Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, encapsulates the past and the future with centuries-old forms of art and culture existing alongside the pop culture and technology of today.

The main port servicing Tokyo is the Port of Yokohama, 45 minutes by road south of Tokyo CBD. Any pre or post-cruise stay in Tokyo is essential to experience everything this truly unique city has to offer. Some of the main areas of Tokyo include Central, Eastern, Western and Southern Tokyo with each area offering different experiences.

Central Tokyo contains the areas of Ginza, Akihabara, and Tsukiji. Ginza is the CBD of the city and houses some of Tokyo’s original department stores with the backstreets of the area dotted with boutique shops and outstanding bistro’s. Akihabara is also known as “electric town”. Once there, you will see why it has been given this nickname with the area jam-packed with shops selling all types of electronics and IT equipment. It is also a great place to people watch as it has now become a centre for fans of Japanese subcultures and cosplayers and you're bound to see a few locals dressed as their favourite characters.

Tsukiji is the centre of seafood in Tokyo; if you want to sample some of the freshest sushi then this is the place to go. The area was the site of the old fish markets up until 2018 when it was moved to another part of the city due to the Olympics. The area is walkable from Ginza and still houses various restaurants as well as unique souvenir shops selling everything from seawood to sushi knives and handmade ceramics.

Eastern Tokyo is home to the districts of Asakusa and Ryogoku. Asukusa is an area centred around Sensoji Temple which is surrounded by water and is steeped in tradition. The area is a place to experience true Japanese traditions, arts and crafts, and traditional streets filled with stalls. Ryogoku is another traditional district of Tokyo where you can visit tiny workshops as well as sumo stables to view these bulky wrestlers training for the next Sumo Tournament. The area is also home to a number of museums covering everything from Sumo history, Japanese swords to Edo-period artifacts.

Shinjuku and Shibuya are found in Western Tokyo and are among the most interesting areas of the city. The world’s busiest train station is located in Shinjuku (Shinjuku Train Station) with 2-3 million passengers passing through the station every day! Shinjuku is also home to Golden Gai, 6,600 square metres in size with 200 bars, clubs, and hole-in-the-wall eateries squeezed in. Most bars and eateries are so small they can only seat 6-9 people at a time, with most bars themed with the owner's favourite artist, sports team, or movie star. The area comes alive at around 9 pm each evening and is well worth a wander down its narrow alleys to experience a different side of the city.

Shibuya is the frenetic centre of Japanese culture and home to probably one of the most famous pedestrian crossings in the world. The area is home to youth fashion and culture and many of the fashion and entertainment trends of the country originate in these streets. As with most areas of Tokyo, shopping is also an option here with over a dozen major department store branches in the area.

Wherever you stay or visit in Tokyo, there is something just around the corner.