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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50°F / 10°C | 37°F / 3°C | 7 |
| Feb | 52°F / 11°C | 38°F / 3°C | 8 |
| Mar | 59°F / 15°C | 44°F / 7°C | 11 |
| Apr | 66°F / 19°C | 51°F / 11°C | 10 |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 60°F / 16°C | 11 |
| Jun | 78°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 16 |
| Jul | 85°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 20 |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 18 |
| Sep | 81°F / 27°C | 71°F / 22°C | 17 |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 9 |
| Nov | 64°F / 18°C | 51°F / 11°C | 8 |
| Dec | 53°F / 12°C | 41°F / 5°C | 7 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
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.