Shore Excursion • 8 hours 5.0 (6)

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

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

Visit on the 15th, 21st and 25th of the month to catch one of the flea markets and grab amazing bargain kimono, ceramics, handicrafts etc.

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.
Round trip taxi between 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 station (Covered by JR pass if you have one)
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Kobe Port or a central location

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 Kyoto Imperial Palace's centuries-old architecture to catching a mesmerizing geisha's glimpse along Gion's cobbled streets, you'll experience what makes Kyoto unique.

You could explore the Fushimi sake district, 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. Let your host reveal a hidden temple to you - whatever you choose to do, you'll discover more than just Kyoto 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

Frances, Mar 2023

Professional, knowledgeable, helpful and charming - they was Dragoslav!

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Frances, Mar 2023

Fauzi helped us get to Kyoto by bullet train and helped us get back to the correct train. Without his assistance we would never have been able to navigate the train system. Just a lovely day!! Thank you.

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Paulina, Feb 2025

We were eager to learn more about Japanese history and Tom was the perfect match for us. He is really knowledgable and engaging. He did a good job of weaving in stories throughout the tour to make everything more entertaining and digestible.

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Naomi, Feb 2025

Tom was an excellent guide. So knowledgeable about Kyoto, both from a contemporary perspective and historical. Lots of fun and interesting sights he was able to point out as well. He adjusted the tour to our fitness level and showed us some less touristy parts of Kyoto as well as the tourist spots. Highly recommend Tom for your walking tour of Kyoto.

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Donna, Feb 2025

Mia was wonderful and showed us around . The weather wasn’t on our side as it snowed most of the tour but she still did a fantastic job.

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Amy, Feb 2025

Milos was an excellent guide! I spent half a day with him touring Kyoto. He was a wealth of historical knowledge, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Milos has in-depth information on culture, religion, politics, different eras, the arts, as well as insights into modern Japanese culture. He is easy going, flexible with the itinerary, patient, happy to stop for snacks, helped me navigate the train system, and as per my request, directed me toward the local artisans shops for a few gifts. We covered a lot of ground by foot and train, and although it was very cold out, the hours seemed to fly by. I highly recommend Milos. You will have a fantastic tour with him.

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