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Ferries from the Kanto region and ferries across Japan: routes to Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, Okinawa and the Izu Islands

Checked against official sources on October 14, 2026 (sources below)

Ferries from the Kanto region

  • Ocean Tokyu Ferry from Ariake takes about 18 hours 20 minutes to Tokushima (from ¥15,400) and 34 hours 35 minutes to Shinmoji (from ¥22,330).

This guide has two parts. Part 1 covers ferries from ports in the Kanto region. Part 2 covers ferries from ports in other regions of Japan. Many people take a car, motorcycle or bicycle on board, so the guide assumes you drive to the port. Train and bus routes are in the tables for travelling without a car.

In Part 1, long-distance ferries leave Ariake, Tokyo (Koto Ward), about 11 minutes by expressway from the Shuto Expressway’s Takaracho entrance near Tokyo Station, for Tokushima Port, Tokushima Prefecture and Shinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture; Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture (about 58 minutes) for Shinmoji Port; and Oarai Port, Ibaraki Prefecture (about 1 hour 20 minutes) for Tomakomai Port, Hokkaido. Ships to the Izu Islands and Ogasawara leave from Takeshiba, Tokyo (Minato Ward). The pier has no parking of its own, so drivers use paid car parks nearby. Tokyo Wan Ferry runs from Kurihama Port, Kanagawa Prefecture to Kanaya Port, Chiba Prefecture. From Atami Port, Ito Port, Shimizu Port and Shimoda Port in Shizuoka Prefecture, boats go to Hatsushima, Oshima (Tokyo), Toi on the Izu Peninsula and the Izu Islands.

Part 2 covers routes you board after travelling from Tokyo to the port. For Hokkaido, Sendai Port, Miyagi Prefecture is about 4 hours by expressway (about 346 km) and Niigata Port, Niigata Prefecture about 4 hours (about 336 km); Hachinohe Port and Aomori Port in Aomori Prefecture take more than 7 hours. Osaka Nanko, Osaka Prefecture, Kobe Port, Hyogo Prefecture and Wakayama Port, Wakayama Prefecture take about 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes. Ports in the Chugoku region and Shikoku are about 650 to 890 km away, and Kagoshima in Kyushu about 1,355 km. If you are taking your car to Shikoku or Kyushu, also compare the ferries from Ariake and Yokosuka in Part 1. For Naha, Okinawa, the official information does not show a passenger ferry from Tokyo; from Kagoshima Shin-ko Port, Kagoshima Prefecture, the trip takes about 25 hours.

Distances, times and expressway tolls are estimates without traffic, taken from NEXCO East’s toll search on October 14, 2026 (see How do you get from Tokyo to the port?).

In short

  • Part 1 (Kanto): by car from Tokyo Station, Ariake is about 11 minutes, Yokosuka Port about 58 minutes and Oarai Port about 1 hour 20 minutes. Ferries go to Tokushima, Shinmoji (Kitakyushu) and Tomakomai (Hokkaido).
  • Ariake, Yokosuka Port and Oarai Port have no parking for leaving your car while you travel on foot. Takeshiba (for the Izu Islands and Ogasawara) has no parking of its own.
  • Part 2 (other regions): for Hokkaido, Sendai Port and Niigata Port are about 4 hours by expressway. For Okinawa, the official information shows no passenger ferry from Tokyo; board at Kagoshima Shin-ko Port (about 25 hours to Naha).
  • Booking opens one to three months before sailing, depending on the company. Some short routes take no bookings at all.
  • Several routes have cancellations or reduced timetables in autumn and winter 2026. See section 4 before you book.

Fares, times and service changes checked with official pages on October 13, 2026. Driving distances, times and tolls checked on October 14, 2026.

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1. Part 1: Ferries from ports in the Kanto region

Depends on the provider

These routes leave from ports in Tokyo and in Kanagawa, Chiba, Ibaraki and Shizuoka Prefectures. From ports about 11 minutes (Ariake) to about 2 hours (Shimizu) by expressway from Tokyo Station, you can sail to Kyushu (Shinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture), Shikoku (Tokushima Port, Tokushima Prefecture), Hokkaido (Tomakomai Port), the Izu Islands and Ogasawara, and the Izu Peninsula. Tap a company name to jump to its fares and conditions. Driving routes and tolls to each port are in the car table for ports in Kanto and Shizuoka.

CompanyFromToTimeAdult fare, one wayBooking
Tokyo Kyusyu FerryYokosuka Port, Kanagawa PrefectureShinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture (Kitakyushu)About 21 hoursFrom ¥18,000From 9:00, same date 2 months before
Ocean Tokyu FerryAriake, Tokyo (Koto Ward)Shinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture (Kitakyushu)About 34 h 35 minFrom ¥22,330Same date 1 month before
Ocean Tokyu FerryAriake, Tokyo (Koto Ward)Tokushima Port, Tokushima PrefectureAbout 18 h 20 minFrom ¥15,400Same date 1 month before
Tokyo Wan FerryKurihama Port, Kanagawa Prefecture (Yokosuka)Kanaya Port, Chiba Prefecture (Futtsu)About 40 min¥1,100Not needed (first come)
Hatsushima Resort LineAtami Port, Shizuoka PrefectureHatsushima, Shizuoka Prefecture (Atami)About 30 min¥1,450 (round trip ¥2,900)Not needed
Tokai KisenAtami Port and Ito Port, Shizuoka PrefectureOshima, Tokyo (Oshima Town)About 45 min (Atami to Oshima)From ¥6,050 (Atami to Oshima)Online from 0:00, same date 2 months before
Suruga Bay FerryShimizu Port, Shizuoka Prefecture (Shizuoka City)Toi Port, Shizuoka Prefecture (Izu City)About 1 h 30 min¥3,000Vehicles from 1 month before; not needed on foot
Shinshin KisenShimoda Port, Shizuoka PrefectureToshima to Kozushima, TokyoAbout 1 h 35 min to 4 h 20 min (by island)From ¥5,100 (2nd class)Same date 2 months before (phone)
Tokai Kisen (jet ship)Takeshiba, Tokyo (Minato Ward)Oshima to Kozushima, TokyoOshima about 1 h 45 min; Kozushima about 3 h 40 minFrom ¥9,530 (Oshima); ¥12,940 (Kozushima)Same date 2 months before (online, phone)
Tokai Kisen (Kuroshio Maru, overnight)Takeshiba, Tokyo (Minato Ward)Oshima to Kozushima, TokyoOshima about 6 h 30 min; Kozushima about 11 hours¥5,890 to ¥8,400 (2nd class)Same date 2 months before (online, phone)
Tokai Kisen (Salvia-Maru)Takeshiba, Tokyo (Minato Ward)Miyakejima, Mikurajima, Hachijojima, TokyoMiyakejima about 6 h 30 min; Hachijojima about 10 h 25 min¥8,870 to ¥11,100 (2nd class)Same date 2 months before (online, phone)
Izu Shoto KaihatsuHachijojima, Tokyo (Hachijo Town)Aogashima, Tokyo (Aogashima Village)About 3 hours¥3,470No booking; tickets on the day only
Ogasawara Kaiun (Ogasawara Maru)Takeshiba, Tokyo (Minato Ward)Chichijima, Tokyo (Ogasawara Village)About 24 hours¥28,610 (2nd-class Japanese-style room)Same date 2 months before Tokyo departure
Izu Shoto Kaihatsu (Hahajima Maru)Chichijima, Tokyo (Ogasawara Village)Hahajima, Tokyo (Ogasawara Village)About 2 hours (from Chichijima)¥5,020No booking; buy on the day in Chichijima
MOL SunflowerOarai Port, Ibaraki Prefecture (Oarai Town)Tomakomai Port, HokkaidoAbout 17 h 45 min to 18 hoursFrom ¥11,550 (Tourist)From 9:00, 2 months before sailing
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Fares are the adult one-way fare for each company’s cheaper cabins and change by season and cabin. Where a fuel surcharge is charged on top, the table says so. None of the companies’ official routes include a passenger ferry from Tokyo to Kochi or Nachikatsuura.

