Discover Tokyo and two of its traditional sights that coexist in stark contrast with tall futuristic skyscrapers and bustling city streets.

Depart the pier to the center of Tokyo, a modern city where the 21st century coexists with the spirit of ancient Japan. Along the way, you’ll see many of the city’s landmarks.

Enjoy a visit Hama Rikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers; a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period, but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public in its current form. Hama Rikyu Gardens offer something beautiful at any season, as you’ll find golden foliage during the fall, plum blossoms in late winter and cherry blossoms in spring.

A scenic drive through the city takes you to the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and massive stone walls, also in the center of Tokyo. The palace is built on the former site of Edo Castle. It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family and is surrounded by a large park area. Although the Palace is not open to the public, from Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, you can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is nicknamed the Eyeglass Bridge for its looks and is one of the most recognized bridges in Japan. You’ll have some free time in the square to explore a bit and take some memorable pictures.

After enjoying the sites in Tokyo, your coach will bring you to Haneda Airport for your flight back home.

OVERVIEW

Gain insight into sumo wrestling by watching a live match and for a complete change of pace browse a serene Buddhist temple. Shortly after dining in the historical Sumida district, you will observe the wrestlers as they prepare for the competition. You will see them perform ceremonial rituals such as stomping their feet and rinsing their mouths with water. The significance of each gesture will be explained to enhance your understanding of Japan’s national sport. You will also learn about the wrestlers’ daily life, diet and training. After the match, the wrestlers will be available for questions and to take photos with you. Visiting the Senso-ji temple will be impressive in an entirely different way as it is Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. Rituals and tradition are also important there as you will discover by selecting a slip of paper known as omikuji, whose message may predict your future.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a sumo wrestling match and meet the wrestlers afterwards.
• Learn about the rituals of sumo and the wrestlers’ daily lives.
• Browse the oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple in Tokyo.
• Select a slip of paper – known as omikuji – that holds a message regarding your future.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover Tokyo and two of its traditional sights that coexist in stark contrast with tall futuristic skyscrapers and bustling city streets.

A 1-hour drive takes you to the center of Tokyo, a modern city where the 21st century coexists with the spirit of ancient Japan. Along the way, you’ll see many of the city’s landmarks.

Enjoy a visit to Hama Rikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers; a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period, but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public in its current form. Hama Rikyu Gardens offer something beautiful at any season, as you’ll find golden foliage during the fall, plum blossoms in late winter and cherry blossoms in spring.

A scenic drive through the city takes you to the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and massive stone walls, also in the center of Tokyo. The palace is built on the former site of Edo Castle. It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family and is surrounded by a large park area. Although the Palace is not open to the public, from Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, you can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is nicknamed the Eyeglass Bridge for its looks and is one of the most recognized bridges in Japan. You’ll have some free time in the square to explore a bit and take some memorable pictures.

After enjoying the sites in Tokyo, your coach will bring you to Narita International Airport for your flight back home.

The new Tokyo cruise terminal is close to the city center, a modern city where the 21st century coexists with the spirit of ancient Japan. Along the way, you’ll see many of the city’s landmarks.

Enjoy a visit Hama Rikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers; a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period, but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public in its current form. Hama Rikyu Gardens offer something beautiful at any season, as you’ll find golden foliage during the fall, plum blossoms in late winter and cherry blossoms in spring.

A scenic drive through the city takes you to the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and massive stone walls, also in the center of Tokyo. The palace is built on the former site of Edo Castle. It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family and is surrounded by a large park area. Although the Palace is not open to the public, from Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, you can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is nicknamed the Eyeglass Bridge for its looks and is one of the most recognized bridges in Japan. You’ll have some free time in the square to explore a bit and take some memorable pictures.

After enjoying the sites in Tokyo, tour will finish at Tokyo Station where is easy to move on your own.

OVERVIEW

Savor your choice of Japan’s legendary waygu beef or fresh seafood for lunch and explore a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji the Great, who led Japan from a feudal state into a world power. To reach the serene shrine, which nestles in a forested park, you will walk through its towering torii gate, which is made from cypress that is 1,500 years old. As a contrast, you will also stroll past the luxury boutiques along the avenue Omotesando and participate in a Shibuya scramble crossing, in which pedestrians flood an intersection from all directions once all the traffic lights turn red. One of the entrée choices for the gourmet meal that follows is extraordinarily tender, richly flavored Grade 5A waygu beef slices over rice. Or if you prefer, try the sushi, sashimi and grilled fish plate that showcases the bounty of Tokyo’s seafood. The accompanying side dishes and dessert will be equally memorable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dine on incredibly tender and flavorful wagyu beef or opt for an inspiring seafood plate.
• Choose from a variety of traditional side dishes and desserts.
• Visit a Shinto shrine in a forested park.
• Participate in a scramble crossing where the pedestrians all cross an intersection at once.
• See the statue of Hachikō, an Akita dog that was famously loyal to its owner.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Gain insight into Japan’s imperial past and dine on sukiyaki, a dish that wasn’t popular until the late 19th century, when the Japanese began eating meat again. The Imperial Palace was built on the site of the former Edo Castle, and Japan’s emperor and empress still reside there, so you will only view the exterior. Another stunning panorama awaits you from the palace’s Niju-bashi bridge. You may also see royal artifacts while browsing the Tokyo National Museum, whose fascinating collection totals more than 110,000 objects. The story behind sukiyaki is just as interesting as it is a one-pot beef dish, and eating beef was prohibited in Japan when Buddhism was introduced. You will have a choice of the beef version or a chirashi rice bowl topped with a variety of fresh sashimi. To round out the experience, you will be served dessert infused with matcha, a finely ground green tea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a traditional beef sukiyaki for lunch or opt for a seafood dish that is equally flavorful.
• Behold the exterior of the 19th-century Imperial Palace, where the royal family still resides.
• Browse the Tokyo National Museum, whose collection includes royal artifacts and much more.
• Walk through the Marunouchi financial district and on to the bustling Tokyo railway station.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.