What Surprised Me Most on My Japan Cruise?

What Surprised Me Most on My Japan Cruise?

in this video we’re going on an adventure around Japan stopping at eight different places for excursions we’ll go to some really cool places and one in Busousan South Korea too from Tulsa to Tokyo my journey begins with a simple step first stop was at Atlanta International Airport i stayed in the airport suite for overnight before my flight the next day rest assured no one will ever bother me at night i set out on a path woven with dreams where time slows and the world turns pink with the touch of spring the absolute best way to boost your brains is by traveling japan is such an amazing place that not only helps you improve your memory but also your communication skills it may initially seem overwhelming and daunting but developing patience and maintaining a level of calm and composure is certainly key before embarking on a cruise the next evening I stayed in a charming Airbnb house for one night i was provided with comprehensive instructions and I arrived at the desired location just a few hours before evening upon arrival I was warmly greeted by a genuinely hospitable hostess who lived in the same house my room was located on the second floor and was truly private and cozy it was already evening but I decided to explore the beautiful surroundings of the place one of the benefit of this house its proximity to a train station so I decided to venture into the heart of Tokyo by taking a train and enjoy Sakura Blossoms in full bloom in Imperial Palace i can’t believe my eyes and a 30 minutes later I’m right in the center of Tokyo absolutely thrilled about it now it’s already late evening and I can truly sense the magic of the moment with cherry blossoms gently blooming bright neon lights lighting up the surroundings and an endless sense of discovery waiting to be made this is precisely what my travel experiences are all about tokyo hums with nightife and just beyond the skyline the season’s first petals drift in the breeze delicate fleeting magical the air is filled with spring’s promise and today I’m cruising on Celebrity Millennium drifting through a sea of cherry blossoms and timeless beauty the morning was rainy yet warm the hosts Mari were incredibly friendly and provided a 5-minute ride to the Yokohama Osanbashi terminal i left my bags in the locker because the cruise departs at 7:00 i have approximately 5 hours to explore the city before heading on board the first historical place that I absolutely cannot miss it my first visit is the Enchanting Christian Church situated amidst beautiful cherry blossoms and a quaint little garden all surrounding it in the serenity of nature’s beauty hey there i was totally soaked but I kind of didn’t care since it wasn’t cold just look at this delightful beauty wow i walked further down the street and found myself in the beautiful park at that point I was quite hungry and I went ahead over to a nearby cafe to check out i made sure to exchange some money beforehand at the airport so I wasn’t too concerned about paying with Yen all right ladies and gentlemen let’s go back to the cruise port and get our checking in done i’m super excited and to go on my first cruise ever so far everything’s been going just I planned
i can’t let myself be late hooray it came true despite the fact that my card looks tattered and scratched I successfully completed the registration yes oh yes this is how it’s done moving through the mess you are the one yes oh yes this is how it’s done moving through the mess this is who you are a gladiator a terminator a real life superhero an elevator a motivator you flew the hundreds from zero unstoppable intrinsa city in 2003 shimezu was a city of its own centered around its port shimizu Port is most famous for being among Japan’s most scenic ports thanks to views of Mount Fuji on clear days
uh-oh oh yes I was lucky wow i have made a reservation for the excursion the best of Simuzu with lunch we’ll visit scenic park view on Met Fuji Kunazan Toshuga Shrine by ropeway Sunu Castle and Miho Nom Matsubara Beach for spectacular view of Met Fuji kzenic shrine was built over 400 years ago during the age of samurai and shoguns it serves as the final resting place of Tokugawa Yayyasu the powerful warlord who unified Japan and established the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled for more than 250 years heat heat heat heat on the lunch we had traditional kaizki style dining simmered vegetables pickles and side dishes rice and hot pot with soup next stop was the castle Su it was originally constructed in 1586 Tokugawa Shogun who later retired there after unifying Japan the original structures were lost to fires earthquakes and demolition over time the park surrounding the former castle is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring making it popular on the spot mihono Matsubara Beach is part of the three new views of Japan and has been celebrated in poetry paintings and leetrice for centuries according to legend a celestial maiden hung her feathered robe on a pine tree here a fisherman found it and refused to return it until she performed a heavenly dance the beach is lined with over 30 azim majestic pine trees some of which over 200 years old miho Beach has striking black a reminder