6 Shore Excursions Tours in Japan Sorted by Hour and Price

1.Shore excursion: Full Day Private Kyoto Tour From Osaka/Kobe Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews Our pick

Spend about 10 hours exploring Kyoto by private car or van from Osaka or Kobe port. Your guide may be Ahmed, Keiko, Ayako, Toshi, or another local specialist. The flexible route covers Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, Gion, and Fushimi Inari, with transportation paid separately in cash.

“In spite of the late arrival of our ship, the heavy traffic congestion and the crowds going to the different destinations, our guide was able to keep us moving so that we managed to cover most if not all of what was on the itinerary. He worked well with the driver and we managed to get in and out of the crowds without too much problem. It was a packed day of sightseeing and we had a good time in spite of the crowds. Warning to potential tourists - don't come to Japan during cherry blossom season. It should be much more pleasant when it's not crowded.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

2.Private Walking Shore Excursion- Kyoto/Osaka/Nara/Kobe

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 23 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $141

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kobe port, a hotel, or a train station, then spend 6 to 8 hours exploring Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, or Kobe by public transport. Alyssa is praised for clear communication, thoughtful pacing, and help with trains, meals, photos, and language. You choose the sights, pace, and finish point.

“We had a great tour. It started out great when our guide, Alyssa, met us exactly where we expected and was waiting for us as we passed thru customs. We were using local transportation and she had an excellent knowledge of the train and subway schedules to move us efficiently from the port to Osaka, about Osaka, and back to the ship. She was very knowledgeable and just as important, we were able to understand her which which did not occur with other guides we had used on our Japan trip. Would strongly recommend Alyssa's services to someone wanting to tour Osaka or Kyoto.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

3.Shore Excursion Full Day Private Kochi Tour from Kochi port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews Top rated

Spend about eight hours exploring Kochi with a licensed Japanese guide and your own group of up to eight. Visit Kochi Castle, Chikurin-ji Temple, Makino Botanical Garden, and Hirome Ichiba market. Guides such as Masanari, Soda, Fujita, and Nagahama tailor the pace to your interests. Port pickup is offered, but private transportation costs extra.

“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!”

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4.Private Shore Excursion Kobe Port – Best of Kobe with a local

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $135

Spend up to seven hours with Michelle, a native English-speaking Kobe local who lived in the United States. Shape the day around shrines, harbor views, shopping, sake, Kobe beef, or Nunobiki Herb Gardens. Walking is included, while taxis, trains, food, drinks, ropeway rides, and other entry fees cost extra.

“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”

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5.Shore Excursion from Hiroshima Port : Private Tour in Hiroshima

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews

Meet your guide at Hiroshima Port for a private vehicle tour built around your cruise schedule. Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Memorial Park, and Miyajima Island, with guides such as Atsushi, Akiko, Noriko, and Yamada available depending on date. The plan lasts about 4 to 9 hours and can be adjusted.

“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”

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6.All-Inclusive Ishigaki Island Shore Excursion with English Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $123Best value

Join local guide Sander for a flexible, small-group tour of Ishigaki Island. In an air-conditioned van, you’ll visit Yaima Village, Cape Oganzaki, Kabira Bay, Yonehara Beach, Banna Park, and the colorful Yonekoyaki Craft Center. Lunch, drinks, Japanese snacks, towels, sunscreen, and WiFi are included. A glass-bottom boat costs extra.

“Great tour experience covering all major sites on Ishigaki Island. Sander was a great tour guide and really went out of his way to ensure we all had a great time. The vehicle had a screen showing the sites and explanations of some of the areas Read more”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →