Program Subject to Change
Step back in time in Kyoto and experience the natural scenery, temples, and shrines that intermingle with a poignant historical beauty. Visit Kinkakuji temple, Nijo Castle, and Heian Jingu Shrine and feel true aspects of the Japanese culture. Then, take the famous Shinkansen, Japanese bullet train, to Tokyo which is a world renowned metropolis and the center of Japanese economy, politics, and culture. Combine the old and new on this tour of Japan's most legendary cities.
Please note: guests should schedule flights into Osaka's Kansai Airport to begin this program.
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Japan. It is the responsibility of the guest to obtain the appropriate visas before your cruise.
DAY 1 - ARRIVE OSAKA / KYOTO
Arriving at Osaka's Kansai airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel in Kyoto. If your flight arrives significantly earlier than 1:00pm, you might consider adding an additional night to your program to insure that you can check in immediately upon arrival. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the Westin Miyako Hotel - Kyoto
DAY 2 - KYOTO
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today includes a full day of sightseeing including a visit to Nijo Castle to examine the sumptuous paintings and carvings. With parts of the complex dating from the 15th-century, this "fortress" has more in common with a regal estate rather than a defensive structure.
From here, continue on to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. It was built by Shogun Shikaga Yoshimitsu as a villa in the Muromachi Period in 1397 and later converted to a Zen temple. Though guests are not permitted to enter, the top two floors of this structure are completely covered in gold leaf and make for stunning photos. Afterward, lunch is served at a local restaurant.
This afternoon's schedule includes a visit to the Heian Shrine, built to commemorate Kyoto's 1100th birthday. From there, continue on to the Kiyomizu Temple. The main hall, together with the stage, was completely built without the use of nails. Kiyomizu Temple is doing restoration work until 2022.
Return to the hotel at the end of the afternoon. This evening, dinner in a local restaurant is accompanied by a performance of a Maiko Girl.
Overnight at the Westin Miyako Hotel - Kyoto
DAY 3 - KYOTO / TOKYO
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel as well as some free time this morning exploring on your own. The National Museum of Art, Kyoto is a mere half-mile (0.8km) away. You will find a variety of exhibits here include paintings, prints, sculpture, crafts and photography.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant as you make your way to the train station for the JR super express train to Tokyo.
Once in Tokyo you will be transferred to the magnificent Imperial Hotel, where royalty and celebrities have been welcomed for over 100 years. The balance of the day, including dinner, is on your own this evening.
Overnight at the Imperial Hotel - Tokyo
DAY 4 - TOKYO
After breakfast at the hotel this morning, spend the day exploring several major Tokyo landmarks, most notably the Imperial Palace Plaza and one of the oldest temples in the city, the Sensoji Temple, also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple. At mid-day, enjoy a teppanyaki lunch, where your meal is dramatically prepared on a hot griddle in front of you. This afternoon's sites include the Shinto Meiji Jingu Shrine. Then, enjoy the panoramic view of the city available from the top floors of the Tokyo City Hall - with luck you might even see Mt. Fuji! Return to the hotel afterward, and enjoy the evening and dinner on your own.
Overnight at the Imperial Hotel - Tokyo
DAY 5 - TOKYO
Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. You have several hours at your leisure before the coach departs for the pier for embarkation.
For rates and availability please contact Silversea Cruises
Please note: Guests will be expected to remove their shoes in order to enter some of the sites as well as at the local Japanese restaurants included in this program.
Program Inclusions:
- Two nights at the Westin Miyako, (or similar) Kyoto - Deluxe Room
- Two nights at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo - Superior Room
- Included Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Transfers: Kansai Airport to Westin Miyako Kyoto, first-class reserved seating on JR Super Express Train from Kyoto to Tokyo, Imperial Hotel to Tokyo Harumi Pier
Luggage Information:
All luggage travels with you throughout this tour. Please note that luggage is transported between Kyoto and Tokyo via truck, and is not loaded on the express train with you. Japan's high speed trains do not have any luggage storage space. Your hand carry items will need to sit on your lap for the duration of the journey.
Visa Information:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Japan. It is the responsibility of the guest to obtain the appropriate visas before your cruise.
Accessibility:
This tour is accessible to all guests; however complete access to several sites may be difficult for mobility impaired guests.
Minimum Participation:
All Land Programs require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not obtained, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel a specific departure.
This description is a general overview of the highlights of this program. The local Silversea representative will do everything possible to insure that all of the sites described here are visited, though the tour sequence and specific sites mentioned is subject to change. Closure of some sites due to local or national holiday observances, flight schedules or other factors may affect the program, and the local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if necessary.
Please note: Gratuities to guides/drivers, meals and alcoholic drinks other than those noted in itinerary, and other personal expenses are not included in the price of this tour.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years or age and older. This description is a general overview of this programme. Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require. The programme described here is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.