- Gentle journeys into culture and history, thoughtfully crafted for your comfort and curiosity. -
HAL Westerdam Cruise Itineraries with Shared Excursions Available
Each port of call presents a new chapter in Japan’s story from feudal history to spiritual tradition and artistic legacy. Below are carefully crafted shared shore excursions available for HAL Westerdam itineraries.
September - October Shore Excursions in Japan Filling Fast!
14 Day Circle Japan Cruise
Sep 13, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
Itinerary: Vancouver, Canada → Tokyo, Japan
Ports with shared tour available: Kushiro, Japan (Sep 24, 2026) / Aomori, Japan (Sep 25, 2026) / Tokyo, Japan (Sep 27, 2026) / Osaka, Japan (Sep 29, 2026) / Kochi, Japan (Sep 30, 2026) / Hiroshima, Japan (Oct 01, 2026) / Busan, South Korea (Oct 03, 2026) / Sakaiminato, Japan (Oct 04, 2026) / Tsuruga, Japan (Oct 05, 2026) / Toyama, Japan (Oct 06, 2026) / Sakata, Japan (Oct 07, 2026) / Aomori, Japan (Oct 08, 2026) / Hakodate, Japan (Oct 09, 2026)*Trip prices are valid till 25th May 2026
Inclusions:
- English-speaking Local Guide (Lisenced)
- Charter car/coach including highway and parking fee
- Entrance fee(s)
Exclusions:
- Meals and drinks
- Tips for Guide & Driver
$195 - $290 USD/person
Date: Sep 24 2026
Port: Kushiro, Japan
Highlights: Akan Ainu Village (Ainu Kotan), Lake Akan, Kushiro Marshland Observation Deck
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$185 - $275 USD/person
Date: Sep 25 2026
Port: Aomori, Japan
Highlights: Hirosaki Park & Castle, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$175 - $255 USD/person
Date: Sep 27 2026
Port: Tokyo, Japan
Highlights: Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Scramble Intersection, Imperial Palace Plaza (Niju-bashi), Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Arcade, Tokyo Sky Tree (Drive by)
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$190 - $295 USD/person
Date: Sep 29 2026
Port: Osaka, Japan
Highlights: Arashiyama Area, Bamboo Forest, Togetsu-Kyo Bridge, Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavillion), Fushimiinari-Taisha Shrine
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$185 - $275 USD/person
Date: Sep 30 2026
Port: Kochi, Japan
Highlights: Gotaisan Chikurin-ji Temple, Harimaya-bashi Bridge, Kochi Castle, Hirome-Ichiba Open Market, Katsura Hama
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$175 - $265 USD/person
Date: Oct 01 2026
Port: Hiroshima, Japan
Highlights: Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Town, Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$135 - $225 USD/person
Date: Oct 03 2026
Port: Busan, South Korea
Highlights: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Jagalchi Market, Kukje Market & BIFF Square, Gamcheon Cultural Village
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$195 - $295 USD/person
Date: Oct 04 2026
Port: Sakaiminato, Japan
Highlights: Matsue Castle, Tottori Hanakairou Flower park, Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, Mizuki Shigeru Road
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$195 - $295 USD/person
Date: Oct 05 2026
Port: Tsuruga, Japan
Highlights: Maruoka Castle, Eiheiji Temple, Habutae-mochi
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$180 - $275 USD/person
Date: Oct 06 2026
Port: Toyama, Japan
Highlights: Historic Village of Gokayama, Ainokura Village, Gassho-zukuri Exhibition Hall, Toyama Glass Art Museum, Takaoka Great Buddha
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$190 - $290 USD/person
Date: Oct 07 2026
Port: Sakata, Japan
Highlights: Hiyoriyama Park, Kaikoji Temple, Sannou Club, Former Main Residence of Homma Family, Sankyo Warehouse
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$185 - $280 USD/person
Date: Oct 08 2026
Port: Aomori, Japan
Highlights: Sannai Maruyama Historical Site, Showa Daibutsu at Seiryuji Temple, Nebuta Museum WA RASSE, Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$185 - $280 USD/person
Date: Oct 09 2026
Port: Hakodate, Japan
Highlights: Goryokaku Park & Tower, Hakodate-Asaichi Market, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Mt. Hakodate (Ropeway)
