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Best Rated Norwegian Spirit Excursions in Japan | Shore Tours for Cruise Guests
Cruising aboard the Norwegian Spirit is a wonderful way to explore Japan’s enchanting ports. But when it comes to truly immersing yourself in local culture, food, and heritage, the best way to experience Japan is through carefully crafted Norwegian Spirit cruise excursions with a local touch.
At every port of call, we offer curated shore excursions in Japan tailored specifically to Norwegian Spirit’s schedule ensuring an unforgettable experience with zero stress about timing. Whether you’re seeking majestic views of Mt. Fuji, a walk through Kyoto’s tranquil bamboo forest, or fresh seafood from Shimizu’s bustling markets, our excursions connect you to the real Japan.
Book Your Norwegian Spirit Shore Excursion Today!
Uncover the heart of Japan with expertly guided, flexible, and memorable shore excursions crafted just for Norwegian Spirit guests.
Shared Tour
Sasebo Shore Excursions
$175 – $205
- Duration: 5 hours
- Port: Sasebo, Japan
- Highlights: Ohashi Kannon Temple, Emukaehonjin Yamashita-ke Motokura, Tenkaiho Observatory, Yonka-cho Shopping Mall
- Activity Level: Easy
- Cruise: Norwegian Spirit
- Tour Date: Aug 31 2025, Sep 26 2025
- Group Size: 10 - 16 Pax
Shared Tour
Beppu Shore Excursions
$215
- Duration: 4 hours
- Port: Beppu, Japan
- Highlights: Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden (Monkey Park), Hyotan Onsen
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Cruise: Norwegian Spirit
- Tour Date: Aug 30 2025
- Group Size: 10 - 12 Pax
Shared Tour
Tokushima Shore Excursions
$225
- Duration: 6 hours
- Port: Tokushima, Japan
- Highlights: Ryozen-ji Temple, Large Naruto Crosslinking Memorial Eddy, Naruto Whirlpools
- Activity Level: Easy
- Cruise: Norwegian Spirit
- Tour Date: Aug 28 2025
- Group Size: 10 - 12 Pax
Tokyo Shore Excursions
$180
- Duration: 7 hours
- Port: Yokoham/Tokyo, Japan
- Highlights: Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Area, Roppongi Hills Observation Deck, Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Arcade
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Cruise: Norwegian Spirit
- Tour Date: Oct 04 2025
- Group Size: 14 - 16 Pax
Shared Tour
Nagoya Shore Excursions
$170 – $195
- Duration: 5 hours
- Port: Nagoya, Japan
- Highlights: Nagoya Castle, Arimatsu Traditional Townscape, Arimatsu Tie-dyeing Museum
- Activity Level: Easy
- Cruise: Oceania Riviera, Norwegian Spirit
- Tour Date: Aug 26 2025, Oct 02 2025, Oct 09 2025
- Group Size: 10 - 16 Pax
Shared Tour
Kochi Shore Excursions
$183 – $190
- Duration: 6 hours
- Port: Kochi, Japan
- Highlights: Gotaisan Chikurin-ji Temple, Harimaya-bashi Bridge, Kochi Castle, Hirome-Ichiba Open Market, Katsura Hama
- Activity Level: Easy
- Cruise: Diamond Princess, Norwegian Spirit
- Tour Date: Aug 19 2025, Aug 28 2025, Sep 29 2025
- Group Size: 12 - 16 Pax
Shared Tour
Fukuoka Shore Excursions
$165 – $183
- Duration: 6 hours
- Port: Hakata - Fukuoka, Japan
- Highlights: Tochoji Temple & Buddha-Hell-Paradise, Ohori Park, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka Tower
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Cruise: Spectrum of the Sea, HAL Westerdam
- Tour Date: Jul 11 2025, Jul 24 2025, Oct 17 2025
- Group Size: 12 - 16 pax
Shared Tour
Hiroshima Shore Excursions
$150 – $170
- Duration: 6 hours
- Port: Hiroshima, Japan
- Highlights: Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Town, Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome
- Activity Level: Easy
