Tokyo to Tokyo aboard SS Explorer

Vibrant Tokyo | 3 Nights | $1899pp

From your base in Tokyo, you will visit some of the most impressive sights of Japan, including various ancient temples as well as some of its modern and natural wonders. Tour the 7th-century Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and visit the Odaiba Observation Deck, located in the headquarters of Fuji Television. Discover Tokyo’s fascinating Shogun history or Japan’s rich tradition of art at superb museums, stroll through beautiful gardens and during your leisure time, perhaps take in the high-energy atmosphere of Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping and entertainment district.

DAY 1
Upon arrival at either the Narita or Haneda International Airports in Tokyo, you will be met at the exit of the Custom’s area. Transfer to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Meals are on your own.

Please note that check in time at the hotel is at 4:00pm.

Although every effort will be made to have the rooms available before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you have a very early morning arrival you may wish to book an extra night so that your room is available when you arrive.

NOTE: In general, hotel rooms in Japan are smaller than hotel rooms elsewhere around the world. In Japanese culture, standard typical bedding is two twin beds. Although every effort will be made to obtain rooms with one bed for couples, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you require two beds, kindly make sure to advise this when booking your program. Also, please note that guests on group bookings such as this program, are not eligible to earn “Hilton Honors Points” or receive Hilton Honors benefits.

DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, depart on a half-day tour of the city.

Visit the Tokyo National Museum established 1872, it is one of the oldest museums in Japan. The Museum Collection comprises art and archaeological objects of Asia, focusing on Japan. There are a total of approximately 120,000 objects of which 89 are National Treasures and 649 Important Cultural Properties.

Continue to the Ginza area, one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. The streets in Ginza are lined with numerous departments stores, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Upon arrival you will enjoy some free time to browse, shop or perhaps visit some of the free galleries.

You can choose to either remain in Ginza and make your own way back to the hotel or return with the group.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure with lunch and dinner on your own.

DAY 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will begin yet another half-day tour of Tokyo, allowing you to see the city from a different perspective.

You will first journey to the Asakusa area – part of Tokyo’s Old Town. Visit the Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, which was founded in the early 7th century. Weather permitting, you will enter through a gate decorated with a huge red paper lantern to view the shrine. The architecture is stunning, as this temple is the country’s oldest and one of the most revered. One of the highlights is a walk down Nakamise-dori, known as the “Street of Inside Shops,” an alley lined with vendors selling traditional food, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.

You will have a photo stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza (no interior visit), where Japan’s Emperor and Empress reside. Surrounded by a moat, the palace was formerly known as Edo Castle, and samurai warriors lived there in the 17th through 19th centuries. In the large plaza in front of the palace, you can view the famed Nijubashi—two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks.

You can choose to either remain in the area and make your own way back to the hotel or return with the group.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure with lunch and dinner on your own.

DAY 4
After breakfast and check-out, you will visit Meiji Shrine. Dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, the father of modern Japan, the beautiful shrine stands in a dense forest glade of some 120,000 trees of 365 different species, at the very heart of Tokyo. The setting symbolizes the separation of the spiritual from the world. You enter the shrine through twin 40-feet tall Torii gates, one of the largest in all Japan. This shrine is a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings, if you are lucky, you might get to see one.

From the peaceful green oasis surrounding Meiji Shrine you will continue to the beautiful Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers. This provides 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.

Continue to the modern Odaiba area. When the sprawling metropolis, that is Tokyo nowadays, ran out of space, they inevitably turned toward the sea. Odaiba is a man-made island created by massive landfills, featuring many hypermodern and strange buildings memorably described as the result of a Pre-schooler’s architecture class. You will have the chance to enjoy it from above, during a visit to an observation deck, located in one of Odaiba’s most iconic buildings: the headquarters of Fuji Television.

It is then on to the cruise ship terminal for embarkation.

Tokyo and Hakone | 3 Nights | $2499pp

Explore historical and modern landmarks in Tokyo and then travel south to Hakone for a lake cruise in the shadow of Mt. Fuji and an enlightening visit to a meticulously reconstructed 15th Century castle.

NOTE: In general, hotel rooms in Japan are smaller than hotel rooms elsewhere around the world. In Japanese culture, standard typical bedding is two twin beds. Although every effort will be made to obtain rooms with one bed for couples, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you require two beds, kindly make sure to advise this when booking your program. Also, please note that guests on group bookings are not eligible to earn “Hilton Honors Points” or receive Hilton Honors benefits.

DAY 1
Upon arrival at either the Narita or Haneda International Airports in Tokyo, you will be met at the exit of the Custom’s area. Transfer to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Meals are on your own.

