Silversea Luxury Cruises To OSAKA

Exclusive Kobe Beef Dinner

Reserve: At least 60 days prior to sailing

This tour requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 60 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

This tour is non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason within 60 days of sailing. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this program. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 60 - 0 days prior to the voyage sailing date: 100% of the program fare per person is due.

Savour one of the tastiest and renowned Japanese specialities during this memorable, half-day Kobe beef dining excursion.

Osaka, Transfer to the Dinner Venue

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to the dinner venue. Kobe Beef is a prized Japanese delicacy, and probably the most widely-known regional specialty food in Japan. It is one of several breeds of wagyu (Japanese cattle), which are bred throughout the country and often associated with the area in which they are raised. Kobe beef is probably the best-known type of wagyu outside of Japan. However, there are many other breeds, such as Matsuzaka and Yonezawa beef, that are just as, if not more, famous among Japanese gourmets.

About Kobe beef

Kobe Beef is distinguished as a tender, flavourful meat that is well-marbled with fat. It is produced from pedigreed Tajima-breed cattle that were born and slaughtered in the Hyogo Prefecture. Despite popular rumour, the cows are not usually fed beer or massaged with sake. Once slaughtered, the meat must pass a series of requirements and only the highest grades of meat with exceptionally high levels of fat marbling earn the 'Kobe Beef' label, which is a strictly-guarded trademark.

Kobe beef Dinner

Upon arrival at the dinner venue, you are seated for your Kobe beef dining experience. Your dinner includes an appetizer and a Kobe beef entrée with vegetables, salad, rice and dessert. After dinner, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Savour a unique opportunity to experience an authentic Geisha performance with dinner during this unforgettable, full-day Geisha excursion.

Osaka, Dinner Venue, Japanese Dinner with Geisha Performance

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the dinner venue. Upon arrival, you are seated for a set-menu Japanese dinner accompanied by complimentary beer, wine, shoshu, sake, and soft drinks. During dinner, you are treated to an authentic Geisha performance, a rare treat even for the Japanese people due to its limited public access and a traditional business custom prohibiting first-time visitors from making reservations. In honour of your visit tonight, you have been granted special access to this unique occasion.

About the Geisha Performance

Geishas are professional entertainers who attend to guests during meals and other occasions, and have been wearing kimonos since the Edo Period (1603-1867). They are regarded as 'traditional and iconic Japanese women' who have learned graceful behaviour, traditional customs, and various Japanese arts such as dancing and playing musical instruments. The role of the Geisha is to make guests feel at ease with conversation, using special dialects, drinking games and dance performances. At the conclusion of this special occasion, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Hikone is a small city at the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. The city is most famous for its castle, one of only four castles in Japan designated as national treasures.

Departing from the pier an approximately 90-minute journey will take you to Hikone Castle that was completed in 1622; which was home to the Ii family, who were pillars of the Edo Shogunate government. One of the unique features of the castle is the way the stone walls were built using Koto rhyolites. It was registered in 1992 in UNESCO World Heritage's Tentative List. You can also explore details of the castle building, which was considered a masterpiece of modern castles.

Next, visit the Castle's Genkyu-en Garden. It is a Japanese landscape garden with a central pond and a circular walking trail. It was built on the grounds of Hikone Castle in 1677 by the local lord for the entertainment of his guests and his family. There are four small islands scattered across the pond, connected by bridges. Hikone Castle's main keep stands on the hill behind the garden, serving as "borrowed scenery".

After enjoying the Garden, walk to a nearby local restaurant for a Japanese set-menu meal featuring Omi beef. After lunch a short walk will take you to your next destination; Tea Ceremony where you will learn how a real tea ceremony is conducted and enjoy some tea.

Lastly you will have free time at Castle Road; is a road just outside Hikone Castle's outer moat, which has been recently redesigned in a style combining the look and atmosphere of a former castle town with a pleasant, modern shopping street.

At an appointed time regroup and board the coach for the approximately 2 hours journey back to Osaka and to the pier.

