Satellite view of Yatsushiro

Yatsushiro

Japan

Navigate serene kayaks through the otherworldly limestone karsts of Yatsushiro Sea's hidden grottoes and emerald waters.

Currency Japanese Yen (JPY)
Language Japanese
Time Zone JST (UTC+9)
Best Time to Visit May for pleasant spring weather and cherry blossom season, or September to October for autumn foliage and comfortable temperatures.
Typical Duration 6 nights
Price Range $849 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Japan's Kumamoto region, offering access to historic castles, hot springs, and traditional Japanese culture in a less-crowded alternative to major ports.

Cruises that visit Yatsushiro

Build Your Day in Yatsushiro

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Kumamoto Castle Worth enough to spend at least 2-3 hours there and worth for 800 yen. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 26k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Tsuruya Department Store A pleasant shopping and food experience. Department store · ★ 4 · 7k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Katsuretsu Tei Shinshigai Simply delicious and worthy of the Michelin recognition! Tonkatsu restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 6k Closed · Opens 11 AM
SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto Nice but limited selection of shops. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 6k Closed · Opens 10 AM
AMU PLAZA KUMAMOTO Lots of food options, shopping, and souvenirs. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Kumamon Port Yatsushiro One of my favorite memories from exploring Yatsushiro, Kumamoto! Playground · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Aeon Yatsushiro Shopping Center Playground Shopping mall · ★ 3.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Mega Don Quijote Yatsushiro They have 3 floors with best denki and daiso as well. Discount store · ★ 3.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Munehiro Very happy finding lobster were so delicious Seafood restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Konpiramaru Yatsushiro The sashimi is fresh and has no smell. Seafood restaurant · ★ 3.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
MaxValu Yatsushiro Grocery store · ★ 3.6 · 1k Open 24 hours
Yotsuba Shokudo Cash-only·On-site parking Ramen restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Yatsushiro Castle Park Dogs allowed·Public restroom Park · ★ 4 · 0k Open 24 hours
Sakamoto Onsen Center Kureon The water made my skin very soft and we could realy relax during our trip. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Yatsushiro Castle Ruins Historical landmark · ★ 4 · 0k
Yatsushirogu Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Direx Yatsushiro Discount store · ★ 3.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Yatsushiro City Municipal Museum Tourist attraction · ★ 3.8 · 0k
Marushoku Yatsushiro In-store shopping Grocery store · ★ 3.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Kagami Oyster House The oysters are really worth the price and there are other seafoods as well Oyster bar restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Restaurant Shinkimura One of the best meals we had in Japan! Japanized western restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
若宮海水浴場 Lots of parking and an ok beach. Beach · ★ 3.8 · 0k
Kaisentei A must go for fresh sashimi when you are in Yatsushiro. Seafood restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Shohinken Worth the walk and worth every penny. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k
くまモン大合唱オブジェ Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
piatto KOJIMA Reservations required Italian restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Mon
Satsuma-ya Dine-in·Curbside pickup Sushi restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
地中海バル BRUCO Absolutely delicious and great place to go! Italian restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Mon
Kasamatsu Bridge Bridge · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open 24 hours
Tategami Gorge Picnics·Dogs allowed Nature preserve · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Minoru Shokudo Cash-only Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Tanba Reservations required Authentic Japanese restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
洋膳屋 草紫苑 Cash-only Western restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Nakayama All you can drink·Private dining room Japanese restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Amrose Amagae In-store shopping·Delivery Gift shop · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
一魚一恵 Dine-in·Takeout Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
大陸食堂 Cash-only Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
ビッグくまモン Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
肉と世界のおつまみHygge(ヒュッゲ) Outdoor seating·All you can drink·Great cocktails Meat dish restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
淡路島バーガー熊本八代店 Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Hamburger restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
地鶏食堂 八代店 All you can drink Chicken restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
小吃酒家 鮮 - シャオチーシュケ シェン 八代 Rooftop seating Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM
隠れ家レストラン・フレア Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM
Yatsushiro Honmachi Arcade Shopping mall · ★ 3.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
十二支くまモン Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Uno Replay Great cocktails Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 PM
BOOTCAMP Cash-only·Great cocktails Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 PM Mon
美食屋 月ーつきー Brilliant small Izakaya restaurant. Izakaya restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 4 AM
カクテルバー深海 Great cocktails Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 PM
JAZZ BAR FIRST(ジャズバーファースト) Cash-only·Live music Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closes soon · 3 AM
BAR POPCORN Outside food allowed·All you can drink·Food at bar Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 PM Mon
BAR.BASE Great cocktails Dart bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 PM
SINGLE MALT BAR 翠 Great cocktails Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 PM Mon
Bar 7th Chord Cash-only·Reservations required·Great cocktails Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM Mon
Bar&Lounge pub・eau(パブ・オー) Outside food allowed·All you can drink·Karaoke Karaoke bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closes soon · 3 AM
熊本地酒 bar まつした Dine-in·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Mon

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Yatsushiro

About Yatsushiro

Yatsushiro serves as a port of call on select Asian cruise itineraries, with MSC Cruises offering sailings that connect this charming Japanese port to popular regional destinations like Tokyo, Jeju Island, and Kagoshima. While this isn't a major embarkation hub, the port provides cruise travelers with a convenient stopping point to experience authentic Japan away from the busier tourist corridors. Most cruises calling here span six nights, allowing passengers to enjoy a leisurely pace through East Asia's most compelling destinations.

During your time ashore in Yatsushiro, you'll discover a gateway to Kumamoto Prefecture's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The port's proximity to stunning coastal landscapes and historic sites makes it an ideal spot for travelers seeking a more intimate Japanese experience. Whether you're exploring local attractions or simply soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of this lesser-known port, Yatsushiro offers a refreshing contrast to larger cruise destinations in the region.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Yatsushiro Castle Ruins

Discover the historic remnants of this 14th-century fortress perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. The castle grounds offer panoramic views of Yatsushiro Bay and the surrounding landscape, with walking paths through restored gardens that showcase traditional Japanese landscaping and seasonal beauty.

2

Savor Fresh Seafood Delicacies

Indulge in Yatsushiro's renowned seafood at local restaurants near the port, where you'll find pristine catches including sea urchin, squid, and regional fish preparations. The city's proximity to the Shiranui Sea ensures exceptional freshness and authentic coastal Japanese cuisine unavailable elsewhere.

3

Stroll Through Yatsushiro Myoken Park

Wander this scenic waterfront park featuring cherry blossom trees, traditional stone lanterns, and peaceful walking paths along the bay. The park provides stunning photo opportunities and a serene escape where you can experience the natural beauty that defines this coastal region.

4

Shop Yatsushiro's Traditional Markets

Browse the bustling local markets and shopping streets filled with regional crafts, fresh produce, and artisanal goods unique to Kumamoto Prefecture. Discover handmade ceramics, local textiles, and specialty food items that make perfect souvenirs while supporting traditional craftspeople.

5

Experience Yatsushiro's Cormorant Fishing

Witness the ancient art of ukai (cormorant fishing) practiced on the Kuma River, where skilled fishermen use trained birds to catch fish by torchlight. This centuries-old tradition offers a mesmerizing glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage and is a uniquely memorable local experience.

Cruise Lines at Yatsushiro

Cruises Departing From Yatsushiro

Cruises Visiting Yatsushiro

Ship Schedule at Yatsushiro

Yatsushiro Location

Other Cruise Ports in Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Yatsushiro?

MSC Cruises operates cruises from the port of Yatsushiro, Japan. Currently, there is 1 upcoming cruise available through this operator, offering ocean cruise experiences in the Asia region.

When is the best time to cruise from Yatsushiro?

May is the peak month for cruising from Yatsushiro, offering pleasant spring weather and ideal conditions for exploring the region. This is an excellent time to book your cruise as the weather is mild and comfortable for port activities.

How much do cruises from Yatsushiro cost?

Cruises from Yatsushiro are priced at $849 per person. This price point makes it an accessible option for travelers looking to explore the Asia region with MSC Cruises.

What are the top destinations from Yatsushiro?

Cruises from Yatsushiro visit Tokyo, Jeju Island, and Kagoshima as top destinations. These ports offer diverse cultural experiences, from Japan's vibrant capital to South Korea's scenic island and the historic city of Kagoshima.

How do I get from Yatsushiro port to the city center?

Yatsushiro port is conveniently located near the city center, typically accessible by taxi, local buses, or rental cars. Most cruise passengers can reach downtown attractions within 10-15 minutes by taxi, making it easy to explore the city during your port day.

What can I see and do in Yatsushiro in one day?

In a day at Yatsushiro, you can visit Yatsushiro Castle ruins, explore the historic Yatsushiro Hachimangu Shrine, and enjoy local cuisine at the waterfront. The city also offers beautiful views of the Yatsushiro Sea and nearby hot springs, making it a relaxing port of call.

Is Yatsushiro a tender port or dock port?

Yatsushiro is primarily a port of call where ships dock directly at the terminal, allowing for convenient embarkation and disembarkation. Passengers can typically walk off the ship directly onto the dock to begin exploring the port and city.