Please note that check-in time at the hotel is at 4:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have the rooms available before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you have a very early morning arrival you may wish to book an extra night so that your room is available when you arrive.

DAY 2
After checking out of the hotel, you will enjoy a half-day tour of Tokyo starting with a visit to the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine. Built to venerate Emperor Meiji, who reigned from 1852-1912, it is the largest and most visited shrine in Japan, in part because of its beautiful park-like setting and the fact that Meiji is revered as Japan’s first modern emperor.

Then it’s on to Tokyo Tower, Japan’s second highest structure, which was built in 1958 as a symbol of Japan’s rebirth. After riding an elevator to the nearly 500-foot-high Grand Observation Platform, you will be treated to an astounding view of the city. If the sky is clear, you can see Mt. Fuji.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred to your Odawara hotel to relax at your leisure. A bountiful buffet dinner will be served at the hotel. However, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you please before you spend the evening at the hotel.

DAY 3
Today, you will visit Hakone, a part of the Fuji National Park. Upon arriving at Sounzan, you will board the Ropeway, an aerial tram that affords you wonderful views of the Owakudani Valley. In time, you will stop at Lake Ashi for a scenic cruise. The crystal-clear lake was formed about 3,000 years ago in the caldera left after the volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone. If the conditions are ideal, as they often are, you will see Mt. Fuji and its inverted reflection on the water.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. On the return to the hotel, you will stop at Odawara Castle, which was originally built in the mid-15th Century. The structure was destroyed in the latter half of the 19th century when political power changed from the Edo shogunate to the Meiji government, and the castle was condemned as the symbol of the samurai.

The castle that now stands is a reconstruction from 1960. However, the moat and stone walls are original. The castle is a three-tiered, five-storied donjon, and its top floor is an observatory.

A traditional Japanese Kaiseki (multi course) dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

DAY 4
After checking out of the hotel, you will be transferred to cruise terminal where you will embark the ship.

Tokyo and Hakone | 3 Nights | $2499pp

Explore historical and modern landmarks in Tokyo and then travel south to Hakone for a lake cruise in the shadow of Mt. Fuji and an enlightening visit to a meticulously reconstructed 15th-century castle.

NOTE: In general, hotel rooms in Japan are smaller than hotel rooms elsewhere around the world. In Japanese culture, standard typical bedding is two twin beds. Although every effort will be made to obtain rooms with one bed for couples, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you require two beds, kindly make sure to advise this when booking your program. Also, please note that guests on group bookings are not eligible to earn “Hilton Honors Points” or receive Hilton Honors benefits.

DAY 1
After disembarking the ship in either Tokyo or Yokohama, meet your guide and begin a half-day tour of Tokyo starting with a visit to the traditional Hamarikyu Gardens located alongside Tokyo Bay.

Hamarikyu is a typical example of gardens from the Edo Period. It features the only seawater pond in Tokyo which change levels with the tides and a teahouse on an island where visitors can enjoy the scenery. From 1704, when this teahouse was first built, the Shoguns, and other elites such as Imperial Court nobles, who never tired of the relaxed atmosphere and the wonderful view of the place, used it continuously.

Next, it’s on to Tokyo Tower, Japan’s second highest structure, which was built in 1958 as a symbol of Japan’s rebirth. After riding an elevator to the nearly 500-foot-high Grand Observation Platform, you will be treated to an astounding view of the city. If the sky is clear, you can see Mt. Fuji.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred to your Odawara hotel to relax at your leisure. A bountiful buffet dinner will be served at the hotel. However, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you please before you spend the evening at the hotel.

DAY 2
Today, you will visit Hakone, a part of the Fuji National Park. Upon arriving at Sounzan (1-hour drive), you will board the Ropeway, a 30-minute aerial tram ride that affords you wonderful views of the Owakudani Valley. In time, you will stop at Lake Ashi for a scenic cruise. The crystal-clear lake was formed about 3,000 years ago in the caldera left after the volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone. If the conditions are ideal, as they often are, you will see Mt. Fuji and its inverted reflection on the water.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. On the return to the hotel, you will stop at Odawara Castle, which was originally built in the mid-15th century. The structure was destroyed in the latter half of the 19th century when political power changed from the Edo shogunate to the Meiji government, and the castle was condemned as the symbol of the samurai.

The castle that now stands is a reconstruction from 1960. However, the moat and stone walls are originals. The castle is a three-tiered, five-storied donjon, and its top floor is an observatory. A traditional Japanese Kaiseki (multi course) dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

DAY 3
After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you will return to Tokyo. Back in the city you will visit the Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple) which was founded in the early 7th century. Weather permitting you will enter through a gate decorated with a huge red paper lantern.

