Key points of this page
- This guide is for crew members working on cruise ships calling at Japanese ports. It covers disembarkation and embarkation procedures, as well as information on shopping and dining in a short amount of time.
- Landing (shore leave) is "Crew landing permission"Landing Permission for Crew MembersThe application is made by the captain or the shipping company. Carry your permit and passport or seaman's book with you.
- Whether or not you need a visa when arriving in Japan by plane and boarding a ship (signing on) depends on your nationality. Please follow the instructions of your company or ship agent.
- Japanese yen can be withdrawn from Seven Bank ATMs and Japan Post Bank ATMs. Those who have come ashore with crew shore leave permission are eligible for duty-free purchases.
Last verified: September 30, 2026
Thank you for your hard work on the voyage! To help you make the most of your limited time on land, I've compiled information on procedures and shops.
Landing (Shore Leave): Crew permission to land (Landing Permission for Crew Members）
- When foreign crew members disembark at a Japanese port for rest, shopping, or to transfer to another ship or plane, they must obtain a crew disembarkation permit.Landing Permission for Crew MembersThis system allows for a shore leave of up to 15 days, and the application is made by the captain or the shipping company.
- Immigration officers may impose conditions on the length of stay and the scope of activities permitted. Be sure to check the ship's information (regarding the time and scope of your stay).
- When disembarking, follow the ship's instructions and carry your crew landing permit and passport or seaman's book. You will also be asked to show them when making duty-free purchases.
- Crew members of ships that frequently call at Japanese ports may be granted multiple-entry crew shore leave permits valid for one year (applications are made by the captain or shipping company).
Boarding and disembarking in Japan (sign-on/sign-off)
- Whether or not you need a visa when arriving in Japan by plane and then taking a ship depends on your nationality. Those whose nationalities are not visa-exempt must obtain a visa in advance from a Japanese embassy or consulate. For the latest information...Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Visa"You can check it there.
- Please follow the instructions of your shipping company, manning company, or ship agent regarding procedures and transportation from the airport to the port.
- The travel time from the airport to the port is listed on each port's page under "Docking Location and Access" (for example, it takes about 10 minutes by car from Naha Airport to Naha Port).
Shopping and dining near the terminal (places you can go to even if you only have a short time)
These are commercial facilities located near the terminals of ports that frequently call at cruise ships (based on official information). Distances are approximate straight-line distances. Opening hours may vary.
| Port (Terminal) | facility | From the terminal | Features and Business Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo (Tokyo International Cruise Terminal) | DiverCity Tokyo Plaza | Approximately 0.5 km in a straight line | Fashion stores, Uniqlo (5th floor), food court, etc. Retail hours: Weekdays 11:00-20:00, weekends and holidays 10:00-21:00. Food court hours: Weekdays 11:00-21:00, weekends and holidays 10:00-22:00. |
| Osaka (Tempozan Passenger Ship Terminal) | Tenpozan Marketplace | Next | Shops, food court, restaurants. There's also a Daiso (100-yen shop) and a Seven Bank ATM. |
| Kobe (Nakatottei Pier/Kobe Port Terminal) | Kobe Harborland umie | Approximately 0.8 km in a straight line from Nakatottei Pier, and approximately 2 km from the Port Terminal. | Large shopping mall. Includes Uniqlo, etc. Retail and food/drink hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Food/drink at Mosaic is 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM) |
| Hakata (Central Wharf) | Bayside Place Hakata | Within walking distance | FamilyMart, Matsumoto Kiyoshi (drugstore), Kyushu souvenirs, duty-free shop, and the day-trip hot spring "Namiha no Yu". Shops 10:00-20:00, Restaurants 11:00-22:00 |
| Nagasaki (Matsugae International Terminal) | Yume Town Yume Saito | Approximately 0.8 km in a straight line | Supermarket, drugstore, specialty shops, restaurant area. Food and drug sections: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Sasebo (International Terminal) | Sasebo 5th Avenue | Within walking distance | Supermarket 9:00-22:00, Shops 10:00-20:00, Restaurants 11:00-22:00, Cafes 8:00-22:00 |
| Naha (Naha Cruise Terminal) | Kokusai Street / Daiichi Makishi Public Market | Approximately 2km | Streets lined with souvenir shops and markets. For large supermarkets and malls, please see the "Naha Port" page. |
| Ishigaki (Shinminato Cruise Pier) | Euglena Mall | It's within walking distance from the remote island terminal where the shuttle bus arrives. | Arcade shopping street and market. The large store San-A Ishigaki City (9:00-22:00) is accessible by taxi. |
On the next port page, under "Useful Port Information," you will find information for crew members (including a map of nearby shopping facilities and supermarkets/drugstores):Tokyo Port、Yokohama Port、Osaka Port、Kobe Port、Hakata Port、Nagasaki Port、Sasebo Port、Naha Port、Ishigaki Port、Hakodate Port、Sakaiminato、Kochi New Port、Kagoshima Port、Matsuyama Port、Beppu Port、Kanazawa Port、Aomori Port、Akita Port、Otaru Port、Niigata Port、Miyako Island, Hirara Port。
For information on supermarkets, ATMs, and tourist information centers at other ports, please see the "Convenient Port Information" section on each port's page.Port of Call Guide）。
Shopping tips in Japan
- Convenience stores (such as Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson) offer a wide variety of food, drinks, and daily necessities, and many also have ATMs, making them convenient for short stays on land.