- Cruise: Celebrity Millennium, Diamond Princess, Norwegian Spirit
- Tour Date: Aug 11 2025, Aug 29 2025, Sep 28 2025
- Group Size: 14 - 16 pax
Shared Tour
Kyoto Shore Excursions
$185 – $285
- Duration: 8 hours
- Port: Kobe/Osaka, Japan
- Highlights: Arashiyama Area, Bamboo Forest, Togetsu-Kyo Bridge, Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavillion), Fushimiinari-Taisha Shrine
- Activity Level: Easy
- Cruise: Spectrum of the Sea, Oceania Riviera, HAL Westerdam, Norwegian Spirit
- Tour Date: Jul 28 2025, Aug 27 2025, Sep 30 2025, Oct 10 2025, Oct 14 2025
- Group Size: 12 - 16 pax
Shared Tour
Shimizu Shore Excursions
$178 – $215
- Duration: 6 hours
- Port: Shimizu, Japan
- Highlights: Lake Ashi cruising (Viking boat), Owakudani by rope-way, Owakudani Valley
- Cruise: Diamond Princess, Norwegian Sprit
- Tour Date: Aug 16 2025, Aug 25 2025, Sep 03 2025, Oct 03 2025
- Group Size: Flexible
Shared Tour
Matsuyama Shore Excursions
$215
- Duration: 6 hours
- Port: Matsuyama, Japan
- Highlights: Matsuyama Castle, Iyo Kasuri Fabric, Ishiteji Temple, The Shiki Museum, Dogo Onsen Area
- Activity Level: Easy
- Cruise: Norwegian Spirit
- Tour Date: Aug 29 2025
- Group Size: 10 - 12 Pax
Why Choose Independent Shore Excursions Over Cruise Ship Tours?
When docking in Japan with the Norwegian Spirit, many guests are surprised to discover that independent excursions often offer far more flexibility and personal value than those booked onboard the ship.
More Freedom and Flexibility
Independent excursions give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Our small-group or private tours are designed with comfort in mind, especially for mature travelers.
Smaller Groups, Bigger Experiences
Avoid crowded buses and tight schedules. Our tours are intimate, allowing for meaningful interactions, smooth pacing, and extra attention from your guide.
Competitive Pricing
Cruise-line tours often come with premium pricing. We offer better value with the same (or even better) quality service and cultural depth.
Authentic Local Experiences
We go off the beaten path to include destinations and moments that cruise tours may overlook—like a tea ceremony with a Kyoto Maiko or shopping with locals in Kochi’s Hirome Market.
Top Shore Excursions for Norwegian Spirit in Japan
Each port on your cruise isn’t just a stop, it’s a doorway to timeless temples, serene gardens, bustling markets, and unforgettable cultural moments. Our carefully designed Norwegian Spirit excursions invite you to go beyond the typical tourist trail, and truly connect with Japan’s heart and heritage.
Yokohama Port (Gateway to Tokyo)
As the Norwegian Spirit docks in Yokohama, a world of contrasts awaits just beyond the harbor. From ancient shrines to futuristic skylines, Tokyo offers one of the most captivating cultural mosaics in the world. Our Norwegian Spirit shore excursions from Yokohama allow you to uncover the essence of Japan’s capital with curated experiences designed around your ship’s schedule.
Tokyo Highlights Tour: A favorite among our guests seeking the best Norwegian Spirit cruise shore excursions. This tour blends history and energy — visit Meiji Shrine, stroll through historic Asakusa, and witness the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, all guided by local experts.
Mount Fuji & Hakone Tour: This Norwegian Spirit tour is perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Travel by cable car over volcanic valleys, cruise serene Lake Ashi, and, with a bit of luck, take in a clear view of majestic Mount Fuji - one of the highlights of any Norwegian Spirit cruise ship tour in Japan.
