Top Japan Shore Excursions, Cruise Tours & Day Trips from Cruise Port
Kon'nichiwa!
Japan, an island nation of nearly 7,000 islands, enchants visitors with its four distinct seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn leaves. Shore Excursions Asia offers curated Japan shore excursions showcasing the country’s finest nature and culture year-round.
Discover 7,000 Enchanting Islands
Explore Japan’s mesmerizing island tapestry with dynamic cities and serene coastal escapes.
Iconic Mount Fuji
Behold the timeless beauty of Mount Fuji, majestic, mystical and deeply inspiring.
Dreamy Cherry Blossoms
Delight in the poetic charm of sakura season as soft petals drift through the spring breeze.
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Shared Tour
Kochi Shore Excursions
$168.00 USD
Duration: 5 hours
Port: Kochi Port
Highlights: Harimaya-bashi Bridge, Kochi Castle, Hirome-Ichiba Open Market, Katsura Hama (Ryuzu-misaki Lookout)
Tour Date: April 01 2026
Cruise: HAL Westerdam
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Kobe Shore Excursions
$130.00 USD
Duration: 8 hours
Port: Osaka/Kobe Port
Highlights: Arashiyama Area, Bamboo Forest, Togetsu-Kyo Bridge, Kinkakuji Temple, Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari Taisha
Tour Date: March 31 2026, April 14 2026, April 28 2026
Cruise: Ovation of the Seas, HAL Westerdam
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Kobe Shore Excursions
$188.00 USD
Duration: 9 hours
Port: Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe Port
Highlights: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion), Nijo-jo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine
Tour Date: Feb 17 2026
Cruise: HAL Westerdam
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Shimizu Shore Excursions
$183.00 USD
Duration: 5 hours
Port: Shimizu Port
Highlights: Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station
Tour Date: Feb 16 2026
Cruise: HAL Westerdam
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Ishigaki Shore Excursions
$210.00 USD
Duration: 5.5 hours
Port: Ishigaki Port
Highlights: Mt. Banna, Ishigaki Yaima Village, Nagura Bay, Kabira Bay, Shisa Statue Garden (Yoneko Yaki Kobo), Euglena Mall
Tour Date: Jan 2 2026
Cruise: Spectrum of the Seas
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Kobe Shore Excursions
$190.00 USD
Duration: 8 hours
Port: Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto Port
Highlights: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle (Castle and Ninomaru Palace), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion District.
Tour Date: Feb 13 2026
Cruise: HAL Westerdam
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Omaezaki Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Omaezaki Port / Omaezaki Port
- Highlights: Horaibashi Bridge, Makinohara Green Tea Plantation, Makinohara Park, Fujinokuni Cha no Miyako Museum, Hamaoka Sand Dunes, Omaezaki Lighthouse, Omaezaki Cape Park
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Let us know your preferences in the inquiry form)
Shared Tour
Niigata Shore Excursions
$215.00 USD
Duration: 5 hours
Port: Niigata Port
Highlights: Shibata Castle, Sake Brewery Resort “GOKAIBISHI”, Kyu Shibata-han Shimoyashiki Garden, Niigata Furusato Village
Tour Date: Apr 22 2026
Cruise: Spectrum of the Seas
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Shimizu Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Shimizu Port / Shimizu Port
- Highlights: Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi cruising, Togendai to Owakudani by Ropeway, Owakudani Valley
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Nagasaki Shore Excursions
- Duration: 5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Nagasaki port / Nagasaki port
- Highlights: Urakami Cathedral, Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, Ground-zero (Hypocenter), Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown (if time permits)
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Let us know your preferences in the inquiry form)
Otaru Shore Excursions
- Duration: 4 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Otaru port/Otaru port
- Highlights: Mt. Tengu Observatory (Ropeway), Tanaka Sake Brewery, Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi-dori Shopping Street
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Iwate Miyako Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Miyako port/ Miyako port
- Highlights: Ryujinzaki, Tategasaki Observation Deck, Jōdogahama-Aonodōkutsu: Akan National Park
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Wakayama Shore Excursions
- Duration: 5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Wakayama Port / Wakayama Port
- Highlights: Awashima Shrine, Wakayama Castle, Itakiso Shrine
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Let us know your preferences in the inquiry form)
Toba Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Toba Port
- Highlights: Ise Jingu (Geku & Naiku), Futami Okitama Shrine and Meotoiwa, Mikimoto Pearl Island
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
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Shimizu Shore Excursions
$148.00 USD
Duration: 4 hours
Port: Shimizu Port
