Japan Cruise Adventure Day 5: Eating Our Way Through Hirome Market in Kochi

When you think of Japanese castles, Kyoto or Osaka might come to mind—but hidden on the island of Shikoku is one of the country’s most unique gems: Kochi Castle. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we made a stop in Kochi and discovered that this castle isn’t just beautiful—it’s full of surprises, from turtles to chickens! Why Kochi Castle is So Special ✨ Here’s a fun fact for history buffs: Kochi Castle is the only castle in Japan that still has all of its original Edo period buildings. That includes the iconic castle tower and the Honmaru Palace, both dating back to the 1600s. Most Japanese castles were either destroyed in wars, earthquakes, or fires, and later rebuilt. Kochi Castle, however, survived the centuries—making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese history and architecture.

Forget everything you know about photo booths—because in Japan, they’ve taken the concept to a whole new level. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we stumbled into the Maruge Kochi store and discovered the magic of Purikura (プリクラ)—Japan’s famous kawaii photo booths. What is Purikura? 📸💖 The word Purikura is short for “Print Club” (purinto kurabu), and it’s one of Japan’s most beloved photo experiences. Unlike your average photo booth, Purikura machines transform you into a kawaii, anime-inspired version of yourself. Think: flawless skin, sparkling eyes, and endless filters to play with. But that’s not all—after your photo session, you get to edit your pics with: Digital makeup (eyeshadow, lipstick, blush—you name it) Cute stickers, borders, and doodles Feature adjustments like larger eyes, slimmer face, or even taller height Messages and signatures using a digital pen And the best part? Your finished creations are printed out as stickers—perfect souvenirs of your Japan trip. Some newer machines even send your photos or short videos straight to your phone! 💡 Fun fact: Purikura became insanely popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and it’s still a must-do for teens, couples, and travelers alike.

If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, you already know that Japan is the ultimate paradise for Ghibli merch. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we stopped in Kochi, where we found the magical Donguri Kyowakoku (Acorn Republic)—the official Ghibli store chain in Japan. And what better way to experience it than with a little blind box unboxing fun?

If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan… prepare your heart, because this store in Japan is pure magic. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we docked in Kochi, and stumbled upon one of the cutest, dreamiest shops ever: Donguri Kyowakoku – the official Studio Ghibli store in Japan. ✨ Spoiler alert: It felt like stepping straight into a Ghibli movie!

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.