Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities to be found anywhere in the world and is a popular port of call with cruises that are sailing around the Far East.
Such is the sheer size of the Japanese capital, you’ll be left with no shortage of things to do during your time ashore - with the main challenge coming before you even leave the boat as you to decide what to do, and what to leave should you return in future.
Whilst modern day Tokyo is home to plenty of high-end shops selling the very best designer gear, and busy restaurant that line the even busier streets, there are still plenty of historical attractions for those who want to examine what the city was like through the ages.
As with many Asian cities, the influence of religion cannot be ignored, with the Sensō-ji Temple being the oldest religious building in the city.
Dating back to the seventh century, the temple is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist structures anywhere in Japan and that importance is reflected in the fact the temple is one of the most visited in the world.
Also well worth a visit is the Meiji Shrine, which is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji; the father of modern Japan. Despite being located in the heart of the city, the shrine is surrounded by dense woodland, which means it is somewhere to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.
You can do similar if you visit the Sankeien Gardens, which were once owned by a wealthy silk merchant and are now a popular visitor attraction.
Elsewhere, visit the Imperial Palace on selected days of the week and can enjoy a guided tour of the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, whilst there are countless museums across the city covering all manner of subjects – with the Nezu Museum, Edo-Tokyo Museum and the Tokyo National Museum being three of the more popular.
Aside from the historical attractions, a trip to the Ryōgoku district could allow you to catch a traditional Japanese sumo bout, whilst the area around Akihabara is the place to head if you have an interest in anime and manga.
The Shibuya Crossing, one of the most iconic destinations within Tokyo, is one to tick off the list whilst you might decide to take a trip up the Tokyo Tower to take in views across the city from one of the two observation decks.
Should you decide to take a trip outside the city rather than explore Tokyo itself, then you may elect to visit the highest peak in Japan, Mount Fuji, or spend some time in the surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park where you can try all manner of outdoor activities or marvel at geographic features that range from lakes and mountains to natural hot springs.