Japan Cruise Day 3 – Osaka’s Namba Yasaka Jinja

Siva McAteer • August 13, 2025

The Lion That Eats Bad Luck 🦁✨

They say this lion can swallow your bad luck… so naturally, we had to see it for ourselves!

It’s Day 3 of our 12-Day Celebrity Millennium Cruise, and before we even stepped off the ship, Osaka had me impressed — and yes, I’m talking about the port restrooms. These high-tech toilets come with a bidet, “privacy” music buttons, and more controls than some cruise ship cabins. I’m just saying… if Celebrity installed these in the staterooms, I’d never leave. 🚽🎶

After a quick Uber ride from the port (from cruise ship to shrine in no time!), we arrived at Namba Yasaka Jinja, one of Osaka’s most fascinating hidden gems. This small Shinto shrine is famous for its enormous lion’s head stage, a striking performance platform believed to gobble up misfortune and bring good luck to visitors.

The shrine itself is tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood, making it feel like a peaceful escape from the city buzz. You only need about 10–15 minutes here, so it’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring the area. For us, it was the perfect prelude to our Dotonbori adventure — it’s only about a 15-minute walk from there, but we opted for a quick 4-minute drive while our driver waited (because when you’re on vacation, convenience wins!).


If you’re cruising into Osaka, this is a must-see stop — a mix of tradition, local charm, and just the right amount of quirky.


📍 Namba Yasaka Jinja

2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan



Next up: Dotonbori — A Foodie Lover’s Paradise 🍜🍢🍣 Stay tuned, you’re not going to want to miss it!

Celebrity Millennium Japan Cruise, Osaka sightseeing from cruise port, Namba Yasaka Jinja lion head shrine, best things to do in Osaka cruise stop, Osaka hidden gems, Shinto shrines in Osaka, Osaka Japan itinerary, Dotonbori food guide, Japan cruise port tips.


#CelebrityMillennium #JapanCruise #OsakaJapan #NambaYasakaJinja #ShintoShrine #CruiseLife #OsakaTravel #CelebrityCruises #CruisePortGuide #JapanTravelBlogger

