Upcoming Small-Group Shore Excursions You Can Join
Shared tour prices may vary by cruise date, group size, port timing, and the confirmed number of guests on each departure. Please see the list below to view the available dates.
For Sapphire Princess Guests
| Date | Group Size (Pax) | Price/Pax | Booking Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2027 | |||
| Apr 10 2027 (08:00 - 14:00) | 14 - 16 (Max 20 pax) | $205 USD | Inquire Now Full Pay |
Please Note:
- If you’re looking for other dates, simply complete the Inquiry Form below. We’ll promptly send you clear and helpful information via email based on your request.
- The remaining balance for tours with a deposit is due closer to the departure date.
Tour Overview
Discover the natural beauty and fascinating history of Miyako, Iwate, on this memorable Iwate - Miyako shore excursion in northern Japan. This tour combines dramatic coastal landscapes, a poignant reminder of the region's resilience following the 2011 tsunami, and the remarkable underground scenery of one of Japan's most celebrated limestone caves.
Designed for cruise passengers, the tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off at the cruise port, allowing you to experience the region's distinctive character within your time ashore.
Who This Tour Is For:
- Cruise Ship Passengers: Enjoy a convenient shore excursion with private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and scheduled port pickup and drop-off.
- Nature & Scenery Lovers: Admire the dramatic Pacific coastline at Kitayamazaki Cliffs and discover the fascinating underground landscapes of Ryusendo Cave.
- History Enthusiasts: Learn about the impact of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami through a visit to the preserved remains of Taro Kanko Hotel.
- Adventure Seekers: Explore a limestone cave featuring spectacular rock formations, clear underground lakes, and atmospheric passageways.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Capture breathtaking coastal panoramas, rugged cliffs, and the striking blue waters of Ryusendo Cave.
- Travelers Seeking an Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Discover a less familiar side of Japan through its remarkable natural landscapes, regional heritage, and stories of community resilience.
Full Itinerary
Port Departure - Meet Your Guide at Miyako Port
Welcome to Miyako, Iwate, a coastal destination in northern Japan known for its dramatic Pacific scenery, distinctive geological formations, and rich maritime heritage. Get ready for a memorable journey through the natural wonders and meaningful historical landmarks of the Sanriku Coast.
Meet your English-speaking guide, who will be holding a welcome board for easy identification. Board your private chartered car or coach and begin your sightseeing adventure.
Visit Taro Kanko Hotel - Tsunami Remains
Visit the preserved remains of Taro Kanko Hotel, a former seaside hotel that stands as a powerful reminder of the devastating tsunami that struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011. The building was severely damaged by the waves, with its lower floors destroyed and the structure flooded up to the fourth floor. Rather than being demolished, the remains were preserved to help future generations understand the destructive power of tsunamis and the importance of disaster preparedness.
Kitayamazaki Cliffs
Continue to the spectacular Kitayamazaki Cliffs, one of the Sanriku Coast's most impressive natural attractions. Here, towering cliffs rise dramatically above the Pacific Ocean, creating a breathtaking landscape of rugged rock formations, deep-blue waters, and a seemingly endless horizon.
The coastline stretches for approximately eight kilometers, with cliffs reaching around 200 meters in height. Scenic observation platforms provide opportunities to admire the striking coastal scenery from above and capture memorable photographs of this remarkable natural landscape.
Ryusendo Cave
Discover the mysterious underground world of Ryusendo Cave, one of Japan's most celebrated limestone caves and a designated natural monument. Step inside to encounter fascinating stalactites, striking limestone formations, and crystal-clear underground lakes renowned for their extraordinary blue hues.
Three underground lakes are open to visitors, offering a remarkable glimpse into a hidden natural environment shaped over countless ages. The cave is also a protected habitat for bats. The cave's distinctive geological features and tranquil underground lakes create a memorable contrast to the expansive coastal landscapes explored earlier in the day.
Return to Miyako Cruise Port
After exploring the coastal landmarks, historical heritage, and underground wonders of Iwate, relax in your private vehicle for the journey back to Miyako Cruise Port.
Note:The order of visits may vary depending on traffic and opening hours to ensure the smoothest experience possible.
Inquire about this tour now with Japan Shore Excursions – Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!
Send Inquiry
Rudelle B. –
The tours we booked were wonderful. There was communication if needed with the tour agent, Fiona. The guides were on time and spoke wonderful English even though they were from Japan. Everything worked like clockwork. We loved the small groups that we traveled with. We even received money back when a few people were added to our group. Please do not hesitate to use this company. You will definitely be satisfied.
Aki & Ken Morimoto –
We chose this tour based on our consultant's recommendation (thank you, Sammy!), and it was exactly what we needed. Peaceful, scenic, and full of subtle wonder. We ended the day refreshed, not tired. Such a rare thing for a shore tour.
Erik & Annika Lindström –
Our consultant, Ms. Lara, helped us book this at the last minute and made sure it was the right pace for my husband, who walks with a cane. The guide adapted everything to suit our needs. And that moment inside the Blue Cave? Pure magic
Jonathan Burke –
From start to finish, this tour was seamless. The chartered vehicle was spacious and comfortable, and our driver was smooth even along coastal roads. If you’re looking for a tour that soothes rather than exhausts you, this is it.
Alessandra Bruno –
This is a tour for travelers who want something soulful and scenic. No crowds, no rush, just cliff views, mythological stories, and nature’s quiet drama. I appreciated the storytelling behind Ryujinzaki especially. A lovely day.
Linda Tanaka –
I worked with Lara to select and plan some shore excursions while on an Asian cruise. Lara was very prompt and professional and we enjoyed our onshore tour experiences.
Charles Green –
The guide had a calm, thoughtful presence. He shared legends and geology with equal ease. And at every point, the natural beauty of Miyako took center stage. It’s a part of Japan I knew little about, and now I want to return.
Margaret Holloway –
We did three Excursions with Japan Shore Excursions while touring Japan. Our guides were fluent in English, were well prepared and versed in the local history and provided expert tours and compassionate care for our group. Our drivers were courteous and helpful and safely drove us to all of our destinations. We would definitely use this tour group again. We had a great time.