Highlights: Kuno-zan Toshogu Shrine & Nihon-daira Rope-way (Mt. Fuji viewspot), Miho-no-Matsubara (Mt. Fuji viewspot), S-Pulse Dream Plaza (If time permits)
Tour Date: Feb 23 2026, Mar 16 2026
Cruise: Diamond Princess
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Fukuoka Shore Excursions
$173.00 USD
Duration: 6 hours
Port: Fukuoka Port
Highlights: Tochoji Temple, Ohori Park, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka Tower
Tour Date: Dec 24 2025, Feb 21 2026
Cruise: HAL Westerdam, Spectrum Of The Seas
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Akita Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Akita Port / Akita Port
- Highlights: Kakunodate Samurai House District, Suzuki Sake Brewery, Akita City Port Tower Selio
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Let us know your preferences in the inquiry form)
Shared Tour
Shimizu Shore Excursions
$148.00 USD
Duration: 4 hours
Port: Shimizu Port
Highlights: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine - Mihono Beach
Tour Date: Mar 27 2026
Cruise: Diamond Princess
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Shimizu Shore Excursions
$185.00 USD
Duration: 7.5 hours
Port: Shimizu Port
Highlights: Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Lake Ashi Viking Boat, Togendai Ropeway, Owaku-dani Valley, Mount Fuji
Tour Date: Mar 27 2026, Mar 29 2026
Cruise: Celebrity Millennium
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Osaka Shore Excursions
$159.00 USD
Duration: 6 hours
Port: Cam Ranh Port
Highlights: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Sake Brewery Umenoyado
Tour Date: Feb 22 2026
Cruise: Diamond Princess
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Nagasaki Shore Excursions
$125.00 USD
Duration: 6.5 hours
Port: Nagasaki Port
Highlights: Shimabara Castle, Buke-Yashiki, Mud Flood Park
Tour Date: Apr 26 2026
Cruise: Ovation of the Seas
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Aomori Shore Excursions
$135.00 USD
Duration: 6 hours
Port: Aomori Port
Highlights:Hirosaki Park, Hiroksaki- jo Castle, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM (if time permits)
Tour Date: April 09 2026, April 27 2026, May 04 2026
Cruise: HAL Westerdam, Diamond Princess Ovation of the Seas
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Shimizu Shore Excursions
$120.00 USD
Duration: 6.5 hours
Port: Shimizu Port
Highlights: Shiraito Falls, Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Nihondaira Yume Terrace, Miho-no-Matsubara
Tour Date: Apr 30 2026
Cruise: Ovation of the Seas
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Aomori Shore Excursions
- Duration: 5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Aomori port
- Highlights: Hirosaki Park, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, Sannai Maruyama Historical Site
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Aomori Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Aomori port
- Highlights: Lake Towada Cruise, Oirase-stream, Mt. Hakkouda, Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Aomori Shore Excursions
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Aomori port
- Highlights: Mt. Hakkoda, Hirosaki Castle & Hirosaki Park
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Aomori Shore Excursions
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Aomori port
- Highlights: Choshoji Temple, Hirosaki-jo Castle & Park, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, Showa Daibutsu, Seiryuji Temple
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Sakaiminato Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Sakaiminato Port / Sakaiminato Port
- Highlights: Tottori Hanakairo, Mizuki Shigeru Museum, Mizuki Shigeru Road
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Let us know your preferences in the inquiry form)
Shared Tour
Nagasaki Shore Excursions
$170.00 USD
Duration: 6 hours
Port: Nagasaki Port
Highlights: Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, Dejima Museum, Glover Garden
Tour Date: Dec 25 2025, Feb 22 2026, Mar 12 2026, Mar 20 2026, Apr 04 2026
Cruise: Diamond Princess, HAL Westerdam, Spectrum of the Seas
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Nagasaki Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Nagasaki port/ Nagasaki port
- Highlights: Izumiyama Quarry, Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Gen'emon Kiln, Peace Memorial Park
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Aburatsu Shore Excursions
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Aburatsu Port
- Highlights: Inohae Valley
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Shared Tour
Aburatsu Shore Excursions
$202.00 USD
Duration: 6 hours
Port: Aburatsu Port
Highlights: Obi Castle, Aoshima Shrine, Hyuga Mythology Museum, Udo Shrine
Tour Date: Mar 24 2026
Cruise: Diamond Princess
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Aburatsu Shore Excursions
- Duration: 5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Aburatsu Port
- Highlights: Inohae Valley
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Aburatsu Shore Excursions
- Duration: 4 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Aburatsu Port
- Highlights: Udo Shrine, Aoshima Shrine
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Shared Tour