Group Size: 6 - 8 pax / 16 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
28-Day Circle Japan & South Korea Discovery
Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
Itinerary: Tokyo, Japan → Tokyo, Japan Ports with shared tour available: Tokyo, Japan (Oct 11 2026) / Omeazaki, Japan (Oct 12 2026) / Kobe, Japan (Oct 13 2026) / Kochi, Japan (Oct 14 2026) / Hakata, Japan (Oct 16 2026) / Kanazawa, Japan (Oct 19 2026) / Sakata, Japan (Oct 20 2026) / Hakodate, Japan (Oct 21 2026) / Miyako, Japan (Oct 22 2026)*Trip prices are valid till 25th May 2026
Inclusions:
- English-speaking Local Guide (Lisenced)
- Charter car/coach including highway and parking fee
- Entrance fee(s)
Exclusions:
- Meals and drinks
- Tips for Guide & Driver
$175 USD/person
Date: Oct 11 2026
Port: Tokyo, Japan
Highlights: Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Scramble Intersection, Imperial Palace Plaza (Niju-bashi), Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Arcade, Tokyo Sky Tree (Drive by)
Group Size: 15 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$190 USD/person
Date: Oct 12 2026 (5.0 hours)
Port: Omaezaki, Japan
Highlights: Horaibashi Bridge (Photo Stop), Makinohara Green Tea Plantation, Fujinokuni Cha-no-Miyako Museum, Hamaoka Sand Dunes (Photo Stop), Omaesaki Lighthouse & Cape Park
Group Size: 15 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$190 USD/person
Date: Oct 13 2026
Port: Kobe, Japan
Highlights: Arashiyama Area, Bamboo Forest, Togetsu-Kyo Bridge, Fushimiinari-Taisha Shrine
Group Size: 15 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$185 USD/person
Date: Oct 14 2026
Port: Kochi, Japan
Highlights: Gotaisan Chikurin-ji Temple, Harimaya-bashi Bridge, Kochi Castle, Hirome-Ichiba Open Market, Katsura Hama
Group Size: 15 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$175 USD/person
Date: Oct 16 2026
Port: Fukuoka, Japan
Highlights: Tochoji Temple & Buddha-Hell-Paradise, Ohori Koen, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Group Size: 15 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$160 USD/person
Date: Oct 19 2026
Port: Kanazawa, Japan
Highlights: Oyama Shrine, Kenroku-en Garden, Naga-Machi Buke Yashiki District, Omi-Cho Market, Higashi Chaya-machi District
Group Size: 15 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Jumbo / Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$190 USD/person
Date: Oct 20 2026
Port: Sakata, Japan
Highlights: Hiyoriyama Park, Kaikoji Temple, Sannou Club, Former Main Residence of Homma Family
Group Size: 15 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$180 USD/person
Date: Oct 21 2026
Port: Hakodate, Japan
Highlights: Mt. Higurashi Observatory, Onuma Park, Onuma Lake Cruise
Group Size: 15 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
$185 USD/person
Date: Oct 22 2026
Port: Iwate - Miyako, Japan
Highlights: Kitayamazaki Observatory Deck, Ryusendo Cave, Jyodogahama
Group Size: 15 - 22 pax
Type of Car: Medium Bus
Activity Level:: Easy
Back-to-ship Guarantee
Why Choose Our HAL Westerdam Shared Shore Excursions from Ports?
When your day ashore is thoughtfully planned, it becomes more than a tour, it becomes a memory. Our shore excursions prioritize both substance and serenity, helping you engage with Japan’s cultural richness in a way that’s welcoming, informative, and never rushed.
Small Groups for a Personal Touch
Meaningful Historical Insights
Comfortable and Accessible
Great Value in Small Groups
Aligned with Your Ship Schedule
Should our scheduled shared tours not align with your cruise itinerary, simply submit the form below. Our local team will gladly create a culturally enriching, relaxed-paced itinerary tailored to your interests
Meet Your Cultural Travel Concierge for HAL Westerdam
Lara Nguyen
Travel Expert
With years of experience in organizing curated land and port-day programs across East Asia, Lara is our dedicated Travel Expert for HAL Westerdam guests. She specializes in crafting accessible, well-paced heritage tours that focus on cultural depth and logistical ease.
