Key points of Hakata Port
- Cruise ships primarily dock at the Central Wharf Cruise Center (opened in 2015). Tenjin and Hakata Station are approximately 15 minutes away by local bus.
- The parking lot at the cruise center is for tour buses only. If you are visiting by car, please use the parking lot at the Hakata Port International Terminal located further down the road.
- Tenjin and Nakasu's food stalls, Hakata ramen, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, and many other attractions offer plenty to enjoy even in just half a day.
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 Hakata Port?
Hakata Port has long flourished as a gateway for exchange with the Asian continent. Taking advantage of its proximity to Asia, many international cruise ships call at the port.
Located at the tip of the Central Pier, the Central Pier Cruise Center is a facility for cruise ships that opened in May 2015.
History of Hakata Port
| Year | event |
|---|---|
| ancient | The diplomatic facility "Hongluguan" was established, making it a hub for exchange with the mainland. |
| 2015 | Central Wharf Cruise Center Opens |
Docking location and access
| Main docking locations | Central Wharf Cruise Center |
|---|---|
| Tenjin/Hakata Station | Approximately 15 minutes by Nishitetsu bus (bound for "Chuo Wharf Cruise Center" or "Hakata Port International Terminal," etc.) |
| parking | The cruise center is for tour buses only. Private vehicles should use the parking lot at Hakata Port International Terminal (approximately 500m away). |
Larger vessels may dock at a different pier. Please check the onboard information regarding the docking location and whether a shuttle bus is available.
Useful information about the port (tourist information, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi)
These are the facilities at the Central Wharf Cruise Center (based on information confirmed from official sources).
| Currency exchange | The currency exchange machines in the cruise center only exchange foreign currency for Japanese yen. |
|---|---|
| ATMs and coin lockers | It is not located inside the cruise center. |
| Nearby Hakata Port International Terminal | On the first floor of the Hakata Port International Terminal, also located at Chuo Wharf, you'll find a Seven Bank ATM, a foreign currency exchange shop, paid coin lockers, and rental Wi-Fi. |
If you want to withdraw Japanese yen using a card issued overseas,Seven Bank ATM(Seven-Eleven, etc.)Japan Post Bank ATMThis is convenient. You can find ATMs near the port on the map below.
Terminal facilities and operating hours may vary depending on the port call date and time of year. (Date confirmed: September 29, 2026 Source:Hakata Port International Terminal / Central Wharf Cruise Center "Frequently Asked Questions"）
To Crew Members (Shopping during short shore leave)
You can find a FamilyMart and a Matsumoto Kiyoshi (drugstore) at Bayside Place Hakata, which is within walking distance from Chuo Pier. You can find nearby supermarkets and drugstores on the map below. For information on landing procedures, tax exemption, and ATMs, please see below.Guide for Crew StaffPlease take a look.
If you're only going to one place (a plan for those who prefer a short, relaxed visit)
This plan is ideal for days with short landing times, or when traveling with elderly family members or those in wheelchairs, as it minimizes walking and allows you to enjoy meals and walks in one location.
Canal City Hakata (Fukuoka City)
This is a large-scale complex where you can enjoy shopping and dining all in one place. On the 5th floor, at the "Ramen Stadium," you can compare the flavors of ramen from ramen shops all over Japan.
| directions | It's about 2km in a straight line from the Central Wharf Cruise Center. Taking a taxi is the easiest option. |
|---|---|
| Dining | Numerous restaurants, including the Ramen Stadium on the 5th floor. |
| Barrier-free | Free wheelchair rental available (at the general information desk on the 1st floor of Center Walk, 10:00-20:30. Reservations can be made up to one week in advance, TEL 092-282-2525). There are 14 multi-purpose restrooms in the building. |
| Other | Free stroller rentals are also available. |
Opening hours and facilities are subject to change. (Date of confirmation: September 30, 2026 Source:Canal City Hakata "Facilities and Services"）
Recommended ways to spend your time depending on the length of your port call
City (half day)
- Canal City HakataA complex facility offering shopping, movies, and dining.
- Fukuoka TowerView from the seaside tower.
- Food stalls in Nakasu and Tenjin: These famous Hakata food stalls line up from the evening (on days when they stay overnight).
Take a trip (half a day to a full day)
- Dazaifu Tenmangu ShrineThis is the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines nationwide, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning.
Port town cuisine
- Hakata Ramen: Characterized by its thin noodles and pork bone broth. Extra noodles (kaedama) are also a specialty.
- Motsunabe: A Hakata-style hot pot dish made by simmering beef offal with cabbage and chives.
- Mentaiko (spicy cod roe): A representative souvenir of Fukuoka.
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:Hakata ramen at Hakata Port(Where to eat? Restaurant map)
Map of shops around the port
This is a list of motsunabe (offal hot pot) restaurants around Hakata Port. Clicking on a restaurant on the map will allow you to check its opening hours and customer reviews (Google Maps). Please check in advance whether the restaurant is open on the day of your ship's arrival.
