Cruise Excursions for Cruise Passengers: Information, Itineraries, and Bookings

Discover the best of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, or Nara with a private excursion designed especially for cruise passengers. We know that time in port is limited and every minute counts, which is why we plan efficient, comfortable routes fully tailored to your interests. You set the pace; we take care of the logistics, transportation, and punctuality.

• Private tour from Osaka or Kobe Port

• Customized itinerary

• Variable duration and pricing

• Up to 8 adults

• Port pick-up included

• Guaranteed return to the port

• Special price for children!

Description

Japan is an ideal destination for cruise travellers. The country has numerous ports that make it easy to explore the archipelago by sea, with popular stops such as Shimizu and Osaka. That’s why at Kansai Local Tours, we want to ensure that—whether you travel by land or by sea—you enjoy the best possible experience during your trip.

Cruise passengers have unique needs that differ from those of other travellers. Time in each city is usually limited, which makes planning, transportation, and logistics essential parts of any tour. We know that one of the biggest concerns for cruise travellers is staying on schedule while still seeing as many places as possible during their visit.

In this section, you will find different suggested itineraries as well as the option to request your own customized route to match your needs. We include both Kobe Port and Osaka Port so you can choose the one that suits you best—or even enjoy excursions from both ports if your ship docks at each. And yes, excursions to Kyoto and Nara are also possible.

Send your request here

Below you’ll find a form to request your shore excursion. Please share as many details as possible so we can create the best experience for your cruise visit.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure what you want to see. You can check the example itineraries at the end of this page, or simply tell us what you’d like to include in your tour.

How the booking process works

1. Choose the city for your excursion.

2. Select the tour duration (4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 hours). You’ll see the price variations next to each option.

3. Enter your group size, preferred date, and starting time.

4. Fill in the important details: ship name, ports, arrival time, preferred itinerary, etc.

5. Submit the form.

   • If everything is feasible, we’ll send you a payment link.

   • If adjustments are needed, we’ll email you with the required changes.

6. You’ll receive an automatic confirmation email as soon as the payment is completed.

7. On the day of the tour, we’ll be waiting for you at the port with a sign with your name. It’s that simple!

Entrance tickets

Entrance fees to museums, temples or other points of interest.

Transportation expenses

Public, private, or taxi transportation costs are not included.

The average meal cost is around ￥2,000 per person.

What's Not Included?

Meal expenses

What's Included?

• Guide in your chosen language

• Private tour with flexible duration

• Pickup and drop‑off at the ship

• All guide expenses are included

• Taxes included

• No tips required

• Photo support and editing

• Guaranteed return to the port

Examples of Itineraries from Kobe Port

Itinerary

Departure from the port

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Return to the port

Kyoto (10 hours)

Itinerary

Departure from the port

Kiyomizudera Temple

Gion District

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Return to the port

Kyoto (8 hours)

Itinerary

Departure from the port

Osaka Castle

Kuromon Market

Dotonbori District

Umeda Sky Building

Return to the port

Osaka (8 hours)

Itinerary

Departure from the port

Himeji Castle

Ikuta Shrine

Kobe Chinatown

Kobe Port Tower and Meriken Park

Return to the port

Himeji and Kobe (8 hours)

Itinerary

Departure from the port

Sake museum and tasting

Kobe beef restaurant

Kobe Chinatown

Kobe Port Tower

Return to the port

Kobe (6 hours)

Examples of Itineraries from Osaka Port

Itinerary

Departure from the port

Yasaka Shrine

Geishas' District of Gion

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Nara Park

Todaiji Temple

Return to the port

Kyoto and Nara (12 hours)

Itinerary

Departure from the port

Golden Pavillion

Silver Pavillion

Philosopher's Path

Higashiyama and Gion District

Return to the port

Kyoto (10 hours)

Itinerary

Departure from the port

Osaka Castle

Abeno Harukas Building

Shinsekai District

Dotonbori District

Return to the port

Osaka (8 hours)

Itinerary

Departure from the port

Yasaka Shrine

Maruyama Park

Higashiyama District

Gion District

Return to the port

Kyoto (6 hours)

Itinerary

Departure from the port

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Dotonbori District

Return to the port

Osaka (4 hours)

Location of the Ports

Kobe Port Terminal (SQ1/2)

Hyogo, Kobe, Chuo Ward, Shinkocho, 4−5 2F

Tempozan - Osaka Cruise Terminal

Osaka, Minato Ward, Chikko, 3 Chome−11−8

Naka Pier Cruise Terminal (NAKA-BC)

5-6 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo

Suka Shikamaku, Himeji, Hyogo 672-8063

Himeji Port