Kagoshima Shore Excursions
$188.00 USD
Duration: 5 hours
Port: Kagoshima Port
Highlights: Samurai Residents' District, Chiran Peace Museum (Tokko Heiwa Kaikan), Kagoshima Furusato Bussan-kan
Tour Date: Mar 12 2026
Cruise: Diamond Princess
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Kagoshima Shore Excursions
$190.00 USD
Duration: 6 hours
Port: Kagoshima Port
Highlights: Ferry to Sakurajima, Sakurajima Visitor Center, Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Park & Footbath, Arimura Lava Observatory, Tenmonkan Mujaki
Tour Date: Mar 19 2026, Apr 11 2026, Apr 12 2026
Cruise: Diamond Princess, Spectrum of the Seas, Coral Princess
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Sasebo Shore Excursions
- Duration: 5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Sasebo Port / Sasebo Port
- Highlights: Tenkaiho Observatory (View of Kujukushima), Ohashi Kannon Temple, Emukaehonjin Yamashita-ke Motokura, Yonka-cho Shopping Mall
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Let us know your preferences in the inquiry form)
Sasebo Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Port: Sasebo, Japan
- Highlights: Kujuku islands, Yamashita house, Senryu Sake Brewery
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Kagoshima Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: From the Port
- Highlights: National Park Resort “Kyukamura Ibusuki” ~ Sand steam bath & Hot Spring - Shiroyama Observatory
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Kagoshima Shore Excursions
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: From the Port
- Highlights: Samurai Residents' District - Chiran Peace Museum (Tokko Heiwa Kaikan) - National Park Resort “Kyukamura Ibusuki” ~ Sand steam bath & Hot Spring experience
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Shared Tour
Kobe Shore Excursions
$170.00 USD
Duration: 8 hours
Port: Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe Port
Highlights: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Gion District, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (Time Permitting)
Tour Date: Mar 31 2026
Cruise: Celebrity Millennium
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Sakaiminato Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Sakaiminato Port / Sakaiminato Port
- Highlights: Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum & Garden, Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, Mizuki Shigeru Road
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Let us know your preferences in the inquiry form)
Akita Shore Excursions
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Akita port
- Highlights: Kakunodate Samurai House District - Samurai House - Lake Tazawa - Japan's deepest lake
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Akita Shore Excursions
- Duration: 5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Akita port
- Highlights: Mt. Kanpu - Namahage Museum & Shinzan Folklore Museum
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Aomori Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Aomori port
- Highlights: Sannai Maruyama Historical Site - World Heritage, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village - Exhibition and Live Music, Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Kagoshima Shore Excursions
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: From the Port
- Highlights: Samurai Residents' District - Chiran Peace Museum (Tokko Heiwa Kaikan) - Round-trip ferry boat trip to Sakurajima Island - Sakurajima Visitor Center - Arimura Lava Observatory
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Yokohama Shore Excursions
- Duration: 10 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Yokohama Port/ Yokohama Port
- Highlights: Lake Kawaguchi - Mt. Kachikachi-yama - Panorama Rope-way - Mt.Fuji Fifth Station- Owakudani Valley - Hakone Ropeway - Lake Ashi
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Yokohama Shore Excursions
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Yokohama Port/ Yokohama Port
- Highlights: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace - Sumida-river - Lunch cruise - Asakusa Senso-ji Temple - Nakamise Shopping Arcade
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Yokohama Shore Excursions
- Duration: 10 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Yokohama Port/ Yokohama Port
- Highlights: Meiji Shrine - The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace - Asakusa Senso-ji Temple - Nakamise Shopping Arcade - Shibuya Scramble - Tokyo Sky Tree
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Yokohama Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Yokohama Port/ Yokohama Port
- Highlights: Meiji Shrine - Shibuya Scramble Intersection - Imperial Palace Plaza (Niju-bashi) - Tokyo Sky Tree - Asakusa Senso-ji Temple - Nakamise Shopping Arcade
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Things to Do & See in Japan Shore Excursions
Japan is one of the most popular destinations in Asia shore excursions. Japan shore excursions provide a plenty of things and places to discover including cultural villages, heritages, religious sites, landmarks, and attractions that we would like to some typical activities below.
