I'm playing Civ 4 at warlord level, only the third of eight. Having played many times at warlord, I only won once.

Right now I cannot attack Japan because I lack sea transport. I am researching Astronomy to enable me to build Galleons. My first target will be an island near Japan which has a few barbarian cities on it. This may increase my point score somewhat, and it will place me closer to Japan. Who knows, the island might even have horses.