Explore on your own rating

The hells are easy by local bus or taxi, but nothing is walkable from the pier.

Where ships dock

  • Ishigaki Wharf (No. 4 Pier) at Beppu International Tourist Port, north of central Beppu

Getting to town

Central Beppu and Beppu Station are about 2 to 4 km away (about 10 minutes by taxi). The ship may arrange a shuttle; there is no fixed public shuttle. JR Beppu University Station is about a 10-minute walk.

For the Kannawa "hells", walk about 0.9 km (12 minutes) to the Shiomicho stop and take Kamenoi Bus route 24 toward APU, about 13 minutes (fare about ¥260; IC cards accepted). The Sunflower Terminal stop by the port only has buses at ferry times. A taxi to Kannawa takes about 15 minutes.

Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.

Money & entry

Currency: Japanese yen (JPY). Cash is still handy; IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work for transit.

Entry: U.S. citizens don't need a visa for short tourist stays under 90 days (Embassy of Japan in the USA, checked Oct 2026). Visit Japan Web pre-registration is optional.

Top sights nearby

  • The Hells of Beppu (Kannawa jigoku circuit)
  • Jigoku-mushi: steam your own lunch in Kannawa
  • Takegawara Onsen (1879 bathhouse with sand baths)
  • Beppu Ropeway up Mt Tsurumi
  • Yufuin hot-spring village (tour)

Beaches

  • Beppu Beach Sand Bath (Shonin-ga-hama), buried in hot sand by the sea

Safety & tips

  • The hells are for viewing only: the water is boiling.
  • Most onsen ban swimwear and many restrict tattoos; check before you go.
  • Carry cash for small baths and food stalls.

Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.

⏰ Back to the ship on time

From Kannawa, allow 30 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by bus and walk to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard.

Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.

Shore excursions that get you back on time

Prefer a guided option in Beppu? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.

Find Beppu shore excursions on Viator ↗

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick answers

Can you explore Beppu on your own?

Yes, with some planning (rated Moderate). The hells are easy by local bus or taxi, but nothing is walkable from the pier.

How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Beppu?

Central Beppu and Beppu Station are about 2 to 4 km away (about 10 minutes by taxi). The ship may arrange a shuttle; there is no fixed public shuttle. JR Beppu University Station is about a 10-minute walk.

Do I need a passport for Beppu?

U.S. citizens don't need a visa for short tourist stays under 90 days (Embassy of Japan in the USA, checked Oct 2026). Visit Japan Web pre-registration is optional.

When should I head back to the ship in Beppu?

From Kannawa, allow 30 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by bus and walk to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard.

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📚 Sources