171 First established as a small fishing village named Edo more than 1,000 years ago, Tokyo is now the capital of Japan and one of the world’s biggest cities. Historic neighbourhoods, traditional gardens, shrines and temples co-exist with contemporary attractions, innovative cuisine and world-class shopping and entertainment. With connections to two major airports and two cruise terminals – one for large ships and the other for small and mid-sized ships and expedition vessels – Tokyo is an ideal homeport and turnaround port for international cruise lines. Operators can combine a call in the capital with a visit to the Tokyo Islands, or work with the port to create themed itineraries featuring four other Pacific Coast destinations. One is Shizuoka, which is home to Mount Fuji, Nihondaira Park Outlook, Miho-no-Matsubara Pine Grove, Kakegawa castle park, Shiraito Falls, Oigawa Railway, and Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha Shrine. Visitors can also try Shojin ryori vegetarian cuisine, fresh seafood and local sake, craft beer and tea. Another destination is Wakayama, a mountainous area dubbed Japan’s spiritual heartland owing to its many shrines and temples. They include two Unesco World Heritage sites: Koyasan, a mountain-top monastery founded as the headquarters of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism in the mid-eighth century, and Kumano Sanzan, which has been sacred for over 1,100 years. While visiting Wakayama tourists can trace ancient pilgrimage trails to Kumano Sanzan’s three shrines, bathe in onsens, ride a boat through Dorokyo Gorge or visit Shirahama beach, Nachi Waterfall, Wakayama Castle and the nearby islands of Wakayama Marina City and Tomogashima. Kochi offers multiple opportunities for nature-based excursions. Cruise guests can dive, snorkel or take a boat ride at Kashiwajima island or go hiking, cycling, canoeing, standup paddleboarding or sailing in a traditional roofed boat on Shimanto River. Other notable attractions include Hirome Market, Makino Botanical Garden, Chikurinji Temple and Kochi Castle. In addition, cruise guests can experience Kochi’s unique okyaku drinking and entertainment culture and taste local dishes like seared bonito. At certain times of the year, they can watch Yosakoi performances, which combine Japanese folk traditions with modern music and dance. To further immerse guests in Japan’s cultural heritage, cruise lines can dock in Kagoshima. Here, guests can take a dashi (soup stock) tour, watch a tea ceremony or try making sushi, Japanese paper and other crafts. Kagoshima is also home to active volcano Mount Sakurajima, a castle, Shiroyama Park, a natural sand bath and Unesco World Cultural Heritage Site Sengan-en, which has 12 acres of traditional Japanese gardens. Other points of interest for cruise guests include Amami-Oshima Island, Ogawa Falls and Yakushima, a Unesco World Heritage island. This article is part of an exclusive four-part series showcasing the varied itinerary options for luxury cruises in Japan. Read more at: bit.ly/471dnbu Photo: TCVB ASIA: REPORT Exploring Japan’s Pacific Coast Incorporating Tokyo, Shizuoka, Wakayama, Kochi and Kagoshima into one voyage enables cruise lines to give guests a glimpse into Japan’s contemporary cities and its spiritual and cultural heritage The Rainbow Bridge suspension bridge over Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji are both landmark sites for visitors
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