Silversea Luxury Cruises A KOBE

On this tour of Kobe's highlights, visit one of city's best sake breweries. Kobe's excellent sake is attributed to its cold weather and high quality rice. Afterwards, visit Sorakuen to see a magnificent Japanese garden.

Sake Brewery Visit & Tasting

Depart Kobe port for a 30-minute transfer to one of Kobe's best sake breweries. Sake means "alcohol" in Japanese but also refers to a local specialty made from fermented rice. Rice sake is called "Nihonshu," meaning Japanese sake. The popularity of sake extends far beyond Japan and you can find it at many restaurants and bars around the world. Many sake breweries operate in the Nada district and offer a sampling of their brand. After your sake tasting, visit their exhibition hall and have the option to purchase your favorite bottle.

Japanese-style Sorakuen Garden

Next, a 25-minute transfer will take you to Sorakuen Garden, which has a traditional Japanese landscape and has been designated as a "place of serene beauty." Completed in the early 20^th century, the gardens used to be part of the Kodera Kenkichi residence, the former mayor of Kobe. It has been open to the public since 1941.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for a 15-minute transfer back to the ship.

Explore three of Kyoto's marquee attractions: the impressive Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and a traditional tea ceremony. Kyoto served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 AD until 1868. Steeped in history, Kyoto is home to approximately a quarter of Japan's National Treasures boasting countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures.

Nijo Castle

Depart from the pier to Shinkobe Station where board the Shinkansen Bullet Train (approximately 30 minutes ride) toward Kyoto, an immensely historical city renowned for spectacular architecture, which includes thousands of Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines. To save time and enjoy additional free time in Kyoto, opt for a "Shinkansen" bullet train add-on. From the port to Shinkobe station is roughly 20 minutes. Following your 30-minute bullet train ride, take a 20-minute motor coach to Nijo Castle, a fortification of Cypress wood built in 1603 as the residence of the Tokugawa Clan.

An esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle is protected by a moat, stone walls and ingenious nightingale floors, which chirp like a bird when walked upon to alert the guards of potential intruders.

Tea Ceremony, Local Restaurant

After having lunch at a local restaurant, you will have the chance to attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which is an extension of Zen Buddhism. The tea master will show you how to serve properly so you will enjoy the intense flavor of Matcha along with Japanese traditional sweets.

Kinkakuji Temple

Your last stop will be made at Kyoto's most famous landmark, Kinkakuji Temple - (The Golden Pavilion). Built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu as a villa in 1397, the three-story home was converted to a temple by Yoshimitsu's son. The Golden Pavilion follows the Shinden style of the Heian Period by being positioned at the edge of a tranquil pond. The three-story Chinese-influenced Golden Pavilion has delicately curving roofs, with the walls and eaves of the second and third stories covered in shimmering gold leaf. View the exterior of the pavilion and walk through the peaceful gardens, marveling at the mirror reflection of the temple on the still pond.

At the conclusion of your tour, board your coach for an approxiamtely 100-minute drive back to the port.

You will visit two major sites in Himeji, which is the second largest city of Hyogo Prefecture after Kobe. First one is Himeji Castle which is widely considered to be Japan's most beautiful feudal castle. Next destination is Kokoen Garden adjacent to Himeji Castle.

Himeji Castle

Following a 1.5-hour drive, arrive at Himeji Castle. Its white appearance has a nickname of Shirasagi-jo, or white heron, and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1993. Featuring huge, central pillars to support the castle, it's a mystery how they were able to build it in ancient times. From the top of the castle, you will be able to enjoy the panoramic view as reward for climbing up all the steps.

Kokoen Garden

Next destination is Kokoen Garden adjacent to Himeji Castle. The garden is on the former site of the feudal lord's residence and consists of 9 separate gardens. There are many kinds of flowers that bloom throughout the year.

After your visit, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive back to the port.

Visit the Nada District, Japan's top sake producing region to visit one of the most well-known sake brewery museums, where guests can get a feel for Japan's culture through the art of sake production. Sake tasting and a tour of the production facility are included. Afterwards, have lunch at a local restaurant and taste the world-famous Kobe beef.

