Ships dock at Ishigaki Wharf — a modern pier about 4 km east of the city center. Several options get you downtown quickly.
💡 Pro move: The Kannawa district (where most Hells are located) is a 20-30 minute bus ride from the city center — factor this into your time budget.
Beppu's dedicated cruise terminal handles vessels up to 140,000 GT with a full terminal building, free Wi-Fi, and currency exchange.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (large ships) | Ishigaki Wharf #3, Beppu International Tourist Port📍 | Docked |
| Smaller expedition vessels | Beppu Port inner berths📍 | Docked |
Beppu's geothermal landscape drives every great excursion — from the dramatic Hell Tour to private onsen soaks and the hilltop views from Mount Tsurumi.
Visit seven spectacular geothermal hot springs, each with a distinct color and character. Highlights include cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), blood-red Chinoike Jigoku, and the geyser at Tatsumaki Jigoku. The combo pass covers all seven; the full circuit takes 2-3 hours.
Find Hell Tour excursions →Lie buried in naturally heated volcanic sand at Beppu Beach Sand Bath (Shoningahama). Attendants shovel warm sand over you for a therapeutic 10-15 minute soak — a uniquely Japanese experience.
Find sand bath tours →Wander the atmospheric Kannawa district where steam rises from gutters and street-side foot baths invite you to soak. Try jigoku-mushi — food cooked in natural volcanic steam — at the communal kitchen.
Find Kannawa tours →Ride the ropeway to the 1,375 m summit of Mount Tsurumi for panoramic views across Beppu Bay, the city, and the Kyushu mountains. Short walking trails at the top through seasonal wildflowers.
Find Tsurumi Ropeway tours →Observe over 1,500 wild Japanese macaques at the foot of Mount Takasaki — a 10-minute bus ride from the city. Troops emerge on schedule for feeding; it's raw nature, not a zoo.
Find monkey park tours →Dating to 1879, this traditional bathhouse is Beppu's oldest public onsen. Choose between a classic hot-water bath or the famous indoor sand bath. The Meiji-era wooden architecture is a draw in itself.
Find onsen experience tours →The pier area itself is industrial, but once in town the Kannawa district and Beppu city center reward walkers with steaming streets and old-school onsen culture.
Stroll the atmospheric backstreets of Kannawa where steam vents from drainage grates and small public foot baths dot every corner. The loop takes in the Jigoku-Mushi Kobo steam kitchen, Oniishibozu Jigoku (one of the seven hells), and several free foot bath stops.
A flat walk from JR Beppu Station through the old shopping arcade (Ekimae Ichibankan) to the historic Takegawara Onsen bathhouse. Good for a quick dip before heading back to the ship.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Beppu, Oita, Japan (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50°F / 10°C | 37°F / 3°C | 7 | 7:17 AM | 5:29 PM |
| Feb | 52°F / 11°C | 38°F / 3°C | 8 | 6:58 AM | 5:58 PM |
| Mar | 59°F / 15°C | 44°F / 7°C | 11 | 6:24 AM | 6:21 PM |
| Apr | 66°F / 19°C | 51°F / 11°C | 10 | 5:44 AM | 6:44 PM |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 60°F / 16°C | 11 | 5:14 AM | 7:06 PM |
| Jun | 78°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 16 | 5:04 AM | 7:24 PM |
| Jul | 85°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 20 | 5:15 AM | 7:24 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 18 | 5:36 AM | 6:59 PM |
| Sep | 81°F / 27°C | 71°F / 22°C | 17 | 5:57 AM | 6:20 PM |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 9 | 6:18 AM | 5:40 PM |
| Nov | 64°F / 18°C | 51°F / 11°C | 8 | 6:45 AM | 5:11 PM |
| Dec | 53°F / 12°C | 41°F / 5°C | 7 | 7:10 AM | 5:07 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Most major cruise lines run a complimentary shuttle from the pier to JR Beppu Station (~10-12 min). Check with your ship — timing varies by line.
Taxis queue at the cruise terminal. About ¥1,250 to Beppu Station; roughly ¥2,800 to the Kannawa Hells district. Groups of 4 often find taxis cheaper than tour buses per seat.
Uber app hails licensed taxis and the new Yukemuri Ride-sharing GLOBAL vehicles. Convenient but typically costs 10–20% more than street taxis.
Kamenoi buses stop a 5-min walk from the port gates. ¥210 to Beppu Station (~12 min). The 1-Day Mini Pass (¥1,100) covers all city routes including the Hells and Beppu Ropeway.
The port is ~4 km from city center — too far to walk for most. Waterfront area near the terminal has limited attractions on foot.
Upcoming cruises that call at Beppu, Oita, Japan. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.