of Japan’s geological history taking my driving test on the left side of the road and sets you up for an exciting day ahead what’s better than a snug room that makes you feel at ease recharges you so I’ve got this big challenge waiting for me today a month ago when I was at home yet I reserved a seat on a bullet train from Odawara to Nagoya in a round trip on April 20th the cost is about $200 i’m pretty nervous because now I got to go to the central post office and pick the tickets up i honestly don’t know how I’m going to do it after several tries I found the post office but it’s too early to rejoice i still need to figure out where to go i got tickets even though it seemed crazy wow my awesome dream is bound to happen i can now unwind at the ship and chill out for the rest of the day kyoto is 30 mi away from Osaka i made the decision to take an exciting shore excursion named Kyoto by Shinkansen with lunch my first exciting bullet train ride was with a tour guide and a group the train station was very crowded and the challenge was to make sure to follow them closely and not lose sight of the group with a whoosh the sleek and futuristic train glided to a stop before us transitioning from a busy city to the peaceful King Kakuji Temple was mesmerizing sunlight shimmers on the golden pavilion and reflects on the temple pond creating a serene ambiance experience Kyoto’s charm of fusion of tradition and modernity majestic temples blooming cherry blossoms enchant as you wander serenity and vitality embrace you the lunch was served in one of the beautiful place resort the meal was in western tradition and each bite a masterpiece of culinary heritage challenges abound as the buses come face to face with the narrowest of streets testing the skills of the drivers and passengers alike yeah oh
2 in in awe of the majestic Kiomizu Temple a symbol of tranquility and rich history the gentle breeze delicately carries cherry blossom petals enveloping the temple in a mesmerizing sea of pink and white offering a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty the Sakura’s splendor symbolizes life’s fleeting essence prompting us to treasure every passing moment step into Kiomizu Temple’s serene grounds and immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of cherry blossom a poignant reminder of life’s transient beauty next day I boarded the train bound for the serene countryside of rural Japan i could feel a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within me leaving behind the bustling cityscape I embarked on a solo journey far from the typical tourist spots craving an authentic experience immersed in local culture the journey spanning an hour and a half felt like a portal to a different world a world waiting to be discovered welcome to Yoshinoyama a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Japan as you journey through this mystical land you will be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the Sakura Blooming Mountains wow the winding route was lined with charming little shops each offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of this historic town come embark on a journey of wonder and discovery in Yoshinoyama where the Sakura blossoms dance in the wind the ropeway soarses to new heights and the hidden temples whisper their ancient secrets to those who dare to explore i couldn’t resist pausing to admire the Kimusenji temple the temple seemed to hum with a quiet energy after my visit to the temple I made my way to a cozy matcha tea shop nestled along the route the inviting aroma of freshly brewed green tea greeted me as I entered and I couldn’t help but relax in the peaceful ambiance sipping on the delicate tea I reflected on the allwins inspiring journey through Yoshinoyama knowing that its beauty and tranquility would stay with me long after I left after navigating through a number of tries and seeking multiple ways to return to the ship I eventually found my way to the ship yes being one of the most stunning coastal spots in Kochi Prefecture Hatsurama Park really comes alive and impresses people of all ages including poets warriors and travelers this majestic bronze statue standing tall on the cliffs this is Sakamoto Riyoma one of Japan’s not just any samurai he was a revolutionary thinker a skilled swordsman and a dreamer who played a crucial role in modernizing Japan as we make our way up the rugged stone steps we’ll eventually arrive at Katsurama Rayobu shrine dedicated to this mythical dragon god who is believed to keep fishermen and seafarers safe and guess what today folks leave their offerings here hoping for the best in adventures and prosperous futures heat heat we are heading to the heart of the Kochi Sagawa a town steeped in tranquility and cultural richness such a narrow road scared me one of the most enchanting experiences that Sagawa offers is the opportunity to dress up in a traditional kimono for a photo session the intricate patterns vibrant colors and elegant designs of the kimono will transport you back in time allowing you to feel like a character from a bygone era as you pose for the camera you will feel a tangible connection to the soul of Sagawa as you drive or stroll through its peaceful streets you can feel the whispers of centuries past echoing through its alleyways and ancient