Key points of Yatsushiro Port
- The passenger ship will dock at Pier 1 in the outer harbor of Yatsushiro Port. JR Shin-Yatsushiro Station, where the Kyushu Shinkansen also stops, is about a 20-minute drive away.
- It also serves as a base for sightseeing in Kumamoto City, including Kumamoto Castle.
- Even within Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan's top producer of winter tomatoes, Yatsushiro's salt tomatoes are particularly famous.
Last verified: September 29, 2026 (Source at the end of this page)
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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 Yatsushiro Port?
Yatsushiro Port is a port in Yatsushiro City, in southern Kumamoto Prefecture, and serves as a gateway to Kumamoto Prefecture where large cruise ships call.
Docking location and access
| Main docking locations | Yatsushiro Port, Outer Harbor - 10.0m, Pier No. 1 |
|---|---|
| JR Shin-Yatsushiro Station | Approximately 20 minutes by car |
| Aso Kumamoto Airport | Approximately 60 minutes by car |
Useful information about the port (tourist information, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi)
Here is some useful information for tourists around Pier 1 of the outer harbor where cruise ships dock (based on official information).
| Tourist Information Center | Yatsushiro Tourist Information Center: Located inside JR Yatsushiro Station. 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed during the New Year holidays). Tel: 0965-32-2436 |
|---|---|
| From the port | The pier is located away from the city center. It's about a 20-minute drive to JR Shin-Yatsushiro Station. Please check the onboard information regarding shuttle bus service. |
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.
To Crew Members (Shopping during short shore leave)
There are very few shops around the outer harbor's quays. It's more convenient to shop around Yatsushiro Station, Shin-Yatsushiro Station, or at the shuttle bus destinations. You can find nearby supermarkets and drugstores on the map below. For information on landing procedures, duty-free shopping, and ATMs, please see below.Guide for Crew StaffPlease take a look.
Facilities and operating hours may vary depending on the port of call and time of year. (Date confirmed: October 1, 2026 Source:Kinasse Yatsushiro "Yatsushiro Tourist Information Center (Yatsushiro Station)"）
Recommended ways to spend your time depending on the length of your port call
half day
- Matsuhama-ken: A tea garden belonging to the Matsui family, lords of Yatsushiro Castle, founded in 1688.
- Yatsushiro Yokotoko Local Products Center: A local products center where specialty products from the Yatsushiro region are gathered.
Day 1
- Kumamoto Castle: One of Japan's three most famous castles, built by Kato Kiyomasa.
Port town cuisine
- Salt Tomatoes: Tomatoes grown in Yatsushiro, with concentrated sweetness.
You can post reviews of places you've actually visited by clicking "Write a review" at the bottom of this page.
Map of shops around the port
These are restaurants around Yatsushiro Port. Clicking on a restaurant on the map will show you its opening hours and customer reviews (Google Maps). Please check in advance whether the restaurant is open on the day of the port call.
Upcoming cruise ship calls (next 30 days)
- Thu, Oct 8Celebrity MillenniumArr. 09:00 / Dep. 19:00
- Wed, Oct 21Star NavigatorArr. 07:00 / Dep. 16:00
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
Q1Can I get to Kumamoto Castle from Yatsushiro Port?
Yes, you can get there. You can take the Shinkansen (bullet train), local trains, or a tour offered by a cruise line from Shin-Yatsushiro Station.
Q2Is there a tourist information center near Yatsushiro Port?
While there isn't one near the pier, there is a Yatsushiro Tourist Information Center inside JR Yatsushiro Station (9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closed during the New Year holidays).
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"
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.
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