The architecture is stunning, as this temple is the country’s oldest and one of the most revered.

Your tour also strolls down Nakamise-dori, known as the “Street of Inside Shops,” an alley lined with vendors selling traditional food, souvenirs and handmade crafts.

A traditional Japanese style BBQ lunch will be served before you drive to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner is on your own

DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Check out is at 11:00am. You will be transferred to the Narita or Haneda Airport per your flight details. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel.

Note: the drive to the Narita Airport is approximately 1.5 – 2 hours from the hotel.

An Edo Experience | 3 nights | $1899pp

From your base in Tokyo, you will visit some of the most impressive sights of Japan, including various ancient temples as well as some of its modern and natural wonders. Discover Tokyo’s fascinating Shogun history or Japan’s rich tradition of art at superb museums, stroll through beautiful gardens and during your leisure time, perhaps take in the high-energy atmosphere of Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping and entertainment district.

NOTE: In general, hotel rooms in Japan are smaller than hotel rooms elsewhere around the world. In Japanese culture, standard typical bedding is two twin beds. Although every effort will be made to obtain rooms with one bed for couples, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you require two beds, kindly make sure to advise this when booking your program. Also, please note that guests on group bookings are not eligible to earn “Hilton Honors Points” or receive Hilton Honors benefits.

DAY 1
Upon disembarkation in either Tokyo or Yokohama you will be met by your guide at the port and begin your tour of Tokyo.

Visit the beautiful Rikugien Gardens often considered one of Tokyo’s most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens. Built in 1700, its name literally means “six poems garden” and reproduces in miniature, 88 scenes from famous poems. This excellent example of an Edo Period strolling garden features, a large central pond surrounded by man-made hills and forested areas, all connected by a network of trails.

Continue to the Tokyo National Museum established 1872, it is the oldest and largest of Japan’s top-level national museums. The museum features one of the largest and best collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan, made up of over 100,000 individual items including nearly a hundred national treasures.

After your museum visit, head to a local restaurant for lunch. Also enjoy some free time to explore the nearby Ameyoko Shopping Street. Featuring over 400 stores along a 500m strip, Ameyoko offers an insight into local fare and overall local life. Then, continue to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure with dinner on your own.

DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will set out on a half-day tour of Tokyo, allowing you to see the city from a unique perspective than the day prior.

Visit Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden originally built at the residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family. The garden was named Korakuen after a poem encouraging a ruler to enjoy pleasure only after achieving happiness for his people. Along with Hama-rikyu, Koishikawa Korakuen are the only metropolitan gardens that have been designated both as a special historic site and as a special scenic spot.

Continue to the Tsukiji Outer Market adjacent to the site of the former Tsukiji Wholesale Market. It consists of a few blocks of wholesale and retail shops, as well as restaurants crowded along narrow lanes. ‘Be a local’ and perhaps combine your visit with a lunch of fresh sushi in one of the best places in Tokyo to enjoy fresh seafood!

It is then on to the Ginza Area one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world – it is the complete opposite of the Tsukiji Outer Market. The streets in Ginza are lined with numerous departments stores, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Enjoy free time to browse, shop or perhaps visit some of the free galleries.

Upon returning to your hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure with dinner on your own.

DAY 3
After breakfast, set out for Zojoji Temple which stands next to the Tokyo Tower making it a popular photo spot. This was once the official temple of the Tokugawa family which ruled Japan for centuries. The family mausoleum is located at the back of the complex and contains the tombs of six Tokugawa shogun. The main entrance gate, Sangedatsumon dates back to 1622 and have survived numerous fires, earthquakes and wars.

Crossing over the famed Rainbow Bridge, continue to the futuristic manmade islands of Odaiba to visit the National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation home of some of Japan’s cutting-edge robotics. Also known as Miraikan, this extremely interactive museum allows visitors to experience the technological progress of today, from simple day-to-day questions to the latest technologies. Enjoy hands-on exhibits about environmental issues, humanoid robots, information technology, biology, and space exploration.

Enjoy the scenic drive back to the hotel passing through some of Tokyo’s most colorful and busy districts having the remainder of the day at your leisure with dinner on your own.

Upon returning to your hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure with dinner on your own.

DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and transferring to Narita or Haneda International Airports.

Your transfer time will be based on the flight details provided and relayed while you are on the program. Should you have a late departing flight, luggage storage will be available at the hotel. Guests must vacate rooms by 11:00am at the latest.

NOTE: The day of the visit to the Miraikan Museum varies as the museum is closed on Tuesdays. Some shops in Tsukiji Outer Market are closed on Wednesdays.