Explore Osaka's feudal and religious past during this memorable sightseeing excursion to the Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

Osaka Castle

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 50-minute drive to the Osaka Castle. Built in the late-16th century, the castle was burned down in a series of 17th-century battles. It was later reconstructed, but its donjon was destroyed by fire once again. The castle's final reconstruction took place in the early-20th century. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour. The first-seven floors of the castle display various weapons, armour and artefacts of a bygone era. The eighth floor features a splendid viewpoint.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Next, re-board your coach for the drive to Sumiyoshi-ku, and a visit to the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Built in the 3rd century, the shrine is beloved by the people of Osaka as the guardian deity for sailors and a deity to bring prosperity. It also serves as the headquarters of over 2,000 Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrines throughout Japan. Some three-million people visit this shrine at the beginning of each new year.

The shrine is home to the first-fourth sanctuaries. Each sanctuary is built in the Sumiyoshi-Zukuri style with straight roofs, the oldest shrine architecture style. They are all designated as national treasures. In the precincts surrounded by woods, over 600 stone garden lanterns stand in a row and a red arched bridge spans over the pond.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the religious legacy and landmarks of Nara during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Todai-ji Temple

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 75-minute drive to Nara, and a visit to the Todai-ji Temple. The temple is famous for its great image of Buddha, a symbol of Nara, and the temple building itself is the largest existing wooden structure in the world. The present temple building was reconstructed in the mid-Edo Period (1603-1867). It measures 187 feet (57 metres) wide, 164 feet (50 metres) deep and 157 feet (48 metres) in height. Leaving the temple, your next stop is the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Originally constructed in 768 A.D. by the Fujiwaras, a prominent feudal family, the shrine has been rebuilt over 50 times in accordance with Shinto custom to purify the site. More than 2,000 stone lanterns line the pathways, and are lit only three times a year on special festival days. Upon arrival, pass through the torii gate to experience the unique architectural style of the shrine, including the shape of the roof and the brilliant vermilion and green halls. Proceed to a local hotel for lunch.

Ryoanji Temple

Your next stop is Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for the greatest Zen rock garden. Authorities argue over when the garden was created; none disagree on its elegance. The garden is 3600 square feet in area and features 15 rocks set in meticulously raked white gravel. The rocks rise from the gravel like small islamds; they are so arranged that one is always hidden from view. It is said that all 15 are visible to enlightened.

Following your visit, commence the approximate 105-minute drive back to the pier.

Spend a day exploring the historic landmarks of Kyoto. Most beautiful famous area Arashiyama and ricksoaw ride at the Bamboo. Some free time for your own experience at the Arashiyama.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryū-ji is the head temple of the Tenryū branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Arashiyama. The temple was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, primarily to venerate Gautama Buddha, and its first chief priest was Musō Soseki. Construction was completed in 1345. As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Go-Daigo, the temple is held in high esteem, and is ranked number one among Kyoto's so-called Five Mountains. In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto".

Arashiyama and Rickshaw Ride to Bamboo Forest

Despite being one of the city's top attractions, the mystical bamboo path at Arashiyama is a great change of pace for your day in Kyoto. A leisurely approx 30 minutes rickshaw ride at the bamboo forest. Also approx 40 minutes free time at the Arashiyama area on your own. The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. "Moon Crossing Bridge") is Arashiyama's most iconic landmark. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background. A lot of local vendors are available for your free time.

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Visit is made at the Golden Pavilion, or 'Kinkaku-ji Temple'. Built as a villa during the Muromachi Period in 1397, the Golden Pavilion was later converted into a temple. The temple burned down in 1950 and rebuilt in 1955. It is three stories in height, and the second and third stories are covered with pure gold foil. The mirror reflection on the still-pond in the garden is marvellous.

Afterwards, re-board your car for the approximate 105-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the splendid beauty and landmarks of bustling Kyoto at your leisure during this full-day, self-guided sightseeing excursion.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Kyoto. From dazzling temples and graceful geishas to colourful shops and exotic delicacies, Japan's seventh-largest city offers something for everyone.

Spectacular, must-see sights to explore during your visit include such UNESCO World Heritage Sites as the Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera and Byodo-in temples, castle, traditional Gion Geisha District, Philosopher's Path, picturesque Arashiyama District, Nijō Castle, and more. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience Kyoto in a unique new way during a full-day, sightseeing excursion to this historic city via bullet train.

Bullet Train to Kyoto and the Golden Pavilion

Your tour begins with a 45-minute drive to the Shin-Osaka Station. Upon arrival, board the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train for the 15-minute ride to Kyoto, then board a coach and drive to the Golden Pavilion, or 'Kinkaku-ji Temple' for an exterior visit. Built as a villa during the Muromachi Period in 1397, the Golden Pavilion was later converted into a temple. The temple burned down in 1950 and rebuilt in 1955. It is three stories in height, and the second and third stories are covered with pure gold foil. The mirror reflection on the still-pond in the garden is marvellous.