1.1 From ports in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Ibaraki and Shizuoka (Ariake, Yokosuka, Kurihama, Oarai, Atami, Ito, Shimizu, Shimoda)

Depends on the provider

From Ariake, Tokyo (Koto Ward), Ocean Tokyu Ferry sails to Tokushima Port, Tokushima Prefecture and Shinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture; from Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture, Tokyo Kyusyu Ferry sails to Shinmoji Port; and from Oarai Port, Ibaraki Prefecture, MOL Sunflower sails to Tomakomai Port, Hokkaido. Tokyo Wan Ferry crosses from Kurihama Port, Kanagawa Prefecture to Kanaya Port, Chiba Prefecture, and boats leave Atami Port, Ito Port, Shimizu Port and Shimoda Port in Shizuoka Prefecture for Hatsushima, Oshima (Tokyo), Toi on the Izu Peninsula and the Izu Islands. This section covers these eight companies by departure port: Ocean Tokyu Ferry, Tokyo Kyusyu Ferry (東京九州フェリー; the company spells Kyushu this way in English), MOL Sunflower, Tokyo Wan Ferry, Hatsushima Resort Line, Tokai Kisen, Suruga Bay Ferry and Shinshin Kisen. Driving routes and tolls from Tokyo Station are in the car table below.

Tokyo Kyusyu Ferry (from Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture, to Shinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture)

The ship leaves Yokosuka at 23:45 and reaches Shinmoji at 21:00 the next day, about 21 hours. The adult basic fare is ¥18,000 for sailings from October 1 to November 30, 2026 (one way). The return leaves Shinmoji at 23:55 and reaches Yokosuka at 20:45 the next day. Sailings run Monday to Saturday, with no service on Sundays and public holidays.

Important

Cancellations (checked October 13, 2026): a notice as of 13:00 on October 7, 2026 says the ship Soleil needs longer engine maintenance, so some October sailings are cancelled. From October 13 on, the cancelled sailings are those leaving Yokosuka on Wednesday, October 14, Friday, October 16 and Monday, October 19, and those leaving Shinmoji on Tuesday, October 13, Thursday, October 15 and Saturday, October 17. Check the official notice for your sailing.

ItemPeriod APeriod BPeriod C
Tourist A (adult basic fare)¥14,000¥18,000¥20,000
Tourist S (per room)¥6,000¥7,200¥7,200
Car under 3 m¥32,000¥36,000¥38,000
Car under 4 m¥37,000¥42,000¥44,000
Car under 5 m¥42,000¥48,000¥50,000
Car under 6 m¥47,000¥54,000¥56,000
Motorcycle over 125 cc¥15,000¥18,000¥20,000
Moped (125 cc or less)¥6,000¥7,200¥8,000
Bicycle (incl. bagged)¥3,000¥3,600¥4,000

Period A is December 1 to 19, 2026 and January 12 to 31, 2027. Period B is October 1 to November 30 and December 20 to 24, 2026, and January 4 to 11, 2027. Period C is December 25, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Tourist A is a per-person basic fare. For Tourist S and other cabins, a room charge per room is added to the basic fare. In period B the room charge is ¥38,400 for State, ¥36,000 for State A and ¥57,600 for Deluxe.

A car fare includes the basic fare for one driver. For motorcycles, bicycles and checked baggage (including pet cages), the passenger fare is charged separately. Checked baggage is ¥7,200 in period B. A car needs at least 9 cm of ground clearance. Elementary school children pay half the adult fare. One child under school age per adult travels free, sharing the adult’s bed.

ItemDetails
Booking opens9:00 on the same date 2 months before boarding (online, phone, counter)
Phone bookingTokyo 03-5860-9488 (9:00 to 17:45, closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays)
Check-inBe at the terminal 60 minutes before departure. With an e-ticket (e乗船券) record, no check-in at the terminal is needed
DiscountsRound trip: 10% off the return if it is within 14 days, counting the outbound day; not when the return is in period B or C. Student: 20% off the Tourist fare and room charge; not when you sail in period B or C. No combining
PetsA “State With Pet” room or a pet cage (booking needed). Indoor pets of 30 kg or less. A dog needs a rabies vaccination within one year of boarding. You cannot leave a pet in your car
Leaving a carYou cannot leave a car at the Yokosuka terminal
Unaccompanied vehiclesThe service ends for all sailings leaving on or after December 1, 2026. Cars, motorcycles or bicycles shipped without their owner will not be accepted
From Shinmoji portA free connecting bus runs to JR Kokura Station and Moji Station after the ship arrives (it leaves when everyone is on board)

The motorcycle (over 125 cc) amounts are from the fare table. A worked example on the same fare page gives ¥12,000 for a motorcycle under 750 cc in period A, which does not match the table, so check the amount when you book. Fares for later periods will be announced by the company.

Photos: from the press release of SHK Line Co., Ltd. (July 2, 2026).

Video from the official Yokosuka City channel introducing Tokyo Kyusyu Ferry, which links Yokosuka and Kitakyushu

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Ocean Tokyu Ferry (from Ariake, Tokyo, to Tokushima Port, Tokushima Prefecture and Shinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture)

In a second-class Western-style room (2等洋室, shared), an adult pays ¥15,400 from Tokyo to Tokushima and ¥22,330 from Tokyo to Shinmoji (October to December 2026, one way). The ship leaves Tokyo (Ariake) at 19:00 (18:00 on Sundays and holidays). It reaches Tokushima (Okinosu) at 13:20 the next day (about 18 hours 20 minutes), leaves at 14:20, and reaches Shinmoji at 5:35 the day after (about 34 hours 35 minutes; 6:30 when arriving on a Sunday or holiday). Toward Tokyo, it leaves Shinmoji at 19:00 (18:00 on Sundays and holidays), reaches Tokushima at 9:20 the next day, leaves at 11:20, and reaches Tokyo (Ariake) at 5:30 the day after (6:00 when arriving on a Sunday or holiday).

Service information (checked October 13, 2026): there are days with no sailing, and the schedule is fixed at the end of the month two months ahead. From Tokyo and from Shinmoji, there is no sailing on October 4, 11 and 25 (all Sundays). From Tokyo there is none on November 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 (all Sundays). From Tokushima to Tokyo there is none on October 5, 12 and 26 (all Mondays). The December schedule is fixed at the end of October. The official top page shows the service as “on schedule”. A notice dated October 7, 2026 says large groups will be on board and asks travellers to allow extra time. Sailings toward Tokyo are especially busy on these days: Shinmoji on Monday, October 26 and Tokushima on Tuesday, October 27; Shinmoji on Friday, October 30 and Tokushima on Saturday, October 31; Shinmoji on Saturday, October 31 and Tokushima on Sunday, November 1.

Section (2nd-class Western, shared)AdultChildStudent
Tokyo to Shinmoji¥22,330¥11,220¥19,250
Tokyo to Tokushima¥15,400¥7,700¥13,200
Tokushima to Shinmoji¥11,770¥5,940¥10,010

Fares include the fuel price adjustment. One child under school age per adult travels free, sharing the adult’s bed. A private room is charged per room on top of the fare.

Private room (per room)Tokyo to ShinmojiTokyo to TokushimaTokushima to Shinmoji
2-person room¥14,960¥10,010¥10,010
4-person room¥20,020¥11,990¥11,990
With Pet room¥22,990¥14,960¥14,960
VehicleTokyo to ShinmojiTokyo to TokushimaTokushima to Shinmoji
Car under 3 m¥37,950¥29,040¥21,450
Car under 4 m¥45,320¥35,090¥24,640
Car under 5 m¥52,690¥41,140¥27,830
Car under 6 m¥59,950¥47,190¥30,910
Motorcycle 750 cc and over¥12,870¥11,770¥9,680
Motorcycle under 750 cc¥9,680¥8,800¥7,260
Moped¥6,490¥5,940¥4,840
Bicycle¥3,190¥2,970¥2,420

A car fare includes the second-class Western-style fare for one driver. For motorcycles and bicycles, the passenger fare is charged separately. Unaccompanied vehicles pay the same vehicle fare.

