Private & Small-group 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 on Japan Shore Excursions

• 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.

Natural Highlights on Japan Cruise 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.
• Fall Foliage Season: Witness the breathtaking transformation of Japan’s landscapes during autumn as the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Things to Buy During Your Shore Excursions in Japan

• Maneki-Neko (Lucky Cat): Bring home a charming Maneki-Neko figurine, a beloved Japanese symbol said to attract good luck and prosperity. These make wonderful keepsakes to remember your Japan shore excursions.
• 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.
• Japanese Fans (Sensu & Uchiwa): Lightweight and beautifully decorated, traditional folding fans make elegant gifts. You can find them in many Japan cruise port souvenir shops.
• Japanese Incense: High-quality incense from Kyoto or Nara offers a soothing, traditional aroma. Many Japan cruise tours include stops at temples or cultural shops where you can find elegant incense sets.
• Matcha: Take home premium matcha, a versatile ingredient used in traditional tea ceremonies and modern desserts. Many Japan cruise tours include visits to tea shops where you can sample and purchase high-quality matcha.
• Japanese Snacks: Sample and stock up on local favorites such as mochi, senbei (rice crackers), and the uniquely flavored Kit-Kat varieties found only in Japan. These treats are popular finds during Japan cruise excursions, especially in local markets.
• Sake: Enjoy a bottle of sake, Japan’s traditional rice wine, available in a variety of flavors and styles.

Things to Do & See on Japan Shore Excursions

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 Japan.

• 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 on Japan cruise excursions is known for gold-leaf crafts, while Kyoto and Nara offer elegant souvenirs rooted in tradition.
• Experience Cultural Performances: Some cruise tours in Japan 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 Japan excursions.
• 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.