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.

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.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

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

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.

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

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

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What travelers think of this experience

Frances Mar 2023

Professional, knowledgeable, helpful and charming - they was Dragoslav!

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.

Ros Apr 2025

Austin was amazing at finding hidden places without the crowds. Also great choice of coffee stop and sweet recommendation

Onitra Apr 2025

We really enjoyed our tour. Insightful, fun and very pleasant. Our tour guide was also very patient and lovely to work with. Even the rain could not stop our tour and tour guide. Glad I booked this tour. Would 100% recommend this tour to all of my family and friends visiting Kyoto.

Gregory Apr 2025

Mia was lovely, informative, and entertaining. She speaks English. We very much enjoyed our tour......................

Kourosh Apr 2025

Although we had visited Kyoto before, experiencing it through the eyes of a local made it truly special. Austin, guided us to quieter, hidden spots where we could enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms away from the crowds. It gave us a whole new appreciation for this amazing city.

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