Key points about Wakayama Shimotsu Port
- The cruise ship will dock at the Nishihama No. 3 and No. 5 piers in Wakayama Port. It's about a 15-20 minute walk to Nankai Wakayama Port Station and about a 15 minute taxi ride to JR Wakayama Station.
- A free shuttle bus service may operate between the pier and the vicinity of Wakayama Station.
- You can take a trip to Mount Koya, a sacred site of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi. It is also a port of call on the Setouchi cruise of the Japanese ship Asuka III.
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 Wakayama Shimotsu Port?
Wakayama Shimotsu Port is a port in Wakayama City. It is conveniently located about 45 minutes by car from Kansai International Airport.
Docking location and access
| Main docking locations | Wakayama Main Port, Nishihama Piers 3 and 5 |
|---|---|
| Nankai Wakayama Port Station | Approximately 15-20 minutes on foot |
| JR Wakayama Station | Approximately 15 minutes by taxi. A free shuttle bus may operate between the pier and the vicinity of Wakayama Station. |
| Kansai International Airport | Approximately 45 minutes by car |
Useful information about the port (tourist information, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi)
Here is some useful information for sightseeing around the Nishihama Wharf at Wakayama Port, where cruise ships dock (based on official sources).
| Tourist Information Center | Tourist Information Center: Located in the "Wakachika Plaza" underground at JR Wakayama Station. Open 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM (until 5:15 PM on Sundays and public holidays). Luggage storage and bicycle rentals available. Tel: 073-422-5831 |
|---|---|
| From the port | It's about a 15-minute taxi ride to JR Wakayama Station. A free shuttle bus may be available to the vicinity of Wakayama Station. |
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)
Shops are concentrated around JR Wakayama Station. On days when the shuttle bus operates, you can shop around the station. You can find nearby supermarkets and drugstores on the map below. For information on immigration procedures, tax refunds, 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:Wakayama City Tourism Association）
Recommended ways to spend your time depending on the length of your port call
Day 1
- Mount Koya: The head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect, founded by Kobo Daishi.
- Koyasan Choishimichi: A pilgrimage route said to have been established by Kobo Daishi.
Port town cuisine
- Wakayama Ramen: A soy sauce-based pork bone broth ramen, also known as "Chuka Soba".
- Kishu lacquerware: A traditional craft with a history spanning over 400 years. A great souvenir.
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Map of shops around the port
This is a list of Wakayama ramen restaurants near Wakayama Shimotsu 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.
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 the pier to Wakayama Station?
It's about a 15-minute taxi ride. A free shuttle bus may also be available.
Q2Can I leave my luggage near Wakayama Shimotsu Port?
Luggage storage and bicycle rentals are available at the Tourist Exchange Center in the "Wakachika Plaza" underground area of JR Wakayama Station (8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, until 5:15 PM on Sundays and public 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"
- Princess Cruises "2026 Japan Departure/Arrival Cruise Port and Shuttle Bus Information"
- Asuka Cruises "Autumn Setouchi Wakayama & Shodoshima Cruise Departing from and Arriving in Hakata"
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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