ItemDetails
Booking opensFor sailings from Tokyo and Shinmoji: the same date 1 month before boarding. From Tokushima: the day before that date. If the month has no such date, from the last day of the previous month
Web bookingFrom 9:00 until 23:59 two days before boarding. Phone from 10:00 on weekdays (Navi Dial 0570-055-048, Monday to Friday). If the phone booking start date falls on a weekend or holiday, it starts the next business day
Web discountFor boarding up to October 31, 2026: web booking plus advance credit card payment. From November 1, 2026: booking on the web is enough. Advance web payment is possible from 14 days to 1 day before boarding
Other discountsRound trip: 10% off the return if it is within 2 months of the outbound boarding (not private rooms or vehicles of 7 m and over). Student: 20% off the second-class Western fare. Not combined with the web discount
BoardingCars start boarding about 1 hour before departure, foot passengers about 30 minutes before
PetsA With Pet room or a pet cage (¥4,400 per cage). If you ride from Tokyo to Shinmoji, you can get off at Tokushima (Okinosu port) for a walk with your pet

These fares apply through December 31, 2026. Later fares will be announced by the company.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel エンイチぶらり旅。

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Tokyo Wan Ferry (from Kurihama Port, Kanagawa Prefecture, to Kanaya Port, Chiba Prefecture)

Kurihama to Kanaya takes about 40 minutes. An adult pays ¥1,100 one way, and a standard car (under 6 m, including one driver) is ¥5,400. No booking is needed. These are the fares revised on July 1, 2025, and the table was the same when checked on October 13, 2026.

CategoryOne wayRound trip (return leg)
Adult (12 and over)¥1,100¥2,000 (¥900)
Child (6 to 11)¥550¥1,000 (¥450)
Kei car (under 4 m)¥4,300¥7,600 (¥3,300)
Standard car (under 6 m)¥5,400¥9,500 (¥4,100)
Mid-size vehicle (under 7 m)¥8,300¥14,900 (¥6,600)
Motorcycle 750 cc and over¥3,400¥6,100 (¥2,700)
Motorcycle under 750 cc¥2,850¥5,000 (¥2,150)
Moped¥2,400¥4,350 (¥1,950)
Bicycle (adult)¥1,850¥3,350 (¥1,500)

Car, motorcycle and bicycle fares include the passenger fare for one rider. Other people in the vehicle pay the passenger fare. Up to two children under 6 travel free with each adult or child. The amount in brackets in the round-trip column is the return fare.

ItemDetails
SailingsTimetable A: 14 round trips (from Kurihama 6:20 to 19:15, from Kanaya 6:15 to 19:20). Timetable B: 7 round trips (from Kurihama 6:20 to 18:15, from Kanaya 7:15 to 19:20). The official calendar sets which applies each day. In October, timetable A is used on many weekends and on October 12; weekdays use timetable B
BoardingNo booking; first come, first served. Cars board from about 20 minutes before departure, motorcycles from 30 minutes before
PetsAllowed (free). A lead is needed, and pets cannot enter the passenger cabin. In a carrier, they can use the cabin
Green Room¥3,500 per room (up to 20 adults)
Kurihama portAbout 10 minutes by Keikyu bus from Keikyu Kurihama Station. Paid parking for 100 cars (¥1,000 per day, one entry)
Kanaya portAbout 8 minutes’ walk from Hama-Kanaya Station on the JR Uchibo Line. Paid parking for 60 cars (¥600 per day, one entry)

Cancellations (checked October 13, 2026): on Sunday, October 18, 2026, sailings 5 and 7 from Kurihama and sailings 4, 6 and 8 from Kanaya are planned not to run. Wednesday, October 14 runs on timetable B.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel チーバくんチャンネル

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Hatsushima Resort Line (from Atami Port, Shizuoka Prefecture, to Hatsushima)

Atami to Hatsushima takes about 30 minutes. An adult round trip is ¥2,900 (¥1,450 one way), with 10 round trips a day. No booking is needed. The operator is Fujikyu Marine Resort. Tickets are not sold at Hatsushima port, so you normally buy a round trip at Atami port.

CategoryRound tripOne way
Adult¥2,900¥1,450
Child¥1,450¥720
Pet¥1,450¥720

Adults are junior high school age and over; children are elementary school pupils. One child under school age per adult rides free (a second child pays the child fare), and infants are free. Groups of 15 or more get 10% off, and holders of a disability certificate get 50% off.

ItemDetails
Times (timetable for October 13, 2026)From Atami 7:30, 8:40, 10:00, 10:40, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 14:40, 16:00, 17:20. From Hatsushima 8:00, 9:20, 10:40, 11:20, 13:00, 14:00, 14:40, 15:20, 16:40, 17:50
BookingNot needed. Only the special cabin “Kinfuji” (金富士) needs a booking
Atami portWadahama-minami-cho, Atami, Shizuoka. About 15 minutes by bus or 10 minutes by taxi from JR Atami Station

Reduced service (checked October 13, 2026): a notice dated October 8, 2026 says that, for the ships’ statutory inspections, a dock timetable of 7 round trips a day applies from Wednesday, November 4 to Thursday, December 24, 2026, and from Tuesday, January 5 to Wednesday, February 10, 2027. From December 25 to January 4, 2027, there are 10 sailings a day. The official top page showed normal service (10-sailing timetable) for October 14, 2026.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel 静岡朝日テレビニュース

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Tokai Kisen (from Atami Port and Ito Port, Shizuoka Prefecture, to Oshima, Tokyo)

Atami to Oshima takes about 45 minutes by jet ship (jetfoil), and the adult one-way fare is ¥6,050 (Atami to Ito ¥1,720, Ito to Oshima ¥5,060). Tokai Kisen’s jet ships run from Atami and Ito to Oshima. Tokyo to Atami is about 40 minutes by shinkansen. From Atami Station to Atami port, take a bus from stop 7 (for Atami-ko and Korakuen) for about 15 minutes, or a taxi for about 10 minutes.

Service information (checked October 13, 2026): a notice dated October 5, 2026 says the Kanto District Transport Bureau ordered Tokai Kisen to stop using the Tachibana-Maru, Seven Island Yui and Seven Island Tomo. From Friday, October 9 to Wednesday, October 28, 2026, a replacement timetable runs with the Salvia-Maru, the Seven Island Tairyo and other ships. During this period, sailings to and from Atami run every day on the jet ship Seven Island Tairyo.

PeriodFrom AtamiFrom Oshima
October 9 to 28, 2026 (replacement timetable)13:55, arrives Oshima 14:40 (daily)The sailing from Kozushima leaves Oshima 12:40, arrives Atami 13:25 (daily)
October 29, 2026 to January 31, 20279:10, arrives Oshima 9:55 (A and B days). On C days: Ito 9:35 arr./9:40 dep., Oshima 10:1515:30, arrives Atami 16:15 (A and B days). On C days: Ito 16:05 arr./16:10 dep., Atami 16:35

Fares in the next table are adult one-way jet ship fares. The official jet ship calendar sets which days are A, B or C. In the timetable checked, sailings from Atami go only as far as Oshima. The fare table also lists Atami to Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima and Kozushima.

Jet ship toFrom AtamiFrom Ito
Ito¥1,720–
Oshima¥6,050¥5,060
Toshima¥6,950Not stated
Niijima¥7,130Not stated
Shikinejima¥7,290Not stated
Kozushima¥8,510Not stated
ItemDetails
ChildrenChildren (under 12, and elementary school pupils aged 12) pay half the adult fare. Small children (1 and over) and infants are free, without a seat
BookingOnline from 0:00 on the same date 2 months before boarding, until 1 hour before departure (membership registration needed; credit card only). Phone: customer center 03-5472-9999 (9:30 to 18:00)
PetsOnly pets that fit in a cage or basket of 45 cm or less on each side. Tell the company when you book. Pet tickets: Atami to Ito ¥360, Atami to Oshima ¥1,320, Ito to Oshima ¥1,150
PortsAtami port (6-11 Wadahama-minami-cho, Atami) and Ito port (1-17-9 Wada, Ito). Tateyama port is listed as a boarding point, but the timetable checked has no sailings to or from Tateyama

Tokai Kisen’s official pages do not show information on carrying cars. To take a car to the islands, Shinshin Kisen from Shimoda officially offers vehicle transport.