Cultural Tokyo Tour: Prefer a gentler pace? Enjoy peaceful walks through the Imperial Palace Gardens and the poetic beauty of Rikugien Garden. This tour is ideal for seniors seeking a thoughtful Norwegian Spirit cruise shore excursion.
Kobe Port (for Kyoto & Osaka)
A short ride from Kobe opens the door to Japan’s historic treasures. From Kyoto’s tranquil temples to Osaka’s vibrant culinary scenes, these are among the best Norwegian cruise shore excursions for travelers seeking a deeper connection with tradition.
Kyoto Shore Excursion This immersive Norwegian Spirit excursion takes you to the glittering Golden Pavilion, the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, and the storied lanes of Gion where you might spot a Geisha gliding past. It’s a journey into elegance and heritage.
Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden Tour: Known as Japan’s most beautiful castle, Himeji Castle is a must for anyone choosing a Norwegian Spirit cruise excursion through the Kansai region. Follow it up with a stroll through Kokoen Garden, a peaceful samurai-style retreat.
Osaka City Highlights: Dive into the pulse of urban Japan: explore Osaka Castle, snack your way through Kuromon Market, and enjoy the dazzling signs and riverfront of Dotonbori. A flavorful, energetic Norwegian Spirit ship tour experience.
Shimizu Port (Gateway to Mt. Fuji)
No other port offers views of Mount Fuji as striking as Shimizu. It’s the ideal stop for Norwegian Spirit cruise shore excursions focused on scenery, seafood, and spirituality.
Mount Fuji Viewing Tour: Stroll along Miho no Matsubara — where pine groves frame snow-capped Fuji in perfect harmony. Continue to Nihondaira for sweeping panoramas. One of the best Norwegian Spirit excursions for breathtaking natural beauty.
Shimizu Local Culture Tour: Foodies and culture buffs alike will love this Norwegian Spirit tour. Visit Kashi no Ichi Fish Market, admire exhibits at the Shimizu Sushi Museum, and climb to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, an architectural marvel steeped in history.
Nature & History Tour: A tranquil journey combining gardens, shrines, and a visit to a traditional green tea plantation. This Norwegian Spirit cruise shore excursion is designed for travelers seeking slower-paced, authentic moments.
Norwegian Spirit Shore Excursions from Kochi Port
Kochi remains a hidden gem among Japan’s cruise ports, perfect for those looking for a more intimate Norwegian Spirit cruise ship tour experience. It’s local, warm, and deeply tied to Japan’s samurai past.
Kochi Castle & Hirome Market: One of the best Norwegian Spirit shore excursions for history and local flavor. Tour Kochi’s original feudal castle, then join locals at the lively Hirome Market for fresh seafood and regional dishes.
Katsurahama Beach & Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial: Walk the scenic shoreline beloved by poets, and learn about Sakamoto Ryoma, a visionary samurai whose legacy shaped modern Japan.
Countryside Kochi Tour: Slow down and enjoy tea in a traditional farmhouse, visit peaceful rural landscapes, and discover the soul of Kochi through this enriching Norwegian Spirit excursion.
Nagasaki Port
Nagasaki is a city where the past speaks with quiet dignity and hope. Once the only gateway to the outside world, it now welcomes travelers with stories of resilience, culture, and international connection, making it one of the most profound stops on any Norwegian Spirit cruise tour in Japan.
Peace Memorial & Atomic Bomb Museum: A powerful journey through history. This Norwegian Spirit cruise excursion offers respectful reflection, and is often described as a deeply moving highlight by our guests.
Glover Garden & Dejima: Experience the early days of Japan’s contact with the West. Wander 19th-century homes and cobbled paths in Glover Garden, then explore Dejima, once the only foreign trading post in Japan.
