Sunday and our last day in Yokohama before the cruise really gets underway. Today, we had a paid-for excursion - Yokohama Highlights. We chose this over the included excursrion - Tokyo Panorama - as we wanted to do some walking rather than just sit on a coach.

Excursion description:

Experience the tranquility and beauty of an idyllic Japanese garden, then gaze upon Yokohama from on high. Embark on a short drive to idyllic Sankeien Garden, open to the public since 1906 and almost completely restored to its original condition following its destruction during World War II. The garden’s 43 acres were created to evoke the Nara countryside and embody the aesthetics of traditional Japanese garden design. Relax as you stroll the winding paths, ambling over charming bridges and past thoughtfully manicured arrangements of plants and trees. See the three-story pagoda, visible from anywhere in the park, and the many historically significant buildings that add to the garden’s beauty and atmosphere. Afterward, travel to the Landmark Tower; at 972 feet tall, it dominates the city’s skyline. Take the high-speed elevator to its observation deck, where you will enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, the Tanzawa Mountains and Tokyo itself, if weather permits.

The excursion started by taking us to Sankeien Garden which the on-site map describes as “a spacious Japanese garden created by Sankei Hara, a successful Yokohama businessman who built a fortune through the trading of silk and raw silk”.

The gardens were beautiful but, as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words so here are some photos instead of me going on and on …

After visiting the gardens, we were driven back into Yokohama so that we could go up the Landmark Tower:

273m tall with an elevator that, at its top speed of 750m/min, is Japan’s fastest elevator. This speed allows passengers to reach the 69th floor - the observation deck - in approximately 40 seconds.

The observation deck offers a 360 degree view of Yokohama and beyond. On a clear day, it is possible to see Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a clear day! Nevertheless, the views were very impressive:

After the excursion, we returned to the ship for lunch. We then went back out into Yokohama for a walk to get some fresh air and take in some of the shops … including the rather bizarre Cup Noodles Museum!

As the ship left Yokohama, we went to the Explorers’ Lounge to have some pre-dinner drinks. For dinner, we ate in The Restaurant, which is the ship’s main dining room. Sorry … forgot the food photos again!

Drinks: Koppaberg Pear cider, Singapore Sling (gin, pineapple juice, lemon juice, grenadine, cherry brandy, Cointreau, bitters, soda), Fishbone Blue Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
Dinner: Yakitori (chicken skewers, sushi rice, teriyaki sauce), Traditional Beef Wellington (pomme macaire, brocoli & green bean medley) and Maple Pecan Bread & Butter Pudding (croissant, maple syrup, hazelnut ice cream)