Nijo Castle and Lunch

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Nijo Castle, completed in 1626 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Main Court, or 'Hon-maru', burned down in 1788. The only original part remaining is the Second Court, or 'Ni-no-maru'. The present 'Hon-maru', built in 1827, is a replica of the one that originally stood on the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The castle is also renowned for its many cultural treasures dating from the 16th-century Momoyama Era, including the Chinese Gate, or 'Karamon', and the Ni-no-maru Garden. After a stop for lunch, proceed to the Heian Shrine.

Please note that Kyoto City has put together a 21 year plan to restore all 28 of the historical buildings on the Nijo Castle grounds. This is the biggest repair and restoration project since the castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. Some of the buildings may be covered.

Heian Shrine

The shrine, also known as the Shrine of Peace, was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of the Heian-Kyo capital (Kyoto). It is dedicated to two emperors: Emperor Kammu, the first emperor to rule Kyoto, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to live out his reign in the city.

Kyoto Handicraft Centre

Your final stop offers a chance to see a glimpse of local flavour and shop at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre, which caters to foreign tourists. During your visit, some time is made available to browse among the seven stories of traditional crafts, artwork and clothing. Japanese souvenirs, including handcrafted dolls, paper lanterns, kites and Japanese sandals, are also available for sale.

Afterwards, re-board your coach for the approximate 105-minute drive back to the pier.

Embrace the scenic splendour and traditions of Osaka and its surrounds during this delightful, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Mt. Rokko

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 50-minute drive to beautiful Mt. Rokko. Located in southern Hyogo on the northern coast of Osaka Bay, the approximately 3,000-foot (about 914-metre) Mt. Rokko is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range, and equipped with a variety of leisure and sporting activities. Upon arrival, drive to the top of the mountain for a stop at the Mt. Rokko Observatory. Here, take in spectacular panoramic vistas of Kobe's Osaka Bay and, on clear days, the Inland Sea.

Sake Brewery and Museum

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to the Sake Brewery and Museum. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of this large, two-story structure, which is populated by life-size dioramas depicting the various steps involved in sake production. Along the way, learn about the centuries-old history of sake, observe its production process, hear traditional music played through the speakers, view short films and videos, and sample fine quality sake made from the pure water running through the Rokko Mountains. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Spend a day exploring the historic landmarks of Kyoto during this picturesque sightseeing excursion with your exclusive guide in your air-conditioned car.

Kyoto and the Golden Pavilion

Depart the pier for the approximate 105-minute drive to Kyoto. Upon arrival, an exterior visit is made at the Golden Pavilion, or 'Kinkaku-ji Temple'. Built as a villa during the Muromachi Period in 1397, the Golden Pavilion was later converted into a temple. The temple burned down in 1950 and rebuilt in 1955. It is three stories in height, and the second and third stories are covered with pure gold foil. The mirror reflection on the still-pond in the garden is marvellous.

Please note that Kyoto City has put together a 21 year plan to restore all 28 of the historical buildings on the Nijo Castle grounds. This is the biggest repair and restoration project since the castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. Some of the buildings may be covered.

Nijo Castle and Lunch

Next, drive to the Nijo Castle, completed in 1626 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Main Court, or 'Hon-maru', burned down in 1788. The only original part remaining is the Second Court, or 'Ni-no-maru'. The present 'Hon-maru', built in 1827, is a replica of the one that originally stood on the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The castle is also renowned for its many cultural treasures dating from the 16th-century Momoyama Era, including the Chinese Gate, or 'Karamon'. After a stop for lunch, proceed to the Heian Shrine.

Heian Shrine

The shrine, also known as the 'Shrine of Peace', was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of the Heian-Kyo capital (Kyoto). It is dedicated to two emperors: Emperor Kammu, the first emperor to rule Kyoto, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to live out his reign in the city.

Kyoto Handicraft Centre

Your final stop offers a chance to see a glimpse of local flavour and shop at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre, which caters to foreign tourists. During your visit, time is made available to browse among the seven stories of traditional crafts, artwork and clothing. Japanese souvenirs, including handcrafted dolls, paper lanterns, kites and Japanese sandals, are also available for sale.

