GandJTravels: September 20, 2024 - Yokohama, Japan (Tokyo)

We are docked in nearby Yokohama, some 38 klm from Tokyo, why, well not entirely sure but that’s okay we roll with it. We are overnight here, so on the first day we decided to do the 9.5 hour, Best of Tokyo Tour, this included pretty much bumper to bumper 90 minutes of traffic from our port to our first and last stops respectively in Tokyo.

A little bit about Tokyo. Our navigator site states, that Tokyo is the largest city on earth and packed with some of the world’s best shops, museums and restaurants, big and small. While the bright neon lights and the bustle of contemporary Tokyo may be what comes to mind when you think of the city, there is another side. Tokyo's historic gardens and neighborhoods of traditional homes on narrow lanes speak to a timeless Japan that has survived into the 21st century. From here I will add a huge WOW to this city. The size of Tokyo (14 mil) and greater Tokyo (38 mil) is like taking the Eastern Shores of Canada in your right hand and the most Western Shores of Canada in your right hand and squishing them together as tight as you can and then you will have Greater Tokyo as this area encompasses our entire population - just crazy.

Our tour included a visit to the edges of the Imperial Palace, the Asakusa Temple District and the famous shopping Mecca of the Ginza District.

Our tour description read. The wonders of Tokyo are yours to discover on this full day of sightseeing. Travel by motorcoach to the city center, passing famous landmarks en route.

You'll head to the Imperial Palace Plaza in central Tokyo -- home of Japan's Emperor. There will be time to wander in the Plaza, which provides a view of the Fushimi-Yagura watchtower. This famous building is a remnant of the mighty Edo period. You'll also see the famous Nijubashi Bridge.

On a panoramic drive through central Tokyo, you will see the National Diet Building, the Guest House, Tokyo Tower, and several important facilities from the coach.

Your next stop is Asakusa. In ancient times this was a notorious entertainment district, but now it is the location of the beautiful Senso-ji or Kannon Temple. A golden image of the Buddhist goddess, Kannon, is enshrined here. Legend claims the statue was miraculously fished out of the river in AD 628.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant or hotel.

One of Tokyo's best-known areas is the legendary Ginza district -- virtually unequaled for glitz, glamour and good deals. Enjoy some free time at the Ginza; then, return to the ship.

Despite the drive this tour was well worth the time, we took it to maximize our day here to see all the high points of this incredible city. We had ample time at the stops which was nice to have this free time to wonder. We enjoyed the 70 minutes in the temple area and the 75 minutes in the Ginza District. Some people thought that this was too much time in the high end district but I needed an Apple Store and just wondering around here and having a beer was relaxing.

We got back to ship just in time for our dinner at 7:30pm followed by a local troupe that came on board and gave us an excellent show. So a long and eventful day.

Some pics, hope you enjoy…