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Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
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Language
Japanese
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Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
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Best Time to Visit
October, November, March, and April for pleasant weather and stunning seasonal scenery (autumn foliage and spring cherry blossoms)
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Typical Duration
15-21 nights
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Price Range
$1,419.50–$3,019.50 per person
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Port Type
Port of Call
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Tender Port
No
Gateway to Japan's cultural heartland, offering access to Kyoto's ancient temples, traditional gardens, and iconic geisha districts alongside nearby Osaka and Tokyo.
Cruises that visit Kyoto
- cruises to Kyoto
- Kyoto sailings
- Kyoto cruises
- 9-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
Build Your Day in Kyoto
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Takes about 2.5 hours to do and it was so much fun.
Nara Park
Don't forget to experience the activities in the surroundings as well :)
Kiyomizu-dera
there's a lot the explore and the tickets are at reasonable price
Kinkaku-ji
Great for a quick “thing to do”.
Nishiki Market
So much fun to walk around miles of everything imaginable!
Nijō Castle
There were many interesting light shows, some interactive.
SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM Kyoto
The activities were interesting, interactive, and suitable for all ages.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Exploring with a friend and having your own adventure is way better
Kyoto Station Building
There's lots of shopping and dining options on the underground floor.
🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM
To-ji Temple
... a lot to do per se but the scale and craftsmanship was great to see.
Nidec Kyoto Tower
It's such a beautiful Tower with so many fun things to do inside.
Ginkaku-ji
The moss garden and ponds, trees eere gorgeous
Sanjūsangendō Temple
Very unique experience, 1000 Guamyin觀音 sculptures,and more.
Tenryu-ji
A truly interactive cultural experience.
AEON MALL KYOTO
Great variety of stores, clean washrooms, good place to visit.
🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Soo healthy, educational and fun.
Ninenzaka
Fun alleys to explore, awesome way to spend time and be outside.
GYUKATSU Kyoto Katsugyu Teramachi Kyogoku
The food is good, the waiter are friendly, and the vibe is relaxing!
MITSUI OUTLET PARK Shiga Ryuo
Good selection of brands and discounts are good from my point of view.
🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM
Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuda Shijokarasuma
Great food, cool atmosphere and enthusiastic, professional service.
🕐 Opens soon · 11:30 AM
Arashiyama
Amazing Hiking experience, feels like you are in a painting.
Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuda Sanjo Kawaramachi
great service, delicious food, and a wonderful atmosphere.
🕐 Opens soon · 11:30 AM
Kyoto Tempura Ten no Meshi Gionhonten
Great food, friendly staff, and a very comfortable environment.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Halal Wagyu Sukiyaki Kyoto Panga | Kyoto Halal restaurant
The food was exceptional, and the Wagyu was absolutely mouthwatering.
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
ASTY Kyoto
Plenty of variety and price points depending on your goal.
🕐 Open · Closes 11:30 PM
Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden
Lots of shops lots of stuff to look very good selection quite pricey
🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Kyoto Tower Sando
Great selection of clothing, household, variety and food stores/restaurants.
🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM
Kawaramachi OPA
Great place with good shopping and clean restrooms.
🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Kobe Beef Kisshokichi - Kyoto Main Store
This was the best steak I’ve ever had and the service was fantastic!
Okochi Sanso Garden
There is a small admission fee to pay but it is worth it.
Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion
Not only the atmosphere was amazing, the food was out of this world.
🕐 Opens soon · 11:30 AM
Teramachi Shopping Street
Great shopping street w spacious aisles Many many shops for everyone
🕐 Open now
L'Escamoteur
Amazing cocktails in a great setting with a full show attached.
🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM
Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Very cool with a large selection of goods and an amazing ambience.
🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
Kyoto Sen-ryo
Nice atmosphere, great service, and of course delicious meal!
Japanese Taste Kyoto
Beautiful products, very helpful staff and reasonable prices.
🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
MUSIC BAR universe -GION-
Dim lit, great music, amazing cocktails, delicious cocktails.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Breakfast Kyoto ogawasyouyaku Restaurant
Food was great, ambience was relaxing and excellent service.
bar HIGH CENTRAL whisky &cocktail
Cozy yet lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and great service.
🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 PM
Back Alley Kyoto
amazing atmosphere, amazing drink service & music!!
🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Fujitate
A delicious, inspired, and beautiful meal in comfortable surroundings!
🕐 Opens soon · 11:30 AM
The Common One Bar Kyoto
Excellent drinks, excellent service and a great ambience.
Bar Ixey
Every drink was perfectly balanced and the bartender is a joy to be around.
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Torinokoku Bar Time to Drink
Beautifully crafted cocktails in an elegant quiet space.
🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM
The Roots of all evil.
Fantastic drinks, great vibes, excellent service.
Cocktail Stand FUREK
The atmosphere, the service, and the unforgettable cocktails.
🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Ki WEST
Great drinks, wonderful bartenders, and great ambiance.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Kyoto Fun
Yuko and Niall were so much fun to learn a bit of Japanese and origami!
🕐 Closed · Opens 2:30 PM
TOURS IN KYOTO
Great to hang with for the day.
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Kyoto
Kyoto serves as a port of call on select Asia-Pacific itineraries, with two major cruise lines—Norwegian Cruise Line and Emerald Cruises—offering regular sailings through this region. With 22 upcoming cruises and typical voyage lengths of 21 nights, you'll find excellent opportunities to explore this historic Japanese destination alongside other regional highlights like Tokyo, Osaka, and Southeast Asian ports including Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City. The port welcomes visitors during peak seasons spanning autumn through spring, with October, March, April, November, and February drawing the most cruise traffic.
When your ship docks in Kyoto, you'll step ashore into one of Japan's most culturally significant cities, renowned for its thousands of temples and traditional wooden machiya houses that transport you centuries back in time. Whether you're seeking spiritual moments at iconic shrines, exploring serene bamboo groves, or savoring authentic kaiseki cuisine, Kyoto offers a compelling blend of ancient tradition and refined Japanese hospitality that makes every port day memorable.
When your ship docks in Kyoto, you'll step ashore into one of Japan's most culturally significant cities, renowned for its thousands of temples and traditional wooden machiya houses that transport you centuries back in time. Whether you're seeking spiritual moments at iconic shrines, exploring serene bamboo groves, or savoring authentic kaiseki cuisine, Kyoto offers a compelling blend of ancient tradition and refined Japanese hospitality that makes every port day memorable.
Cruise Lines at Kyoto
- Norwegian Cruise Line (18 cruises)
- Emerald Cruises (2 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Kyoto
Cruises Visiting Kyoto
Ship Schedule at Kyoto
Kyoto Location
Other Cruise Ports in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see sights in Kyoto?
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and the Arashiyama bamboo grove are top sights.
What is the best time to visit Kyoto?
Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for maple leaves; both offer ideal weather.
How can I get around Kyoto?
Utilize buses and trains; consider bicycles for short trips.
What local foods should I try in Kyoto?
Kaiseki, tofu dishes, yudofu, and matcha sweets are Kyoto specialties.