan place, Busan is a lively, liveable city, cradled by lush mountains and endless ocean scenery. Haedong Yonggung Temple nestles on a dramatic cliffside, just above the crumbling rocks and crashing waves of the East Sea. Dating back to 1376, the temple's multi-storey pagoda is adorned with lions - each representing a different emotion. Elsewhere, lanterns glitter in the night sky around Mount Geumjeongsan, freshly released from the beautiful Beomeosa Temple, which was established in AD 678. The hillside shantytown of Gamcheon Culture Village has completed an improbable transformation, blossoming from a sea of makeshift homes for Korean war refugees, into a colourful explosion of creativity and curiosity. Local artists have been let loose to create interactive installations, and the entire area is now an expansive canvas for expression. Lose yourself among vibrant alleyways of flamingo-pink, lemon-yellow and baby-blue painted facades in this unique area. Sample bibimbap, fiery-hot beef and rice, from street food vendors, before relaxing on one of South Korea's best beaches - Haeundae's banana bend of sand. Metallic skyscrapers offer an unusual backdrop to this pristine expanse of golden powder and are mirrored by elaborate sandcastles and sculptures during the annual sand festival - when spontaneous water fights and firework displays also take place. Gwangalli beach is another urban option, laying out spectacular views of the reaching Gwangan Bridge - the country's second largest bridge. At night, 16,000 bulbs bathe this engineering marvel in colour."

Discover the culinary delights, bustling markets, and breathtaking panoramic vistas of Busan on a private tour. You'll be picked up from port by your private driver and guide to head straight to a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef. Learn to make traditional Korean dishes and sample authentic sauces like gochujang, doenjang, and soy sauce. Cooking holds a central place in Korean culture, where food is not only a means of sustenance but also a way of expressing love, tradition, and identity. After preparing your meal, sit down to enjoy your culinary creations, followed by a traditional tea ceremony. Continue to Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, a bustling hub of local life, famous for its fresh seafood and unique historical charm. Finally, take a leisurely stroll to Yongdusan Park, where you can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the iconic Busan Tower. Standing at 393 ft, the tower provides stunning vistas of the harbor and urban landscape. Conclude with a return transfer to port.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

The capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa once rivalled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) as a town rich in cultural achievements. Kanazawa escaped destruction during World War II and accordingly has been able to preserve many of the old districts in good shape. The city is famous because of Kenrokuen. Located next to Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen is classified as “One of the Three Gardens of Japan”. The garden has an artificial pond, and hills and houses are dotted within the 11.4 hectares. It has Japan’s oldest fountain using natural water pressure and a tea-house dating back to 1774. Close by is the Higashi Chaya Gai Geisha District, designated a National Cultural Asset and the biggest of the Geisha districts of Kanazawa. Some of the houses not only retain the original structure, but still are used as Geisha houses. Some of the streets have traditional shops creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Kanazawa is also known for its lacquer ware, Kutani-style pottery, gold-leaf workmanship and delicately painted silk kimonos.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Gaze down over Hakodate, from the heights of its namesake peak - Mount Hakodate - to see the city stretching out spectacularly, with back-to-back twin bays splitting the ocean. Hakodate port was one of the first to open Japan up to the world, and to international trade in 1859 - a fact reflected in the architecture, with its influences from the West and beyond. The port area is a redbrick wash of warehouses turned shopping malls, all observed by the onion domes of the city's Russian Orthodox church. Elsewhere, the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress glows with natural colours and a beautiful haze of cherry blossom during the season. Goryokaku Tower, which rises up beside it, offers a sweeping bird's eye view of the green fortress and mountain backdrop. Buses trundle up the 335-metre incline to the top of Mount Hakodate, but the best way to reach the views is to jump on the ropeway, which swings high above downtown's buildings, over a carpet of pine trees. Head up to the mountain's heights as sunset approaches. With darkness sweeping in, and the lights flickering to life, the panorama is one of Japan's most spectacular. Soak it all in, and look out to the horizon, dotted with the shimmering lights of ships hauling in harvests of the city's renowned squid. The plankton-rich waters attract a delicious variety of feasting sea life to Hakodate's coast, which is then plated up in the city's numerous, skilled restaurants. For an eye-opening, whirring morning, see the freshest produce being doled out at Hakodate Morning Market – amid a cacophony of noise and activity.

Set on the eastern coast in Japan’s Iwate prefecture, Miyako promises stunning scenery and Jorman history in equimeasure. The coastal city of around 50,000 inhabitants is almost 600 km (372 miles) from Tokyo, but boasts one of the finest beaches in Japan, as well as a treasure trove of succulently fresh seafood restaurants. While travellers to Miyako might arrive expecting the usual amalgam of cultural attractions and high-tech wizardry, they will leave with memories of one of the greatest garden cities they have ever experienced. During the Edo period (1603-1868) the town was once considered as Japan’s main seaport, and it is still an important port today with a thriving fishing industry. Mother Nature really does come into her own in Miyako. The city is bordered by the vast Sanriku Fukkō National Park, one of the National Parks of Japan. Sanriku Fukkō stretches for 180 km (111 miles) along the coast and homes a wonderful variety of flora and fauna, including groves of Japanese red pine, rhododendrons and Rosa rugosa. Numerous bird species, including the black-tailed gull and shearwater call the park home. Butterflies float gently on the breeze and hummingbirds sail like darts through the trees. What’s more, bird lovers will undoubtedly love that the nearby Hidejima Island and Sanganjima Island are the only breeding grounds in Japan for the band-rumped storm-petrel.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Disembark your ship this morning in Tokyo.

Welcome to Tokyo! An English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the cruise terminal, holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will introduce you to your driver for your transfer.

Meet your driver for an enjoyable airport transfer with a private vehicle.

The truly first class Peninsula Tokyo Hotel is located in a business and shopping district, opposite Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace. It is adjacent to Hibiya Subway Station, and a few short minutes stroll from the large, top end, designer Ginza shopping district. This hotel offers excellent business and conference services and rooms, a 65-foot indoor pool, a spa that is manned by very experienced and trained therapists and an array of fine gourmet restaurants. The Peninsula Tokyo Hotel has very spacious, luxury decorated rooms that have deluxe amenities and supported by professional, polite, efficient yet friendly staff.

Silver Moon establishes a new era of Silversea. At 40,700 gross tons and with a capacity to accommodate only as many as 596 passengers on board, Silver Moon maintains the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodation, which are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. Silver Moon also features the all-new Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) program – an immersive culinary concept that enables guests to travel deeper through a range of destination-based gastronomic experiences. Curated shore excursions immerse you in the cuisine and culture of your destination, while the onboard Lab gives you a feel for regional ingredients through tastings and workshops. Enjoy a selection of games at the Silversea Casino, and get your fitness on at the state-of-the-art gym, or perhaps take in the views of the ocean from the Observation Library. Take a dip in the pool, relax in one of the whirlpools or simply soak up the view from one of the sunbeds, while your pool attendant anticipates your every whim. Get ready for a new world of travel aboard the Silversea’s Silver Moon.