Beppu
Beppu, Japan · Asia
Cruise ships dock at Ishigaki Wharf No. 3 — Main Cruise Berth, Beppu.
Plan my port daysCompact onsen city with a free port shuttle, excellent bus network, and unique geothermal attractions.
At a glance
Port summary
Beppu is straightforward for independent visitors. The free shuttle from Ishigaki Wharf reaches JR Beppu Station in 12 minutes, and a Kamenoi Bus 1-Day Mini Pass (¥1,100) covers most attractions. The city's two main clusters — central Beppu (walkable from the station) and Kannawa (15 min by bus) — can be combined in a single day.
Cruise dock
🚢 Ishigaki Wharf No. 3 — Main Cruise Berth
The primary cruise berth in Beppu, opened in 2011. Accommodates vessels up to 140,000 GT with a maximum draft of 12m. Features a terminal facility with Wi-Fi, restrooms, currency exchange, and a tourist information desk with English-speaking staff. Located approximately 2 km south of central Beppu and JR Beppu Station. Free shuttle service to JR Beppu Station operates when ships are docked.
📍 Latitude: 33.30873, Longitude: 131.503965
See dock on port map →Getting to Beppu
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Free shuttle service between Ishigaki Wharf and JR Beppu Station when cruise ships are docked. Most reliable option for reaching the city center.
📍 At the Ishigaki Wharf cruise berth
Metered taxis available at the wharf and throughout the city. Starting fare ¥710. All taxis accept cash; some accept IC cards.
📍 Taxi rank at Ishigaki Wharf or JR Beppu Station
Kamenoi Bus operates extensive routes from JR Beppu Station to Kannawa (hell tour area), Beppu Ropeway, and Takasakiyama. 1-Day Mini Pass ¥1,100 covers most routes and is excellent value if visiting multiple sights.
📍 Kamenoi Bus services from JR Beppu Station
Walking from the wharf to JR Beppu Station is possible (2 km, 25 minutes) but follows port roads that are not particularly scenic. The free shuttle is a better option. Central Beppu around the station is very walkable.
📍 Follow port-side roads northeast from Ishigaki Wharf toward JR Beppu Station
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Cash is essential in Beppu. Carry at least ¥5,000–¥10,000 for a day ashore. Cards work at larger shops and the department store but not at onsen, buses, or small eateries.
Things to do
Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)
⭐ Highlight
Seven boiling hot spring hells with vivid colors, mud pools and steaming geysers.
🕐 Morning before crowds arrive
Jigoku Mushi Kobo Kannawa
🍽️ Restaurant
DIY volcanic steam cooking where you prepare seafood, vegetables and eggs over natural vents.
🕐 Arrive before 11:00 or after 14:00 to avoid lunch rush
Beppu Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center
Short stop🏛️ Museum
Museum showcasing centuries of Beppu bamboo weaving artistry from traditional baskets to modern art.
🕐 Anytime during opening hours
Beppu Tower
Short stop📸 Viewpoint
Retro 1957 observation tower offering 360-degree views over Beppu Bay and the steaming city.
🕐 Late afternoon for golden light over the bay
Beppu Ropeway (Mt Tsurumi)
📸 Viewpoint
Gondola ride to 1,375m summit with panoramic views over Beppu Bay and the Kuju Mountains.
🕐 Clear mornings for best visibility
Yukemuri Observatory
Short stop📸 Viewpoint
Free hilltop viewpoint overlooking Kannawa's dramatic landscape of rising geothermal steam.
🕐 Early morning when steam is most visible
Takasakiyama Monkey Park
Short stop🌿 Nature
Hillside nature park home to 1,500 wild Japanese macaques roaming freely among visitors.
🕐 Feeding times throughout the day; mornings are quieter
Kitahama & Ekimae-dori Shopping Streets
Short stop🛍️ Shopping
Traditional covered shopping arcades near JR Beppu Station with local souvenirs and food stalls.
🕐 Anytime; shops open around 10:00
Takegawara Onsen
Short stopwellness
Historic 1879 bathhouse offering unique hot sand baths heated by natural geothermal springs.
🕐 Early morning to avoid queues; weekdays less crowded
Hyotan Onsen
wellness
Award-winning hot spring complex with waterfalls, sand baths, and outdoor pools in Kannawa.
🕐 Afternoon after the hell tour
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Plan my port days →Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Beppu?
- Your ship docks directly at the Beppu cruise terminal in Japan.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Beppu?
- Yes. Beppu is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Beppu centre?
- Typical options include Shuttle bus, Taxi, Local bus, On foot. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Beppu?
- Plan for at least 4 hours ashore to see Beppu independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Beppu and are cards accepted?
- Beppu uses the yen. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Beppu cruise terminal.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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