Story by Richard Ferrin Photos by Richard Ferrin and Ted Yamada
Back in February 2023, Ted asked Michele, Patty and me if we were interested in cruising around Japan in 2024. He and Leng had done a similar cruise in the past and so were knowledgeable about the ports and cruise lines. We also decided to visit Disney Sea, for which we should have scheduled much more time—but I have a feeling there will be another trip in the future. We planned our adventure for one of the best times to go to Japan: In the spring, during cherry blossom season.
We arrived at Tokyo International Airport in the early morning after a 12-hour, 15-minute non-stop flight. Our first stop was customs, where we exchanged our money (you’ve gotta have some yens and a lot of coins), before taking the shuttle to our hotel.
En route to the hotel, we had a wonderful view of Mount Fuji!
We quickly discovered the one thing everybody does in Japan . . . walk. Because our shuttle dropped us off two blocks from our hotel, we experienced right away what makes Japan, Japan. Everything is backwards compared to the U.S. Cars drive on the lefthand side of the street and people walk on the left side of the sidewalk. Plus, lots of signage. If don’t follow the rules, there are plenty of people who will correct you.
On the way to the hotel, we saw our first cherry blossom tree . . .
And our first of many vending machines.
Dinner was at a barbecue restaurant owned and operated by an Australian gentleman and his Japanese wife. We soon learned that most Japanese menus include photos of every item, so even if you don’t speak Japanese you can point to the picture and place your order.
Walking back to the hotel, we passed one of the many mini-parks located throughout Japan. These tend to be architectural and/or art statements, created as a meditation or exercise area or as a tribute.
We boarded our cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, the next morning . . .
But not before grabbing a doughnut and coffee for breakfast. Pastries, cakes and other foods usually came in a wrapper or pouch so you wouldn’t have to touch your food while eating it. (More about this later.) Patty, however, had no problem eating her doughnut American style!
Watch for part 2 of our adventures in the nextpost!