Climb Mount Fuji on Shimizu Shore Excursions
Mount Fuji, the iconic symbol of Japan, is an essential highlight of any Shimizu shore excursion. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain rises in a graceful pyramid shape with a peak beautifully covered in white snow. Travelers who wish to experience it more closely can choose to climb the mountain for an emotionally moving encounter. The best time to join Mount Fuji sightseeing tours is from July to September, when the weather is mild and rainfall is limited.
Hot-Tubbing Monkeys at Tropical Botanical Garden
The Garden located at a corner of Yunokawa Hot Spring has hundreds of monkeys with red faces and yellow hair. Even in winter, the pool is filled with hot spring water which provides a warm place for monkeys playing happily. Admire funky monkeys jumping from the pillar into the water is a lovely image that you can be unavoidably from laughing at the mischievousness of them.
Eating Ramen at Local Restaurants
Ramen may be famous worldwide, but tasting it in Japan is a completely different experience. It is loved for its slow-simmered broth, the perfectly crafted noodles, and the way it is enjoyed. Japanese diners often slurp their ramen to enhance the aroma and flavor, something many visitors find surprisingly satisfying. A bowl of authentic ramen will easily become one of the most memorable food moments on your Japan shore excursions.
Take a Trip to a Castle in Japan Shore Excursions
Japan is known for its ancient castles, many preserved for more than 400 years. Himeji Castle is the most famous and showcases classic Japanese architecture. Japan shore excursions also take you to other notable sites such as Matsumoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Matsue, Hirosaki, and Hikone. Each castle has its own beauty and historical value, all reflecting the signature Japanese style.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima Shore Excursions
Japan is the only country ever struck by atomic bombs, with Hiroshima and Nagasaki forever marked by this history. Today, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and its quiet lawns and walking paths honor the victims. The A-Bomb Dome, once a center for local industry, was one of the few structures that remained standing and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, the Cenotaph holds the names of those who lost their lives. Visiting these sites is a meaningful part of many Japan shore excursions.
Stroll Along Otaru Canal in Otaru Shore Excursions
Otaru Canal was once the busy heart of the city’s port, lined with warehouses that stored goods carried by small boats. After modern transport replaced it, the canal fell out of use until local efforts restored it into a charming sightseeing spot. Today, you can walk along the waterfront and enjoy local artists performing music, dances, and portrait painting. In the evening, the vintage gas lamps create a warm, romantic atmosphere reflected on the calm water. It is a memorable highlight for many Japan shore excursions.
Lost in the Manga World at Mizuki Shigeru Museum
Stroll along Mizuki Shigeru Road to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, named after the famous author who created the manga world of Yokai, spirits believed to teach people to overcome laziness, care for others, and protect nature. Inside the museum, you can explore his unique artworks, exhibitions, and motion pictures filled with imagination and philosophy. The darker sections display his illustrated monsters along the walls, creating an engaging and slightly eerie atmosphere. Experiences like this make Japan shore excursions especially memorable.
Best Cities to Visit During Japan Shore Excursions
Kyoto – a land of Japanese traditional culture
Osaka – the bustling hub for the merchant class
Kobe – an attractive cosmopolitan
Hiroshima – the historic city
Tokyo – the sleepless capital
Okinawa – a cultural heritage destination
Shimizu – the best place to view Mount Fuji
Aomori – Land of the Nebuta Festival
Best Time to Visit Japan
In Japan shore excursions, the climate is divided into four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The differences between adjacent seasons are not very large. Winter and early spring are extremely cold, and much of the country is covered in white snow. In summer and early autumn, Japan experiences frequent rainfall. Overall, the best time to take a cruise for Japan shore excursions is in late spring or late autumn when rainfall is low, the skies are clear, and the temperature is pleasant.