Mt. Inasa Scenic Drive & Chinatown Walk: Capture Nagasaki’s skyline from Mount Inasa’s panoramic observatory, then stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Japan’s oldest Chinatown, a memorable end to this Norwegian Spirit cruise ship tour.
Kagoshima Port
Kagoshima is a land of living volcanoes and proud samurai heritage where nature and tradition coexist in dramatic beauty. For travelers seeking authentic moments and dynamic landscapes, it offers some of the best Norwegian Spirit cruise shore excursions in southern Japan.
Sakurajima Island Tour: Take the ferry across to Sakurajima, an ever-smoking volcanic island. Walk lava paths, visit observatories, and soak your feet in natural hot springs, an unforgettable Norwegian Spirit shore excursion for nature lovers.
Cultural Kagoshima Tour: Visit Sengan-en Garden, the former villa of a powerful samurai clan, and enjoy lunch overlooking the bay. A refined and tranquil Norwegian Spirit tour with historic flair.
Samurai & Nature Tour: Step into Edo-period Japan at Chiran Samurai Residence (perfectly preserved homes and gardens) ideal for guests interested in the best Norwegian cruise shore excursions with cultural depth.
Why Norwegian Spirit Guests Trust Japan Shore Excursions?
We specialize exclusively in shore excursions in Japan for cruise travelers. Here’s why thousands of Norwegian Spirit guests have chosen Japan Shore Excursions as partner for their trips:
✅ 100% Focused on Japan Cruise Excursions
We're not a general travel agency—we’re dedicated to cruise guests exploring Japan.
✅ Expert English-Speaking Local Guides
Our licensed guides are fluent in English and deeply knowledgeable about local culture and history.
✅ Reliable & Cruise-Friendly Scheduling
Every tour is timed perfectly with your ship’s arrival and departure, and we guarantee return-to-ship on time.
✅ Highly Rated by Travelers
We’re proud of our 5-star ratings on platforms like Tripadvisor and Cruise Critic. Many guests return to Japan just to tour with us again!
Frequently Asked Questions about Norwegian Spirit Shore Excursions
Q: Will I return to the ship on time?
Yes - Punctuality is our top priority. All our Norwegian Spirit cruise excursions are carefully planned around the ship’s docking and departure schedule. We are fully aware of the importance of timing for cruise passengers, and we guarantee that you will return to port with ample time before embarkation. In over a decade of operation, not a single guest has ever missed their ship due to our tours.
Q: Are all excursions suitable for older travelers?
Absolutely. In fact, many of our guests are seniors or multi-generational families traveling with elderly relatives. Our tours are crafted with comfort in mind: we avoid long walking distances, crowded places, and unnecessary rush.
Vehicles are air-conditioned and clean, guides are patient and attentive, and we choose attractions with proper rest stops and seating. Japan Shore Excursions understand the needs of older cruise travelers and ensure a relaxed, enjoyable pace throughout the day.
Q: Are your tours suitable for children or families?
Definitely! We welcome families with children and can adapt itineraries to make them fun and engaging for all ages. If you're traveling with young children, we can provide car seats, suggest family-friendly attractions, and adjust pacing accordingly. With a large family group, private Norwegian Spirit tour is often a great way to enjoy Japan together.
Q: Can I request a private tour instead of joining a group?
Yes. We offer both private and small-group options for all Norwegian Spirit shore excursions in Japan. Many travelers prefer private tours for the added flexibility and comfort, especially couples, families, or groups with specific interests. You can customize the itinerary, choose your own start time, or even focus on special themes.
Pricing for private tours will vary depending on your group size, chosen destinations, and any special arrangements. We’re happy to provide a personalized quote, kust let us know your preferences in advance.
Q: Can I book last-minute or while I’m already on the cruise?
We recommend booking early. Some of our best Norwegian Spirit cruise shore excursions tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage). However, we do our best to accommodate last-minute bookings where availability allows.
