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JAPAN SHORE EXCURSIONS

Japan at your fingertips

Fujiyoshida, Japan

Find Shore excursions

Fujiyoshida, Japan

Find your own connection to Japan

A quiet shrine tucked beyond the city streets. A local specialty worth slowing down for. A breathtaking landscape that invites you to linger. There’s no better way to discover Japan than with Princess Cruises, connecting you to its must-see cities, scenic ports and hidden gems in one seamless journey. With thoughtfully planned shore excursions and knowledgeable guides to help bridge language barriers, you can explore with confidence—and get closer to Japan’s rich culture, natural beauty and everyday life.

Find Shore excursions
01 / 06
  • Traveler admiring waterfront city skyline at sunset

    Sightseeing

    See Japan’s unforgettable sights, from Himeji’s striking White Heron Castle to Kyoto’s golden pavilion and winding pathways of vibrant red torii gates. Stroll through beautifully crafted gardens, explore Kanazawa’s traditional teahouse district or take in sweeping volcanic views in Kagoshima. With bustling markets, coastal shrines and former samurai towns, every port reveals another remarkable side of Japan.

  • Visitors walking through vibrant orange shrine gates

    Culture & history

    Connect with the stories and traditions that have shaped Japan. Discover Miyajima’s sacred shrines, reflect at Hiroshima’s and Nagasaki’s moving peace memorials, or glimpse rural life in Tono’s thatched-roof village. From the timeless ritual of a tea ceremony to temples overlooking coastal bays, each experience offers a deeper understanding of Japan’s enduring heritage.

  • Hand using chopsticks to eat sushi

    Culinary & beverage

    Savor Japan’s culinary traditions through the people who bring them to life. Shop a local market for fresh ingredients, prepare a home-cooked Hakodate meal alongside locals, or learn the art of sushi making with a chef before sampling sake. Along the way, discover the flavors, stories and welcoming communities that make every bite more memorable.

  • Aerial view of a deep blue lake in autumn, with a steep hillside of red, orange, yellow and green foliage curving along the shore and a rocky headland in the distance under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

    Nature & wildlife

    Discover Japan’s natural beauty, from the dramatic cliffs of the Sanriku Coast to the iconic slopes of Mt. Fuji. Take in coastal scenery aboard a chartered railway, follow Oirase’s forest-lined stream past cascading waterfalls or cruise the deep-blue waters of Lake Towada. With lush greenery and brilliant autumn colors, Japan’s landscapes offer fresh perspectives with every season.

  • A emerald-green river rushing through a deep, forested gorge in the Iya Valley, with steep mountainsides covered in lush summer foliage and a red arched bridge spanning the canyon on the right.

    Explore your way

    Discover the charm of rural Japan at your own pace in Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage village nestled among forested mountains. Wander past centuries-old thatched-roof farmhouses, pause to capture the picturesque scenery and follow your curiosity through this enchanting countryside setting. With time to explore independently, you can linger over the details that inspire you most.

  • Rugged rock formations and sea stacks rising from turquoise waves along the Sanriku Coast, with pine-topped cliffs, forested hills, and a distant mountain beneath a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

    Adventure

    Follow your adventurous spirit into the secluded beauty of Shikoku’s Iya Valley. Cross the swaying Kazurabashi vine bridge above a mountain river, then set out by boat through Oboke Gorge, where sculpted rock formations and tree-lined banks frame your journey. From thrilling heights to a fresh perspective on the water, discover Japan’s wild side.

01 / 06

Explore Japan excursions by port

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01 / 08
  • Traditional Japanese castle with visiting tourists

    Best of Matsuyama

    Matsuyama blends a modern, bustling city with reminders of its medieval past, and a day of exploring begins at the 17th-century Matsuyama Castle atop Mt. Katsuyama, once the seat of the Matsudaira Clan, where you can see their swords and armor after taking a cable car up. You'll then visit the sprawling Buddhist Ishiteji Temple and, after lunch, finish at Dogo Onsen, Japan's oldest hot-springs resort.

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  • Mount Fuji overlooking coastal Japanese cityscape

    Views of Mt. Fuji, tea ceremony & art museum

    This cultural day begins with a motorcoach ride to the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum, where you can view over 1,300 ukiyo-e wood-block prints, many by the famed landscape artist Hiroshige Utagawa, and learn how the prints and their vivid natural colors are made. You'll then take part in a traditional tea ceremony with matcha and sweets before visiting Miho-no-Matsubara, one of the "New Three Views of Japan," to admire its pine-forested coastline along Suruga Bay and grand views of Mt. Fuji.

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  • Red torii gate by tranquil forest lake

    Mogami river cruise & agricultural history tour

    This full-day tour combines natural and cultural highlights, starting with a scenic motorcoach ride to the Shinjo Local History Museum, where you'll explore the region's farming community through a large collection of traditional tools and artifacts. You'll then cruise the Mogami River from Furukuchi-port to Kusanagi-port while listening to the boatman's sailor's song, enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch, and visit the 1893 Sankyo Rice Storehouse, now home to souvenir shops with local foods and handicrafts, before returning to port.

