Celebrity Cruises Best of Japan the Ultimate Itinerary Guide

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As a self-confessed bargain hunter, I’m always on the lookout for great deals. This ranges from grocery items, to clothes shopping, to… you guessed it, family vacations! So, when I came across an unbelievable holiday discount for Celebrity Cruises Best of Japan 12 nights aboard the Celebrity Millennium, I knew I had to seize the opportunity.

It was 18 months in advance when I booked on an amazing earlybird deal, I can tell you that the price never got lower. I couldn’t help but check. People have the idea that booking last minute is cheaper, but this is generally not true. Unless it is off-peak and the supplier is struggling to fill cabins, or it is a repositioning cruise, which are renowned for being fabulously affordable.

However, we travelled during Japan’s peak summer holiday season, which was the middle of winter school break for us in Australia. The ship was completely sold out. Luckily, we secured two cabins, an Interior twin for our teenage sons, and a queen Oceanview room directly opposite for my husband and I.

How Did We Book Our Celebrity Cruise Best of Japan Holiday?

Booking our Best of Japan cruise adventure was a breeze thanks to some fantastic online tools. Here are the ones I personally used to secure the best deals.

• Cruise: Deck Chair Cruising
• Accommodation: Agoda
• Activities: Klook & Get Your Guide

Celebrity Cruises Best of Japan the Ultimate Itinerary Guide

I really didn’t know much about travelling in Japan before booking the cruise. This meant a lot of research went into discovering what to see and do in each port, and how to get from the port to sights and activities.

We didn’t want to do any shore tours with the cruise line, so we had to plan out our own itinerary for port days. If you are doing a similar cruise in Japan, read on for details of each port, including port address, what we did in each port, how we got around, and what the family thought of each destination.

If you want to know a bit more about onboard inclusions, like what drinks are included without a drinks package on a Celebrity cruise – I have you covered there too.

YOKOHAMA PORT, JAPAN

Port address: Osanbashi Wharf 1 Chome-1 Kaigandori, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0002, Japan

Our adventure kicked off from the Yokohama cruise port, but getting there from our pre-cruise stay in Shibuya was an adventure in itself. With four of us, each hauling a large suitcase, we barely managed to fit into a taxi. One of the suitcases even ended up on the floor between my legs in the back seat! The hour-long taxi ride set us back 18,000 JPY (about $180 AUD or $120 USD).

Once we arrived, boarding was a breeze. The staff greeted us warmly, took our luggage, and even helped secure our pre-printed tags. We simply scanned our Celebrity cruise app to confirm our online check-in, received our cruise cards, and quickly made our way to our rooms.

KOBE PORT, JAPAN

Port address: Kobe Port Terminal 4-5 Shinkocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0041, Japan

Kobe welcomed us with open arms, and endless shopping opportunities. One thing we quickly learned is that stores in Japan open later than what we’re used to back home, so there is no need for a morning rush. We caught the free cruise shuttle to Chinatown, and from there, began our leisurely exploration of the city.

Our first stop was Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street, a treasure trove of boutiques, cafés, and stores offering a wide array of items, from fashion pieces to local treats. It was the perfect place to browse and soak in the local atmosphere. Chinatown itself had a vibrant, energetic vibe. The beautiful stone statues representing the 12 zodiac animals added a touch of tradition, and the sheer number of food vendors was staggering.

Kobe Harborland

One of the best things about Chinatown is its proximity to Kobe Harborland, a dynamic waterfront area just a short walk away. You can spot the Ferris wheel from the ship as you dock, and it’s even more stunning when it lights up at night. We ended up spending hours in the Kobe Harborland Umie shopping mall. It was massive, with everything from stores that reminded us of Target or Kmart to well-known chains like Uniqlo and ABC-Mart.

Umie is divided into several sections, and we made our way through them all! Starting with the North Mall, moving to the South, and finally finishing at Mosaic, the charming waterfront area. Looking back, I wish I had bought more clothes during our visit – everything was so affordable, and I’ve been wearing the pieces I did buy on repeat ever since. At 5’3″, I found that Japanese clothing, especially the pants, fit me far better than anything I can grab off the shelf in Australia.

