Poll of the Day > Which of my 8 Cruise Port Excisions sounds the most interesting

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MOUNT FUJI VIEWS & SHRINE
Mount Fuji (Shimizu), Japan
7 hrs Estimate Duration

Visit a serene shrine and one of Japans most stunningly natural seaside settings, both lying in the shadow of majestic Mount Fuji, Japans highest mountain. Settle in for a drive into the beautiful countryside that lies in the foothills of Mount Fuji. Japans national symbol and one of its most extraordinary settings, Mount Fuji has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a sacred place and source of artistic inspiration. Prior to ascending Mount Fuji, climbers often pray at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, which youll visit. The shrine has been considered a guardian deity that prevents natural disasters and ensures easy childbirth. More than 500 cherry trees grace the surrounding grounds. Inside, there is a pond fed by melting snow and ice from Mount Fuji. The pond has been designated a Special Natural Monument and attracts pilgrims that come to purify themselves in the clear water. Next stop is the Mt. Fuji's 2th Station, at approximately 4,700 feet. You will have chance to see dynamic view of Mt. Fuji. The 2th Station offers stellar views of the mountain's magnificence. Last stop is the Mt.Fuji World Heritage Centre. This is newly openen in December 2017 and consists of three buildings. The central building is covered with the wood lattice and characteristic shaped of the inverted cone. This wood lattice is made from Fuji cypress. From the top floor, you will enjoy magnificent view of Mt. Fuji as picturesque.

NAGOYA CASTLE & OSU KANNON TEMPLE
Nagoya, Japan
4 hrs Estimate Duration

Visit Nagoyas iconic namesake castle and an ornate temple dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo Period, ordered the castles construction in 1612 to secure the strategically important Tokaido Road. One of the largest castles in Japan, most of its buildings were destroyed during World War II. It was later meticulously reconstructed to resemble the original building, and as you will see it is magnificent. Tokugawa was also instrumental in the placement of Osu Kannon Temple, as he had it moved to its present location in the early 17th century.

As beautiful as the building is, the temple is more well known for its library of 15,000 Japanese and Chinese texts, the most valuable being the oldest handwritten copy of Japans early history. You will also have the chance to shop in a nearby arcade, where you will find merchandise ranging from exquisite kimonos to the latest electronics.

TEMPLES ALONG THE SHIKOKU PILGRIMAGE ROUTE
Tokushima, Japan
4.5 hrs Estimate Duration

OVERVIEW
Visit two Buddhist temples that lie along a circular pilgrimage route that loops through the Shikoku Mountains. In all, the 750-mile route connects 88 temples, each one representing a stage on the path to enlightenment. Chances are, you will see pilgrims that come to follow in the footsteps of the 9th-century monk and poet Kb-Daishi, who was born on the island and founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. You will reach Tairyu-ji, the 21st temple on the loop, by ascending the forested mountain slopes on western Japans longest ropeway gondola. The views on the 10-minute ride will be absolutely spectacular as will the experience of exploring the temple. It is said that Kb-Daishi practiced asceticism on the rocks nearby when formulating his thoughts. You will also tour Tatsue-ji, the 19th temple on the loop, where you may hear the legend associated with the human hair in the tiny glass-enclosed shrine there.
HIGHLIGHTS
Admire the gorgeous views while riding a ropeway gondola up into the Shikoku Mountains.
Explore two of the 88 Buddhist temples on a pilgrimage route that loops through the mountains.
Learn how the 9th-century founder of Shingdon Buddhism is connected to the pilgrimage route.

TRADITIONAL KYOTO
Kyoto (Osaka), Japan
8.5 hrs Estimate Duration

Discover the gracious spirit of Old Japan on this full-day tour to three of Kyoto's most alluring sites. The imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto is the cultural and artistic heart of the nation, best known for its Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, beautiful gardens and historically priceless buildings.

Following an approximately 90-minute scenic drive to Kyoto, you arrive at the magnificent Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto's world-renowned and most photographed temple and garden. Built in 1394, the original Kinkakuji was a retirement villa for a former Shogun. The three-story Chinese-influenced Golden Pavilion has delicately curving roofs, with the walls and eaves of the second and third stories covered in shimmering gold leaf.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll visit Nijo Castle, with its immense walls and moat. Completed in 1603, the castle is famous for its nightingale floors, designed to detect the footsteps of ninja assassins and warn the residents of invaders. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle is one of the world's great historical buildings.

Another stop in your tour is Sanjusangendo, famous for its 1,001 12th-century statues of the Buddhist deity Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Sanjusangendo translates to hall with 33 bays and the 33 alcoves display 1,000 awe-inspiring statues and a single gigantic sitting image of Kannon. Carved from Japanese cypress and painted with gold leaf, each of the multi-armed figures stands five and a half feet tall, and has subtle differences in expression and accoutrements, testimony to the skill and originality of the Momoyama wood carvers.

SUMIYOSHI TAISHA SHRINE
Kyoto (Osaka), Japan
2 hrs Estimate Duration

Explore the most important Shinto Shrine in Osaka on this scenic and memorable visit to the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

This shrine is believed to have been founded in the 3rd century by Empress Jingu to enshrine three guardian gods for seafarers. In ancient times, messengers departing for China's Tang Dynasty would stop here first to

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