Afterwards, re-board your car for the approximate 105-minute drive back to the pier.

Spend a day exploring the historic landmarks of Kyoto during this picturesque sightseeing excursion with your exclusive guide in your air-conditioned van.

Kyoto and the Golden Pavilion

Depart the pier for the approximate 105-minute drive to Kyoto. Upon arrival, an exterior visit is made at the Golden Pavilion, or 'Kinkaku-ji Temple'. Built as a villa during the Muromachi Period in 1397, the Golden Pavilion was later converted into a temple. The temple burned down in 1950 and rebuilt in 1955. It is three stories in height, and the second and third stories are covered with pure gold foil. The mirror reflection on the still-pond in the garden is marvellous.

Please note that Kyoto City has put together a 21 year plan to restore all 28 of the historical buildings on the Nijo Castle grounds. This is the biggest repair and restoration project since the castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. Some of the buildings may be covered.

Nijo Castle and Lunch

Next, drive to the Nijo Castle, completed in 1626 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Main Court, or 'Hon-maru', burned down in 1788. The only original part remaining is the Second Court, or 'Ni-no-maru'. The present 'Hon-maru', built in 1827, is a replica of the one that originally stood on the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The castle is also renowned for its many cultural treasures dating from the 16th-century Momoyama Era, including the Chinese Gate, or 'Karamon'. After a stop for lunch, proceed to the Heian Shrine.

Heian Shrine

The shrine, also known as the 'Shrine of Peace', was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of the Heian-Kyo capital (Kyoto). It is dedicated to two emperors: Emperor Kammu, the first emperor to rule Kyoto, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to live out his reign in the city.

Kyoto Handicraft Centre

Your final stop offers a chance to see a glimpse of local flavour and shop at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre, which caters to foreign tourists. During your visit, time is made available to browse among the seven stories of traditional crafts, artwork and clothing. Japanese souvenirs, including handcrafted dolls, paper lanterns, kites and Japanese sandals, are also available for sale.

Afterwards, re-board your van for the approximate 105-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Osaka at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Osaka at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Osaka at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Osaka at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Teppanyaki Restaurant, Teppanyaki Demonstration & Dinner

Depart the pier for approximately 30-minute drive to the Teppanyaki Restaurant. Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. The word teppanyaki is derived from teppan, which means iron plate, and yaki, which means grilled, broiled, or pan-fried. On this tour, the chef will cook meats and vegetables for you and right in front of you.

After your special dinner, enjoy your panoramic tour berore getting back to the pier.

Tsutenkaku Tower

In 1912 the tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower of Paris. At that time it was the tallest (64 m) tower in Asia and was a symbol of Osaka. Rebuilt in 1956, the present-day tower of 103 m offers a sweeping view of Osaka City as well as Awaji Island, and the Rokko and Ikoma mountain ranges.

Dotombori Street

One of the symbols of Osaka and beloved by residents, Dotonbori is a dense area of restaurants and amusement spots located along the south bank of the Dotonbori Canal. Osaka is a food-lover's delight and neon-lit Dotonbori offers hundreds of eateries with the unofficial motto of "cheap but delicious." The area began as an entertainment district and still has Bunraku (puppet show) theaters, halls for Rakugo (comic story-telling) and, of course, movie theaters. The area is often featured in both domestic and foreign films as it typifies the lively spirit of Osaka.

Enjoy a bird's eye view of Osaka, Japan's second largest city.

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive to the Shitenno-ji Temple. The temple was built in the late 6^th-century by a son of the Emperor Yomej

Shitenno-ji Temple

One of Japan's oldest temples, Shittenno-ji was the first to be built by the state and was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. While several of the temple's buildings have burned down several times throughout the centuries, they have always been carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6^th-century design. You guide will escort you around the outer temple grounds. Once inside the temple, see the Gokuraku-jodo Garden, the pebble covered courtyard with a five-storied pagoda, and the Main Hall where Prince Shotoku is enshrined as a statue of Kannon.

Umeda Sky Building

After the temple visit, re-board the coach and drive to the Ukeda area and the Umeda Sky Building, one of the tallest buildings in Osaka and a most recognizable landmark. At 567 feet high (173 metres), the building consists of two 40-story towers that connect at their two uppermost stories, with bridges and an escalator crossing the wide atrium-like space in the center. From the Sky Walk enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Osaka.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.