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
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.
Build your perfect day in Beppu
Tell us your cruise line, ship and departure date and we'll give you a complete set of full port information and playbooks of how to spend your day.
Inside the Japan collection
Here's a peek at everything waiting for your Beppu cruise day.
Typical weather
Emergency & contacts
Excursions compared
4 comparedBeppu Jigoku Meguri seven hot spring hells tour
≈ 4 h · sold by 2 cruise lines
Cruise line
€120$134
Do it yourself
€26$29
Save ≈ €94Save ≈ $105 (78% off)
Free shuttle from Ishigaki Wharf to JR Beppu Station when ships are docked. From the station, Kamenoi Bus routes 5 or 7 reach Kannawa (the main hell district) in 15 minutes for ¥280. Five hells cluster around Kannawa on foot; the remaining two in Shibaseki are a 5-minute bus ride on route 16/16A. The 7-hell combined ticket is ¥2,400 (€15). Buses run 2–3 times per hour.
See the DIY plan →
Takasakiyama Monkey Park and Beppu Ropeway panoramic tour
≈ 5 h · sold by 2 cruise lines
Cruise line
€110$123
Do it yourself
€32$36
Save ≈ €78Save ≈ $87 (71% off)
Free shuttle to JR Beppu Station. Bus AS60/61 south to Takasakiyama (10 min, ¥280); monkey park entry ¥520. Return to station then catch bus 36 to Beppu Ropeway (20 min, ¥500 one way). Ropeway round trip ¥1,800. Both attractions are walk-up; buses run 1–2 per hour on each route.
See the DIY plan →
Ready-made port days
10 plansJigoku Meguri — All Seven Hells
Beppu's iconic geothermal hells in one focused morning — boiling blue pools, blood-red ponds and a geyser that erupts on schedule.
Monkeys, Mountain and Bay Views
Wild macaques at Takasakiyama, then ride the ropeway to Mount Tsurumi's summit for a panorama over Beppu's steaming coastline.
Usuki Stone Buddhas Day Trip
A National Treasure carved into cliffside rock 800 years ago — an hour south by train, a world away from the steam.
Kannawa Hell-Steam Cooking and Onsen Town
Cook your own lunch in volcanic steam, soak your feet in free hot springs and wander Beppu's most atmospheric neighbourhood.
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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