Key points of Shimonoseki Port
- Passenger ships dock at the Arkaport pier in the East Port area, while larger vessels dock at Choshu Dejima. A shuttle bus (for a fee) may operate from Choshu Dejima to Arkaport.
- Around Arkaport, you'll find Karato Market and Kaikyokan Aquarium, and you can enjoy a stroll while overlooking the Kanmon Strait.
- It takes about 10-15 minutes by taxi to get to JR Shimonoseki Station.
Last verified: September 29, 2026 (Source at the end of this page)
Members who have visited this port: None yet. Would you like to be the first?Register as a member to record your sailing history.
Visiting Japan on a cruise?
Landing permits, all-aboard time, cash and cards, getting around, tax-free shopping and what to do in an emergency: see our Port Day Guide for cruise passengers. Working on board? See the Crew Guide (shore leave, sign-on, shopping near the terminal).
Emergency: 110 police / 119 ambulance & fire / Japan Visitor Hotline +81-50-3816-2787 (24/7, English, Chinese, Korean)
What kind of port is Shimonoseki Port?
Shimonoseki Port is located at the westernmost tip of Honshu, facing the Kanmon Strait. Across the strait is Mojiko Port in Fukuoka Prefecture, meaning it faces Kyushu.
Docking location and access
| Main docking locations | Arkaport Wharf (East Port Area) / Large ships may dock at Choshu Dejima |
|---|---|
| JR Shimonoseki Station | Approximately 10-15 minutes by car or bus. |
| Shuttle bus | There may be a service operating between Choshu Dejima and Arkaport (for a fee). |
| airport | Approximately 60 minutes to Yamaguchi Ube Airport and Kitakyushu Airport. |
Useful information about the port (tourist information, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi)
This information provides helpful travel and sightseeing information from Choshu Dejima/Arukaport, where cruise ships arrive at Shimonoseki Port (based on official sources).
| Shuttle bus | Upon arriving at Choshu Dejima, a service is planned to operate between the pier and the port (the seaside area where Karato Market and Kamon Wharf are located) (for a fee, provided by Princess Cruises). By taxi, it takes about 15 minutes to Shimonoseki Station. |
|---|---|
| Tourist Information Center | Shimonoseki Station Tourist Information Center (inside Shimonoseki Station). 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed January 1st). TEL 083-232-8383 |
If you want to withdraw Japanese yen using a card issued overseas,Seven Bank ATM(Seven-Eleven, etc.)Japan Post Bank ATMIt's convenient. You can find ATMs on the map below.
Docking locations, shuttle bus services, and facility operating hours may vary depending on the port call date and weather conditions. Please also check the information provided on board the ship. (Date of confirmation: September 30, 2026 Source:Princess Cruises "2026 Japan Departure/Arrival Cruise Port and Shuttle Bus Information"、Shimonoseki City "Shimonoseki Station Tourist Information Center"）
Recommended ways to spend your time depending on the length of your port call
Karato/Kanmon Strait (2-3 hours)
- Karato area: A port area where Karato Market and the Kaikyokan Aquarium are located.
- Along the Kanmon Strait: A walking path where you can enjoy views of ships passing through the strait and the Kanmon Bridge. You can also take a ferry to Mojiko on the opposite shore.
Port town cuisine
- Pufferfish: Shimonoseki is the home of pufferfish, which is called "fuku" (meaning "fortune").
- Sushi at Karato Market: Enjoy fresh sushi right in the market.
You can post reviews of places you've actually visited by clicking "Write a review" at the bottom of this page.
Port town gourmet guide:Pufferfish from Shimonoseki Port(Where to eat? Restaurant map)
Map of shops around the port
These are pufferfish restaurants around Shimonoseki Port. Clicking on a restaurant on the map will show you their opening hours and customer reviews (Google Maps). Please check in advance whether they are open on the day of the port call.
Upcoming cruise ship calls (next 30 days)
- Sat, Oct 3 This weekEASTERN VENUSArr. 08:00 / Dep. 18:00
- Tue, Oct 6 This weekMITSUI OCEAN SAKURAArr. 08:00 / Dep. 15:00
See all arrivals in Japan Source: WEB CRUISE arrival calendar (Japanese). Schedules may change due to weather. Most piers are restricted areas; please watch ships from public parks and observation spots.
Major passenger ships that call at this port
The number of port calls was compiled based on scheduled arrivals from July 2026 to October 2026 (as of September 29, 2026). You can view the ship's introduction page by clicking on the ship name link. Source:WEB CRUISE "Cruise Ship Port Arrival Calendar"Please note that schedules are subject to change, so check the port's official website for the latest information.
From July to October, typhoons can cause skipped port calls or changed port times. See our typhoon and cruise guide for refunds and how to prepare.
FAQ
Q1If we land at Dejima in Choshu, how do we get to the city center?
A shuttle bus (for a fee) to Arkaport may be available. Taxis are also available.
Q2Can I get to Mojiko Port?
You can take the Kanmon ferry from Karato to Mojiko.
Q3Where is the tourist information center in Shimonoseki?
This is the Shimonoseki Station Tourist Information Center located inside Shimonoseki Station (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM).
Source/Reference Information
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ports and Harbors Bureau, "Ports Nationwide"
- Japan Tourism Agency / Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "CRUISE PORT GUIDE OF JAPAN"
- Princess Cruises "2026 Japan Departure/Arrival Cruise Port and Shuttle Bus Information"
Last updated: September 29, 2026. Information is subject to change. Please let us know of any inaccuracies or issues you notice through reviews or inquiries.
review
0