Private Tour

Cruise Stop-Over: Private Custom Day trip to Kyoto from Kobe Port

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

Take the train to Kyoto with your local host and discover another side of Japanese culture in its 8th-century capital. From the moment you step off the ship, everything is taken care of — including a private taxi from Kobe Port to the station and return train transport to and from Kyoto.

Explore the cobbled streets of Gion, Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district, or wander through the famous flame-colored torii tunnel of Fushimi Inari Shrine. Perhaps you’ll visit the Arashiyama bamboo grove in western Kyoto or sip freshly brewed sake in Fushimi. At dusk, when paper lanterns begin to glow, you might even glimpse a geisha drifting silently through the streets.

Before the tour begins, you’ll complete a short online questionnaire so we can match you with the perfect local host to design your ideal day in Kyoto.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections

After booking, you'll receive a short online questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.

This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.

Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Online questionnaire sent after booking to tailor the experience and match you with the right host

Private and personalized 8-hour experience with insider tips from a knowledgeable local host

Standard round-trip train travel between Kobe and Kyoto

Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and personalized local recommendations

Round-trip taxi transfer from Kobe Port to Sannomiya Station

Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions

Transportation (primarily a walking experience. Additional transport available at extra cost.)

Gratuities (optional)

What To Expect

Kobe Sannomiya Station Hanshin Electric Railway Service Center

Begin your experience right at the cruise port, where your host will meet you in the arrival lobby. From there, enjoy a taxi ride to Sannomiya Station, followed by a scenic train journey to Kyoto. With travel logistics handled and eight hours total, including transport, you’ll explore Kyoto through the lens of a local. Before your visit, you'll receive a short online questionnaire to help us tailor your itinerary. Here’s a sample route to inspire your day:

Admission Not Applicable

Gion

Wander the cobbled alleys of Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, where wooden machiya houses and quiet tea rooms preserve centuries of tradition. Your host will guide you through its hidden corners and share the neighborhood’s cultural significance.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

8hours Tour Kobe Port yo Kyoto

Duration: 8 hours

Reviews

4.45

11 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Very flexible tour. We...
Douglas D,
Oct 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Very flexible tour. We were able to choose attractions, activity level and places to visit. Having a personal guide helped us travel between train connections as their English was very good. Highly recommend.
Elliott’s tour of Kyoto
WIlliam E,
Apr 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Tiago was an excellent guide. very knowledgeable and an excellent communicator. Did a good job of showing historic and cultural sites.
We took the bullet train!!
Eileen S,
Apr 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We decided to upgrade and do the trip to Kyoto by bullet train. Firstly because of time saved in travelling and secondly because I always wanted to try it. Ryan met us at our cruise terminal and we went by taxi to the train station. We went to buy tickets and navigated to our platform. I was relieved Ryan was there to guide us through everything. We took a metro and a regular train before taking the bullet train. We didn’t have reserved seats….sometimes easier than searching for your seat, though we did have to stand sometimes. Ryan took us through some back streets in Kyoto to avoid the crowds and explained the culture. We visited Shrines and Gardens and did a bit of souvenir shopping…he was very patient :). Our time was short as we had to be back on our cruise ship but Ryan had it worked out. We took a taxi to the station and then back in the bullet train and taxi to the port. A short but full day with no anxiety thanks to Ryan.
Tour was very good!...
Lotario C,
May 29, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Tour was very good! Marwan was very friendly and adapted to our group very well! We enjoyed kyoto and nara
Recommended.
Andrew D,
Apr 12, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Great day out. Very different from a ship excursion, only the 3 of us and Ryan the guide. Saw much more, travelled and ate with the locals and no waiting for everyone to catch up. Great experience and a great guide.