KYOTO (OSAKA) PORT, JAPAN

Port address: Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal Japan, 〒552-0021 Osaka, Minato Ward, Chikko, 3 Chome−11−8

As soon as I saw Osaka on the itinerary, I knew that we’d spend the day at Universal Studios Japan (USJ). The easiest means of transport from the port to USJ was by taxi. I had read that there is a ferry option as well, but it was a super rainy day and a taxi ride was only about 10 minutes long. It’s so close to the port that you can see USJ from the ship while it’s docked.

The weather wasn’t exactly on our side, it rained almost the entire day. But in a way, the rain added to the charm, especially in Harry Potter World. It felt like stepping straight into a scene from the movies, mist rising from the cobblestones, everyone huddled with their butterbeer in hand. That butterbeer, by the way, was everything we had imagined – sweet, rich, and delicious. My husband is already keen for another trip to ANY Universal Studios just so he can buy another round.

Mario World was another universe entirely, bursting with colour, energy, and nostalgia. Koopa’s Challenge was an absolute blast. It’s one of those rides where you can’t help but feel like a kid again. We slowed down for lunch at Azzurra di Capri, located in the New York section of the park. This was one of the few options in USJ that had something vegan friendly, along with Finnegan’s Bar and Grill, where we had a delicious dinner.

Universal Studios Tickets

Buy Your Universal Studios Japan Tickets: Klook

Osaka has so much to offer, but Universal was at the top of our list, just as Disneyland and Disneysea had been for Tokyo. We knew it would be a busy place, so we planned ahead and bought fast passes from Klook. Looking back, it was easily one of the best decisions we made for the trip. It saved us from the long lines, allowing us to fully explore the areas we’d been dreaming about without wasting precious time. The park is massive, and with the Express Pass 7 fast passes, we managed to see and experience so much more than we could have otherwise. *You also need to buy entry tickets to USJ park separately.

HIROSHIMA PORT, JAPAN

Port address: Port of Hiroshima, Itsukaichi 2 Chome-3-7 Itsukaichiko, Saeki Ward, Hiroshima, 731-5161, Japan

Hiroshima was one of the most profound and memorable stops on our Celebrity cruises best of Japan itinerary. After arriving in the port, we took the free cruise shuttle to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The park is beautifully serene, a space that invites quiet reflection, but it’s the history surrounding it that really hits you.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

We began our day in Hiroshima at the Peace Memorial Museum. After arriving, we decided to hire audio self-guided tours from the ticket counter. It was a good way to navigate the museum’s powerful exhibits at our own pace. Each section of the museum provides a detailed look into the tragic events of August 6, 1945. It was extremely confronting, especially for our two teenage boys who didn’t know much about the history beforehand. Each exhibit echoed the same message, the importance of peace, and the resilience of humanity in the face of unimaginable suffering.

Hiroshima Castle

After the intensity of the Museum and Peace Park, we walked on to Hiroshima Castle. The castle, a beautiful reconstruction of the original that was destroyed in 1945, stands proudly in the middle of the city. There is a small fee to enter, and once paid you can climb to the top of the building. We stopped at each floor on the way up to view the exhibits, which were rich with the history of the region.

Shukkeien Gardens

From there, we continued our DIY walking tour to the Shukkeien Gardens. There is a small entrance fee (260 JPY) to visit the gardens, and you can also purchase some food pellets to feed the gorgeous koi fish that reside in the ponds. Many turtles also join in for a feast as soon as you throw the food into the water. Tiny bridges arching over koi-filled ponds, lush greenery, and picturesque teahouses nestled in quiet corners, was a perfect way to end such an emotionally heavy day.

By the time we finished at the gardens, we realized it was getting late, and we had quite a long walk back to where we had started. So, instead of retracing our steps and catching the free shuttle, we decided to catch a taxi back to the ship.

NAGASAKI PORT, JAPAN

Port address: 7-16 Matsugaemachi, Nagasaki, 850-0921, Japan

Our port day in Nagasaki turned into a more relaxed, laid-back experience. My husband, Shayne, and our eldest son, Rahmi, weren’t feeling their best, so instead of braving the wet and humid weather for any extensive sightseeing, we decided to enjoy some casual downtime. We caught a taxi from the cruise terminal and headed to Youme Town Shopping Centre, a fantastic all-in-one destination for anything and everything Japanese. It was the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy. We strolled through the shops, picking up unique souvenirs, snacks, and even a few fashion finds. It was a pleasant way to spend the day, taking things slow while still soaking up a bit of the local culture.