Sake Brewery Visit & Tasting

Depart Kobe port for a 30-minute transfer to one of Kobe's best sake breweries. Sake means "alcohol" in Japanese but also refers to a local specialty made from fermented rice. Rice sake is called "Nihonshu," meaning Japanese sake. The popularity of sake extends far beyond Japan and you can find it at many restaurants and bars around the world. Many sake breweries operate in the Nada district and offer a sampling of their brand. After your sake tasting, visit their exhibition hall and have the option to purchase your favorite bottle.

World-famous Kobe Beef Lunch

Next, a 30-minute transfer will take you to an authentic, local restaurant to have a taste of the world-famous Kobe beef. This meat is renowned for its mouth-watering flavor, tenderness and high amount of intramuscular fat, giving it a marbled appearance. Kobe cows are given beer to induce appetite and are massaged daily to increase their physical and mental wellness.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for a 15-minute transfer back to the port.

Enjoy an unguided, full day in Kyoto to explore at your own leisure. Kyoto served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 AD until 1868. Steeped in history, Kyoto is home to approximately a quarter of Japan's National Treasures boasting countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures.

Free Time in Kyoto

Depart from the pier and transfer 2 hours inland toward Kyoto, an immensely historic city renowned for spectacular architecture, which includes thousands of Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines. Your tour escort will offer suggestions of places to visit, restaurants and will also provide a map for each guest. You will then be dropped off in the center of Kyoto and have free time all day to explore this iconic city.

Discover the spiritual side of Nara during visits to three UNESCO World Heritage Site temples. You will visit Todai-ji temple, originally built in 728 AD and renowned for the bronze Buddha statue and Kasuga-Taisha shrine. After lunch at traditional Nara hotel, you will be transferred to Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous sites.

Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Depart the port for a 1.5 hour transfer to Nara. As you stroll through the temple, you will likely see many deer. They are considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion and are allowed to roam freely here. At the celebrated Kasuga-Taisha shrine, admire more than 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns that have been donated by worshippers and now line the pathways and hang from the buildings.

Lunch at Nara Hotel

Your lunch will be served at a traditional Nara hotel which was built in 1909. While you are enjoying the lunch, witness how beautifully the hotel is preserved.

Osaka Castle

One of Japan's most famous castles, it played a major role in the Unification of Japan during the 16th century. Built on a plot of land almost one-mile square, the castle compound contains thirteen structures, designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government. The central castle building is five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside, built atop a massive stone foundation that protected its occupants from sword-bearing attackers. Of particular interest are the tower's ornamental ride-end roof tiles, and bas-reliefs carved in the shape of crouching tigers, all gilded with gold. An engaging museum occupies the interior of the building, tracing the history of the castle from the late 1500s to the present day, housing Osaka's most significant historical and cultural artifacts.

At the conclusion of your tour, board your coach for a 50-minute drive back to the port.

Explore Japan's third largest city, Osaka, on this intriguing half-day tour. One of the gateways to ancient Japan for traders from China, Korea and the Asian continent, Osaka played a vital role in the introduction of new technologies in ceramics, forging, construction and engineering. Today, this modern Port City combines historical and cultural attractions with all the delights of a Japanese urban marvel.

Osaka Castle,

Following a 60-minute drive, see the impressive landmark, Osaka Castle. One of Japan's most famous castles, it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Built on a plot of land almost one square mile, the castle compound contains thirteen structures, designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government. The central castle building is five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside, built atop a massive stone foundation that protected its occupants from sword-bearing attackers. Of particular interest are the tower's ornamental ride-end roof tiles, and bas-reliefs carved in the shape of crouching tigers, all gilded with gold. An engaging museum occupies the interior of the building, tracing the history of the castle from the late 1500s to the present day, and housing Osaka's most significant historical and cultural artifacts.

Shitennoji Temple

After a guided tour of the castle, proceed to the Sitennoji Temple which was constructed over 1400 years ago to commemorate the victory of the war and to provide relief and settlement for the king. Today, the Shitennoji temple remains as one of the oldest architectural styles that are preserved today in Japan.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for a 50-minute drive back to the ship.

