Kyoto
Cruise stop-over: day trip to Kyoto from Kobe port
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.
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 locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat 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 mostWhat 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
Surrounded by centuries of tradition
Night Lights & Lantern Legends
Charmed in Gion
Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections
Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera
Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto
Morning Light & Timeless Streets
Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around
Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way
Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine
A Table Full of Stories
New Friends in Old Streets
Tempura & Togetherness
The Fox Shrine Crew
Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins
Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company
Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections
Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates
Big smiles and even bigger stories
Soft Steps & Serene Views
From ancient torii gates to new friendships
A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city
Wandering through a forest of giants
A day filled with culture and laughter
Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades
Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm
A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley
The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.
Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope
Pagoda Postcard Vibes
Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted
Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto
Walking through these thousand torii gates
A Ryokan-Style Feast
Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove
Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari
Matcha Dreams Come True
Cocktails with a view
A walk through time
Rural charm and cultural calm
A peaceful pause with Kannon
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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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Dale
Jun 2025
Vanessa was a great guide. She arrange our time around our wants and needs. She was very knowledgeable of the culture and area. In addition she answered our questions and gave recommendations to help us with the rest of our stay. I will always book such a tour on our first day going forward due to all the value it provides for our trip.
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Sven
Jun 2025
We booked a private tour for me and me girlfriend. Our host was Ceci and we had a fantastic afternoon in the gion district and the shrines and temples around. we learned alot about the practices, culture and history of kyoto and especially the geishas / geikos, their work and the respected districts. The tour was very personalized and we saw a lot more things than we normally would have, if we just went on our own. We can 100 % recommend :)
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Lambrini
Jun 2025
Our guide Taiga was beyond amazing! Our favorite guide in our time here in Japan. Funny knowledgeable and beyond awesome!!! We loved being with him and he made our day super special!
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Sarah
Jun 2025
Pam was an amazing guide and listened to our interests. She watched out for us (like when crossing streets) and we felt very cared for. She shared interesting information about the places we visited and followed up with customized recommendations for the rest of our trip.
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