Port information & tips for Beppu
Beppu is Japan's famous onsen capital on the island of Kyushu and enchants visitors with its fascinating thermal energy. The city is picturesquely situated between the deep blue sea and volcanic mountains, with the rising steam from countless hot springs creating a unique, mystical flair. Absolute highlights include the impressive "Hells of Beppu" such as the cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku, as well as the traditional Takegawara Onsen and the spectacular view from the summit of Mount Tsurumi. Cruise ships dock at the modern Beppu International Tourist Port at Ishigaki Pier, which is located only about three kilometers from the city center and offers comfortable access to all attractions thanks to excellent bus connections and short taxi rides.
Beppu on the east coast of the island of Kyushu welcomes cruise guests at the modern Beppu International Tourist Port and mostly uses the Ishigaki-Pier (Wharf 3) for large ships. Thanks to its central location and excellent connections to the Japanese transport network, the port is an ideal starting point for journeys into the famous onsen region.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Oita Airport (OIT), located about 40 kilometers north of the port, which is served several times daily from the hubs of Tokyo-Haneda and Osaka. From the airport, you can reach the terminal comfortably in about 45 to 50 minutes with the Airport Express Bus Airliner or in about 40 minutes by taxi.
Train
The central hub for rail travelers is JR Beppu Station, which is excellently connected to the Shinkansen stop Hakata in Fukuoka via the Nippo Main Line and the Limited Express Sonic. From the station, many cruise lines offer free shuttle buses to the Ishigaki-Pier; additionally, you can reach the terminal in just 10 to 15 minutes by taxi or with the local bus lines of the Kamenoi Bus Company.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from Europe and the time difference, an overnight stay before embarkation in one of the traditional ryokans or modern wellness hotels is highly recommended. This way, you can start your cruise refreshed and enjoy the spectacular hot springs in the nearby district of Kannawa as well as Japanese hospitality in peace beforehand.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Beppu on the east coast of the island of Kyushu welcomes cruise guests at the modern Beppu International Tourist Port and mostly uses the Ishigaki-Pier (Wharf 3) for large ships. Thanks to its central location and excellent connections to the Japanese transport network, the port is an ideal starting point for journeys into the famous onsen region.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Oita Airport (OIT), located about 40 kilometers north of the port, which is served several times daily from the hubs of Tokyo-Haneda and Osaka. From the airport, you can reach the terminal comfortably in about 45 to 50 minutes with the Airport Express Bus Airliner or in about 40 minutes by taxi.
Train
The central hub for rail travelers is JR Beppu Station, which is excellently connected to the Shinkansen stop Hakata in Fukuoka via the Nippo Main Line and the Limited Express Sonic. From the station, many cruise lines offer free shuttle buses to the Ishigaki-Pier; additionally, you can reach the terminal in just 10 to 15 minutes by taxi or with the local bus lines of the Kamenoi Bus Company.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from Europe and the time difference, an overnight stay before embarkation in one of the traditional ryokans or modern wellness hotels is highly recommended. This way, you can start your cruise refreshed and enjoy the spectacular hot springs in the nearby district of Kannawa as well as Japanese hospitality in peace beforehand.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The international port of Beppu is located in the north of the city and offers convenient access to Japan's famous hot springs thanks to a well-organized infrastructure.
Kamenoi Buses
The local buses of the Kamenoi Bus company stop in the immediate vicinity of the port area and reliably connect the terminal with the city center as well as the spectacular Hells of Beppu. With a practical day ticket, you can use this dense transport network flexibly and reach the most important thermal pools and sights quickly.
Taxi
Numerous taxis wait directly at the exit of the cruise terminal for arriving guests and will take you to the main station or directly to the famous Onsen baths within just ten to fifteen minutes. This option offers you a direct and comfortable connection to your destinations and can also be easily used for individual tours in the surrounding area.
On Foot and Shuttle Service
Many cruise lines provide free shuttle buses that take you directly to JR Beppu Station, facilitating access to the vibrant center from there. For a relaxed walk, the path along the coastal promenade is also an option, where you can reach the city center in about 45 to 50 minutes while enjoying the maritime atmosphere of the bay.
To make the most of your stay in Japan's thermal capital, we recommend a combination of spectacular volcanic phenomena and traditional bathing culture right on the coast.
Beppu Jigoku (The Hells of Beppu)
These spectacular thermal springs fascinate with their vibrant colors and steaming water basins; furthermore, thanks to the good bus connection from the port, they are quickly and easily accessible for an impressive shore excursion.
Shoningahama Beach (Sand Baths)
Located directly by the sea, this special stretch of beach offers the unique opportunity for a relaxing bath in naturally warmed volcanic sand, which, thanks to the fresh sea breeze and the wide view of the bay, is a perfect open-air wellness experience.
Kitahama & Takegawara Onsen
The central district near the port invites you to stroll through its charming alleys and houses the historic Takegawara Onsen, which, thanks to its magnificent wooden architecture from the Meiji era, is ideal for immersing yourself in authentic Japanese culture in close proximity to the ship.
Beppu Kaihama Sunayu
Beppu Kaihama Sunayu is located directly on the picturesque coast and is easily accessible from the cruise port in about fifteen minutes by taxi. This special place offers you the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a deeply relaxing bath in warm, volcanically heated sand while taking in the expansive view of the sea. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure with provided Yukatas and well-maintained sanitary facilities, this traditional wellness experience is perfectly suited for cruise guests and is also wonderfully uncomplicated. Ideally, visit the sand bath in the morning to secure your spot in the front row by the water and return to the port relaxed by early afternoon.
The return journey to Beppu International Tourist Port is pleasant and stress-free thanks to the excellent infrastructure and proximity to the city center.
Oita Kotsu Buses
Oita Kotsu scheduled buses run regularly from the east exit of Beppu Station and take you directly to the Beppu Kokusai Kankoguchi stop in the immediate vicinity of the port terminal in about 15 minutes. This connection is very reliable, and thanks to the clear displays at the bus stops, you will find your way around without any problems.
Taxi
Taxis are available for you at any time at the marked stands in front of Beppu Station, as well as at the large Onsen hotels and the famous hell springs. The ride to the ship takes about 10 minutes and offers a convenient way to arrive punctually and comfortably directly at the port's security gate.
On Foot
A walk from the city center or the Kitahama seaside park leads you directly along the flat waterfront promenade and Highway 10 back to the ship. The route is easy to find and offers wonderful orientation for the way back thanks to good signage and the constant visibility of the large cruise ships.