By Siva McAteer August 12, 2025
This morning, I made my way to the legendary Omelet Station — a breakfast hotspot that deserves its own fan club. The moment you step up, you’re greeted by the sound of sizzling skillets, the smell of freshly whisked eggs, and a chef who turns a handful of fresh ingredients into pure morning magic. 🍳✨ I watched as my omelet came together — a quick pour, a sprinkle of veggies, a little cheese, a perfect fold, and voilà — breakfast perfection. And yes, I might have been grinning the entire time.
By Siva McAteer August 11, 2025
Day 2 aboard the Celebrity Millennium called for a little extra sparkle—it was Evening Chic Night at the Metropolitan Main Dining Room, and you know I never miss an excuse to dress up. I think we cleaned up pretty well, if I do say so myself! (Drop a comment and tell me if you agree.) The Main Dining Room was buzzing with elegant outfits, clinking glasses, and the smell of mouthwatering dishes drifting through the air. The menu tonight was a feast—think Salmon Tartare with trout roe caviar, a refreshing Tomato Watermelon Salad, and “Celebrity’s Signature” Beef Tournedo draped in rich black truffle sauce. My personal favorite? The Phyllo Dough Tulip filled with citrus cream and topped with fresh fruit—pure heaven. 🍋🍓 Here's a sample of all the food we dined on: Salmon Tartare*- Celery Root Purée, Trout Roe Caviar, Dill, Apple , Pumpernickel Tomato Watermelon Salad - Basil, Feta, Sourdough Croutons, Sherry Vinaigrette Garden Fresh Salad - Mixed Lettuce, Seasonal Vegetables, Cucumber, Tomatoes “Celebrity’s Signature” - Beef Tournedo*Ragoût of Morel Mushrooms & Pearl Onions, Roasted Potatoes; Haricots Verts and Black Truffle Sauce Shrimp Scampi - White Wine-Garlic Sauce, Cherry Tomatoes, Parsley; Served over Linguine Phyllo Dough Tulip - Filled with Citrus Cream Topped with Assorted Fresh Fruits After Eight ice cream
By Siva McAteer August 10, 2025
If you love live music, dazzling costumes, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, this is the kind of cruise ship entertainment you cannot miss. Picture this: the stage lights up, the band kicks in, and suddenly you’re transported straight back to the golden age of disco, funk, and Motown. The setlist was a party all on its own, featuring classics like: 🚋 Love Train – The O’Jays 🎸 Freak Out – CHIC 🦸‍♀️ Wonder Woman Theme Song 🎤 Do Ya Think I’m Sexy – Rod Stewart 💛 How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees 💃 Voulez-Vous – ABBA 🎷 Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry 👷‍♂️ YMCA – The Village People 👯‍♀️ We Are Family – Sister Sledge 🌟 Last Dance – Donna Summer ❤️ I’ll Be There – The Four Tops 🎉 Boogie Wonderland – Earth, Wind & Fire From the first note to the last dance, the performers had the audience clapping, singing, and dancing along. The energy in the theater was absolutely electric — it’s the kind of night where you can’t help but smile from ear to ear. And here’s something most people don’t realize — there are only three people responsible for handling all the costumes for every singer and dancer, including my daughter! 💖 With multiple costume changes and so many shows to prepare for, they work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every sequin, feather, and stitch is stage-ready. They’re the true unsung heroes of the production, and the show wouldn’t be the same without them. This is exactly why I love Celebrity Cruises. It’s not just about the destinations — like our incredible 12-day journey through Japan and South Korea — it’s about the experiences you have on board. Shows like Boogie Wonderland turn an ordinary evening into an unforgettable memory. If you’re sailing on the Celebrity Millennium, make sure you check your daily schedule and snag a seat early for this show. Trust me, it’s worth it. 🎤💃🕺
By Siva McAteer August 9, 2025
It’s Day 2 aboard the Celebrity Millennium, and let me tell you — tonight was all about shaking things up… literally. 🍸 We decided to spend the evening at one of the ship’s most famous spots — the Martini Bar. This isn’t your average cruise ship bar. Oh no. The entire counter is covered in ice (yes, really!) and there’s so much ice overflowing that it feels like you’ve stepped into a frosty little wonderland in the middle of the ocean. ❄️ We kicked things off with a Classic Dirty Martini for Brian and a cold beer for me. But the real fun began when the crowd thinned out and we found a spot at the bar, and the bartenders started their show. And wow — these aren’t just bartenders. They’re mixology masters.
By Siva McAteer August 8, 2025
