A Peaceful Morning at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo

If there’s one thing I’ve learned while exploring Japan, it’s that you can never predict what amazing surprise is waiting around the corner — and today’s adventure was music to my ears! After our awe-inspiring visit to the Nanzoin Temple (you know, the one with the giant reclining bronze Buddha and those famously lucky feet 🦶🍀), we thought the excitement for the day was over. But Fukuoka had one more little wonder to share — a xylophone bridge!

Today’s adventure takes us deep into the heart of Fukuoka, Japan, where ancient legends, peaceful temples, and some seriously big feet await! If you’ve ever dreamed of standing beside one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, this stop on our Celebrity Cruise is going to blow your mind. 🛕 Discovering Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka Here we are, right where we left off — climbing those final temple stairs and bam! there it is — the reclining bronze Buddha of Nanzoin Temple in all its breathtaking glory. This statue stretches an incredible 134 feet long and weighs over 300 tons! That’s roughly the weight of 200 cars. It’s officially one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, and let me tell you — photos just can’t do it justice.

If you’re ever cruising through Japan on a Celebrity Cruise, make sure you don’t miss a stop in Fukuoka — home to one of Japan’s most jaw-dropping hidden gems: Nanzoin Temple. This place isn’t just any temple… it’s where you’ll find one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world! And let me tell you — this Buddha is HUGE! Nestled in the lush Fukuoka mountains, Nanzoin Temple feels like stepping into a peaceful, green paradise. But fair warning — bring your walking shoes, because it’s all uphill from here! (And yes, your legs will feel it… but in the best way.)

There’s something magical about waking up to ocean views and knowing you’re in Japan! Day 10 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan started a little differently — and it quickly became one of my favorite mornings yet.

Can we just take a moment for this view? 😍 Calm blue waters, lush green mountains, and picture-perfect white clouds floating above — Nagasaki gifted us the dreamiest backdrop for happy hour aboard the Celebrity Millennium. We settled into the Rendezvous Lounge, where the live music played softly in the background and the cocktails flowed just right. There’s something magical about sipping a drink at sea — the gentle sway of the ship, the hum of happy conversation, and that golden-hour glow over the ocean. It’s one of those “I never want to leave” moments that cruises do so well.

If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, get ready — Day 9 of our cruise adventure took us straight into Ghibli heaven in Nagasaki. Our stop? Renka, a tiny but utterly enchanting Studio Ghibli store tucked into Shinchi Chinatown. Why Renka Will Steal Your Heart 💛 Renka may be small, but inside it feels like you’ve stepped into a frame from a Ghibli film. Think Totoro plushies, Howl’s Moving Castle trinkets, puzzles, stationery, and whimsical home goods. Everything is official merchandise, beautifully made, yet surprisingly affordable — perfect for souvenirs that are meaningful, not overpriced. Inside, the lighting is soft, the shelves are cozy, and wandering through feels like a gentle stroll through your favorite childhood movies. Fans online say it’s one of the few places in Nagasaki open even in the evenings. Yelp One standout find for us was the No Face piggy bank from Spirited Away. If you know your Ghibli lore, you’ll get why that’s a holy grail item. (We even compared it to the red cup No Face holds — a “same cup” moment!) Fun Fact: Did you know that Ghibli is derived from an Italian word for a “hot desert wind”? The idea was that the studio’s films would blow a fresh wind through the world of animation. Also: Studio Ghibli was co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, two giants of anime. Their films have shaped entire generations of dreamers and art lovers.

Our Celebrity Cruise adventure continues, and today we’re diving into one of Nagasaki’s most fascinating (and flavorful!) neighborhoods — Nagasaki Chinatown, also known as Shinchi Chinatown.

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the soft sea breeze, the sound of gulls, and the city of Nagasaki slowly coming to life. This was Day 9 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, and honestly — I think this stop might be one of my favorites yet.

If you’re sailing on a Celebrity Cruise, there’s one show you cannot miss — and no, it’s not in the theater. It’s at the Martini Bar, where the bartenders don’t just make drinks… they perform them. 🎭🍸 Welcome to the Martini Bar at the Grand Plaza, the heartbeat of the ship. Set beneath that glittering chandelier, this is where music, laughter, and liquid magic come together. The sleek bar itself is literally topped with ice, keeping your martini chilled to perfection while the vibe stays electric. These high-energy bartenders are true showmen, flipping bottles through the air, catching shakers behind their backs, and stacking glasses with flawless precision. Every move is choreographed, every pour perfectly timed. Think Cirque du Soleil meets cocktail hour! 🍹✨ And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the grand finale begins — the famous Cascading Pour. One flawless stream of martinis flows across a row of glasses, filling twelve drinks in perfect harmony. The crowd cheers, the music swells, and the energy is contagious. Here’s the best part — once the show’s over, those freshly poured martinis? They’re up for grabs! 🍸🙌 So, yes, stick around till the very end — your patience just might earn you a free martini. This isn’t just a bar; it’s an experience. Whether you’re mingling with new friends, people-watching in the Grand Plaza, or simply soaking in the show, the Martini Bar embodies everything that makes Celebrity Cruises so special — style, energy, and pure fun.