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Spring in Japan Shore Excursions
Springtime is normally from mid-March to May. With the temperatures oscillate from 4-18°C, the weather changes frequently between day after day. The cold air in winter has not gone completely yet that you may feel cold with a little remaining snow. But some days in Japan tours, you can just wear a flimsy shirt when walking outside. Spring is the peak time of tourism due to the symbolized cherry blossoms fully blooming in most streets and corners of Japan. Local people even make a sakura bloom schedule to inform the time to visit Japan with the most spectacular view. However, this time raise the cost of traveling Japan dramatically, and the number of visitors is also extremely high.
Summer in Japan Shore Excursions
Summer in the time from June to mid-September is for summer with heat and humidity. The temperature changes from 21 to 32°C and reaches its peak from July to August. These months are also the time of heaviest rainfall in the entire country. Rain can cause difficulties and annoying feeling when you enjoy your Japan trip. However, summer is the most exotic time in the year. Blessed by rain, fauna becomes lively and full of vitality. People are also powered up with various summer festivals held around the country. In Japan shore excursions, you can enjoy the great ones that have to mention are Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori, Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, and so on.
Autumn in Japan Shore Excursions
The most pleasant time in Japan tours is in autumn running during mid-September and late-November. The temperature is nicely around 10- 21°C with lack of rain and rarely snowy. October and early November is the peak time when attracts various visitors coming to enjoy the spectacular view over the country with red and yellow leaves covering every street. Activities that are best tasted in Japan shore excursions are soaking in an outdoor onsen hot spring while marveling at the spellbinding autumn foliage - the best idea to escape from the bustling daily life and freely enjoy your own time.
Winter in Japan Shore Excursions
Winter usually runs from December to mid-March, but it is different in other places. Of course, winter is the coldest time in Japan with the thermometer usually measures from -1-7°C. That leads to a lack of visitors providing a huge space to experience this country all for yourself, especially the ideal time for those who hate crowd. The best activity to enjoy in Japan tours in winter is soaking in the Japanese onsen hot springs which exist in many areas such as Beppu and Hakodate. The cost of traveling to Japan is also much cheaper at this time.
Japan General Information
Population: 126.7 million
Capital City: Tokyo
People: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone: UTC +9 Hrs
International Dialing Code: +81
Religions: Shintoism, Buddhism, and Christianity
Passport & Visa to Shore Excursions Japan
Over 50 countries, including the EU, the United States, Canada, Australia, Thailand, and South Korea, are visa-exempt for Japan tours. Travelers from these countries only need a valid passport to enter as temporary visitors for up to 90 days. Others must obtain a visa in advance. All tourists, including guests on Japan shore excursions, must carry their passports at all times.
Japanese Currency
Japan uses the Yen (¥), available in both banknotes and coins. Although Japan is highly modern, cash remains widely used, especially for small purchases. Credit and debit cards are accepted in major cities, hotels, malls, and large shops, but cash is still recommended during Japan shore excursions.
Phones & Internet Service in Japan Shore Excursions
Japan offers extensive internet access nationwide, with free Wi-Fi in most hotels and many public areas such as train stations, airports, cafés, and restaurants. Travelers on Japan shore excursions can easily stay connected. For constant access, you may rent or buy a local SIM card with unlimited data.
Japan Tours Travel Guide
Ancient and natural, modern and unique; Japan is attracting more and more tourists coming to this “Land of the Rising Sun”. Experience the ancient culture that everyone respects each other and visit various natural landscape, especially islands in this sovereign island country. As the world’s third-largest economy by nominal GDP, Japan is absolutely a modern country where have the world’s best toilets and super trains and enjoy Japan’s unique cuisine - sushi. Only travel here and immerse yourself in this country of cherry blossom, everything will be authentic, not only the words and sentences on papers. Let Asia Shore Excursions help you to explore your Japan Shore Excursions and have the best preparation and knowledge before your journey.
