Key points of Karatsu Port
- The passenger ship will dock at Myoken Pier. JR Nishi-Karatsu Station is approximately a 6-minute drive or walk from there.
- Karatsu Castle, which stands facing Karatsu Bay, was built over a period of seven years, starting in 1602.
- You can enjoy a tour of Karatsu ware pottery kilns and savor the finest Kuroge Wagyu beef, including Saga beef.
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 Karatsu Port?
Karatsu Port is a port in Karatsu City, in the northern part of Saga Prefecture. It retains traces of its castle town past and its pottery culture.
Docking location and access
| Main docking locations | Myoken Wharf |
|---|---|
| JR Nishi-Karatsu Station | Approximately 6 minutes by car or on foot |
| Fukuoka Airport | Approximately 78 minutes by car or train. |
Useful information about the port (tourist information, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi)
Here is some useful information for sightseeing around Myoken Wharf, where cruise ships dock at Karatsu Port (based on official sources).
| Tourist Information Center | Karatsu Station Tourist Information Center: Located inside JR Karatsu Station. 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed January 1st). Tel: 0955-72-4963 |
|---|---|
| From the port | It's about a 6-minute drive or walk to JR Nishi-Karatsu Station. Taxis are convenient for getting to Karatsu Station and Karatsu Castle. |
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)
From Myoken Wharf, you can access shops around JR Nishi-Karatsu Station and Karatsu Station. 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.
Facilities and operating hours may vary depending on the port call date and time of year. (Date confirmed: September 30, 2026 Source:Karatsu Tourism Association "Karatsu Station General Tourist Information Center"）
Recommended ways to spend your time depending on the length of your port call
half day
- Karatsu Castle: A castle built by Terazawa Hirotaka, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, starting in 1602.
- Karatsu ware: Pottery that has been produced since the early modern period. Visiting the kilns is also recommended.
Port town cuisine
- Saga Beef: The highest-grade brand of domestically produced Japanese Black Wagyu beef.
- Squid from Yobuko: Live squid from the nearby Yobuko port.
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Map of shops around the port
These are seafood restaurants around Karatsu 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 the port call.
Upcoming cruise ship calls (next 30 days)
- Tue, Oct 13Star Seeker
- Mon, Oct 19Star Seeker
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
Q1How do I get from Karatsu Port to Karatsu Castle?
We will go by car or taxi.
Q2Where is the tourist information center at Karatsu Port?
The Karatsu Station Tourist Information Center is located inside JR Karatsu Station (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed January 1st). You can get there by taxi or other means from Myoken Wharf where the ship docks.
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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