buildings sagawa holds a special place in the world of literature as it has been a source of inspiration for countless writers and poets the town’s serene atmosphere and breathtaking scenery have fueled the imaginations of artists for generations giving birth to timeless works of art that capture the essence of this hidden gem sagawa is not only known for its literary heritage it is also home to a centuries old tradition of Saka brewing where skilled artisans use timehonored techniques to create some of the finest sake in the region the process is a delicate dance between art and science resulting in a drink that is not just alcohol but a reflection of the town’s rich cultural heritage i’m glad I found the road back bye thank you lunchtime it’s not just a meal it’s a cultural expression a celebration of artistry and precision that speaks to the soul and nourishes the spirit taking again crash course imagine you’re driving on the left side of the road i had the chance to show you all the gorgeous view of the ship where we can relax and get ready for our next day adventure on the water so we went on an amazing shore excursion with a yummy lunch the weather was fantastic beautiful oops no camera allowed heat heat heat heat heat heat heat heat heat heat at the evening I had dinner in the restaurant cuisine for Leat Chef famous for creating an immersive interactive illusion on the table
making it feel like the animated chef is cooking just for you eat the real food not the pixels and the next time I’ll make sure to double check before trying to stab my dessert if it’s still in 3D cut the head on the fish before serving it on the fish if you pay with this knife you are sure to and when you start improving don’t yet be a bit with my That’s how you learn to be a chef look look at me i can cook better than I can think so take a risk and some good so I don’t need to pay to go to damage yes oops although it was so much fun to clean my mattress I got tired of cleaning up all this mess every evening and it was me for next i discover minimalism this fish I name is or as I frequently call it after this you want to eat a burger with French fries to be food uh I don’t know what I was thinking at the time but then I wanted to give my guests the idea that they are dining in a dream sp then I went through a metaphysical space and started to be all philosophical and ask myself what is it hm inspired to buy the budget paper ready after this I had the idea to sell all my courses into cash not one not two not three but nine of them push stupid inspired by the American pop artist and the war then I went ahead and wrapped the old plate and fabric like the famous artist finally I disco he took a bicycle wheel yes you heard me right a bicycle wheel and called it a piece of art and this wheel became one of the most influential artworks of the 20th century so I said to myself I’m going to put the piece of bread on a plate and call it finally yep well honestly maybe from my customers that my food became way too hot before and nobody came anymore to my restaurant so then I told myself I need to stop trying to reinvent the island and just go back to the basics of living texture color exosition and let me present to you tonight fish inspired by the great Russian painter Madi Kandinski just like the artist I want people’s mouth to fall open when they see the dish placed in front of them and I hope I succeeded once again today busousan the energetic city with a perfect blend of the lively side and serene ocean views we are greeted by a harmonious blend of traditional culture and modern convenience the city is full of eye-catching sites and I’m super thrilled to visit the Kul Bomiosa Temple for a tea ceremony tour hammer and then finish yes let’s go let’s go just just just check just take it out huh yeah this hidden gem in the green hills will get us even closer to the history we want to explore heat heat heat heat n oh hey heat heat hey hey hey heat heat heat heat heat heat heat heat heat heat father you can never Deep shake to me time she hold so finally I have the whole day to check out the ship inside and out heat heat heat heat n heat heat heat heat hokkaido is Japan’s northern gem here the fun never stops with lively festivals that bring everyone together to celebrate but we have only a couple of hours to explore this amazing place so let’s make the most of it excursion takes us to the top of the mountain for an incredible observation view after soaking in the scenery we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local food let’s dive in and explore this island together woo woo wow heat heat n 5 months one side enjoy the baby heat heat n heat heat our mori land where rich traditions thrive amidst tranquil landscapes famous for its crisp delicious apples and serene atmosphere Almorei invites you to experience its unique cultural beauty and peaceful charm i have to tell you about this amazing trip I got to make we’re off to Kanagi Yankee Little Village and I’ll be taking a cooking class to make some Japanese sweet treats guess what we’ll be staying in a super old-fashioned house that dates back to 150 years ago and guess what part of the meal we’re having japan’s capital city for apples is Amorei omorei grows over 50% of Japan’s apples it’s their pride and joy you’ll find apple everything here apple pie apple cider apple curry yes there’s even a place called the Hiroaki Apple Park where you can pick your own we’re just getting there wow it’s about 150 years old
