Shore Excursion • 8 hours 5.0 (19)

Cruise stop-over: day trip to Kyoto from Kobe port

Discover Kyoto’s traditions and ancient culture on a day trip from Kobe Port.

If you only have one day to spend in Kobe, consider buying  a pass for the City Loop bus that hits all of the major tourist sites

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • With your local host leading the way and taking care of transport, travel to Sannomiya station from Kobe Port via a taxi, and to Kyoto from Sannomiya station (Kobe) on public transport
  • Walking experience once in central Kyoto (if required, your host can suggest public transport, one day Kyoto pass or private taxi options, extra charge of $150 applies for a private taxi)
  • Explore Kyoto and visit its most famous shrines, temples and districts in just one day
  • Discover what makes Kyoto so unique, from its ancient culture to traditional food and drink
  • You could sample sake from a historic brewery in the sake-brewing district or experience a traditional tea ceremony
  • Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or explore central Kyoto and its geisha district
  • But more than just the top landmarks, your host will also reveal a few secret spots you can’t find in a guidebook!
  • Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you get back well on time… for your peace of mind….

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

100% private and personalized itinerary
8 hours with a host (including travel time) - this can be customized, just get in touch to let us know how long you will be docking for.
Return taxi transport from Kobe port to Sannomiya station
Walking experience once in the city center (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options, extra charge of $150 applies for a private taxi)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs other than the ones included in the experience
Return tickets from Sannomiya to Kyoto (Covered by JR pass if you have one)
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

KOBE PORT TERMINAL - The host will be waiting in the arrival lobby.

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

Take the train to Kyoto with your local host, and discover another side of Japanese culture in its 8th-century capital. From discovering the centuries-old architecture of Kyoto Imperial Palace to catching a glimpse of a mesmerizing geisha along the cobbled streets of Gion, you’ll experience what makes Kyoto unique. You could explore the Fushimi sake district and sample fresh sake at a historic brewery, taste authentic wagashi (sweets) at Nishiki Market or experience a traditional tea ceremony. Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine and marvel at its famous, flame-colored tunnel or let your host reveal a hidden temple to you - whatever you choose to do, you’ll discover more than just the Kyoto that’s in guidebooks.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Aranza, May 2024

Tour was very good! Marwan was very friendly and adapted to our group very well! We enjoyed Kyoto and nara

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Rebbeca, Apr 2024

Our guide was lovely and chill and helped us to do the itinerary that was right for us. Thankyou :)

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Bill, Apr 2024

Hiroki met us at our dock and decided, based on our timeline, that rather than taking the train, we should go by car. This allowed us a lot more flexibility in the trip and we saw more sites and we would’ve been able to see otherwise. We saw two temples inside the city, a couple different marketplaces and one temple outside the city. Hiroki was kind enough to drive us to the bullet train station, show us how to get tickets, and write a note that we could give to the taxi driver to make sure that we got back to our ship.

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Alison, Apr 2024

We spent a day with Ryan, who was an excellent low-key guy focused on helping us do and see whatever we wanted in Kyoto. Our group of four had varying interests and physical limits and Ryan accommodated everyone. His knowledge of the area and its history was very helpful and kept us engaged and wanting to know more.

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Andrew, Apr 2024

Great day out. Very different from a ship excursion, only the 3 of us and Ryan the guide. Saw much more, travelled and ate with the locals and no waiting for everyone to catch up. Great experience and a great guide.

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Andrew, Apr 2024

A bit of a new experience. Travelling on local trains and trying the food and drink with the locals. Saw all the sights we needed too and had a good time.

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