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

What you'll do

You’ll travel to Kyoto with your local host and discover another side of Japanese culture in its 8th-century capital. From finding 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. Let your host reveal a hidden temple to you - whatever you choose to do, you’ll discover more than just Kyoto in guidebooks.

Where you’ll go

With your host taking care of transport, you’ll arrive stress-free in Kyoto and ready to explore. Explore the cobbled streets of Gion, the traditional entertainment district in the heart of Kyoto along the right bank of the Kamo River. At dusk, the paper lanterns of intimate izakaya bars are lit, and you can spot geisha floating through the streets and visit Yasaka Shrine.

The renowned Fushimi sake district is one of Kyoto’s most southerly wards (neighborhoods). In neighboring Higashiyama, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore crooked lanes lined with traditional wooden buildings. Or, why not visit Arashiyama in western Kyoto and stroll through the breathtaking bamboo grove?

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 8 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish)

  • Osaka port or a central location

Experience outline

  • With your local host leading the way and taking care of transport, travel to Kyoto from Osaka Port via public transport
  • 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….

Things to know

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 ticket from Benten cho station to Osaka 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 Osaka station to Kyoto station (Covered by JR pass if you have one)
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    Maria was a great guide, and we had a fantastic time. We are lots of yummy food and were very happy with our experience.

    May 2023

    Shea F

    We took a Kyoto tour from our cruise ship while we were docked in Osaka. It was probably the best excursion we had during the entire cruise. We did all the other ones through the cruise line but booked this one independently. Our guide was Fumika, and she was incredible. She met us at the Port, took us to buy train tickets, and then we rode 5 different trains to get to Kyoto. We never could have done it without her. She was amazing, friendly, and made sure we were OK with everything she planned. She watched the time constantly so she could get us back to the ship in time which she did. Everything was perfect and because of her, Kyoto was my favorite city. From now on I will probably arrange a private tour with City Unscripted versus going through the ship. You see so much more in a day and she customized it to what we wanted to see. We are also using this company when we disembark in Tokyo.

    April 2023

    Linda W

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Osaka. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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