Tokyo City Landmarks

Tokyo is the center of national administration, education, culture and economy as well as a thriving industrial city. The city, a unique amalgamation of the tranquil past and the bustling present, has in the past 30 years become steadily bigger, busier and more crowded, completely changing the skyline as well as the appearance of the streets. The capital of Japan is the city where East and West blend most harmoniously.

First up is the famous and beautiful Meiji Shrine. 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. It was dedicated in 1920. Upon arriving at this great monument, you'll enter the shrine through twin 40-foot-tall Torii gates that are among the largest in Japan. On the way to next stop, you will drive through "Shibuya Crossing", famous for sprawling scramble intersection.

Continue to Zojoji temple located near business area. The temple was originally built in the year 1393 and moved to its present location in 1598 by Tokugawa Ieyasu who selected it as his family temple. The mausoleum of the family is located at the back of the complex and contains the tombs of six of the Tokugawa shogun. You can take pictures of this temple with appearance of Tokyo Tower in the back. Please enjoy your panoramic drive in the city before back to the ship.