JEJU ISLAND PORT, SOUTH KOREA

Port address: 80, Noyeon-ro, Maison Glad Jeju, Jeju, Jeju Island

Everyone was buzzing with excitement about our stop in South Korea, though with only a short window of time, it was tricky to arrange an independent tour while ensuring we’d be back on the ship in time. If there’s one port where I’d recommend taking a shore excursion organized by the cruise line, this would be it.

When we docked at Jeju Island, the complimentary shuttle bus to the city center was a convenient and easy option. It was about a 15-20 minute ride, giving us our first real glimpse of Jeju’s unique landscape. The shuttle dropped us off near Dongmun Traditional Market, the Jejumok Gwana Government Office, and Jungang Underground Shopping Centre. Since we arrived fairly early, around 9am, the city was still waking up, and most of the shops hadn’t opened yet.

We took this opportunity to wander through Dongmun Market, which was already beginning to bustle with activity. The market is famous for its Jeju oranges, and the stalls were overflowing with the bright, juicy fruit. Even though we couldn’t do much shopping at that hour, it was a great chance to soak up the local atmosphere and snap a few photos of the vibrant stalls and the surrounding area.

By the time we made our way to the underground shopping center, many stores were still closed, and it didn’t quite live up to expectations. It was a mix of local crafts, cosmetics, and clothing, and while it wasn’t the most exciting stop, we did find a lovely vendor who sold us some souvenirs. His warm smile and friendly chat made the experience special, reminding us that sometimes the smallest encounters are the most memorable.

KAGOSHIMA PORT, JAPAN

Port address: Marine Port Kagoshima large cruise ships, Chuokoshinmachi, Kagoshima, 890-0076, Japan

Disembarking at Kagoshima port was easily the most frustrating experience of our entire trip. After leaving Japan for a brief visit to South Korea, we had to go through customs again to re-enter the country. What should have been a smooth process ended up wasting hours of our day on board the Celebrity Millennium. Numbers were handed out, and we weren’t allowed to leave the ship until our group was called. Unfortunately, we were assigned a higher number, so our wait felt endless. It was disappointing, especially knowing how much we wanted to explore Kagoshima.

Once we finally made it off the ship, things started to look up. We hopped on the free shuttle to the Waterfront Park, and from there, walked over to the ferry terminal. Our destination? Sakurajima! The island home to an active volcano. Even though the weather wasn’t ideal – overcast skies and rain that seemed to follow us everywhere – we weren’t going to let it spoil our adventure.

The ferry ride was quick and scenic, and as we approached Sakurajima, we could see the volcano gently puffing ash into the air. It was surreal to witness this powerful force of nature so calmly at work, a constant reminder of the island’s dynamic geology. Once we arrived, we set off to explore the island’s scenic paths. Despite the moody weather, the landscape had a wild, rugged beauty to it. At the visitor centre, we learned about the volcano’s history and its impact on the region, which made the experience even more immersive.

MT FUJI SHIMIZU PORT, JAPAN

Port address: Japan, 〒424-0922 Shizuoka, Shimizu Ward, Hinodecho, 10−80 清水マリンターミナル ２F

In Shimizu, the weather wasn’t ideal, dreary skies and a persistent drizzle set the tone for the day. Despite the less-than-perfect conditions, we remained hopeful for a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Given the tropical weather, we decided to stay close to the port and explore S-Pulse Dream Plaza, a nearby shopping centre. The plaza was a welcome refuge from the humidity and rain, offering a fantastic mix of shops, eateries, and even an arcade to keep us entertained. We spent the day meandering through the various stores, discovering local goods, and enjoying the indoor comforts.

Throughout the day, we ventured outside a few times, hoping for a break in the clouds. Finally, our patience was rewarded with a fleeting view of Mount Fuji… just long enough to take in its majesty before it was again hidden by clouds.

YOKOHAMA PORT, TOKYO, JAPAN

Arriving back into Tokyo and disembarking was just as easy as it was on embarkation day. We chose not to leave our luggage outside our room the night before, instead carrying it off with us so that we could leave whenever we wanted (once docked). To avoid any taxi issues, we pre-booked our transfer from the port to our Akhihabara accommodation in advance, however, there were plenty of taxi’s waiting outside the cruise terminal.

