Shore Excursion • 8 hours 5
(43)

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
Walking experience once in the city center (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options, extra charge of $150 applies

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

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace

Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

A peaceful pause with Kannon

A peaceful pause with Kannon

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty

Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty

Matcha Dreams Come True

Matcha Dreams Come True

New Friends in Old Streets

New Friends in Old Streets

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Wandering through a forest of giants

Wandering through a forest of giants

Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site

Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site

Emerging Through the Wishful Archway

Emerging Through the Wishful Archway

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets

Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets

The Fox Shrine Crew

The Fox Shrine Crew

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape

Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape

Rural charm and cultural calm

Rural charm and cultural calm

Soft Steps & Serene Views

Soft Steps & Serene Views

Cocktails with a view

Cocktails with a view

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Tempura & Togetherness

Tempura & Togetherness

A day filled with culture and laughter

A day filled with culture and laughter

Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur

Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur

 Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Charmed in Gion

Charmed in Gion

Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter

Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

A Table Full of Stories

A Table Full of Stories

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden

Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

A Ryokan-Style Feast

A Ryokan-Style Feast

Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk

Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest

Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest

Walking through these thousand torii gates

Walking through these thousand torii gates

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda

Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda

A walk through time

A walk through time

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii

Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

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What travelers think of our Japan experiences

Ajit Apr 2024

Mel was an excellent guide who customised the tour to our liking. Took us to buy south sea pearls that we were looking for and also took us to Kobe for the authentic beef experience!

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Emily Mar 2024

Tiana was a wonderful guide for our day trip from Kyoto to Osaka. It was our last day in Japan and we only had the afternoon/evening but she put together the perfect itinerary that gave us just the right mix of attractions, street food, and nightlife. She’s also a fantastic photographer!

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Ana Aug 2023

Kyoto is wonderfull city. In August humid, but we managed. Maha suggested some route according to our plans. And she send us lots of messages via Whatsup. She answered all ours questions.

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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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Raja Feb 2023

Tess is very nice and friendly. She knows a lot about Kyoto (our chosen tour). She taught and familiarised us with using the train network in Japan. She managed to tailor the itinerary to our interest and personality. She was also very flexible and can adjust the itinerary as we changed our minds on some places due to wanting to spend more time on a certain place. She is always energetic and high spirited and made sure the pace was okay for us. Overall, we had a very fun, enjoyable and fruitful trip. Highly recommend Tess.

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