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Suruga Bay Ferry (from Shimizu Port, Shizuoka Prefecture, to Toi Port)

Shimizu to Toi takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. An adult pays ¥3,000 one way, and a car (under 6 m, including one driver) is ¥5,000. There are 3 round trips a day, and elementary school children and younger children ride free (checked October 13, 2026).

SailingShimizu dep.Toi arr.Toi dep.Shimizu arr.
1st7:409:109:3511:05
2nd11:2012:5013:0014:30
3rd14:4016:1016:3018:00

On October 13, 2026, all sailings ran as normal. The service status for each day is posted on the official site at about 6:30 that morning.

CategoryRegular fare (one way)Return discount (10%)
Adult (junior high and over)¥3,000¥2,700
Elementary school and youngerFreeFree
Pet (dog, cat)¥1,000¥900
Vehicle under 6 m (incl. kei cars)¥5,000¥4,500
Vehicle 6 m to under 8 m¥9,100¥8,190
Motorcycle, moped¥1,000¥900
Bicycle¥500¥450

A vehicle fare includes the passenger fare for one driver. Other people in the car pay the passenger fare. For motorcycles and bicycles, the passenger fare (adult ¥3,000) is charged on top of the special baggage fare.

ItemDetails
BookingCars, motorcycles and bicycles: online from 1 month before until 17:00 the day before. Foot passengers can board without booking
Shimizu portThe ticket office is inside the Shimizu Fish Market Kashi-no-Ichi Ichiba-kan, connected to JR Shimizu Station. The boarding point moved on April 18, 2025 (149 Shimazaki-cho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka)
Toi portSince the Tokai Bus timetable change on October 1, 2026, buses no longer go into the Toi port ferry terminal. Walk to the terminal from the “Toi-ko” (土肥港) bus stop on Route 136

Cancellations (checked October 13, 2026): because of charter sailings and dock work, the 3rd sailings from Shimizu and Toi do not run on Saturday, October 24, 2026; the 1st sailing does not run on Friday, January 1, 2027; and no sailings run from Tuesday, January 12 to Friday, January 29, 2027. On September 11, 2026, the official site also published an evaluation of progress under its management improvement plan.

Video from the Fujisan Suruga Bay Ferry channel: the captain talks about the ferry

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Shinshin Kisen (from Shimoda Port, Shizuoka Prefecture, to Toshima through Kozushima, Tokyo)

From Shimoda to Kozushima, Shikinejima, Niijima and Toshima, the adult second-class fare is ¥5,100 to any island (October 2026, one way). The car ferry Azeria leaves Shimoda at 9:30, calls at the four islands and returns to Shimoda at 16:30. There is no sailing on Wednesdays. On Monday, Thursday and Saturday the ship calls at Kozushima first; on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday it calls at Toshima first. Times at the islands are arrival / departure.

PortMon, Thu, SatTue, Fri, Sun
ShimodaDep. 9:30Dep. 9:30
Toshima14:40 / 14:4511:05 / 11:10
Niijima13:30 / 13:5012:10 / 12:25
Shikinejima13:00 / 13:1012:45 / 13:00
Kozushima11:50 / 12:1013:50 / 14:10
ShimodaArr. 16:30Arr. 16:30
Adult, one way2nd classSpecial 2nd1st class
Shimoda to any island, Oct 2026¥5,100¥7,660¥10,230
Nov 2026¥5,270¥7,920¥10,580
Dec 2026¥5,490¥8,240¥11,010
Between islands, Oct 2026¥350¥510¥690

An example of a fare between islands is Niijima to Shikinejima. Children (elementary school) pay half. Children aged 1 to under 6 and infants are free, up to one small child per adult. Fares include the fuel price adjustment.

Vehicle fares from Shimoda to Toshima (October 2026) are ¥13,810 under 3 m, ¥18,410 from 3 m to under 4 m, ¥23,010 from 4 m to under 5 m and ¥27,610 from 5 m to under 6 m. A vehicle fare includes the second-class fare for one driver. Vehicles need a booking, which only the Shimoda office takes (phone 0558-22-2626, 9:30 to 16:00, every day except Wednesday). Towed vehicles such as camping trailers cannot be carried. Motorcycles and unbagged bicycles also need a booking. Passenger tickets cannot be booked online; book by phone (according to Tokai Kisen). Passenger bookings open on the same date 2 months before boarding, at the Shimoda office, the Tokai Kisen customer center or travel agencies. Shimoda port is about 7 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes on foot from Izukyu-Shimoda Station; there is no bus. There is a free prefectural car park (17 spaces).

Service information (checked October 13, 2026): the official top page shows Wednesday, October 14, 2026 as a day with no sailing. It says Tropical Depression No. 29 may affect service, including vehicle transport. Travel to the islands is also limited by national park rules and each island’s bylaws, and people without a place to stay are not allowed to travel.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel スーツ / Suit Channel

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MOL Sunflower (from Oarai Port, Ibaraki Prefecture): Oarai to Tomakomai Port, Hokkaido

The evening sailing leaves Oarai at 19:45 and reaches Tomakomai at 13:30 the next day (17 hours 45 minutes). An adult in Tourist (shared room) pays ¥11,550 (period A) to ¥23,100 (period E), one way. The late-night sailing leaves Oarai at 01:45 and arrives at 19:45 the same day (18 hours); its lowest-priced cabin, Comfort S, is ¥17,600 (period A) to ¥31,900 (period E).

SailingOarai → TomakomaiTomakomai → OaraiLowest-priced cabin (period A to E)Car (period A to E)
Evening19:45 → 13:30 next day (17 h 45 min)18:45 → 14:00 next day (19 h 15 min)Tourist ¥11,550 to ¥23,100¥38,500 to ¥55,000
Late night01:45 → 19:45 same day (18 h)01:30 → 19:30 same day (18 h)Comfort S ¥17,600 to ¥31,900¥38,500 to ¥55,000

Fares are in five levels, periods A to E, set by the boarding date. October 13 to November 15, 2026 is period B (Tourist ¥13,750, car ¥44,000), and November 16 to December 18 is period A (¥11,550, ¥38,500). A car fare includes the Tourist fare for one driver. Vehicles over 6 m are treated as freight vehicles. Children pay 50% of the adult fare, and one child aged 1 or over but under school age per adult rides free, sharing the adult’s bed. For sailings from October 1 to November 30, the “Sunflower WEB Autumn Discount” (さんふらわあWEB秋割) takes 10% off passenger fares and 5% off car fares.

Sailings are not daily. There are days off from October to December, and in November the evening sailings from Oarai run mostly every other day. On the late-night sailing, cars may take about an hour to start getting off. Booking opens at 9:00 two months before the departure date (the next business day if the booking center is closed), and payment is due within 7 days, counting the booking day. Pets travel in a pet cage (medium from ¥3,850, extra large from ¥7,700) or in a With Pet cabin.

Ticket from Tokyo to Sapporo: on the evening sailing, there is a combined highway bus and ferry ticket called “Pacific Story” (パシフィック・ストーリー). It costs an adult ¥9,990 in period A to ¥24,500 in period E (for sailings from April 1 to November 30, 2026). It can be booked by phone only and cannot be used on the late-night sailing or with pets.

From Tomakomai to Sapporo: a direct Hokkaido Chuo Bus runs from Sapporo Station to Tomakomai West Port in about 110 minutes for ¥1,580 (the timetable on the official page is as of October 2025). By JR, Sapporo to Tomakomai Station takes about 42 minutes, and from there the port is about 20 minutes by Donan Bus or about 10 minutes by taxi. By car, Sapporo is about 60 minutes on the expressway.