CRUISE INCLUSIONS & OUR DAYS AT SEA

Our days at sea aboard the Celebrity Millennium offered a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. The ship had an array of activities and amenities that catered to all tastes, making our sea days just as memorable as our time on land.

CELEBRITY CRUISES ENTERTAINMENT

One of the highlights was the live entertainment, and all of us were captivated by a talented violinist from Australia. Katei, who performed a mixture of pieces that ranged from Anime theme music to rock anthems, had the entire audience spellbound. The theatre productions were equally impressive, with high-energy performances featuring skilled singers, dancers and aerialists. From the Broadway-style shows to musical tributes, the caliber of talent on board made every performance a treat.

For something more interactive, the kids and I had a blast at the silent disco! It’s a fun and unique experience where everyone dances to music through wireless headphones, each person vibing to their own beat. It was hilarious to take off the headphones and hear nothing but the sound of feet shuffling and off-key singalong.

Karaoke was another big hit, and on our very first night, Rahmi, our eldest, bravely took the stage to sing “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz. The supportive atmosphere made even the most nervous singers feel like stars.

CELEBRITY CRUISES DRINKS & DINING

Dining on board the Celebrity Millennium was a delight, with something for everyone in our family. Since we don’t drink much alcohol, we decided not to purchase any of the drinks packages offered. Instead, we took a more laid-back approach, picking up soft drinks here and there as the mood struck us. One of the things we really appreciated was the free drinks machine available in the Oceanview Café buffet dining room.

Celebrity cruises include water, iced tea, and an assortment of fruit-flavored cordial-like drinks, labeled as orange juice, apple juice, and so on. These were surprisingly refreshing and became our go-to options throughout the cruise. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate were always available too. Although there is no plant milk available by the machine, in the mornings I would go to the cereal section of the buffet and they had a variety of dairy free options to choose from. I would simply add it to my morning coffee.

CELEBRITY CRUISES BUFFET DINING

When it came to the food, I was thrilled with the variety of vegan-friendly options. As someone who follows an ethical diet, I did worry about limited choices, but the Celebrity Millennium didn’t disappoint. Every meal presented an opportunity to try something new and delicious, from vibrant dips and salads to hearty curries and roast vegetables, that were as satisfying as they were flavourful. Rahmi, who prefers vegetarian dishes, found plenty of options to enjoy as well. He loved the Indian food and bee-lined to it nearly every meal.

For our 12-year-old, the dining experience was a dream come true. Picky eaters can be challenging to please, but the Celebrity Millennium made it easy. The cheese pizza quickly became his staple. And the ice cream… oh, the ice cream! Whether it was vanilla soft serve or scoops of classic flavours, the unlimited access was the highlight of his dining experience.

CELEBRITY CRUISES CABINS & WI-FI

We booked a Twin Oceanview and Twin Interior cabin on deck 3, which were facing one another. Because our kids were aged 12 and 18 at the time of sailing, Celebrity Cruises didn’t allow us to book them in their own cabin (we had to book one parent in each room). However, once on board, guest services quickly assisted us to switch our sons into the interior room, so that our cruise cards aligned with the correct room numbers.

The cabins are well-appointed, spacious and had all the amenities we needed for a relaxing stay. The cleaning staff were exceptional, tidying our rooms twice a day and leaving thoughtful touches like chocolates on our pillows.

Toiletries were provided, including shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and hand soap. There were plenty of coat hangers, and the USB ports allowed for easy phone charging.

Shayne was the only one to purchase a Wi-Fi package, I was glad we didn’t buy it for myself or the kids. A lot of the time we sailed so close to shore, that we had wi-fi available via our Japanese data e-sim.

WHAT DID I MISS?

I know when I booked our Celebrity Cruises Best of Japan holiday, I did a lot of researching to make our trip wonderful. If there’s anything you’re looking for, and I didn’t already answer it above – drop a comment below or Email Me! I would be glad to help.

If you’re looking for things to do in Tokyo before or after your cruise – read my related posts:

Top Things to do in Tokyo

The Best Places to Stay in Tokyo