Day 5 in Japan: Kochi’s Donguri Kyowakoku (Studio Ghibli Store) + Gachapon Fun!

Cruising through Japan is already an unforgettable adventure, but if your itinerary includes a stop in Kochi, Japan—consider yourself lucky! This charming port city might not get the same spotlight as Tokyo or Kyoto, but trust me, Kochi is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every traveler’s list.

Day 5 of our 12-day Celebrity Cruise through Japan and South Korea is officially underway, and today we’re exploring Kochi, Japan! This charming port city is known for its friendly locals, delicious food, and rich history—and we’re starting our adventure with one of the easiest ways to get into town: the free cruise shuttle bus. But before we head off the ship… let’s talk breakfast. 😋

Cruising through Japan isn’t just about exploring incredible ports like Osaka—it’s also about the amazing entertainment waiting for you back onboard. And let me tell you, Motown Night in the Sky Lounge was a total vibe! The Sky Lounge has this perfect balance of cozy and energetic—it’s a smaller venue, which makes every show feel intimate, but the crowd and atmosphere bring big energy. Add in the ocean views, a dance floor, and live performers, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate night at sea. 🌊🎤 The Show Patrick, our hilarious and ever-energetic Cruise Director, kicked off the night by warming up the crowd, and from there it was non-stop fun. The live band set the tone with those iconic Motown beats, and the singers and dancers gave it their all. With the smaller stage, the dancers were able to interact directly with the guests, pulling people into the experience and turning it into a full-on party. Songs We Loved Here are just a few of the timeless Motown hits we got to enjoy live: Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder Baby Love – The Supremes Stop! In the Name of Love – The Supremes I Got Sunshine – The Temptations Reach Out (I’ll Be There) – The Four Tops The Tears of a Clown – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles I Want You Back – The Jackson 5 If you weren’t already dancing, you couldn’t resist by the end of that set! Fun Fact: Motown at Sea 🎵 Celebrity Cruises is known for themed entertainment nights, and Motown parties are a guest favorite. They’re usually held in the Sky Lounge, but you might also find them in other venues depending on your ship. Besides Motown, you can expect themed nights like British Invasion or 80s Dance Parties. The best part? They’re all included in your cruise experience! 👉 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check your Daily Program or the Celebrity Cruises app for the schedule of events. These parties are can’t-miss highlights of your cruise. Whether you’re a lifelong Motown fan or just love a good dance party, this is one of those cruise nights that makes your vacation unforgettable.

On Day 4 aboard the Celebrity Millennium, we dined in the Main Dining Room (Metropolitan Restaurant) and, as always, the menu did not disappoint. One of the best parts about dining on a Celebrity Cruise? The menu changes daily, so you’re always getting something fresh and new—yet you’ll still find classic favorites available every night. And since it’s all included, you don’t have to limit yourself. Why choose just one appetizer when you can try two… or three? (Pro tip: always save room for dessert—or even better, two desserts! Because let’s be honest, on a cruise ship, calories don’t count. 😉) 🥗 Our Day 4 Dinner Picks Here’s a peek at what was on the menu: Asian Consommé – a delicate broth with chicken, mushrooms, and ginger. Light, flavorful, and the perfect way to kick things off. Chilled Shrimp Cocktail – a true classic with a zesty cocktail sauce. Chicken Satay – One of the seasonal menu options you’ll find on this Japan Cruise. This dish features tender marinated chicken skewers, grilled to perfection, served with a flavorful sauce and paired with crisp Chinese broccoli for a fresh balance. A savory favorite that adds an Asian-inspired twist to your dining experience. Grilled New York Sirloin Steak – cooked perfectly, topped with beurre maître d’hôtel, with sides of mashed potatoes and vegetables. Mediterranean Seafood Orzo – a hearty mix of scallops, shrimp, mussels, roasted eggplant, and cherry tomatoes. A seafood lover’s dream! And for dessert? The showstoppers: Bananas Foster, Chocolate Cake, and Crème Brûlée. (Yes, we tried them all!)

