Excursion Overland experience: the essence of kyoto tour at Kobe

Upon arrival in Kyoto, it is easy to see why this refined city on the island of Honshu is among the most beautiful and historic in Japan. Once the imperial capital, Kyoto is home to thousands of classical Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, Shinto shrines, palaces, and traditional wooden houses, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During your one-night overland adventure, immerse yourself in the city’s timeless spirit through its landmarks, traditions, and cuisine. Visit the gilded Golden Pavilion, take part in Zen meditation and a traditional tea ceremony at the historic Koshoji Temple, and ride the famed Shinkansen bullet train. Continue to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine with its 10,000 red Torii gates and the Sanjusangendo Temple, a National Treasure. A kimono-wearing session inside a traditional wooden townhouse and a Kaiseki-style dinner accompanied by an exclusive Geisha performance complete your Kyoto experience in grand style.

01MIDKOB-D Overland Experience:The Essence of Kyoto

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Departs from: Kobe approx. 8:45 am

Re-join ship: Kobe 2026, approx. 5:00 pm

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Overland Experience requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment.  Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Overland Experiences ares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Overland Experiences are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Overland Experiences are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Visa is not required to visit Japan for a short term visit for American, Canadian, Australian and all European Union citizens. However, please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Japan. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Japanese Yen. Japanese Yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).

DAY ONE – Kobe/Kyoto

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and depart to Kyoto

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and begin your overland journey with a scenic 30-minutes bullet train ride to Kyoto.

About Kyoto

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a sophisticated city on the island of Honshu, with thousands of classical Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, imperial palaces, and traditional wooden houses. This city is a living testament to the diversity of Japanese culture and religions, including Shinto, Buddhism, and Zen.

Experience the Golden Pavilion, an UNESCO World Heritage Site

Upon arrival in Kyoto, an exterior photo stop is made at the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Built as a villa of an aristocrat in 1397, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was converted to a temple. The temple burned down in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955. It is approximately 41 feet (about 12.5 metres) in height, and the second-and-third storeys are covered with approximately two tons (about 1.8 metric tons) of pure gold foil. The mirror reflection on the still pond in the garden is a marvellous site to behold.

Lunch

Afterwards, enjoy a Tempura course lunch at a local restaurant. This traditional Japanese dining experience highlights the delicate flavors and techniques of tempura preparation.

Koshoji Temple – Zazen Meditation & Tea Ceremony

Next, visit the historic Koshoji Temple (Oribedera), founded in 1520 and associated with the renowned tea master Furuta Oribe. Here you will experience Zazen meditation and a traditional tea ceremony in a tranquil setting, surrounded by beautifully maintained Zen gardens. These immersive activities provide insight into Japanese mindfulness, spiritual philosophy, and aesthetic tradition.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner

Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer to your hotel for check-in and some free time before dinner.

This evening, dine on a Kaiseki-style Japanese repast with Geisha performance

This evening, transfer to a local restaurant for a set-menu, Kaiseki-style Japanese dinner accompanied by complimentary beer, wine, shoshu, sake, and soft drinks. During dinner, you are treated to an authentic Geisha performance, a rare treat even for the Japanese people due to its limited public access and a traditional business custom prohibiting first-time visitors from making reservations. In honour of your visit tonight, you have been granted special access to this unique occasion.

About the Geisha performance

Geishas are professional entertainers who attend to guests during meals and other occasions, and have been wearing kimonos since the Edo Period (1603 A.D.-1867 A.D.). They are regarded as ‘traditional and iconic Japanese women’ who have learned graceful behaviour, traditional customs, and various Japanese arts such as dancing and playing musical instruments. The role of the Geisha is to make guests feel at ease with conversation, using special dialects, drinking games, and dance performances. At the conclusion of this special occasion, re-board your coach and transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight Accommodation in a Deluxe Heiankyo View Twin or Double at The Westin Miyako Hotel - Kyoto

DAY TWO – Kyoto/Kobe

After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and transfer to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

After breakfast at the hotel and check out, meet your guide and transfer to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. There are more than 40,000 Inari Shrines in Japan, and this is the head shrine. It was founded in 711 A.D. and is dedicated to five Shinto deities. More than 10,000 red-painted Torii gates straddling the approximately 2.5-mile (about four-kilometre) path up the hill behind it were donated by the faithful, as were the many stone statues of foxes, messengers of the Inari Taisha Shrine.

Discover the Sanjusangendo Temple, a National Treasure

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Sanjusangendo Temple, a National Treasure. This temple is famous by a seated, thousand-armed Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, and more than 1,000 small statues of Kannon in the Main Hall. The temple derives its name from the 33 spaces between the pillars in front of the main altar. In Buddhism, the number ‘33’ is of symbolic importance. The bodhisattva Kannon incarnates in 33 different shapes in its missions of mercy.

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a Western-style lunch at a local restaurant.

Kimono Experience at a Traditional Machiya House

Step inside a traditional Machiya, the elegant wooden townhouses once home to Kyoto’s merchants and artisans. Preserved in their original charm, these houses reflect the refined lifestyle of old Kyoto. Here, you will take part in a quintessential cultural ritual: wearing a Kimono. Assisted by professional dressers, you will be guided through each detail of this art form — from the intricate layers of silk to the precise folds and sashes. More than just clothing, the Kimono embodies centuries of tradition and aesthetic values, offering you a unique perspective into Japan’s cultural heritage.

Ride the high-speed Shinkansen bullet-train to Shin-Kobe

Transfer to Kyoto Station for a 30-minutes short ride on the high-speed Shinkansen bullet-train to Shin-Kobe. Upon arrival at Shin-Kobe, board a coach and commence the scenic, approximately 15-minute drive back to the port of Kobe.

Please note: This Overland Experience is classified as Extensive, and full participation requires guests to be in good physical condition. Over the course of the two days, you will walk approximately 2.5 miles (about 4km), often on unpaved or gravel paths, and climb around 300 steps in total across various sites. All venues involve stairs, and there are no elevators or lifts available. Surfaces vary from paved walkways to gravel temple grounds, with cobblestones particularly at the Golden Pavilion. While no steep inclines are involved, expect gentle slopes and extended walkways, as well as periods of standing during cultural activities. Guests will be asked to remove their shoes at several venues, including Tenryuji Temple, the Kimono experience, the Tea Ceremony, and other locations where required; therefore, slip-on shoes and an extra pair of socks are strongly recommended. Modest attire is necessary when visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered. Please be aware that photography is restricted in certain temples, such as Sanjusangendo. Weather in Kyoto can vary significantly, so layered clothing and a light jacket are advised. Comfortable walking shoes and a small day bag are recommended. Overnight luggage is limited to one carry-on sized bag per person, which will be transferred separately to your hotel room. Please bring a camera and some Japanese Yen for personal purchases, as not all venues accept credit cards. The order of visits may vary, and traffic or local conditions may affect timings.

Programme Includes:

• One-night stay in a Deluxe Heiankyo View Twin or Double at The Westin Miyako Hotel - Kyoto
• One breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner (all meals include two beverages: soft drinks, house wine, or local beer; coffee/tea included at lunch and dinner)
• Zazen meditation and tea ceremony at Koshoji Temple
• Kimono wearing experience at a Machiya House
• Guided visits to Kinkaku-ji, Koshoji, Fushimi Inari, and Sanjusangendo
• All sightseeing, entrance fees, and transfers per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.