Have you ever taken a cruise and wondered if you should take a ship excursion that takes you to the airport at the end of your cruise? At the end of our 1 month cruise on the Westerdam, with Holland America, we did just that. We opted to take a half day excursion to explore a few more highlights of Tokyo before being taken to the Narita Airport.
Our excursion was called The Narita Airport Transfer and we booked it with our app on the Westerdam Japan trip with Holland America. The excursion was to take up half of the day by visiting the Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple before dropping us off at the airport!
On the morning that you are required to disembark a cruise ship, it could be very chaotic. There are literally thousands of people trying to get off of the ship to find their way to their next destination; whether it be home, another cruise, or in our case, the Narita Airport.
The distance from the cruise terminal in Yokohama, Japan to the Narita Airport was significant enough for us to consider more closely how we were going to get to the airport with our bags, and to get there on time.
The airport transfer offered by the Westerdam, Holland America, was called the "Meiji Shrine and Temple With Narita Airport Transfer", and was a cost of $179.95 per person. We opted for this excursion as they took care of our luggage . All that we had to do was bring the luggage to the bus, and they made sure that we could retrieve our luggage when being dropped off at the Narita airport.
Our excursion time started at 8:00am, which gave us enough time to get ready to have breakfast, and officially leave the ship with plenty of time to walk through customs and retrieve our bags that we had packed overnight and sent down to the pick up centre in the terminal.
We took a scenic 1 hour bus ride from the port in Yokohama, that brought us right down into the centre of Tokyo. We really did get to see another perspective of Tokyo, as we were in a motor coach, that brought us directly into Tokyo, the largest city in the world, with beautiful buildings, modern structures and other amazing landmarks.
Our first stop, was a brief 1 hour visit at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
The Meiji Shrine and Temple:
This was our first stop on this airport excursion. The Meiji Shrine and Temple. Emperor Meiji was instrumental in opening Japan to the outside world in the late 1800s, ushering in the Meiji Restoration that brought the rule of the Tokugawa (Shogun) government to an end. After the deaths of the emperor and empress, the Meiji Shrine was constructed to enshrine their souls.
Here is a little glimpse of our experience of the Meiji shrine and grounds:
We spent about an hour at this location.
Visiting the Meiji Shrine and Temple in Tokyo holds several compelling reasons:
Cultural and Historical Significance: The Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played crucial roles in modernizing Japan during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century. Exploring the shrine allows you to connect with Japan's rich history and gain insights into its cultural heritage.
Serene Oasis in the City: Despite being located in the bustling Harajuku district, the Meiji Shrine is nestled within a spacious forested area known as Yoyogi Park. It offers a peaceful retreat from the urban chaos, providing a serene environment to relax, reflect, and find respite from the city's fast pace.
Traditional Japanese Architecture: The shrine's buildings showcase beautiful examples of traditional Japanese architecture. From the massive torii gate at the entrance to the main hall and other structures, you can admire the intricate woodwork, graceful lines, and symbolic designs that exemplify the country's architectural traditions.
Natural Beauty and Gardens: The shrine's expansive grounds are adorned with carefully manicured gardens, offering beautiful visuals of seasonal flowers, towering trees, and serene pathways. Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring or vibrant foliage in autumn, the natural beauty surrounding the shrine enhances the overall experience.
Spiritual Experience: The Meiji Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. Shintoism is the indigenous religion of Japan, emphasizing the worship of natural elements and ancestral spirits. Visiting the shrine allows you to witness traditional rituals, observe prayers, and participate in customs like writing wishes on ema plaques, providing a glimpse into Japanese spirituality.
Local Culture and Festivals: Throughout the year, the Meiji Shrine hosts various cultural events and festivals. These celebrations showcase traditional performances, arts and crafts, and other cultural activities that offer visitors an immersive experience into Japanese traditions and customs.
Accessibility: The Meiji Shrine is conveniently located in central Tokyo, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists like ourselves on the Narita Airport Transfer. Whether you have a layover or a free afternoon in the city, visiting the shrine allows you to explore a significant cultural site without venturing too far from the major transportation hubs.
We quite liked having this beautiful walk through the Meiji Shrine and thought that we had just enough time to explore some of the main highlights and get back onto the bus in time for the next stop... the Sensoji Temple.
The Senjui Temple:
Wow... we spent about another 1.5 to 2 hours at this location as it was massive, crowded, and there was a whole lot to see.
Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is a prominent Buddhist temple located in the Asakusa neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan. It is one of Tokyo's most popular and iconic temples, attracting a large number of visitors from both within Japan and around the world.
The Sensoji Temple is not only a religious site but also a cultural and historical landmark that provides visitors with a glimpse into Japan's rich traditions and architecture. It offers a unique blend of spirituality, shopping, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Tokyo.
Here are some key points about Sensoji Temple:
Historical Significance: Sensoji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple, with its origins dating back over 1,300 years. According to legend, the temple was founded in 628 AD when two fishermen discovered a small statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kannon, in the nearby Sumida River.
Iconic Gate: The temple is accessed through the imposing Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate), which is adorned with a large red lantern and a massive paper lantern called chōchin. The gate is a popular spot for taking photographs and marks the entrance to the Nakamise shopping street leading to the main temple grounds.
Nakamise Shopping Street: Nakamise is a vibrant shopping street lined with traditional stores and stalls selling a variety of souvenirs, snacks, and traditional goods. It offers a unique shopping experience and leads visitors from the Kaminarimon Gate to the main temple area.
We didn't get much time to enjoy any free time down Nakamise-dori (the Street of Inside Shops). However, this alley is lined with traditional vendors selling snacks, souvenirs and handmade crafts. The street was too crowded and our bus tour of about 30 people had to manage to stick together without getting lost!
Main Hall and Pagoda: After passing through the Hōzōmon Gate, visitors reach the temple's main hall, called Hondo. Inside the hall, you can find a variety of Buddhist statues, including the primary object of worship, the Kannon statue. Adjacent to the main hall is a five-story pagoda, which offers a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Asakusa Shrine: Within the temple grounds, there is also the Asakusa Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities associated with the area. It is common for visitors to both pay their respects at the temple and the shrine during their visit.
Sensoji Temple is not only a religious site but also a cultural and historical landmark that provides visitors with a glimpse into Japan's rich traditions and architecture. It offers a unique blend of spirituality, shopping, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Tokyo.
Overall, we were dropped off at the Narita Airport terminal with plenty of time to relax and explore the airport.
We had a great time on our half day excursion to the Narita Airport from Yokohama, Japan while travelling with Holland America on the Westerdam. We had a good guide that was quick and managed to keep everyone together so that we could all make use of the last few hours that we had, while visiting Japan.
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