Japan Shore Excursions Different Taste of Japan Tours, Day Trips & Activities for Cruise Passengers

Other Popular Dishes

• Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake containing a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, meat, seafood, and topped with a special sauce and bonito flakes. It’s often referred to as "Japanese pizza."
• Takoyaki: A popular street food made of batter with octopus pieces, cooked in a special molded pan, and topped with takoyaki sauce and bonito flakes.

Sweet Treats

• Mochi: Sweet rice cakes with various fillings like red bean paste or fruit flavors. Mochi is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
• Dorayaki: A type of confection made of two fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste.

Beverages

• Green Tea (Matcha): Japan is renowned for its high-quality green tea. Matcha, a powdered form of green tea, is used in both traditional tea ceremonies and modern culinary creations.
• Sake: A traditional Japanese rice wine that comes in various types and flavors, ranging from dry to sweet. It is often enjoyed with meals or as part of celebratory rituals on Japan shore excursions.

Mount Fuji

Marvel at the majestic Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak, visible from various vantage points and a popular site for climbers.
Fuji Five Lakes: Enjoy recreational activities and scenic views around the Fuji Five Lakes, offering picturesque landscapes and opportunities for outdoor fun.

Cherry Blossoms Season

Experience the beauty of cherry blossoms during your Japan shore excursions at top locations such as Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo and Kyoto’s Philosopher's Path. These spots offer stunning backdrops for hanami (flower viewing) picnics. Participate in hanami, a traditional practice of enjoying the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms with friends and family.

Fall Foliage Season

Witness the breathtaking transformation of Japan’s landscapes during autumn as the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This seasonal spectacle is best enjoyed in locations such as Kyoto’s temples, Nikko, and the Japanese Alps.

Take in the serene beauty of Japan’s parks and temples adorned with colorful leaves, offering perfect settings for nature walks and photography

Souvenirs to Buy During Your Shore Excursions in Japan

• Maneki-Neko: Bring home a lucky cat figurine, a popular Japanese charm believed to bring good fortune.
• Japanese Pottery: Purchase handcrafted pottery such as Arita porcelain or Kutani ware as a beautiful keepsake.
• Origami Paper: Take home decorative paper for origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding.

Food and Beverages

• Matcha: Buy matcha, a high-quality green tea powder used in various culinary delights and beverages.
• Japanese Snacks: Explore unique snacks like mochi, senbei (rice crackers), and exotic-flavored Kit-Kat bars.
• Sake: Enjoy a bottle of sake, Japan’s traditional rice wine, available in a variety of flavors and styles.

Technology

Find the latest gadgets and electronics, from cameras to personal devices, in tech hubs like Tokyo and Osaka.

Anime and Manga Merchandise

For fans of Japanese pop culture, there’s a wide range of anime and manga merchandise to explore.

From ancient traditions to futuristic skylines, Japan offers cruise guests a perfectly curated taste of its rich cultural tapestry all within a day’s reach from port. Whether you're docking in Yokohama, Kobe, Shimizu, or further north in Aomori or Hakodate, here are the most rewarding experiences to enjoy during your shore excursion.

• Visit Historic Temples & Shrines: Step into centuries of spiritual heritage at sacred sites like Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, or Toshogu Shrine near Shimizu. These serene places offer not just photo-worthy architecture, but also a quiet moment of reflection.
• View Mount Fuji: Nothing says “Japan” quite like Mount Fuji. From Shimizu Port, you can take a panoramic ride, visit Miho no Matsubara Pine Grove, or stop by Nihondaira Plateau for unforgettable views of this majestic icon.
• Savor Japanese Cuisine: Sample local specialties right where they’re made. Try fresh sushi at the port-side Kashi no Ichi Fish Market in Shimizu, feast on Kobe beef, or join a ramen tasting in Fukuoka. For the brave, seek out local izakayas for a true taste of Japan’s culinary soul.
• Shop Local Crafts & Souvenirs: Japan’s ports are perfect places to browse for handmade ceramics, washi paper, calligraphy sets, and seasonal sweets. Kanazawa is known for gold-leaf crafts, while Kyoto and Nara offer elegant souvenirs rooted in tradition.
• Experience Cultural Performances: Some tours offer hands-on or front-row experiences, watch a Maiko (apprentice geisha) dance in Kyoto, observe a samurai demonstration, or try on a yukata for a cultural photo session.
• Stroll Iconic Gardens & Castles: Enjoy a peaceful walk through Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa), Korakuen Garden (Okayama), or the majestic grounds of Osaka Castle or Himeji Castle. These stops are perfect for guests who want a lighter, more scenic excursion.
• Wander Traditional Districts: Lose yourself in the past in places like Gion (Kyoto), Otaru Canal (Otaru), or Motomachi (Yokohama). Cobbled streets, lantern-lit alleys, and old merchant houses bring Japan’s history to life.
• Explore Local Markets: Markets like Nijo Market (Sapporo), Karato Market (Shimonoseki), or Morning Market in Hakodate are perfect for experiencing Japan through its flavors, colors, and local buzz.