Excursion Tokyo on your own exploration tour at Tokyo

Departing the ship, you will head to the Asakusa area to start your independent tour.

Asakusa Senso-ji Temple

Asakusa Senso-ji Temple. Founded in the early-7th century, it is the oldest extant temple in Tokyo. Enter through the Kaminarimon Gate, or 'Nitenmon'. This tour includes a stroll down the Street of Inside Shops, or 'Nakamise-Dori', an alley lined with traditional vendors selling food, souvenirs and handmade crafts. After an orientation from your guide you will have free time at Asakusa to enjoy the local area.

Ginza

Your tour concludes with a visit to the Ginza. The site of a former coin mint (ginza means "silver mint") in Japanese. Tokyo's central Ginza district has been an upmarket shopping destination since its reconstruction following the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923. During your visit you can enjoy the best of Japanese culture, fashion and style on the charming streets. The wide boulevards and narrow lanes of Ginza are lined with high-end boutiques, department stores and exclusive restaurants.

You may wish to visit Chuo-dori Street which means "Central Street" which is the main shopping avenue of Ginza. Harumi-dori Street is the other main shopping avenue of Ginza. These two streets should be the first place you explore in Ginza. There is also a Kabuki Theatre, Tokyo's main venue for Kabuki or alternately the Ginza Graphic Gallery (photo gallery) which is not a big name attraction but it's worth stopping by when in the area to see if the current exhibition looks interesting.

Upon arrival, approximately 3 hours is made available for browsing the shops at your leisure before commencing the brief panoramic drive to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Free time at 2 major spots in Tokyo: Enjoy shopping and walk around Asakusa and Ginza; Panoramic drive on return drive to ship.

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal to moderate amount of walking at the various sites guests choose to visit and a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not guided. Walking in Tokyo is at the discretion of each guest. Lunch is at guests' own expense. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility but not for those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Japanese Yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.