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  • Traditional Japanese temple overlooking hillside cemetery

    Temples along The Shikoku Pilgrimage Route

    This half-day journey takes you off the beaten track to two of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route, starting with Tairyu-ji Temple (#21), a site believed to have been visited by the 9th-century monk Kobo Daishi and perched atop the 6,413-foot Shikoku Mountain, where a cable car ride leads to magnificent views. You'll then climb the stone steps to the Main Hall of Yakuo-ji Temple (#23), founded over 1,300 years ago and renowned for protection from misfortune, before returning to the pier with a deeper appreciation of Buddhism's beauty.

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  • Traditional Shinto shrine entrance with torii gate

    Local connections: Sushi making experiences with Chef Tomomi Obara, Sake tasting & Miho Shrine

    This tour visits Mihonoseki, a historic harbor town at the eastern tip of the Shimane peninsula that was once an important trading port and is said to connect the gods and the sea to its people. You'll learn to make sushi with the executive chef at the Miho-kan ryokan and sample sake, then stroll Aoishi-datami Street to the 16th-century Miho Shrine before stopping for photos at Mihonoseki Lighthouse.

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  • Sunlit torii gate in tranquil forest path

    Highlights of Tokyo

    Tokyo may move fast, but its spirituality shines through in its temples and shrines. Two are must-visits: the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, reached through a grand Torii gate and set within a 120,000-tree park; and Sensoji Temple, founded in 628 as Tokyo's oldest temple, marked by the towering Kaminarimon Gate and its huge red-and-black lantern. Beyond the gate, Nakamise-dori leads to the temple, lined with stalls selling food, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.

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  • Visitors at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Cenotaph

    Best of Nagasaki

    Drive to Peace Memorial Park, crossing Megami Ohashi Bridge for views of the city and Mitsubishi shipyard. Near Ground Zero of the August 9, 1945 bombing, visit the Atomic Bomb Museum, then walk to the black monolith marking the Hypocenter, passing the rebuilt Urakami Cathedral and the one-legged Torii gate. Continue to Dejima Island to tour the museum on Japan's historic Dutch trading system, then stop for lunch. Afterward, walk up to Glover Garden's seven historic buildings, including Japan's first Western-style wooden house. From there, return to the ship on foot or stay to explore and shop, arranging your own return.

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  • Traditional Japanese temple surrounded by cherry blossoms

    Kyoto - Fushimi-Inari Shrine, Sanjusangendo Temple & Zen Garden

    Enjoy a narrated drive from Osaka to Kyoto, starting at Ryoanji Temple, a 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its tranquil Zen rock garden. After lunch, visit Sanjusangendo Temple, founded in 1164 by Taira no Kiyomori, home to Japan's longest hall and 1,000 national-treasure Kannon statues surrounding a central seated Kannon. End at Fushimi Inari Shrine, built in 711, renowned for its 1,000 vivid red torii gates winding through the forest to a hilltop view over Kyoto.

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01 / 08
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Why book Japan excursions with Princess?

More value for your vacation

Princess Shore Excursions give you the most adventure, immersion and enjoyment for your money. And if you book before you sail, you save big.



Popular tours fill up fast, so reserve your excursions today. 

Coastal shrine and cherry blossoms at sunset
Cherry blossoms frame Miyajima's torii gate, where Japan's beauty meets the sea.
Princess cruise ships sailing near Mount Fuji
Sail into the shadow of Mt. Fuji — where Princess Cruises brings you closer to Japan's most iconic views.

Priority starts, protected returns

Your time in port is precious and should be entirely stress-free from start to finish. Enjoy priority debarkation to maximize your time ashore — which is especially valuable in water-shuttle ports. Best of all, you can explore with absolute peace of mind knowing your ship will never leave without you*, a guaranteed return-to-ship promise no independent operator can match.
 
*There are times when a ship must adhere to schedule, but in those instances, we guarantee your safe transport to the next port.

*There are times when a ship must adhere to schedule, but in those instances, we guarantee your safe transport to the next port.

Curated for quality

We only partner with the best and make sure all our tour providers are vetted and insured and all guides licensed and certified.

Panoramic city skyline at golden sunset
Tokyo's skyline glows gold as Rainbow Bridge stretches across the bay at sunset.
Cherry blossoms and pagoda at mountain sunset

Popular tours fill up fast

Reserve your excursions today
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Plan your Japan cruise around the country's most iconic festivals, from dazzling fireworks to ancient matsuri.

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Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels

01 / 03
  • Princess EZair

    Princess EZAir® Flights

    Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airline, allow you to book early and pay later with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages. Please note: Princess EZair® is only available in certain markets.

    Learn more about Princess EZAir
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    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

    Learn more about transfers
  • Cruise Plus hotel packages

    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

    View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages
01 / 03

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Aerial view of a large cruise ship's top deck, featuring multiple pool areas, lounge chairs, and glass-domed structures, sailing through deep blue ocean waters.

Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

Guests walking through a modern cruise ship atrium featuring a distinctive circular skylight with radiating panels and polished marble floors.

The beautiful Piazza lets the light shine in.

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