Japanese People
As the world’s tenth largest population, obviously, Japanese is the majority ethnic groups in this country which account for 98.5% of the population. In 2012, Chinese (0.5%) and Korean (0.4%) are the two largest residents in Japan. About 0.6% of the population is the other groups. Moreover, in this cherry blossom country, there are some minority groups who are Japanese citizens such as the Ainu and the Ryukyuans. The Ainu is an aboriginal people that primarily living in Hokkaido while as their name, the Ryukyuans is from the Ryukyu Islands – south of mainland Japan. Scattering in different places, these ethnic minorities diversify the ancient culture of Japan.
Religions in Shore Excursions Japan
Having the meaning as “way of the Gods”, Shinto (51.8%) is the dominated religion in Japan. Although being practiced by nearly 80% of the population, only some of them defined themselves as “Shintoists”. Because these Japanese citizens do not join in Shinto organizations as “Shinto membership”, they just attend Shinto shrines and beseech kami. Besides, around 35% of the population are Buddhists - the second largest religion. Moreover, Shinto organizations and others (4%), as well as Christianity (2.3%), are the other religions. The rest of the citizens has no answer to the survey about their beliefs.
Safety in Japan Shore Excursions
Being ranked as “the safest country in the world” by a 2014 organization of Economic Cooperation and Development study, Japan is also the second-lowest homicide and assault rate country. Tourists can definitely enjoy the safety in this highly developed and modern country. Having a skillful workforce and being the most highly educated countries in the world are maybe the reasons for this safety.
Other Things Should Know about Japan Shore Excursions
Rush hour in shore excursions Japan
Between 8 am and 9 am in the morning and shortly after 5 pm in the evening are the weekday rush hours peak. Tokyo is the most extreme in rush hours and also pretty heavy in Japan’s other major cities. Luckily, there are no business rush hours at weekends and on public holidays. Therefore, you should avoid the morning rush hours if possible especially when traveling with luggage and small children because you will hardly move.
Japanese IC card
If you want to save time while in Japan tours, you should use this rechargeable card. You can use it to pay for your public transportation such as subway, train or bus; pay for restaurants, convenience stores as well as buy drinks from the vending machine. The best part is that you can return this card to any JR operator and ask for a cash-back as well as 500 yen for the deposit which you need to pay to get this card.
Japanese
You are recommended to learn some basic phrases in Japanese to somehow recognize keywords and communicate with the local people. Because not everywhere will write in English and not everyone can speak English. You won’t always find an English translation. This tip always works well on any Japan tour.
Some taboos to avoid in Japan shore excursions
Please remove your shoes whenever you enter a home in the Asian country in general and in Japan in particular. Otherwise, you will consider as disrespect the owners. Moreover, in Japan, you do not need to tip for the service staff such as waiters or hotel staff. If you do so, your server will run after you to give you the money back, they will not take it. A small gift instead of tips will be highly appreciated when you want to thank someone. Moreover, remember to speak quietly to the public and do not point at people and things when you are in Japan tours.
FAQs for Japan Shore Excursions
1. Do I need a visa for Japan shore excursions?
Travelers from over 50 visa-exempt countries, including the EU, the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and Thailand, can enter Japan with a valid passport as temporary visitors. All passengers must carry their passports when disembarking for Japan shore excursions.
2. What currency should I use in Japan?
Japan uses the Yen (¥). Cash is commonly used for small purchases, while cards are widely accepted in major cities, hotels, malls, and large stores. Bringing some cash is recommended during Japan shore excursions.
3. Can I access the internet easily during Japan shore excursions?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels and public places such as train stations, airports, cafés, and restaurants. Travelers can also rent or buy a local SIM card with unlimited data for constant access.
4. What is the best time to enjoy Japan shore excursions?
Late spring and late autumn offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and less rainfall.
5. Are Japan shore excursions suitable for seniors?
Yes. Many tours are designed with comfortable pacing, accessible attractions, and private transportation, making them ideal for older travelers.
6. What should I wear during Japan shore excursions?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to frequent walking. Dress according to the season: warm layers in winter and light, breathable clothing in summer.
7. Are English-speaking guides available?
Most Japan shore excursions offer professional English-speaking guides who explain cultural insights, history, and local traditions.
Start Planning Your Japan Shore Excursions Today
Ready to explore Japan? Our team at Shore Excursions Asia creates smooth and reliable Japan shore excursions from major ports such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, and Hakodate, ensuring authentic experiences and on-time return to your ship.
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