21 Noodles, a haircut and a evening cruise

After a hectic few weeks of travelling, we decided it was time to slow the pace and enjoy a more relaxed day in Yokohama. The morning was cold but bright as we set out for a gentle stroll through Yamashita Park, where the crisp sea air and views across the harbour made for a perfect start to the day.

From there we wandered over to the wonderfully quirky Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama—better known to us as the “Noodle Factory.” This time we took part in the fun of creating our own custom noodle cups. First we decorated the cups with our own designs, then chose four different flavour combinations before the staff filled them with noodles and vacuum-sealed them on the spot. They’re now safely packed away, and we may even be brave enough to try our creations when we get back to Cyprus.

Next we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade beneath the aerial cabins of the Yokohama Air Cabin, heading toward the shopping complex of Colette Mare. Mandy happily disappeared into the shops while Rob went off on his own mission—to track down a proper barber. Success came in the form of Tony’s Barber Shop, where a classic haircut and a traditional hot-towel shave proved to be the perfect bit of pampering. As Rob was paying he was directed to a fridge to choose a complimentary beer !

As evening arrived, we headed back to the waterfront and boarded a short cruise across the bay with Yokohama Bay Cruise, sailing from Yamashita Park over to the historic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. From the water, the city skyline looked spectacular—especially the giant Ferris wheel at Cosmo Clock 21, which lit up the evening sky with its colourful light display.

Back on land, we wandered into the delightfully quirky Flashback Cafe, a cosy little bar packed with memorabilia. We enjoyed a couple of beers alongside a few colourful locals while a baseball game played on the television—one of those simple travel moments that ends up being surprisingly memorable.

From there it was just a short stroll into Yokohama Chinatown for dinner at Shigoroku Saikan Bekkan, where we finished the day with a superb Chinese meal. After a relaxed day of wandering, eating, and soaking up the atmosphere of the city, it felt like the perfect way to end our day in Yokohama.

18. TOKYO

We started the day by hopping on a local train into Yokohama’s main station, the gateway to the vast rail network that feeds into nearby Tokyo. From there we caught another train bound for the lively district of Shibuya. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a stopping service, and what should have been a quick trip felt like it took ages as we rattled from station to station toward the heart of the capital.

When we finally arrived, we headed up into one of the tall buildings overlooking the famous Shibuya Crossing. With a coffee in hand, we watched the remarkable scene below. From high above, the crowds looked tiny, streaming across the intersection from every direction whenever the lights changed. It’s easy to see why this is considered the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

Of course, watching wasn’t enough—we had to experience it for ourselves. We headed down to street level and joined the tide of people surging across the crossing. When the lights turned green, hundreds of pedestrians moved at once in every direction. It was chaotic, exhilarating, and strangely well-choreographed all at the same time.

After that we wandered through the streets around Shibuya, soaking up the atmosphere. Neon signs flashed, giant video screens played overhead, and the crowds never seemed to thin. It was a full-blown assault on the senses—in the best possible way.

Next, we jumped on an express train to Shinjuku. Arriving at Shinjuku Station was an experience in itself. The sheer number of people moving through the station was staggering, and the maze of signs pointing to countless platforms and exits was enough to make anyone’s head spin.

Stepping outside, though, Shinjuku felt a little calmer than Shibuya. The area is dominated by towering skyscrapers, each one different from the next, forming a dramatic skyline. By this stage we were ready for lunch, so we popped into Tavern on S for a simple but welcome sandwich and a cold beer.

Refreshed, we spent some time wandering the surrounding streets, craning our necks at the enormous buildings that seemed to rise endlessly above us. Our next stop was the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where a lift whisked us up to the observation deck high above the city.

The views from up there were breathtaking. Tokyo stretched out in every direction like a vast model city, with skyscrapers, roads, and tiny moving trains disappearing into the distance as far as the eye could see. 

In the middle of the observation deck stood a piano where visitors were invited to play, and several talented pianists treated the crowd to some wonderful impromptu performances.

While enjoying the view, we were invited to sit down and sample Island Shōchū (Shimazake). This distinctive spirit is produced on the remote Izu Islands, far out in the Pacific south of Tokyo. Stronger than sake and closer in style to vodka or rum, these island spirits are made in small batches and are rarely found outside Japan, making it a memorable and rather special tasting experience.

By this point we were starting to feel the miles in our legs and knew we still had to navigate Tokyo’s famously complex rail system back to Yokohama. With a bit of head-scratching—and the occasional wrong turn—we eventually managed it. By the time we arrived back in Yokohama we were completely shattered, but it had been an exhilarating and unforgettable day exploring Japan’s incredible capital.

17. Return to Yokohama

After disembarking from the elegant Diamond Princess in Yokohama, we made our way back to the comfortable Citadines Harbour Front Yokohama to drop off our bags. With the day still ahead of us, we wasted no time and jumped aboard the city’s circular sightseeing bus to explore more of this vibrant port city.

Our first stop was Harbour View Park, a beautifully maintained garden perched high above the harbour. The neatly manicured lawns, seasonal flowers, and quiet pathways make it a peaceful escape from the city below. From the lookout points we enjoyed sweeping views across Yokohama Harbour, with the elegant span of the Yokohama Bay Bridge stretching across the water in the distance.