Video from the MOL Sunflower Hokkaido route channel about the new late-night ships Sunflower Kamui and Pirika (2025)

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Routes not running

  • Ito to Hatsushima: ended on March 31, 2019 (note on the Hatsushima Resort Line official access page).

The suspension of Tokai Kisen’s Tachibana-Maru, Seven Island Yui and Seven Island Tomo is covered in the Izu Islands and Ogasawara section below.

NameOcean Tokyu Ferry Tokyo (Ariake) Terminal
Address4-8-6 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Phone03-3528-1011
MapOpen in Google Maps ↗
Official siteOpen the official site ↗
NameTokyo Kyusyu Ferry Yokosuka Ferry Terminal
Address11-4 Shinko-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa
Hours /
Closed
9:00–24:00 (Monday–Saturday)
Phone046-812-9110
MapOpen in Google Maps ↗
Official siteOpen the official site ↗

1.2 To the Izu Islands and Ogasawara (from Takeshiba, Tokyo)

Depends on the provider

From Takeshiba, Tokyo (Minato Ward) to Oshima, the jet ship takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and costs an adult ¥9,530 (October 2026, one way). Boats to the Izu Islands and Ogasawara leave from Takeshiba, Tokyo. The Tokai Kisen jet ship from Atami Port and Ito Port in Shizuoka Prefecture to Oshima, and Shinshin Kisen from Shimoda Port, Shizuoka Prefecture to Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima and Kozushima, are in the Kanto and Shizuoka section above. The Takeshiba pier has no parking of its own; if you drive, use paid car parks nearby (car table). Fares and times were checked on each company’s official pages on October 13, 2026 and change by month and season.

Tokai Kisen jet ship (from Takeshiba, Tokyo): Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, Kozushima

Tokyo (Takeshiba) to Oshima takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and costs ¥9,530. If you take the 7:40 sailing and return on the 14:55 from Oshima, you can make a day trip with about 5 hours 30 minutes on the island (timetable for October 9 to 28, 2026). Tokai Kisen’s jet ships also call at Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima and Kozushima.

Service status (checked October 13, 2026): on October 5, 2026, Tokai Kisen announced that the Kanto District Transport Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism had ordered it to stop using the Tachibana-Maru, Seven Island Yui and Seven Island Tomo. The order runs from October 9 to October 28. During this time, the jet ship Seven Island Tairyo, the large passenger ship Salvia-Maru, the Kuroshio Maru (Izu Shoto Kaihatsu) and the Ogasawara Maru (Ogasawara Kaiun) run instead, with second-class passenger ship fares on the Kuroshio Maru and Ogasawara Maru. The Tachibana-Maru has stopped carrying passengers because of a propeller problem found on September 28, 2026. A restart will be announced after repairs and inspections. The port each island uses on a given day can change with the weather.

ToTokyo dep. → arr. (Oct 9 to 28)TimeAdult fare (one way)
Oshima7:40 → 9:25About 1 h 45 min¥9,530
Toshima7:40 → 10:04About 2 h 25 min¥10,770
Niijima7:40 → 10:30About 2 h 50 min¥12,140
Shikinejima7:40 → 10:50About 3 h 10 min¥12,140
Kozushima7:40 → 11:20About 3 h 40 min¥12,940

Toward Tokyo, until October 28 there is one sailing: Oshima 14:55, arriving Tokyo 16:40. The 11:30 sailing from Kozushima goes via Oshima to Atami, arriving 13:25. From October 29, 2026 to January 31, 2027, sailings leave Tokyo at 8:35 (Oshima 10:20; on B days it continues to Kozushima, arriving 12:15) and at 13:25 (Oshima 15:10). Check the day type (A, B or C) on the calendar in the official timetable.

Fares include the fuel price adjustment. In December 2026, the jet ship fare from Tokyo to Oshima rises to ¥10,650. Children pay half. Small children aged 1 to 6 and infants under 1 ride free, up to one small child per adult (no seat). Pets that fit in a cage or basket of 45 cm or less on each side can travel; tell the customer center when you book.

Online booking (membership registration and credit card payment needed) opens at 0:00 on the same date 2 months before boarding and closes 1 hour before departure. Phone booking (customer center 03-5472-9999 or 0570-005710, daily 9:30 to 18:00) opens on the same date 2 months before. The Tokyo Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal (竹芝客船ターミナル; 1-12-2 Kaigan, Minato-ku) is about 1 minute on foot from Takeshiba Station on the Yurikamome, about 8 minutes from the north exit of JR Hamamatsucho Station and about 10 minutes from Daimon Station on the subway.

Video from the official Tokai Kisen channel: a TV commercial set on Niijima

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Tokai Kisen and Izu Shoto Kaihatsu overnight ships (from Takeshiba, Tokyo): Oshima to Kozushima

Until October 28, the overnight ship is one Friday-night sailing of the Kuroshio Maru: Tokyo 23:00, arriving Kozushima 10:00 (about 11 hours). Second class to Kozushima is ¥8,400. Izu Shoto Kaihatsu’s Kuroshio Maru is covering the Tachibana-Maru’s sailings. On October 9, 16 and 23, the Ogasawara Maru, bound for Chichijima, calls at Oshima and carries passengers between Tokyo and Oshima. The return is one sailing on Wednesdays: Kozushima 10:20, arriving Tokyo 19:50.

IslandArrival (Friday departure)Departure (Wednesday, to Tokyo)2nd class (from Tokyo)
Oshima5:30 next day14:45 (Tokyo 19:50)¥5,890
Toshima7:2012:55¥6,550
Niijima8:2511:50¥7,930
Shikinejima9:0011:15¥7,930
Kozushima10:0010:20¥8,400

During this period, the Ogasawara Maru leaves Tokyo at 11:00 on Fridays and arrives at Oshima at 14:50. It leaves Oshima at 11:50 on Wednesdays and arrives in Tokyo at 15:40 (Tokyo to Oshima only). The Kuroshio Maru, Ogasawara Maru and Salvia-Maru do not accept checked baggage on sailings to and from Oshima. Pets cannot travel on the Ogasawara Maru. From October 29, the timetable lists a large passenger ship leaving Tokyo at 22:00 and arriving Kozushima at 10:00 (with days off), but no restart date for the Tachibana-Maru has been announced (checked October 13, 2026).

Booking and the terminal are the same as for the Tokai Kisen jet ship above. For a second-class ticket on a large passenger ship, cancellation costs ¥500 from 29 days before up to departure time, and the full fare after departure.

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Tokai Kisen large passenger ship Salvia-Maru (from Takeshiba, Tokyo): Miyakejima, Mikurajima, Hachijojima

To Hachijojima, take the overnight Salvia-Maru: Tokyo 22:30, arriving Hachijojima at 8:55 the next morning (departures Saturday to Thursday, about 10 hours 25 minutes). Second class is ¥11,100. Friday departures call at Oshima, so they arrive at Miyakejima, Mikurajima and Hachijojima about 2 hours 15 minutes later, reaching Hachijojima at 11:10.

IslandArrival (Sat to Thu dep.)Arrival (Fri dep.)2nd class (from Tokyo)
OshimaNo call4:30 next day¥5,890
Miyakejima5:00 next day7:15¥8,870
Mikurajima6:008:15¥9,930
Hachijojima8:5511:10¥11,100

The return leaves Hachijojima at 9:40 (11:45 on Saturdays) and arrives in Tokyo at 20:55 (21:20 on Saturdays) (October 9 to 28; it calls at Oshima Sunday to Friday, but not on Saturdays). From October 29, there is one round trip every day: Tokyo 22:30, and Hachijojima 9:40 arriving Tokyo 19:50 (no call at Oshima). Fares are second class for October 2026; classes range from special second class up to special class. The Salvia-Maru has a pet room. Bad weather can cause cancellations or changed departure times.

