Table of Contents for the Cruise Guide
Page headings
- From the port to the nearest station
- To Kyoto
- To Nara
- Recommended based on port call duration
- Things to be aware of
- Also worth reading
- FAQ
- Source/Reference Information
Cruise Guide
Key points of this page
- On days when the ship calls at Kobe Port or Osaka Port, you can extend your trip to Kyoto or Nara. From Sannomiya Station in Kobe to Kyoto Station takes about 50 minutes by JR Special Rapid Service train, and from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station takes about 35 minutes by Kintetsu Limited Express train.
- If the port call is 6-8 hours, choose either Kyoto or Nara. Visiting both is only feasible on days with a very long stay.
- The most important thing is the all-aboard time to the ship. Calculate backward from the time of your return train and plan to be back at port an hour before departure.
Last verified: October 2, 2026 (Time is approximate. Source is at the end of this page.)
The deer in Nara are cute, but they'll surround you if you have deer crackers! Make sure to write down the time of your return train.
From the port to the nearest station
| Port | Nearest station |
|---|---|
| Kobe Port (Kobe Port Terminal) | It's about a 1-minute walk to Port Liner's "Port Terminal" station. It's about a 5-minute ride to Sannomiya. Depending on the ship, it may dock at a different pier, such as Nakatottei. |
| Osaka Port (Tempozan Passenger Ship Terminal) | Approximately 5 minutes on foot to Osakako Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line. |
To Kyoto
| section | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Sannomiya (Kobe) → Kyoto | Approximately 50 minutes by JR Special Rapid Service train. |
| Osaka → Kyoto | It takes about 30 minutes by JR Special Rapid Service train. From Osaka Port, transfer to the subway towards Osaka (Umeda). |
| Kyoto → Saga-Arashiyama (nearest station to the Bamboo Grove) | It takes about 11 minutes by JR Sagano Line rapid train. The trains get crowded, so it's recommended to board one of the cars at the far end of the platform. Buses from Kyoto Station are also crowded and take a long time. |
To Nara
| section | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Kyoto → Kintetsu Nara | It takes about 35 minutes by Kintetsu Limited Express (all seats reserved). It takes about 50 minutes by JR Nara Line Rapid train (to JR Nara Station). |
| Osaka Namba → Kintetsu Nara | Approximately 40 minutes by Kintetsu train. |
| Kobe Sannomiya → Yamato-Saidaiji | Approximately 1.5 hours without transfers (one stop from Yamato-Saidaiji to Kintetsu Nara). |
Kintetsu Nara Station is located near Nara Park, which is famous for its deer.
Kintetsu Limited Express trains are all reserved seating. Make sure to buy your ticket before you board.
Recommended based on port call duration
| Port of Call Time | Examples of how to go around |
|---|---|
| 6-8 hours | Choose either Kyoto or Nara. For example, go from Kobe to Kyoto, see either Arashiyama or the area around Kyoto Station, and then return. |
| More than 10 hours | While visiting both Kyoto and Nara is possible, it will involve a lot of travel and be quite hectic. It's best to narrow down your choices to 2-3 places. |
| Stayed overnight | Enjoy a night stroll in Kyoto, and a visit to Nara the following morning. Be sure to check the train schedule for your return trip at night and the all-aboard time. |
Things to be aware of
- Even if you are late for the all-aboard time (All aboard), the ship will not wait for you. Choose a train that will allow you to make it back on time even if you are late.
- Leaving the ship at an intermediate port and re-boarding at another port is not permitted without the cruise line's permission.
- Trains are crowded in the morning and evening due to commuters. Popular tourist spots in Kyoto get crowded towards midday.
- Using a transportation IC card is convenient for train travel. A limited express ticket (seat reservation) is required for Kintetsu Limited Express trains.
Also worth reading
- Tips for exploring ports of call independently without using a cruise ship tour.
- Kobe Port Cruise Port Guide
- Osaka Port Cruise Port Guide
- Monthly weather and clothing
FAQ
Q1 Is it possible to make a day trip from Kobe Port to Kyoto?
Yes, you can. From Kobe Port Terminal, take the Port Liner to Sannomiya (about 5 minutes), and then take the JR Special Rapid Service train from Sannomiya Station to Kyoto Station (about 50 minutes). It's best to allow about an hour and a half for the one-way trip, including transfers and waiting times.
Q2 Is it possible to visit Kyoto and Nara in one day?
If you have a long enough port call, you can visit several places, but it will involve a lot of travel and be quite hectic. It takes about 35 minutes to get from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station by Kintetsu Limited Express train. For port calls of around 6-8 hours, it's recommended to focus on just one location, either Kyoto or Nara.
Q3 Is it possible to disembark in Kobe, do some sightseeing, and then return to the ship in Osaka?
You cannot do this on your own. To leave the ship at an intermediate port and re-board at another port, you need permission from the cruise line. There are also conditions for shore leave, so if you wish to do so, be sure to consult with the cruise line in advance.
Source/Reference Information
- Nara City "Access to Nara City"
- Nara City Tourism Association "Access to Nara"
- Kyoto City Official Kyoto Tourism Navi: "Convenient Access to Major Tourist Destinations: Saga and Arashiyama"
- JR West Japan "Route Maps and Timetables"
- From the port to the station, cruisefun Kobe Port・Osaka Port The page (with the respective sources listed)
Last updated: October 2, 2026. Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on the type of train and time of day. Please check the timetable before you travel.