- You can buy medicine, cosmetics, and daily necessities at drugstores. 100-yen shops (such as Daiso) are convenient for stocking up on small items to use on board.
- Duty-free shopping: According to the National Tax Agency, those who have obtained a crew disembarkation permit are eligible for duty-free purchases. You will be asked to present your permit at the store. The duty-free system will change from November 2026.A practical guide for port days）。
Money and Communications
- If you want to withdraw Japanese yen using a card issued overseas,Seven Bank ATM(Seven-Eleven, etc.)Japan Post Bank ATMThat's convenient.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan. Some small restaurants only accept cash.
- Tourist information centers and terminals offering free Wi-Fi are listed in the "Port Information" section on each port's page.
Emergency contact information
- Police: 110 Ambulance/Fire: 119
- Japan Visitor Hotline (Japan National Tourism Organization, English, Chinese, Korean, 24 hours):050-3816-2787
- If you anticipate being late for your return to the ship or encounter any problems, contact the contact information provided by the ship (the ship or its agent) immediately. Make sure to confirm the contact information before disembarking.
FAQ
Q1What is required to shore leave (go ashore) at a Japanese port?
When foreign crew members disembark at a Japanese port for rest or shopping, they must obtain a "crew disembarkation permit." The application is made by the captain or shipping company, and disembarkation is permitted for up to 15 days. When disembarking, follow the ship's instructions and carry your permit and passport or seaman's book with you.
Q2Do I need a visa to board (sign on) a ship in Japan?
This varies depending on your nationality. Those whose nationalities are not visa-exempt must obtain a visa in advance from a Japanese embassy or consulate. Please follow the instructions of your shipping company, manning company, or ship agent regarding the procedure.
Q3Can crew members also shop duty-free?
According to the National Tax Agency, those who have obtained a crew landing permit are eligible for duty-free purchases. You will be asked to present your permit or other relevant documents at the store. The duty-free system will change from November 2026, so please follow the store's instructions.
Q4Where can I withdraw Japanese yen?
You can withdraw Japanese yen using cards issued overseas at Seven Bank ATMs (located in Seven-Eleven stores, etc.) and Japan Post Bank ATMs.
Q5Are there any places near the terminal where I can do some quick shopping?
In Tokyo, there's DiverCity Tokyo Plaza; in Osaka, there's Tempozan Marketplace; and in Hakata, there's Bayside Place Hakata—all commercial facilities within walking distance of the terminal. Please see the list on this page.
Source/Reference Information
- Article 16 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Permission for Crew Members to Land)
- Immigration Services Agency: "Regarding permission for multiple crew members to disembark for foreign seafarers"
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Visa"
- National Tax Agency, "Persons Eligible for Tax-Exempt Sales" (2018)
- DiverCity Tokyo Plaza、Tenpozan Marketplace、Kobe Harborland umie、Bayside Place Hakata、Yume Town Yume Saito、Sasebo 5th Avenue
Please be sure to check the instructions of the shipping company/agent and the latest information from official authorities regarding visa and disembarkation procedures. Please let us know of any issues you notice through reviews or inquiries.