Video from the official Tokai Kisen channel about the Salvia-Maru

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Izu Shoto Kaihatsu (from Hachijojima, Tokyo): Hachijojima to Aogashima

Hachijojima to Aogashima takes about 3 hours (81 km). An adult pays ¥3,470 (October 2026). There are no bookings; tickets are sold on the day only. The route is easily affected by wind, waves and currents, and the company recommends a relaxed schedule because sailings can be cancelled several days in a row.

ItemDetails (October 2026)
TimesHachijojima 9:30 → Aogashima 12:30. From Aogashima: 12:50 Monday to Wednesday (Hachijojima 15:50), 13:30 Friday and Saturday (16:30)
No sailingSundays, Thursdays (note: cargo work at Shibaura, 芝浦揚積作業), and Wednesdays October 21 and 28. Also December 29 to 31
Fare (one way)Adult ¥3,470, child ¥1,740 (November ¥3,630, December ¥3,840)
Go or no-goDecided at 7:00 that morning. Aogashima agent 04996-9-0033, Hachijojima agent 04996-2-1211

From Tokyo, the Salvia-Maru (Saturday to Thursday departures) reaches Hachijojima at 8:55, and the boat to Aogashima leaves at 9:30. With a 35-minute connection, Tokyo 22:30 to Aogashima 12:30 is the fastest, about 14 hours (if neither ship is delayed or cancelled). The Friday Salvia-Maru reaches Hachijojima at 11:10, too late for that day’s boat to Aogashima. Tickets are cash only at Yaene port on Hachijojima and at the Aogashima agent. Checked October 13, 2026.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel 青ヶ島ちゃんねる AOGASHIMA Channel

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Ogasawara Kaiun, Ogasawara Maru (from Takeshiba, Tokyo): Chichijima

Tokyo (Takeshiba) to Chichijima takes about 24 hours (Tokyo 11:00, arriving Chichijima 11:00 the next day). A second-class Japanese-style room is ¥28,610 (October 2026). The ship makes one round trip every 6 to 8 days, and you have about 3 days on the island between arrival and the sailing back to Tokyo. For the Tokyo departure on October 9, the ship reaches Chichijima at 11:00 on the 10th (11:40 with the Oshima call), leaves Chichijima at 15:00 on the 13th, and reaches Tokyo at 15:00 on the 14th (15:40 with the Oshima call).

ItemDetails
Sailing days (from Tokyo)October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 31; November 7, 13, 19 and 27
Fares (adult, one way, October)2nd-class Japanese-style room ¥28,610, 2nd-class berth ¥32,590, special 2nd-class berth ¥43,260, 1st class ¥59,900, special 1st class ¥77,240, special class ¥85,250. Child, 2nd-class Japanese-style room ¥14,310. In November the 2nd-class Japanese-style room is ¥30,030
BookingFrom the same date 2 months before the Tokyo departure (next business day if a weekend or holiday). The Tokyo sailing and the next Chichijima sailing go on sale together. For the New Year period (Tokyo departure December 29 to Chichijima departure January 2), sales start at 9:00 on October 29
PetsPet room (paid: 25% or 35% of the adult 2nd-class fare; no booking needed)

Service status (checked October 13, 2026): the Tokyo departures on October 9, 16 and 23 call at Oshima in both directions to replace Tokai Kisen sailings. Arrival at Chichijima and at Tokyo is 40 minutes later. Tickets between Oshima and Chichijima are not sold. Tokyo to Oshima tickets are booked and sold only through the Tokai Kisen customer center (03-5472-9999). Between Tokyo and Oshima, no baggage or cargo, including pets, is carried.

You can book online, by phone (03-6381-5499; weekdays 10:00 to 16:00, closed weekends, holidays and the New Year period), at the Tokai Kisen Takeshiba branch or at travel agencies. On the day of departure, if seats remain, same-day tickets are sold from 10:00 at counter 4 of the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal. Check-in runs from about 9:30 to about 10:40.

Video from the Ogasawara Village Tourism Bureau about the Ogasawara Maru (shown on the Ogasawara Kaiun official site)

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Izu Shoto Kaihatsu, Hahajima Maru (from Chichijima, Tokyo): Hahajima

Chichijima to Hahajima takes about 2 hours (Chichijima 7:30, Hahajima 9:30). An adult pays ¥5,020 (October 2026). There is no booking; buy your ticket on the day at the Chichijima waiting room. To reach Hahajima, you go from Takeshiba via Chichijima.

On days the Ogasawara Maru arrives at Chichijima, the Hahajima Maru leaves Chichijima at 12:00 (12:40 on October 9, 16 and 23) and arrives at Hahajima at 14:00. From Hahajima, the usual departure is 14:00, and 12:00 on days the Ogasawara Maru leaves. If you take the 11:00 Ogasawara Maru from Tokyo, you reach Hahajima at 14:00 on the day you arrive at Chichijima, about 27 hours from Tokyo. Check daily times on the official timetables of Ogasawara Kaiun and Izu Shoto Kaihatsu. The adult fare in November is ¥5,250. Private seats cost a usage fee on top of the second-class fare (A seat ¥5,000, B seat ¥3,000).

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel 半袖日記

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Routes not running

  • Tachibana-Maru (Tokai Kisen, large passenger ship from Tokyo to Oshima and Kozushima): not carrying passengers since a propeller problem on September 28, 2026. No restart date has been announced (checked October 13, 2026).
  • Seven Island Yui and Seven Island Tomo (Tokai Kisen jet ships): under an order to stop use, they do not run from October 9 to 28, 2026.
  • Tateyama to Oshima (Tokai Kisen): Tateyama port is listed in Tokai Kisen’s terminal guide, but the timetable for October 9, 2026 to January 31, 2027 has no sailings to or from Tateyama.
NameTokyo Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal
Address1-12-2 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
MapOpen in Google Maps ↗
Official siteOpen the official site ↗

2. Part 2: Ferries across Japan (travel from Tokyo to the port first)

Depends on the provider

These are routes you board after travelling from Tokyo to the port by car or train, in this order: Hokkaido; Kansai, the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku; Kyushu and Okinawa; and the Sea of Japan islands. Each region starts with a list table, followed by each company’s fares, times, booking and pet rules, and service changes. Unless stated otherwise, everything was checked on October 13, 2026. For driving routes and tolls, see the car tables for ports to Hokkaido and the Sea of Japan islands, ports in Kansai and ports in Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu.

This guide does not cover every route. It leaves out, for example, the Ise Bay Ferry (Toba to Irago), Kyushu Yusen from Hakata to Iki and Tsushima, high-speed boats from Kagoshima to Tanegashima and Yakushima, routes from Nagasaki and Hakata to the Goto Islands, the Toshima Village ferry, and routes to Koshikijima and the outer islands of Okinawa.

2.1 To Hokkaido (from ports in Miyagi, Aomori, Niigata, Akita, Fukui and Kyoto Prefectures)

Depends on the provider

No passenger ferry runs direct from a Tokyo port to Hokkaido; by car from Tokyo, you head for ports such as Sendai Port, Miyagi Prefecture (about 4 hours by expressway), Niigata Port, Niigata Prefecture (about 4 hours), or Hachinohe Port and Aomori Port in Aomori Prefecture (a little over 7 hours). Fares to Tomakomai start at ¥6,000 (from Hachinohe, about 8 hours), and to Hakodate at ¥2,700 (Seikan Ferry from Aomori, about 4 hours). For Sapporo, the easy connections are the three routes that arrive at Tomakomai West Port (from Oarai, Sendai and Hachinohe); for Hakodate, they are the two companies from Aomori. MOL Sunflower from Oarai Port, Ibaraki Prefecture to Tomakomai is in the Oarai section of Part 1. This section covers routes to Hokkaido and to the islands off Hokkaido (Rishiri, Rebun, Okushiri) by departure port. For driving to the port, see the car table for ports to Hokkaido.