oh my gosh that’s so unique a true oldtime Japanese experience like no other i’m so excited this is rice she said yeah welcome to Kanagi town and he’s a representative of this facility and Sopran uh for the for today so I’m please if you have some questions please and please tell me about your question welcome to Welcome to this Kagan rather countryside village in Alar please eat uh this uh house used to be a house of samurai warriors
wow wow uh if you like inside this house you can uh see around the stroll around freely so after the lunch please look around this facility
wonderful
thank you please enjoy your lunch
thank you she ate me we are here not just for lunch but to take a class on how to make Japanese traditional sweet lagashi size middle size mochiko is a glutenous rice flour also called sweet rice flour
made from grinding short grain sticky rice called mochi gome despite the name it doesn’t contain gluten glutenous just means it’s sticky when cooked wagashi is a mix of rice flour with water and sugar heat heat heat heat heat heat so it was pretty straightforward but I got to say it was a really one-of-a-kind experience time for tea surprise woo i didn’t expect it for real mag heat heat n hey hey hey yes yes as they’re chatting I’m going to check out the house around the former Sodoshima family residence was built in 1871 which is older than the Desai Osamu Memorial Museum Shyokan as the family were former samurai and related by marriage to the former Tsushima family it is considered to have high cultural value and is a building that should be preserved and utilized therefore it is utilized by the Kanagi Genki Village General Incorporated Association the Soishima family who owned this old house served Lord Narinobu the founder of the Tigaru clan distinguished themselves in military service at the battle of Seekahara and served as scholars in the Tsugaru clan until the end of the Edeto period for generations the family had devoted themselves to the Tsugaru clan with both literary and martial arts skills nowadays this house is a little hotel you can stay in a 150-year-old thatched roof house that and enjoy a private country life experience including dining around the hearth swinging on the garden and harvesting in the fields july October wow beautiful coffee table super imaginative crafted buddy dolls wait wait oh wait a minute so let me check out what’s happening around there without me so today and yesterday it was right the previous day which city bus we went across the Chinese sea which was a lot of sea you were like there is a lot of motion so the port of core is Almari Hakodan and
Osaka Osaka Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji started in Tokyo hey my sweet treats still have to wait for me bye
bye bye
bye see you
see you see you guys later of course we’d love to visit the cherry blossom garden wow walking through a Sakura garden in full bloom feels like stepping into a quiet dream i wish to stay here forever whenever you spend time around such an enchanting beauty it’s simply fills you with an indescribable sense of timelessness but all right we’ve got to move fast they’ve been waiting for me in the van already heat heat can’t stop to enjoy the Sakura blossoms they’ve been waiting for me it is my last excursion with Celebrity Millennium cruise ship it was seriously amazing one of my best time to get back to the ship i was super pleased that I had the courage to ask for one more extra trip to take us to the beautiful Sacra Park that led to us falling behind our schedule but honestly it was worth it to have those timeless memories we got apples haven’t bloomed yet right they say they look even more amazing than cherry blossoms for now we can only imagine our welcoming crew is right there waiting for us i must say I had never witnessed anything quite like a ship being birthed from the port before wow did you encounter that as well heat so my clothes are ready to their case once again we are now on my way back towards Yokohama port i still have time to enjoy myself and make the most of all the credits that I received during my cruise heat heat heat heat heat heat heat heat all right all right heat heat heat heat more exciting adventures follow i certainly do not say goodbye to Japan yet following disembarkation I will remain on my own solo trip to Delve even deeper into this incredible country known as the rising sun the unique traditions the local cuisine effortlessly driving on the left side of the road indulging in the delightful local drinks and taking pleasure in many more thrilling experiences visiting Japanese hot springs so I am definitely not at the end of my journey eagerly watch the upcoming second part of the video I have created i am confident that you won’t find yourself being disappointed

Join me as I travel to JAPAN and experience the beautiful CHERRY BLOSSOM season! This TRAVEL VLOG showcases the best of JAPAN TRAVEL, including delicious food and stunning scenery. We’ll visit famous landmarks like the tidal basin and immerse ourselves in the local culture, experiencing a traditional TEA ceremony.