One of the best things about port days on a Celebrity Cruise is stepping off the ship and immediately finding a Family Mart (aka Japan’s most magical convenience store) just steps away. And in Osaka, we hit the jackpot—it was right next to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan! Perfect location, right? And of course, the very first thing we had to grab? Famichiki. If you’ve never had Famichiki, it’s Family Mart’s famous fried chicken, served fresh and piping hot. Honestly, it’s addictive. Dare I say… even better than KFC? 🙊 Crispy, juicy, and full of flavor—it’s one of those simple must-try food finds in Japan.

Day 4 of our Celebrity Millennium Japan Cruise brought us to the incredible Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan—but the fun didn’t end when we left the tanks. Between the gift shop treasures and food finds, this stop turned into one of our most memorable days in Japan! 🚢✨ ✨ The Penguin Plush We Couldn’t Resist The ultimate must-have souvenir? A one-of-a-kind penguin stuffed animal. What made it so special was how much it reminded us of Pesto, the famous king penguin chick from Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. 🐧

Ever wondered what it feels like to step straight into the ocean? At the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, that’s exactly how your journey begins. The moment you walk through the magical Aqua Gate tunnel, you’re greeted by a unicornfish, and suddenly, the adventure is on! Welcome to Day 4 of our 12-Day Celebrity Millennium Cruise through Japan, where we dove (literally!) into one of Osaka’s most iconic attractions. The Kaiyukan isn’t just an aquarium—it’s an immersive experience that transports you deep into the wonders of the Pacific Ocean.

It’s Day 4 in Osaka, and what’s the best part? The world-famous Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is just steps away from the cruise port! 👀 If you’re sailing on a Celebrity Cruise to Japan, you couldn’t ask for a more convenient and exciting shore excursion. When Kaiyukan first opened in 1990, it was the largest public aquarium in the world. 🌍 Today, it still ranks as one of the largest aquariums in Japan and the 15th largest worldwide. With its massive tanks, immersive exhibits, and unique sea life, it’s a must-visit if you find yourself in Osaka.

Day 3 of our Japan cruise on Celebrity Millennium was nothing short of incredible! If you’ve ever wondered what makes Celebrity Cruises so special, let me tell you—it’s their attention to cultural immersion and unforgettable entertainment. On this day, the ship truly came alive with the booming, heart-pounding rhythms of Japanese Taiko drums performed by talented local guests right onboard. Talk about an epic way to experience Osaka on the ship! 🎉 Celebrity Cruises has mastered the art of blending travel with culture. Instead of just waiting to experience Japan in port, they bring Japan to YOU. From traditional performances to unique cultural showcases, they create a fully immersive journey that goes far beyond sightseeing. ✨ Meet the Stars of the Ship: Cruise Director & Activities Manager. One of the best parts about sailing with Celebrity is the entertainment team. Each ship has a Cruise Director (the “big boss of fun” as we liked to call them) and an Activities Manager (aka the ultimate hype person). Together, they keep the energy high and the vibes unforgettable. We made it a point to get to know them, and let me tell you—they were some of the funniest and most entertaining people we’ve ever met at sea. From hilarious banter to perfectly planned activities, they made sure every moment onboard was packed with fun. Fun fact: Did you know Taiko drumming dates back to ancient Japan and was once used in battlefields to motivate troops and scare enemies? Today, it’s a celebrated art form that combines power, precision, and performance. Seeing it up close while cruising was such a special treat! 🚢 Why We Love Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity doesn’t just take you from port to port—they create experiences that feel like part of the destination itself. Whether it’s Osaka, Tokyo, or another vibrant Japanese city, you can expect moments like this that make your cruise so much more than just a vacation. If you’re planning a Japan cruise, definitely put Celebrity Millennium on your radar. Between the cultural immersion, the incredible staff, and the non-stop entertainment, it’s the kind of trip that gives you memories for a lifetime. 🌏✨