CompanyFromToTimeAdult fare, one wayBooking
Taiheiyo FerrySendai Port, Miyagi PrefectureTomakomai Port, HokkaidoAbout 15 h 20 minFrom ¥9,500 (2nd-class Japanese-style room, period A)From 9:00, same date 2 months before
Silver FerryHachinohe Port, Aomori PrefectureTomakomai Port, HokkaidoAbout 7 h 15 min to 8 h 30 min¥6,000 (2nd class)From 9:00, 2 months before
Shin Nihonkai FerryNiigata Port, Niigata PrefectureOtaru Port, HokkaidoAbout 16 h 30 minFrom ¥10,500 (Tourist A)From 9:00, same date 3 months before
Shin Nihonkai Ferry (via Akita)Niigata Port, Niigata PrefectureTomakomai-higashi Port, Hokkaido (Atsuma Town)About 18 h 15 minFrom ¥10,500 (Tourist B, A)From 9:00, same date 3 months before
Shin Nihonkai FerryAkita Port, Akita PrefectureTomakomai-higashi Port, Hokkaido (Atsuma Town)About 10 h 30 minFrom ¥7,400 (Tourist B, A)From 9:00, same date 3 months before
Shin Nihonkai Ferry (direct)Tsuruga Port, Fukui PrefectureTomakomai-higashi Port, Hokkaido (Atsuma Town)About 20 h 35 minFrom ¥12,000 (Tourist A)From 9:00, same date 3 months before
Shin Nihonkai Ferry (via Niigata and Akita)Tsuruga Port, Fukui PrefectureTomakomai-higashi Port, Hokkaido (Atsuma Town)About 46 hours (stays in Niigata)From ¥12,000 (Tourist B, A)From 9:00, same date 3 months before
Shin Nihonkai FerryMaizuru Port, Kyoto PrefectureOtaru Port, HokkaidoAbout 21 hoursFrom ¥12,000 (Tourist A)From 9:00, same date 3 months before
Tsugaru Kaikyo FerryAomori Port, Aomori PrefectureHakodate Port, HokkaidoAbout 3 h 35 min to 3 h 45 minFrom ¥3,160 (Standard, period A)Online from 9:00, 3 months before
Seikan FerryAomori Port, Aomori PrefectureHakodate Port, HokkaidoAbout 3 h 50 min to 4 hours¥2,700 (2nd class, October to May)From 9:00, same date 2 months before
Tsugaru Kaikyo FerryOma Port, Aomori Prefecture (Oma Town)Hakodate Port, HokkaidoAbout 1 h 30 minFrom ¥2,520 (Standard, period A)Online from 9:00, 3 months before
Tsugaru Kaikyo FerryAomori Port, Aomori PrefectureMuroran Port, HokkaidoAbout 7 hoursFrom ¥5,590 (Standard, period A)Online from 9:00, 3 months before
Heart Land FerryWakkanai Port, HokkaidoRishiri and Rebun, HokkaidoWakkanai to Oshidomari about 1 h 40 min; to Kafuka about 1 h 55 min¥3,590 (Oshidomari), ¥3,950 (Kafuka)Same date 2 months before
Okushiri Island FerryEsashi Port, Hokkaido (Esashi Town)Okushiri, Hokkaido (Okushiri Town)About 2 h 10 minFrom ¥3,490 (2nd class)Same date 2 months before (2nd-class free seating: at the counter on the day)

Taiheiyo Ferry (from Sendai Port, Miyagi Prefecture): Sendai to Tomakomai Port, Hokkaido

The ship leaves Sendai at 19:40 and reaches Tomakomai at 11:00 the next day, about 15 hours 20 minutes. An adult in a second-class Japanese-style room pays ¥9,500 (period A, boarding from October 1 to December 25, 2026, one way). Sendai to Tomakomai runs every day; the ship from Nagoya to Tomakomai runs every other day.

SectionTimesDaysAdult (period A)Car under 6 m
Sendai → Tomakomai19:40 → 11:00 next day (about 15 h 20 min)Daily2nd-class Japanese-style ¥9,500¥29,900
Tomakomai → Sendai19:00 → 10:00 next day (about 15 h)Daily2nd-class Japanese-style ¥9,500¥29,900
Nagoya → Tomakomai (via Sendai)19:00 → 11:00 two days later (about 40 h)Every other day2nd-class Japanese-style ¥12,300¥39,300

The lowest-priced class has a different name on each ship. On the Ishikari and Kiso it is a second-class Japanese-style room; on the Kitakami it is a C berth. Both are ¥9,500. Higher cabins from Sendai to Tomakomai are B berth ¥11,900, S berth ¥13,700, first-class Western ¥16,000 and special Western ¥24,200. From December 26, period B applies: second-class Japanese-style Sendai to Tomakomai is ¥10,600, and a car is ¥33,300. A bicycle is ¥3,000, and a motorcycle over 50 cc and up to 400 cc is ¥13,000. A car fare includes the second-class or C-berth fare for one driver.

Booking opens at 9:00 on the same date 2 months before boarding, online and by phone. Dogs, cats and small animals can travel if they fit in a cage up to 70 cm wide and 130 cm long. Dogs need rabies and combination vaccinations. There is a pet house on board. As a rule, pets cannot stay in the car (with an exception only on the short Sendai to Tomakomai section).

Latest service information (checked October 13, 2026): because of a fault in the quay equipment at Tomakomai West Port, some sailings had been using a different quay. Normal operations resumed on October 11, 2026 (notice dated October 10). Air-conditioning work is underway at the Tomakomai West Port ferry terminal, and there is guidance on using the 2nd-floor lobby.

Getting to the port: to Sendai port, take a Miyagi Kotsu bus from Sendai Station via Nakanosakae Station, about 33 minutes plus about 13 minutes. From Nakanosakae Station on the Senseki Line, it is about 10 minutes by bus. From Tomakomai West Port to Sapporo, see the Oarai to Tomakomai route in Part 1.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel 西上いつき【鉄道ゼミ】 (featured on the Taiheiyo Ferry official site)

Silver Ferry (from Hachinohe Port, Aomori Prefecture): Hachinohe to Tomakomai Port, Hokkaido

Four ships a day leave Hachinohe, at 8:45, 13:00, 17:30 and 22:00, and take about 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes. The adult second-class fare is ¥6,000 (until December 31, 2026, one way). From boarding on January 1, 2027, second class becomes ¥6,500.

SectionTimes (4 sailings daily)
Hachinohe → Tomakomai8:45 → 16:00 / 13:00 → 20:15 / 17:30 → 1:30 next day / 22:00 → 6:00 next day
Tomakomai → Hachinohe5:00 → 13:30 / 9:30 → 18:00 / 21:15 → 4:45 next day / 23:59 → 7:30 next day
CabinAdult (to December 31, 2026)Adult (from January 1, 2027)
2nd class¥6,000¥6,500
2nd-class berth B¥7,500¥8,500
2nd-class berth A, View Seat¥9,000¥11,000
1st class¥12,000¥14,000
Special class¥15,000¥17,500

Car fares are ¥22,000 under 4 m, ¥28,000 under 5 m and ¥34,000 under 6 m, including the second-class fare for one driver (until December 31, 2026). A bicycle is ¥3,100, a motorcycle up to 125 cc ¥6,200, over 125 cc ¥8,300 and 750 cc and over ¥10,400, plus the passenger fare. Booking opens at 9:00 two months before boarding. Online bookings get 10% off.

Pets cannot go into passenger cabins; they can stay in the car, or, for small dogs and cats only, use a first-class pet-friendly room or the pet room (cage room). The service information on the official top page said “operating normally” as of October 13, 2026.

Getting to the port: about 20 minutes by taxi from Hachinohe Station, or about 15 minutes from Hon-Hachinohe Station. The Nanbu Bus shuttle from Hon-Hachinohe Station (about 20 minutes) runs only early in the morning and at night, for example at 7:30 and 20:50. From Tomakomai West Port to Sapporo, see the Oarai to Tomakomai route in Part 1 (Donan Bus to JR Tomakomai Station about 20 minutes, taxi about 15 minutes, about 100 minutes by car to central Sapporo).

