Cruises to & from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Tokyo is home to some of Japan’s best bars, restaurants, and street food. When it comes to choices and quality, it’s hard to find something that matches Tokyo at scale. Start your culinary adventure walking through the bustling streets and stalls of the Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market that offers other fresh fare as well. No trip to Tokyo is complete without trying some of the hundreds of varieties of sushi or sashimi, either.

Next, treat your taste buds to one of Tokyo’s most popular street foods, monja. So popular, in fact, that it has its own street named after it. The dish is made with pan-fried batter and can be mixed with veggies, seafood, and lots of different local flavors that invoke ultimate Umami feelings with every bite. After you eat, enjoy a carafe of the world’s finest sake in Shinjuku, or join traditional Japanese beer culture celebrations at one of Shibuya’s many small, atmospheric bars.

Tokyo is the current cultural, government, and economic capital of Japan, and one of the world’s top travel destinations for nearly half a century now. Its origins date back some 400 years to when it was called “Edo”, and was the crown jewel of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Tokyo wasn’t really opened to westerners until the late 19th century, when it changed its name and modernized its infrastructure. After a brutal period during World War II, Tokyo reimagined itself in an astounding fashion. 

Today, Tokyo is truly a mega city, and one that ecompasses cultural elements from all over Japan. It’s a city that moves at a fast, yet orderly pace, where tranquil gardens and elaborate temples abut modern skyscrapers and glossy shopping malls. English is spoken sporadically, more so in the main tourist areas of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and the city’s center. Make sure to visit some of the city’s parks for a breath of fresh air and to soak in some culture during your stay, too.

Near the cruise port, you’ll find souvenir stands and a couple of restaurants. You’ll have better luck shopping in Yokohama or in the center of Tokyo, though. The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a set of gigantic warehouses on the Yokohama Bay, perfect for strolling the waterfront and shopping. There are hundreds of stores inside filled with locally-made items, coffee shops, and conventional department stores for anything you might need during your time in Japan.

If you’re traveling from Tokyo on the way to board a Yokohama cruise, there’s a train from Tokyo Station to Yokohama that only takes 30 to 40 minutes. At the Yokohama cruise terminal, there’s also a subway station called Nihon-Odori with links to various places. In Yokohama, many tourist destinations are just a short walk away from one another. Of course, taxis are popular in both Tokyo and Yokohama as a primary method to get around the city.

Tipping is uncommon in Japan. It’s not widely accepted at hotels or restaurants, and cab drivers do not expect a gratuity. If you have a particularly exceptional guide on a tour or excursion, you can ask before tipping to ensure maximum politeness. Be sure to carry a bit of cash with you in Japan. You’ll find US dollars aren’t accepted in most parts of Japan. Though credit cards have gained popularity, it’s good to have enough yen to cover a minor expense like a cab ride or train ticket.