Cruise ship viewing and photography spots
Here are some places in Hakata Port where you can see cruise ships (based on official information).
| Hakata Port Tower Observation Deck | Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the observation deck 70 meters above ground. You can see the islands of Hakata Port, the ships coming and going, and the city of Fukuoka. Admission is free. Open from 10:00 to 20:00 (last entry at 19:40), closed Wednesdays (or the following weekday if Wednesday is a public holiday), and closed during the New Year holidays. 14-1 Chikko Honmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City (next to Bayside Place Hakata). |
|---|
When and which ship will arrive can be found in the section below titled "Passenger ships arriving at this port" orCruise ship arrivals scheduled for this week and next week.You can check this. Arrival and departure times may change due to weather conditions, etc. (Date checked: September 30, 2026 Source:Fukuoka City: Hakata Port Tower & Hakata Port Bayside Museum）
Upcoming cruise ship calls (next 30 days)
- Thu, Oct 1 TodayASUKA IIArr. 08:30 / Dep. 17:00
- Fri, Oct 2 This weekCelebrity MillenniumArr. 08:00 / Dep. 17:00
- Sat, Oct 3 – Mon, Oct 5 This weekASUKA IIArr. 07:30 / Dep. 17:00
- Sun, Oct 4 This weekSpectrum of the SeasArr. 08:00 / Dep. 17:00
- Thu, Oct 8Celebrity MillenniumArr. 07:00 / Dep. 16:00
- Fri, Oct 9EASTERN VENUSArr. 08:00 / Dep. 18:00
- Mon, Oct 12Azamara PursuitArr. 08:00 / Dep. 20:00
- Tue, Oct 13Carnival LuminosaArr. 08:00 / Dep. 17:00
- Wed, Oct 14MITSUI OCEAN SAKURAArr. 08:00 / Dep. 16:00
- Wed, Oct 14LuminaraArr. 09:00 / Dep. 21:00
- Fri, Oct 16WesterdamArr. 08:00 / Dep. 16:00
- Sat, Oct 17MITSUI OCEAN SAKURAArr. 09:00 / Dep. 17:00
- Mon, Oct 19EASTERN VENUSArr. 08:00 / Dep. 18:00
- Wed, Oct 21Silver MoonArr. 09:00 / Dep. 19:00
- Sat, Oct 24LuminaraArr. 09:00 / Dep. 21:00
- Wed, Oct 28MITSUI OCEAN FUJIArr. 09:00 / Dep. 17:00
- Thu, Oct 29ASUKA IIIArr. 08:30 / Dep. 17:00
- Sat, Oct 31EASTERN VENUSArr. 08:00 / Dep. 18:00
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
- EASTERN VENUS11 calls
- MITSUI OCEAN FUJI6 calls
- ASUKA III5 calls
- ASUKA II5 calls
- Spectrum of the Seas4 calls
- MSC Bellissima3 calls
- Costa Serena2 calls
- Celebrity Millennium2 calls
- Luminara2 calls
- MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA2 calls
- Star Navigator1 call
- Azamara Pursuit1 call
- Carnival Luminosa1 call
- Westerdam1 call
- Silver Moon1 call
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
Q1How do I get from the cruise center to Tenjin/Hakata Station?
It's about a 15-minute bus ride on the Nishitetsu line. Taxis are also available.
Q2Can I go see the cruise ship by car?
The parking lot at the cruise center is for tour buses only. Please use the parking lot at the Hakata Port International Terminal, which is about 500 meters away.
Q3Is it possible to walk from the cruise center to the city center?
Since it's a bit of a distance to Tenjin and Hakata Station, it's convenient to take the Nishitetsu bus (about 15 minutes) or a taxi.
Q4Which pier will we be docking at?
The main departure point is the Central Wharf Cruise Center. Larger ships may dock at other wharves, so please check the onboard information regarding the docking location and whether a shuttle bus is available.
Q5Where are the ATMs and currency exchange offices?
There are no ATMs inside the Chuo Wharf Cruise Center, and the currency exchange machines only exchange foreign currency for Japanese yen. There is a Seven Bank ATM and a currency exchange shop on the first floor of the Hakata Port International Terminal, which is also located at Chuo Wharf.
Q6Are there any places in Hakata Port where I can see cruise ships?
From the observation deck of Hakata Port Tower (70m above ground, free admission), you can enjoy panoramic views of ships coming and going in Hakata Port. Open from 10:00 to 20:00, closed on Wednesdays.
Source/Reference Information
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ports and Harbors Bureau, "Ports Nationwide"
- Hakata Port International Terminal / Central Wharf Cruise Center Official Website
- The same "Access and Parking Information"
- Crossroads Fukuoka "Hakata Port (Central Wharf/Hakata Wharf)"
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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