Printed: Check this page and your ship's daily program for the latest berth, all-aboard time and weather.
Key points about Mitarai Port
- This is a port town located on Osakishimo Island in the Seto Inland Sea, within the city of Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture. Small exploration cruise ships call at this port.
- During the Edo period, it flourished as a port where ships waited for favorable tides and winds, and in 1994 it was designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
- The townscape features rows of merchant houses, teahouses, and inns for boatmen, along with remnants of port facilities such as the large breakwater, tall lighthouse, and covered walkways (gangi).
Last verified: October 2, 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)
More guides for your trip:
What kind of port is Mitarai Port?
Mitarai was established as a town in the mid-17th century and developed as a transit port for ships traveling back and forth across the Seto Inland Sea.
The network of narrow streets, a mix of merchant houses, teahouses, inns for boatmen, shrines, and temples, conveys the appearance of a port town from the Edo period.
Docking location and access
| Address | Mitarai, Toyo-cho, Kure City (Osaki-shimojima Island) |
|---|---|
| By car | Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Kure IC on the Hiroshima-Kure Expressway (Kure Line) |
The ships that call at the port are small vessels with few passengers. Please check the cruise line's information for disembarking procedures.
Port Day Weather (7-Day Forecast)
This is the Japan Meteorological Agency's weekly weather forecast for Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima. The names of cruise ships are listed for days when they are scheduled to call at port.
This is a regional forecast, so conditions at the port may differ slightly. It is updated several times a day; check the forecast the day before your call and the ship's daily program too. Source: Japan Meteorological Agency "Weather Forecast"
Once you arrive at the port, the first thing you should do is get a map from the tourist information center! Check your smartphone's clock (in Japan Standard Time) to confirm the all-aboard time.
Useful information about the port (tourist information, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi)
Here is some useful information for sightseeing around Mitarai Port, where cruise ships dock (based on official sources).
| Tourist information | Mitarai Rest House: Phone 0823-67-2278. Local tour guides provide information about the town's history and culture. |
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To withdraw yen with a card issued overseas, use Seven Bank ATMs (at 7-Eleven stores and elsewhere) or Japan Post Bank ATMs. There are few ATMs on the island, so it's best to have cash before you go ashore. You can find ATMs on the map below.
Facilities and operating hours may vary depending on the port of call and time of year. (Date confirmed: October 2, 2026 Source: Kure City "Mitarai Townscape Preservation District")
Port Day Time Planner
Pick your ship (or enter your own times) to see when you can go ashore and when to head back.
⚠ These times are estimates only
All-aboard times differ by ship and can change on the day because of weather or operations. Always check the time in your ship's daily program or onboard announcements, and allow plenty of time to get back. cruisefun cannot accept responsibility if you miss your ship.
For ships on the list, the all-aboard time is set to 30 minutes before departure as a guide. Always use the time in your ship's daily program.
Recommended ways to spend your time depending on the length of your port call
2-3 hours
- Mitarai townscape: Stroll through this Edo-period port town lined with merchant houses, teahouses, and inns for boatmen.
- Port facilities: Port facilities that remain as they were at the time, such as the large breakwater, tall lighthouse, stone seawall, and jetties.
Port-town food
- Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea: Fish and shellfish caught in the Seto Inland Sea
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Map of shops around the port
This is a list of cafes around Mitarai Port. Clicking on a shop on the map will allow you to check its opening hours and customer reviews (Google Maps). Please check in advance whether the cafe is open on the day of the port call.
Major cruise 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 October 2, 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.
What a port day costs
Reference: According to a national survey, the average amount spent per person at a port of call is approximately 22,000 yen.
From a survey of passengers on 18 cruise ships by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (August–December 2025). Each extra hour in port added about ¥900 in spending on average, and passengers on luxury and expedition ships joined more tours and tended to spend more.
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: "Making the economic effects of cruise ship port calls 'visible'"
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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
Q1 What kind of ships will be calling at the port?
In 2026, only small expedition cruise ships called at the port. There were hardly any large cruise ships.
Q2 Do you have a guide?
Local tour guides are available to show you around the town. For inquiries, please contact the Mitarai Rest House (0823-67-2278).
Source/Reference Information
- Kure City "Mitarai Townscape Preservation District"
- Agency for Cultural Affairs: "Mitarai, Toyo-cho, Kure City: Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings"
Photos are being prepared. Last checked: October 2, 2026. Information is subject to change. Please let us know of any inaccuracies or issues through reviews or inquiries.
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