Japan Pre or Post Cruise Tours & Shore Excursions

38 Tour Reviews

Pre or Post Cruise Tours & Shore Excursions

Have you already booked a cruise to Japan? Let All Japan Tours assist you in planning your shore excursions or day tours. Whether you are interested in joining a Japan tour before boarding your cruise or afterwards, we can provide tour guides at nearly every port in Japan to help you navigate through the country's must-see sites. Join a pre/post cruise tour for a fulfilling trip to Japan by both land and sea. Listed below are some of the most popular ports in Japan and shore excursion ideas.

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Listed below are some of the most popular ports of Japan with shore excursion ideas

Akita

A vibrant city noted for its thriving art and museum scene, as well as producing some of the country’s best sake. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Shirakami-Sanchi mountain range. Points of interest include Lake Tazawa, the Kakunodate Samurai District, the Akita City Folklore Museum, and the Mt. Kanpuzan Observatory.

Beppu

An exotic hot springs town that is best known for its “Hells of Beppu“, which are a collection of nine onsen (hot spring) attractions. Steamy, therapeutic waters and spas encompass this legendary town, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and lush foliage. Points of interests are Jigokumeguri, Yufuin Onsen, Mt. Takasaki Monkey Park, and the Usa Jingu Shrine.

Hakodate

A long-established producer for Japan’s finest raw fish, it was the first port in Japan to open to Westerners in 1859. Visitors can still view the town’s cobblestone streets and Western-style, early 20th century homes. Excursion suggestions include Mt. Hakodate, the Morning Market, Goryokaku Pentagonal Fort, Onuma Quasi-National Park, and the Red Brick Warehouses.

Hiroshima

Site of one of the infamous atomic bombings during WWII, a monument city and home to a National Treasure. Visitors can spend time at the city’s Peace Memorial Park, or its serene Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s three most scenic sites. Points of interest are the Hiroshina Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkein Garden.

Kagoshima

Best known for its active volcano, Mt. Sakurajima, which has erupted 30 times in its recorded history. Kagoshima also holds rich Japanese history during the feudal era. It is located at the top of a peninsula which features unique, geothermal sand baths. Excursion suggestions include Chiran, Ibusuki, Sakura Jima, Lake Ikeda, and Senganen (Iso Garden).

Kanazawa

Most popular for being the location of one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, the Kenrokuen Garden. The city also holds a rich arts & crafts scene and well-preserved samurai and geisha residences. It remains one of the most important cities of its prefecture. Recommended shore excursions are the Kenrokuen Garden, Higashichaya Machi, 21st Century Museum, Shirakawago & Gokayama, and Nagamachi Samurai House Row.

Kobe

A cosmopolitan port city and gateway to the cultural center of Kyoto. It is the origin of the famed Kobe beef and is considered one of Japan’s most attractive cities. Kobe was hit by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, but has since been rebuilt with few signs of the tragic event. Port excursion ideas are Arima Onsen, Mt. Rokko, Sake Brewery Museum, Kitano, and Shin-Kobe Ropeway.

Kushiro

A major fishing port overlooking the Pacific Ocean in northern Japan. This coastal city offers a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and plenty of natural scenery. It is the most populous city in eastern Hokkaido. Points of interest include the Crane Nature Park, Washo Fish Market, Cape Aikappu, the Kushiro Marshland, and Hokuto Observatory.

Maizuru

One of the main port cities of the Kyoto Prefecture. It was once an important port during the Russo-Japanese War, and today it serves as a center for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Maizuru is also known for its rich nature and scenic locations. Sightseeing spots include the Fukuoka Castle and Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park. Other attractions are located nearby in Kyoto, such as the Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji Temple.

Miyazaki

Located on the south-eastern side of the Kyushu Island, Miyazaki is known for having one of the warmest climates of Japan’s main islands. It is home to various resorts and beaches, making it a beautiful destination for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Points of interest include the Obi Castle Ruins, Aoshima Island, Shochu Brewery, and Udo Shrine.

Nagasaki

To many travelers, Nagasaki is known as the location for the second nuclear bomb attack during WWII. For this reason, visitors from all over the world come to visit the Nagasaki Peace Park to commemorate this tragic event. On a lighter note, Nagasaki offers stunning views and is often nicknamed the “San Francisco of Japan�?. Points of interest are the Glover Garden, Oura Catholic Church, Gunkanjima, Mount Inasa, and Dejima.

Okinawa

Japan’s southernmost prefecture, an island chain with subtropical climates. Okinawa is for having some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs, large number of marine life, and spectacular snorkeling/scuba diving spots. Its three main islands are Okinawa Island, Miyako Island, and the Yaeyama Islands. Shore excursion ideas include Shurijo Castle, Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Museum & Peace Park, Shikinaen Gardens, and Churaumi Aquarium.

Osaka

The second largest metropolis of Japan after Tokyo. It was once the capital city of Japan and has greatly shaped Japan’s society with its cultural influences. Visitors will find many historical monuments, nightlife attractions, and more. Excursion ideas include the Osaka Castle, Universal Studios, Minami (Namba), Shitennoji Temple, and Museum of History.

