Shore Excursion • 8 hours 4.8 (6)

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

Get picked up at Osaka port and explore Kyoto on a private tour tailored to your schedule and wishes!

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

  • Travel to Kyoto from Osaka Port via public transport with your local host leading the way
  • 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.
  • Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or explore central Kyoto and its geisha district
  • Your host will 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 local train transportation between Osaka Port International Terminal and Kyoto Station
Walking experience once in the city center (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options, Additional cost will be appli
Walking experience once in the city center (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options, Additional cost will be appli

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs other than the ones included in the experience
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Osaka 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

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, 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

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Charmed in Gion

Charmed in Gion

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

A Table Full of Stories

A Table Full of Stories

New Friends in Old Streets

New Friends in Old Streets

Tempura & Togetherness

Tempura & Togetherness

The Fox Shrine Crew

The Fox Shrine Crew

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Soft Steps & Serene Views

Soft Steps & Serene Views

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

Wandering through a forest of giants

Wandering through a forest of giants

A day filled with culture and laughter

A day filled with culture and laughter

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

 Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Walking through these thousand torii gates

Walking through these thousand torii gates

A Ryokan-Style Feast

A Ryokan-Style Feast

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Matcha Dreams Come True

Matcha Dreams Come True

Cocktails with a view

Cocktails with a view

A walk through time

A walk through time

Rural charm and cultural calm

Rural charm and cultural calm

A peaceful pause with Kannon

A peaceful pause with Kannon

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of this experience

Ajit Apr 2024

Mel was an excellent guide who customised the tour to our liking. Took us to buy south sea pearls that we were looking for and also took us to Kobe for the authentic beef experience!

Show more
Emily Mar 2024

Tiana was a wonderful guide for our day trip from Kyoto to Osaka. It was our last day in Japan and we only had the afternoon/evening but she put together the perfect itinerary that gave us just the right mix of attractions, street food, and nightlife. She’s also a fantastic photographer!

Show more
Ana Aug 2023

Kyoto is wonderfull city. In August humid, but we managed. Maha suggested some route according to our plans. And she send us lots of messages via Whatsup. She answered all ours questions.

Show more
Raja Feb 2023

Tess is very nice and friendly. She knows a lot about Kyoto (our chosen tour). She taught and familiarised us with using the train network in Japan. She managed to tailor the itinerary to our interest and personality. She was also very flexible and can adjust the itinerary as we changed our minds on some places due to wanting to spend more time on a certain place. She is always energetic and high spirited and made sure the pace was okay for us. Overall, we had a very fun, enjoyable and fruitful trip. Highly recommend Tess.

Show more
Patrick Jul 2024

We had a great time in beautiful Kyoto with Maha. She completely customized our itinerary to our preferences and helped us navigate all the sites with ease. It was extraordinarily hot but she helped us stop for breaks. We had two teens with us who enjoyed it all as well! We will be back when it is cooler!

Show more
Craig Apr 2025

Masaya was great and flexible for seeing Kyoto. As someone interested in getting some special photos, he helped me find all the right spots! He had a great knowledge of the city and his facts about cultural and historical landmarks was really helpful to understanding the meaning behind so much in Kyoto.

Show more
SEE ALL REVIEWS