Port information & tips for Kitakyushu
Kitakyushu is a fascinating gateway to the Japanese island of Kyushu, charmingly blending industrial tradition with a modern lifestyle. The city impresses with its striking location on the Kanmon Straits and offers travelers a picturesque backdrop of historical architecture and vibrant port life. Top attractions include the nostalgic Mojiko Retro district with its magnificent Meiji-era buildings, the imposing Kokura Castle, and the breathtaking view from the summit of Mount Sarakura. Cruise ships typically dock at the Hibiki Cruise Base terminal or the centrally located Moji Pier, from where the main attractions and the city center can be reached comfortably and quickly thanks to excellent rail connections and shuttle services.
The Port of Kitakyushu, located in the Moji district, is a significant gateway to the island of Kyushu and is perfectly connected to the Japanese transport network. While large cruise ships generally dock at the Hibiki Container Terminal, an industrial area from which shuttles run to Kokura Station or the Mojiko Retro district, smaller luxury ships often use the centrally located Moji Port, which is situated directly on the picturesque waterfront promenade and is within walking distance.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, traveling by plane is the most common option. The nearest airport is Kitakyushu Airport (KKJ), located on an artificial island. From there, you can easily reach Kokura Station in about 40 to 45 minutes by airport bus. Another frequently chosen option is Fukuoka Airport (FUK), which offers major international connections. From Fukuoka Airport, you can reach Kokura Station in Kitakyushu in only about 27 minutes thanks to the fast Shinkansen connection via Hakata Station. For a comfortable start to your journey, an arrival on the previous day is recommended due to the long flight time.
Train
Kokura Station is the central hub in Kitakyushu and an important junction for the Sanyo Shinkansen. From here, there are excellent connections to all parts of Japan; for example, you can reach Hakata Station in Fukuoka in only about 15 to 20 minutes. If your ship docks at the Hibiki Terminal, free shuttle buses from the cruise lines are usually available to take you directly from Kokura Station to the terminal. Should your ship dock at Moji Port, you can reach the charming JR Mojiko Station in only about 15 minutes by the JR Kagoshima Line from Kokura.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Transfer
Given the long journey from the DACH region, an overnight stay in Kitakyushu before embarkation is highly recommended to start your cruise adventure relaxed. Hotels near the Mojiko Retro district, such as the Premier Hotel Mojiko, offer a delightful setting and are often just a few minutes' walk from Moji Port. Alternatively, hotels around Kokura Station, such as the Super Hotel Kokura Station South, provide excellent connections to all other means of transport and shuttles to the Hibiki Terminal. Private transfer services are also available from Fukuoka Airport to the Kitakyushu Cruise Port, enabling a convenient door-to-door journey in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally 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 and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