Otaru

A small nostalgic canal town that once served as a major trading and fishing port in Hokkaido. It is known for its beautifully preserved buildings that have been converted from warehouses to boutiques and restaurants. Many visitors are drawn to its historical architecture and pleasant scenery. Top attractions are the Otaru Canal, Nikka Whisky Distillery, Otaru Snow Light Path, Herring Mansion, and Sakaimachi Street.

Shimizu

Famous for being one of Japan’s most scenic ports. Located in the Shizuoka area, the port is rooted in Edo Period history and importance. Shimizu is also known for its outstanding views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Shore excursions are S-Pulse Dream Plaza, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sunpu Castle Park, Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, and Miho no Matsubara.

Tokushima

Located on the Shikoku Island, best known for its annual Awa Odori dance festival. This prefecture abounds with natural wonders, surrounded by its beloved Mt. Bizan, as well the remote Iya Valley and its vine bridges. Tokushima is a go-to area for outdoor adventures. Points of interest include the Ryozen-ji Temple, Naruto Whirlpools, Otsuka Museum of Art, Tairyu-ji Temple, and Mt. Bizan.

Tokyo (Yokohama)

Located at the center of Tokyo Bay, the port of Yokohama welcomes numerous cruise ships and offers an array of attractions. Shopping and tourist destinations are a short walk away, and easy transportation access to the greater Tokyo area is also available. Top attractions include the Sankeien Garden, Minato Mirai, Tokyo Tower, Sensoji Temple, and Imperial Palace.

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If you're looking for inspiration, try browsing our available experiences below. AJT can coordinate green tea ceremonies with a Maiko, a hands-on pottery class, and even snowboarding lessons. Add more flare to your tour with these unique activities.

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Plan your trip

When you contact us through e-mail or phone, we will discuss the type of trip and services you're interested in. There are many things to consider when planning your trip to Japan, such as your travel date, length of stay, destination cities, points of interest, and budget. Based on this information, we will create an initial “sketch” itinerary that includes an outline of recommended travel routes, destinations, accommodations, transportation type, and services we can provide.

If you're not sure which Japan tour is for you, many of our clients select one of our existing itineraries and modify it according to their interests and budget. Other clients have their own ideas about what to see and do, or even a specific itinerary in mind. Please have a look through some of the itineraries for inspiration. Our itineraries are created by Japan specialists, all of whom have years of background working as a tour guide in Japan.

Help Me Plan My Trip

Our Inquiry Form is designed to give us a clear picture of your interests and preferences so that we can create the ideal vacation for you. If one of our itineraries is the ideal base plan for you, please mention so in your inquiry. We will customize the plan so that it will meet your specific needs and desires.

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What our customers say

5.0 stars based on 38 REVIEWS

Our travel group of 4 adults and 15 teenagers had the most profoundly enjoyable and life changing experience touring Japan with All Japan Tours. Yuki, our guide, was very prepared, organized, flexible and very thoughtful. The sites, accommodations, transportation and food all exceeded our expectations. Last minute changes to our itinerary and food restrictions within our travel group were all handled with care and understanding. We intend to return to Japan and will only use All Japan Tours. The trip would not have been as wonderful without the caring support of our guide. Yuki is such a warm and thoughtful person who's good humor and care provided such an enjoyable experience. All members of our group have expressed so much gratitude for Yuki and truly miss her. Thank you Yuki!

Hotels were very nice and having a bus to pick us up and transport us to the next site was wonderful. Our tour guide, Yuki was very organized, very patient and fun. We saw so much, shopped and ate. Everyone loved the stay at the Ryokan and the delicious kaiseki dinner. The group loved the Onsen at the different hotels. After touring, they found it so relaxing to head to the Onsen. We also loved traveling on the different transportation in Hiroshima. Riding on the bullet train, the ferry, the local train, the local bus and trolley……we were so impressed!

Our trip to Korea was amazing, our tour guides were awesome. We did so many things in 8 days. Totally recommended.

Wonderful. We had private tours - 7 of them Everything worked as planned with one exception . And the hitch was corrected quickly by AJT . Excellent guides

Great tour guides, Rie and Yuki were wonderful. Our bus driver was outstanding. The tour was very well planned and featured more countryside locations of Japan. Awesome

Group Tour Style	Budget	Deluxe	Deluxe-Plus	Signature	Active
Group Tour Style	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours
Feature	Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price.	Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort.	Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations.	Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture.	Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape.
Advantage	Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you.	Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences.	Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you.	Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art.	Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.
Group Size	20 to 45 people	10 to 35 people	6 to 24 people	4 to 16 people	4 to 13 people
Fully-escorted	Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide				Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities
Pace	Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own
Airport Transfers	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified	Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports)	Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified
Transfer between cities	Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary			Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary	Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical
Sightseeing	Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide		Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide		Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides
Admission fees and activities	All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included
Luggage Transfers	Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours				Separate luggage transfers are included
Meals	Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged)
Accommodation	Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans	Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination
Ages	4 years old and above			6 years old and above
Health & Activity	In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.				These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination.

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