After four whirlwind days exploring the neon lights, bustling streets, and endless sights of Tokyo, we decided it was time to slow things down. Day 2 of our 12-night Japan and South Korea cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium brought us to Port of Shimizu—and honestly, it might just be one of the most beautiful cruise ports in Japan. 🌅 Morning Tea with Mount Fuji The day began perfectly—with an early morning tea and snacks, followed by breakfast with my daughter. But the real star of the morning? Mount Fuji, standing tall and majestic right outside our window. Fun fact: My daughter, who works as a stitcher for Celebrity Cruises, told me that the last time the ship docked here, it was reversed, meaning only first-class passengers got a view of Mount Fuji. This time, everyone onboard got this breathtaking sight, and wow—it was worth waking up early for! 🚢 Why Port Shimizu is Special Shimizu is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful ports thanks to its incredible proximity to Mount Fuji. And I totally get why—it feels like the mountain is welcoming you personally. We didn’t book any big excursions for today. After all, we needed a little breather after Tokyo’s non-stop energy. One of the best things about this port? Everything is within walking distance from where the ship docks, so you can explore at your own pace.
By Siva McAteer August 7, 2025
Welcome back to the final part of our quick port day ship tour aboard the Celebrity Millennium—and trust me, we’re ending on a high note! Today, we’re diving into three onboard gems: the Art Gallery, the Celebrity Shops, and the ever-entertaining Millennium Casino. Let’s go! 🎨 First Stop: Art Gallery at Sea Did you know you can attend an art auction on a cruise? Yep—one of our favorite surprises on this 12-night Japan to South Korea cruise was discovering the onboard Art Gallery. We got to admire pieces by Thomas Kinkade, Salvador Dalí, and yes—even Picasso himself! The auction was a vibe—learning about the artists, the stories behind each work, and watching people bid on their dream piece. And guess what? If you fall in love with a painting, they’ll ship it right to your home. No bubble wrap or carry-on drama needed!
By Siva McAteer August 6, 2025
It's Day 2 of our unforgettable 12-day Celebrity Millennium Cruise from Yokohama, Japan to Seoul, South Korea, and today we’re diving into one of my favorite parts of ship life—the bars and lounges onboard the Celebrity Millennium! Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a cocktail connoisseur, or just love a cozy lounge with live music, there’s something here for everyone. 🥂 First Stop: Rendezvous Lounge This lively lounge is where the party’s at! 💃 With live music, signature cocktails, and even a little dancing, it’s the perfect place to hang out before dinner—or keep the fun going late into the night. The vibe here is super fun and social, and it quickly became one of our favorite hangouts.
By Siva McAteer August 5, 2025
Hi friends! It’s Day 2 of our fabulous 12-day Celebrity Millennium Cruise, sailing from Yokohama, Japan to Seoul, South Korea—and today I’m taking you on a tasty little tour of the main dining areas onboard the ship! Now, if you’re anything like me, food is a major part of cruising, and the Celebrity Millennium delivers on every level—whether you’re after fine dining, fresh flavors, or full-on foodie experiences. 🍽️ The Metropolitan: Your Classic Cruise Dining Experience First stop: The Metropolitan, the ship’s main dining room and one of the complimentary restaurants included in your cruise fare. Picture gorgeous ocean views, a rotating menu of international dishes, and attentive service that makes every dinner feel special. This is your go-to spot for traditional cruise meals done right—elegant, flavorful, and beautifully plated.
By Siva McAteer August 4, 2025
It’s Day 2 of our 12-day Japan to South Korea Celebrity Millennium Cruise, and today we’re diving into one of my favorite parts of any cruise: the common areas—those relaxing, stylish spaces you pass through, hang out in, and make memories. Let’s start near our stateroom on Deck 3, where the Grand Foyer welcomes guests with modern elegance and cozy vibes. I passed through here every day, and I have to say—those little reading nooks with books? A total win for this book-loving traveler. I even used this area to catch up on work and Wi-Fi using my trusty Ryoko portable internet on port days. Pro tip: if you need a quiet place to check emails or upload photos, this is it!
By Siva McAteer August 3, 2025
Hello from the stunning Celebrity Millennium! I’m Siva McAteer—your travel advisor, cruise guide, and friendly neighborhood globetrotter—and today, we're diving into a ship tour of the outdoor decks and the fabulous pool area aboard this gorgeous vessel. It’s Day 2 of our 12-Day Celebrity Cruise through Japan and South Korea, and we’re currently docked in Shimizu, Japan, where—drumroll, please—Mount Fuji is right there in the distance. Absolutely majestic. If you're planning a Japan cruise, this port stop is a bucket list moment for sure. Why Port Days Are Perfect for Ship Tours Port days are secretly one of the best times to explore the ship. Why? Because most passengers head off to explore the port, take shore excursions, or do their own thing—which means you get the ship (almost) to yourself! Whether you’ve booked your shore excursions through Celebrity Cruises or opted to explore independently, don’t stress—places like 7-Eleven are easy to find in Japan and South Korea if you need a quick snack or a local convenience store fix. One quick note: On port days, the shops, casinos, and many restaurants onboard are closed. But don’t worry—you can still grab delicious eats at the buffet and various cafes around the ship.
More Posts