Japan · SHORE EXCURSIONS
11 reviewed
Good shore excursions tours in Japan fill up weeks ahead and the best of them fill up first. Below are the 11 to look at, what they cost today, and what makes each one different from the next.
Kyoto highlights in one day from Osaka or Kobe, with a private guide, Golden Pavilion, Gion, Fushimi Inari, lunch, and entrance fees.
“We had a custom tour setup and it went flawlessly. Excellent leadership, good education on sites seen, fantastic transportation, and an all around good tour. Highly recommend ti.”
Private Kyoto day from Kobe with a guide and car, hitting Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari and Gion.
“Viator is a monumental scam, swindle and cheat. We paid the requested sum of $480 by Visa at the time of ordering the tour. The night before the expected tour, we were told to pay the driver additional $800 for "transportation." This was not revealed before the agreed sum of $480 has been submitted. I would strongly warn any potential tourist never to do business with this company. Obviously we canceled the tour immediately and have never received a refund as promised. I learned lately that Viator is a subsidiary of Trip Advisor. Why is Trip Advisor part of this scam? Would Trip Advisor refund the $480?”
A private English walking day in Kansai from Kobe, mixing Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, or Kobe sights with public transit and local guidance.
“My wife and I took the private trip to Kyoto, well organised by Allysa who is a senior guide. She turned up at the right time to collect us at the Kobe port that our cruise ship sailed into. She spoke very good English. Took us by various trains including a bullet train into Kyoto. She explained very well about Japanese history, life , religion and culture. It was very exciting day . She took us to a restaurant where we cooked our own lunch.. On our request she dropped us in the city centre of Osaka and explained to us how to make our way back to the ship.…”
Private full-day Kochi tour from the port with Kochi Castle, Chikurin-ji Temple, Makino Garden, and Hirome Ichiba market time.
“I had an excellent experience here. The atmosphere was great, everything was clean and well maintained, and the staff were friendly. I visited with friends and we had a wonderful time. Would definitely come again!”
Private 7-hour Kobe port tour with an English-speaking local guide, mixing shrines, shopping streets, Chinatown, and optional sake or Kobe beef.
“We really liked this tour because the guide was born and raised in Kobe but lived in the US for many years so she was able to explain parts of her city that would be new to us. She showed us a couple of wonderful shrines, a neighborhood Read more”
Private Hiroshima shore excursion with port pickup, Peace Memorial sites, and Miyajima by ferry, guided in a comfortable car for up to 3.
“We had a full-day private Hiroshima tour with Yamada, including a visit to Miyajima Island, and it was fantastic. Yamada explained Hiroshima’s history with great knowledge and sensitivity, making everything easy to understand and deeply meaningful. Miyajima was beautiful, and his insights made the experience even more special”
A private 8-hour Kobe shore excursion from Osaka or Kobe port with herb gardens views, Hakutsuru sake tasting, and Kitano western houses.
“excellent tour and organization from Ichero, we had a good time and he was very nice and respectful,. thank you.”
Small-group Shimizu shore excursion with Seiken-ji temple, monk-led zazen, matcha and sweets, plus name-based kanji calligraphy, by bus.
“We had a delightful day with this tour. The guides provided so much background detail. The meditation experience was very moving and impactful. The calligraphy was a very special unique challenge. Highly recommend this intimate and rewarding experience.”
Private Nara shore excursion from Osaka or Kobe with port pickup, English-speaking guides, lunch, Todai-ji, Kasuga Shrine, deer park.
“Thank you Kiko for the wonderful experience exploring Nara. We have memories we will forever cherish You were so kind & knowledgeable. Thank you”
Private Kyoto day trip from Osaka Port with a local host. Gion lantern streets, Fushimi sights, Imperial Palace, and market treats, plus train tickets.
“We truly had the BEST tour we ever had with Ceci and we had many tours in the past… She is one of the most amazing tour guide we had. She took time to explain all the little details of the places we visited. I never met any tour guide that is Read more”
English-guided Ishigaki shore trip with small-group comfort, included drinks and soba lunch, plus top bays, beaches, and viewpoints.
“Ishigaki Island Tours did a great job with our tour. Very clean van took 9 of us across the island, stopping for views and experiences. Sander, our driver/guide was friendly, spoke English well, and had water and snacks to get us through the day. The island is surprisingly tropical, and the van was kept comfortable all day. A really good experience!”