Back on the bus, we continued to the striking Yokohama Marine Tower. Standing 106 metres tall, this slender landmark offers observation decks on its top two floors, and the 360-degree views are nothing short of spectacular. From the top we could see the entire waterfront spread out below us — ships, parks, and the modern skyline all blending together. The tower first opened in 1961 and even served as a lighthouse until its retirement in 2008.

Our next stop was the historic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. The old port warehouses have been beautifully restored and now house shops, restaurants, and event spaces. A food market was in full swing next door, but the queues were absolutely insane, so we decided to keep moving rather than spend half the afternoon waiting in line.

Instead, we wandered over to the Yokohama Air Cabin. The ropeway ride isn’t particularly long, but it’s definitely memorable. Gliding quietly above the waterfront gives you a fantastic perspective of the harbour and the surrounding city.

Continuing the maritime theme of the day, we stopped by Nippon Maru Memorial Park to see the magnificent training vessel Nippon Maru. Built in 1930 to train cadets, the tall ship is an imposing sight with her elegant masts and rigging. Nearby is the historic Yokohama Dockyard Garden, a former ship repair dry dock that has been cleverly incorporated into a modern shopping complex while preserving the original stone walls and structure.

For Rob, who spent years working in dry docks around the world, standing down in the dock bottom felt strangely familiar — like stepping back into an old workplace, only this time surrounded by cafés and shops instead of welders and cranes.

By this point we were ready for a bit of refuelling, so we headed into the towering Yokohama Landmark Tower. At 296 metres high, it’s the third tallest building and fifth tallest structure in Japan, and it dominates the city skyline.

Inside we found the lively World Beer Museum Yokohama. Calling it just a bar doesn’t really do it justice — it’s more like a world beer theme park. The venue is divided into several internationally themed bars, each celebrating beers from different regions, with an enormous display of bottles and taps to choose from.

A couple of well-earned beers and a snack later, we were happily recharged and ready to call it a day, heading back to the Citadines Harbour Front Yokohama after a surprisingly full afternoon exploring the sights of Yokohama. 

16. last day at Sea

On our final day aboard the Diamond Princess, the ship rolled steadily through choppy seas as we made our way toward Yokohama. After the whirlwind of ports and adventures earlier in the cruise, we decided to take things easy. It turned into a wonderfully lazy day at sea—exactly what we needed to recharge after such a busy and memorable journeys ashore.

As evening arrived, we made one last visit to Crooners Bar for a farewell drink. More importantly, it was a chance to say goodbye to our favourite bar steward, Ahmadi from Indonesia, who had looked after us so well throughout the voyage. His friendly service and warm smile had become a familiar and welcome part of our evenings on board.

For our final dinner we headed up to the ever-reliable Horizon Court buffet. The meal came with a bit of classic cruise-ship theatre: the traditional Baked Alaska parade. Restaurant staff marched through the dining room carrying the flaming desserts, music playing and guests applauding—a fun and festive way to mark the last night of the cruise.

Soon enough, reality called. It was time to return to the cabin and pack our suitcases for the morning’s disembarkation. But there was still a sense of excitement in the air. Our cruise might have been coming to an end, yet another adventure was just beginning—our upcoming visit to Tokyo

13 Abruatsu - Japan

The Diamond Princess glided gently into the Port of Aburatsu just after dawn, threading her way between lush, emerald hills. A soft mist clung to the hilltops, curling and drifting as if reluctant to let the morning begin. It felt like we were sailing into a hidden corner of Japan, far removed from the rush of modern life.

After breakfast, we stepped ashore—and as if on cue, the sun broke through the cloud. A shuttle bus dropped us near the banks of the Horikawa Canal, where the water reflected the brightening sky and the town moved at an unhurried pace. Aburatsu felt wonderfully sleepy, the sort of place where time stretches and nobody seems in a hurry.

On a whim, we decided to venture further and caught a local bus bound for the Obi Castle ruins, about thirty minutes away. The journey itself was a pleasure, rolling through quiet countryside until we arrived in Obi—a small, beautifully preserved town set along the banks of the Sakatani River.

Obi is immaculate. Every house appears lovingly maintained, with manicured gardens that seem almost too perfect to be real. There’s a deep sense of calm here; the streets are hushed, the air fresh, and the pace ideal for slow wandering. As we explored, we came across a narrow causeway alive with flashes of colour—dozens of vibrant koi carp gliding gracefully through the clear water below.

The ruins of Obi Castle date back to the samurai era, and though much of the original structure has faded into history, the grounds still carry a quiet dignity. A small samurai museum houses beautifully preserved armour and weapons, offering a tangible link to Japan’s feudal past. The surrounding gardens, filled with carefully pruned trees and sculpted shrubs, invite you to linger.

Later, while wandering the near-empty streets, we stumbled upon the charming Tea House Hattoritei. Following tradition, we slipped off our shoes at the door before stepping inside. The warm welcome was immediate. Seated in the calm of this traditional setting, we savoured tea and coffee in peaceful silence—a simple moment, but one that perfectly captured the gentle rhythm of this delightful town.

Aburatsu and Obi may not be headline destinations, but that’s precisely their charm. They offer something rarer: authenticity, tranquillity, and the quiet pleasure of discovery.