Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Language
Japanese
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Best Time to Visit
October, November, March, and April for pleasant weather and stunning seasonal scenery (autumn foliage and spring cherry blossoms)
Typical Duration
15-21 nights
Price Range
$1,419.50–$3,019.50 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
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:
Nishiki Market
One of the best shopping spots in Kyoto for food stands and small souvenirs.
Kyoto Station Building
Good selection of shops and restaurants also Kyoto food and local sweets
Closed · Opens 10 AM
AEON MALL KYOTO
Very big mall, and has almost all the stores you’d want to visit in Japan.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
GYUKATSU Kyoto Katsugyu Teramachi Kyogoku
A great meal, excellent staff and always a must do on our trip to Kyoto.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuda Shijokarasuma
I’m going to have to come back to Kyoto just to eat here!
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuda Sanjo Kawaramachi
First night in Kyoto and the experience was fun and the food was delicious!
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Kyoto Tempura Ten no Meshi Gionhonten
Best meal I’ve had in Kyoto with the friendliest service
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Halal Wagyu Sukiyaki Kyoto Panga | Kyoto Halal restaurant
It was my first full dinner meal since being in Kyoto and it was amazing!
Closed · Opens 5 PM
ASTY Kyoto
Nice place to buy souvenirs n Japanese food
Closed · Opens 5:30 AM
Kyoto Tower Sando
Great selection of clothing, household, variety and food stores/restaurants.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Pokémon Center Kyoto
In its favour were the smaller queues compared to stores in Osaka and Tokyo.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
KAWARAMACHI BEEF-TEI
The steak dinner was the most amazing meal in Kyoto so far.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Kawaramachi OPA
Great place with good shopping and clean restrooms.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Kurasu Kyoto Stand
Feels like having a coffee in Australia but in the middle of Kyoto ♥️☕️
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Wagyu Burger & Dessert Kyoto Issen - Kyoto Station
Amazing coffee, some of the best we have had in Japan.
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
牛カツ京都勝牛 四条烏丸SUINA室町店
Delicious food, cool to experience when you’re traveling in Japan kyoto
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store
Closed
The Wagyu Burger by PANGA | Kyoto halal restaurant
Closed
Kyoto Wagyu Sukiyaki Shabushabu Tominojo Takumi Gion Shijo Store
Closed
Kikyo Sushi
Closed
Teramachi Shopping Street
Plenty shops with reasonable prices and great deals
L'Escamoteur
This bar truly lives up to its name as the best bar in Kyoto
Closed · Opens 7 PM
Nakashimaya
Closed
Goodman Roaster Kyoto
a hidden gem in Kyoto, friendly staff amazing coffee
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Walden Woods Kyoto
Beautiful coffee shop with Matcha and Chai, first time I’ve seen in Japan.
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Kyoto Sen-ryo
Had our first meal in Kyoto at this restaurant and it did not disappoint!
Closed · Opens 11 AM
2050 coffee 新京極店
Found a vey good and real good coffee in Japan on my Kyoto visit.
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Katsu
Closed
IMAYA Kyoto &COFFEE
Best coffee in Kyoto, opens 6am with a smile & first class service.
Closed · Opens 6 AM
Okaffe Kyoto
Absolutely the best coffee we had in all of Japan!
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Lots of snack stores, souvenirs and cafes
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Halal Ramen Honolu Premier Kyoto Nishiki
Closed
Söt Coffee Kyoto Shichijo
Probably the best coffee I had in Japan and the food was great.
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Japanese Taste Kyoto
100% of items made in Japan and it shows you which area of Japan.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Kyoto Omakase Sushi & Wagyu Halal Gion Restaurant 京都寿司和牛餐厅
Great sushi omakase and the best wagyu I’ve had in Kyoto.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Sana
Best bar in Kyoto I recommend getting the frozen cocktail and the matcha.
Open · Closes 4 AM
Teppan Tavern Tenamonya
Closed
MUSIC BAR universe -GION-
Best bar of Kyoto, the host is very friendly and plays vinyls on request :]
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Rocking Bar ING
Best bar in Kyoto the owner is one of kindest people you will ever meet
Open · Closes 5 AM
Back Alley Kyoto
We tried Japanese gin and whisky and everything was superb!
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
MOTOÏ
Closed
Bar Ixey
He stated this bar has the rarest selection of liquors in western Japan.
Closed · Opens 5 PM Mon
Torinokoku Bar Time to Drink
Great, small cocktail bar with a great selection of Japanese whiskey & Gin!
Closed · Opens 2 PM
Hideout KICK Kyoto(Speakeasy Cocktail Bar)
Very intimate cute bar with lots of delish Japanese cocktails!
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Mizuki
Closed
A kyoto
Amazing tasting menu focused on seasonal ingredients from the Kyoto area.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Kakyo
Closed
Tozentei
Closed
Concrete Bar
Cozy atmosphere with 500 yen drinks during happy hour from 9pm-12am!
Open · Closes 8 AM
TOKI
Closed
MASHIRO
Tenjaku
Closed
Bar TRENCH Kyoto
Great drinks, amazing vibe, and great service.
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Mizuno
Closed
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 (3 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.