Kyoto Highlights & Lunch with Maiko: 9-Hour Private Cruise Shore Excursion

Overview

Kyoto is widely considered the cultural soul of Japan, and this unique 9-hour shore excursion offers a rare opportunity to step inside its living history. This tour is meticulously designed for cruise passengers who want to combine the architectural grandeur of Kyoto’s heritage sites with an intimate, high-end cultural interaction: a private Maiko lunch and tea ceremony.

Designed specifically for guests docking at the Port of Osaka or Kobe Port, this journey bridges the gap between the coast and the ancient capital with ease. By traveling in a private chartered vehicle with a licensed English-speaking guide, you skip the stress of public transportation and focus entirely on the elegance of the day. With our “Back-to-Ship Guarantee,” you can fully immerse yourself in the Maiko’s performance and the spiritual beauty of Kiyomizu-dera with total confidence in a punctual return to your ship.

Highlights

• Maiko Lunch & Tea Ceremony: Savor a refined Japanese lunch at Jinmatsuan while being entertained by a Maiko (apprentice geisha) with traditional dance and music.
• Nijo-jo Castle: Explore the former residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its “nightingale floors” and feudal architecture.
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Visit the “Pure Water Temple” and stand on its massive wooden stage for breathtaking views over a forest of cherry and maple trees.
• Private Tea Lesson: Learn how to prepare your own green tea and enjoy traditional Wasanbon sweets under the expert guidance of your Maiko host.
• Ninomaru Garden: Take a peaceful stroll through this world-class landscape garden, featuring ornamental stones and ancient manicured pines.

Complete Details

Your day of cultural immersion begins with a warm welcome at your cruise terminal. Your guide and driver will be waiting at the Osaka or Kobe pier to whisk you away in a premium air-conditioned vehicle.

The morning starts at the majestic Nijo-jo Castle. You will explore the five-story palace, walk along the squeaking “nightingale floors” designed to detect intruders, and admire the ornate carvings and sliding doors. We then proceed to Jinmatsuan for the day’s centerpiece: Lunch with a Maiko. During this private experience, you will witness the Maiko’s graceful dance, listen to traditional music, and learn the delicate art of the tea ceremony firsthand.

After lunch, we move to the eastern hills to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This “Pure Water” sanctuary is famous for its massive wooden veranda that offers a panoramic view of Kyoto, shifting from porcelain-pink in spring to vibrant red-orange in autumn. You will have time to observe local religious practices and explore the temple’s wooded grounds before the drive back. Finally, relax in your private vehicle as we return you to the port, arriving well before your “all aboard” time.

Booking with Jasumo

To book this private cultural excursion or to customize the itinerary for your specific port date, please contact us via our Contact Us Form. Our travel consultants will verify your ship’s docking terminal and schedule to ensure a seamless experience.

Jasumo also provides Destination Management Company (DMC) services, offering end-to-end support and reliable local coordination for individual travelers, travel agencies, and luxury group tours.

Complimentary 10GB eSIM with Every Jasumo Tour Booking

When you book your tour through Jasumo, we make your journey even smoother by giving you a free 10GB eSIM. Stay connected across Kyoto from the moment you arrive—use maps, messaging, and share your Maiko photos instantly without worrying about finding Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM. It’s our way of ensuring a stress-free and fully connected travel experience.

FAQs

Which port will my ship dock at for Kyoto?

Cruise ships visiting this region dock at either the Port of Osaka or Kobe Port. Both are located approximately 60–90 minutes from Kyoto. We coordinate with port authorities to ensure your driver is waiting at the exact berth assigned to your vessel.

Is the Maiko experience private?

The experience at Jinmatsuan is highly curated to ensure personal interaction. While you enjoy lunch, the Maiko will perform, guide you through the tea ceremony, and be available for a Q&A and photos.

What is a “Nightingale Floor”?

Found in Nijo-jo Castle, these wooden floors were engineered to “chirp” like birds when walked upon, acting as a historical security system against ninja or intruders.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes, the traditional Japanese lunch at Jinmatsuan, including the tea ceremony and Maiko performance, is a central part of this tour and is fully included in your booking.

Does the “Back-to-Ship Guarantee” cover traffic?

Yes. Our guarantee ensures we monitor traffic and your ship’s schedule in real-time. We always plan to have you back at the pier at least 1 hour before departure. In the rare event of a delay, we coordinate and cover your transport to the next port.

Location