“I believe every journey ashore should be as effortless as it is memorable, allowing you to connect, reflect, and truly enjoy.” - Lara Nguyen
Reach out to Lara below - She’ll respond within 24 working hours.
Fiona Pham
Travel Expert
With over 5 years of experience creating unforgettable shore excursions across Asia, Fiona brings both expertise and heart to every journey she curates. With her quick responses, attention to the small things, and genuine care for every guest’s comfort and curiosity, she’ll help you pick the right tour, customize if needed, and feel confident about every step ashore.
Reach out to Fiona below - She’ll respond within 24 working hours.
FAQs for HAL Westerdam Cruise Ship Guests
Here’s a quick rundown of the most common questions about Japan shore excursions we get from fellow HAL Westerdam guests just like you.
How do I book a shared shore excursion?
Booking your excursion with Japan Shore Excursions is easy and worry-free. Simply select your preferred tour, then you can choose either pay directly via Onepay or fill inquiry form to contact with our travel expert. After that, you’ll receive a confirmation email with everything clearly outlined. If you’d prefer more personal assistance, our Travel Expert, Lara, is always available to guide you in selecting the right tour based on your interests and comfort level.
Pro tip: Tours fill up fast, so booking early means you won’t miss out!
Are these shared tours suitable for older travelers or those with limited mobility?
Absolutely. Every shared excursion we offer for HAL Westerdam is thoughtfully crafted to be accessible and comfortable, especially for senior travelers. We choose routes with gentle walking, provide ample seated breaks, and use clean, air-conditioned vehicles. If a tour includes more walking or uneven terrain, it will be clearly noted and we’re happy to suggest alternatives or make adjustments where possible.
What kind of experiences can I expect on these HAL Westerdam excursions?
Expect meaningful journeys into the heart of Japan’s culture and history. From ancient temples and feudal castles to tranquil gardens and world-class museums, our tours are guided by knowledgeable locals who share stories, not just facts. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply appreciate a well-paced day filled with beauty and insight, you’ll find every tour both stimulating and serene.
How many people are in a group?
We keep our shared tours small and intimate typically no more than 16 guests. This ensures a peaceful, respectful environment, ideal for those who prefer calmer travel with personal attention from the guide. You'll be able to ask questions freely, hear every explanation clearly, and enjoy each moment without the overwhelm of a large group.
Where do we meet the guide on the day of the tour?
Your guide will be waiting for you just outside the cruise terminal with a clear welcome sign. We’ll provide detailed instructions and a map in your confirmation email to make things easy. Our team arrives early and wears a smile, you’ll be in caring, capable hands from the very first moment ashore.
Can I cancel or reschedule if my plans change?
Depends. We would deeply regret your decision to cancel your HAL Westerdam shore excursions; however we realize that there are many valid reasons that this can happen. In the event of cancellation we will refund any payment made to Japan Shore Excursions (less any cancellation fee that is applicable) within 14 days of our receipt of your written cancellation request.
The cancellation fee will be calculated as follows:
- More than 40 days prior to trip departure: 10% of the deposit paid is non-refundable. This will be saved for your next trip with us. The rest of the deposit paid will be refunded (bank fee levied by your end)
- 40 – 30 days prior to trip departure: 35% charged of the deposit paid
- 29 – 15 days: 50% charged of the deposit paid
- 14 – 10 day: 75% charged of total amount
- Less than 10 days or No show: 100% charged of total amount
After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for unused services due to your willingness, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
What happens if the ship arrives late or changes schedule?
No need to worry. We’ve got it handled. Our team monitors HAL Westerdam’s real-time docking information and adjusts your tour departure accordingly. Plus, we always build in a buffer, so even if your ship docks slightly later than expected, you'll still enjoy a smooth, stress-free experience and get back to the ship on time, every time.
What happens if my ship can’t dock due to Force Majeure reasons?
In case the HAL Westerdam cruise ship is unable to dock at ports or tender can’t discharge passengers, we will refund you Lunch (if any) and entrance fee. As for the guide and vehicle expenses, we will try our best to negotiate with our service providers to minimize the cancellation charge since we have arranged/sent them to the port to welcome you. We will advise you in specific details if this is case and get back to you with the refund amount at our soonest possible.