Live like a local on this special tour, which allows you to experience a slice of Kyoto life. You'll start in "Kyoto's kitchen," the Nishiki Market which a small, narrow shopping street lined with more than 100 shops and restaurants. You will then walk to a nearby cooking studio to learn how to make Donburi (rice bowl) which is popular among the locals. After enjoying your lunch and sake tasting, visit a historic Machiya House which handcrafts traditional kimonos. Dressers will outfit you in a kimono for some photos with the backdrop of the authentic, Japanese home.

Nishiki Market Visit with a Cooking Instructor, Cooking (Rice Bowl with Tempura), Sake Tasting

Depart Kobe port for a 2-hour transfer by motor coach. To save time and enjoy additional free time in Kyoto, opt for a "Shinkansen" bullet train add-on. From the port to Shinkobe station is roughly 20 minutes. Following your 30-minute bullet train ride, take a 25-minute motor coach to Nishiki Market. The market has a long history and many shops have been in operation for several centuries. Your cooking instructor will meet you at the market and you will seek out some of the key ingredients you'll use to make lunch. Following the market, a five-minute walk will lead you to the cooking studio, where you'll learn how to make your own Donbur (rice bowl) whilst enjoying a sake tasting.

Kimono Wearing in Machiya

After lunch, board your coach for a 30-minute transfer to Nishi-jin. The area is famous for its Nishi-jin-ori, or Nishi-jin silk weaving native to Kyoto. Visit a historic Machiya House, which used to sell kimonos made from this fabric. Peek inside this typical Kyoto-style house and learn why it was constructed the way it is. Lastly, the main attraction will be the kimono-wearing experience. Dressers will help you tie the kimono so you can take photos with the backdrop of an authentic, Japanese home.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for a 2-hour transfer back to the port.

For those guests interested in touring Kyoto independently, we are pleased to provide this opportunity for a full day's discovery of the city and its surrounding areas at your leisure, in the comfort of your own private van. Enjoy the flexibility of creating your own itinerary in which to explore this fascinating region of Japan with friends and family, if you wish.

Your full-day outing includes an air-conditioned van with a driver and an English-speaking guide. Participation is limited for comfort to up to 2 guests per car. Price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party need reserve this program.

Spend a half day exploring Kobe at your leisure. In the comfort of your own private car, discover the city and its surrounding areas with a knowledgeable guide. Create your own itinerary, see sights at your own pace with friends and family if you wish, and learn about this fascinating part of Japan.

Your half-day outing includes an air-conditioned van with driver and an English-speaking guide. Participation is limited for comfort to up to 2 guests per car. Price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party need reserve this program.

For those guests interested in touring Kyoto independently, we are pleased to provide this opportunity for a full day's discovery of the city and its surrounding areas at your leisure, in the comfort of your own private van. Enjoy the flexibility of creating your own itinerary in which to explore this fascinating region of Japan with friends and family, if you wish.

Your full-day outing includes an air-conditioned van with a driver and an English-speaking guide. Participation is limited for comfort to up to 4 guests per van. Price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party need reserve this program.

Spend a half day exploring Kobe at your leisure. In the comfort of your own private van, discover the city and its surrounding areas with a knowledgeable guide. Create your own itinerary, see sights at your own pace with friends and family if you wish, and learn about this fascinating part of Japan.

Your half-day outing includes an air-conditioned van with driver and an English-speaking guide. Participation is limited for comfort to up to 4 guests per van. Price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party need reserve this program.

The Kobe Beef is renowned for its mouth-watering flavor, tenderness, and high amount of intramuscular fat, giving the meat a marbled appearance. Visit a local restaurant for dinner to indulge in this prestigious delicacy.

Kobe Beef Dinner, Teppanyaki Restaurant

From the pier, board your coach for a 15-minute transfer directly to the restaurant. This evening will be all about the internationally acclaimed Kobe Beef. It is often cited that the cows are given beer to induce appetite, massaged daily and given the utmost treatment in its raising.

Afterward, return to your coach for a 15-minute transfer back to the ship.