Port information & tips for Oarai
Oarai is a fascinating coastal gem on Japan’s Pacific coast, captivating visitors with its harmonious blend of maritime tradition and modern quality of life. This idyllic port city in Ibaraki Prefecture welcomes guests with an inviting atmosphere that immediately delights, thanks to its expansive beaches and impressive coastal scenery. Absolute highlights include the spiritual Oarai Isosaki Shrine with its iconic torii gate in the sea, as well as the Aqua World Oarai Aquarium and the panoramic Oarai Marine Tower. Cruise ships dock at the Oarai Port Fourth Wharf, from where the city center and the popular Oarai Seaside Station are conveniently reachable within a few minutes due to the central location, offering travelers an ideal starting point for their discoveries.
Oarai, a charming port town in Ibaraki Prefecture, serves as an important ferry port and also welcomes cruise ships. Arrival is comfortable thanks to good connections via airports and the Japanese rail network, although it is a smaller port primarily known for national ferry services and fishing boats.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, arrival by plane is the most common choice. The nearest international airport is Narita International Airport (NRT) near Tokyo, about 63 kilometers away. From there, you can reach Oarai by bus and train in about 2 to 4 hours, with direct bus connections to Mito Station making the journey pleasant. The smaller Ibaraki Airport (IBR) is closer at around 20.5 kilometers and offers local bus or taxi transfers in about 50 to 60 minutes. Due to the long flight time, a pre-cruise stay in Tokyo or the surrounding area is recommended to start your cruise adventure relaxed.
Train
The Japanese rail network enables efficient onward travel to the port of Oarai. First, take the Limited Express "Hitachi" on the Joban Line from Ueno or Shinagawa Station in Tokyo to Mito Station (travel time approx. 70-83 minutes). From Mito, conveniently take the Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai Kashima Line to Oarai Station, a short journey of about 15 minutes. From Oarai Station, you can easily reach the ferry terminal by taxi in about 5 minutes or with the local Oarai Town Loop Bus "Kaiyu-Go" (approx. 15 minutes travel time).
Car
Oarai is easily accessible by car thanks to good road connections, ideal for those who wish to explore Japan with a rental car. Via the Joban Expressway or Higashi-Kanto Expressway, you can reach the port directly from Tokyo. Take the Mito-Oarai IC exit and then follow Route 51 to reach the terminal. The drive from Misato IC takes about 90 minutes. Direct parking for vehicles traveling by ferry is available at the terminal, and there are also accessible parking spaces.
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 your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind 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 and notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