Video from the official Silver Ferry channel: how to board

Shin Nihonkai Ferry (from Niigata Port, Niigata Prefecture and Akita Port, Akita Prefecture): Niigata to Otaru, Niigata and Akita to Tomakomai-higashi

Niigata to Otaru leaves Niigata at 12:00 and arrives at 4:30 the next day, about 16 hours 30 minutes. An adult in Tourist A pays ¥10,500 (period A, boarding from October 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027, one way). To Tomakomai-higashi port, the sailing from Niigata via Akita is ¥10,500, and from Akita it is ¥7,400.

SectionTimesDaysAdult (period A)Car (under 3 m to under 6 m)
Niigata → Otaru12:00 → 4:30 next day (about 16 h 30 min)Tue to Sun¥10,500¥23,500 to ¥35,000
Otaru → Niigata16:45 → 9:15 next day (about 16 h 30 min)Mon to Sat¥10,500¥23,500 to ¥35,000
Niigata → Tomakomai-higashi (via Akita)22:30 → Akita 5:05 next day, dep. 6:15 → 16:45 (about 18 h 15 min)Mon, Wed, Fri¥10,500¥23,500 to ¥35,000
Tomakomai-higashi → Niigata (via Akita)19:30 → Akita 7:35 next day, dep. 8:35 → 15:30 (about 20 h)Tue, Thu, Sat¥10,500¥23,500 to ¥35,000
Akita → Tomakomai-higashi6:15 → 16:45 (about 10 h 30 min)Tue, Thu, Sat¥7,400¥17,000 to ¥31,000
Tomakomai-higashi → Akita19:30 → 7:35 next day (about 12 h)Tue, Thu, Sat¥7,400¥17,000 to ¥31,000

These are the times after the timetable change on October 1, 2026. There are irregular sailings and days off, so check the monthly sailing schedule (PDF). A car fare includes the Tourist fare for one driver; for vehicles 6 m and over, ¥4,800 (period A) is added for each extra metre. Elementary school children pay half the adult fare, and one child under school age per adult rides free, sharing the adult’s bed. Booking opens at 9:00 on the same date 3 months before boarding.

Pets cannot go into passenger cabins. Use a pet cage (baggage fare ¥4,000, period A) or a With Pet cabin. On Niigata to Otaru, a With Pet cabin adds ¥14,000 to the State A fare (period A). The company ends its unaccompanied vehicle service for all sailings leaving on or after December 1, 2026.

Getting to the port (Niigata): from stop 5 at the JR Niigata Station bus terminal, take the Rinko-cho Line bus, about 15 minutes, ¥260. Buses that connect with the 12:00 sailing leave at 10:44 on weekdays and 10:39 on weekends and holidays. A taxi takes about 15 minutes. You cannot leave a car at the port and board on foot.

Getting from the port: from Otaru port to JR Otaru Station, the Hokkaido Chuo Bus takes about 25 minutes for ¥240 (leaving the terminal at 21:30), or about 10 minutes by taxi. From Otaru Station to Sapporo, take the JR Hakodate Line. By car, the port is about 3 minutes from the Otaru IC on the Sasson Expressway. From Tomakomai-higashi port, a connecting bus (Donan Bus) runs to JR Minami-Chitose Station after the ferry arrives, about 45 minutes, ¥1,500. JR Tomakomai Station is about 30 km away, about 40 minutes by taxi. If you booked online, apply for the connecting bus by the day before. From Akita port, a connecting bus runs to JR Akita Station in about 30 minutes for ¥560 (no bus connects with the 6:15 sailing from Akita).

Video from the official Shin Nihonkai Ferry channel about travelling to Hokkaido

Shin Nihonkai Ferry (from Tsuruga Port, Fukui Prefecture and Maizuru Port, Kyoto Prefecture): Tsuruga to Tomakomai-higashi, Maizuru to Otaru

The direct sailing from Tsuruga to Tomakomai-higashi leaves Tsuruga at 23:55 and arrives at 20:30 the next day, about 20 hours 35 minutes. Maizuru to Otaru leaves Maizuru at 23:50 and arrives at 20:45 the next day, about 21 hours. Both cost an adult ¥12,000 in Tourist A (period A, one way). There are also sailings from Tsuruga via Niigata and Akita.

SectionTimesDaysCar (under 3 m to under 6 m)
Tsuruga → Tomakomai-higashi (direct)23:55 → 20:30 next day (about 20 h 35 min)Daily (some days off)¥33,400 to ¥45,400
Tomakomai-higashi → Tsuruga (direct)23:30 → 20:30 next day (about 21 h)Daily (some days off)¥33,400 to ¥45,400
Tsuruga → Tomakomai-higashi (via Niigata, Akita)18:30 → Niigata 6:00 next day, dep. 22:30 → Akita 5:05 two days later, dep. 6:15 → 16:45 (about 46 h)Tue, Thu, Sun¥33,400 to ¥45,400
Tomakomai-higashi → Tsuruga (via Akita, Niigata)19:30 → Akita 7:35 next day, dep. 8:35 → Niigata 15:30, dep. 17:30 → 6:00 two days later (about 34 h 30 min)Tue, Thu, Sat¥33,400 to ¥45,400
Maizuru → Otaru23:50 → 20:45 next day (about 21 h)Daily (some irregular days)¥33,400 to ¥45,400
Otaru → Maizuru23:30 → 21:15 next day (about 21 h 45 min)Daily (some irregular days)¥33,400 to ¥45,400

The sailing from Tsuruga via Niigata and Akita reaches Niigata at 6:00 the next day and stays in port until 22:30 that day. You can go ashore for a while in Niigata (official guidance on going out at Niigata port). Between Tsuruga and Tomakomai-higashi, the direct sailing gets there in about 20 hours. The fare on the sailing via Niigata is ¥12,000 in Tourist B or A from Tsuruga to Tomakomai-higashi. From Maizuru, a With Pet cabin adds ¥24,000 to the State S fare (period A). Booking opens at 9:00 on the same date 3 months before boarding.

Latest service information (checked October 13, 2026): the Hokuriku Expressway section to Maizuru and Tsuruga ports (Maizuru-nishi IC to Obama IC) is closed at night from 20:00 to 6:00 the next morning on each day from October 13 to 23, 2026, except Saturdays and Sundays.

Getting to the port: to Tsuruga port, take a Fukui Railway bus from stop 6 at the west exit (Machinami exit) of JR Tsuruga Station, about 15 minutes, ¥350. From October 1, buses leave at 16:00 (only on days with an 18:30 sailing) and 20:20 (only on days with a 23:55 sailing). To Maizuru port, connecting buses leave Kobe Sannomiya at 20:00 (arriving 22:10) and Osaka Namba OCAT at 20:30 (arriving 22:50). They need a booking, run only on sailing days and can be booked from 1 month before. From the north exit of JR Higashi-Maizuru Station, a taxi takes about 7 minutes.

Video from the official Shin Nihonkai Ferry channel: boarding guide for foot passengers

Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry (from Aomori Port, Aomori Prefecture): Aomori to Hakodate Port, Hokkaido

Six round trips a day leave Aomori between 2:30 and 22:25 and take about 3 hours 35 to 45 minutes. An adult in Standard pays ¥3,160 (period A, boarding from October 1 to December 26, 2026, one way). From Hakodate, sailings leave between 3:20 and 22:05.

SectionTimes (regular timetable)
Aomori → Hakodate2:30 → 6:10 / 6:25 → 10:05 / 10:15 → 13:55 / 14:20 → 18:00 / 17:15 → 20:50 / 22:25 → 2:05 next day
Hakodate → Aomori3:20 → 7:00 / 7:40 → 11:20 / 12:30 → 16:05 / 17:30 → 21:10 / 20:15 → 24:00 / 22:05 → 1:45 next day
CabinPeriod APeriod B (Dec 27 to Jan 3)
Standard¥3,160¥3,720
View Seat¥3,700¥4,400
Comfort¥4,250¥5,090
Suite¥5,930¥7,180

Children pay half. Car fares are ¥17,900 for a kei car (under 4 m) and ¥21,260 under 6 m, including the Standard fare for one driver (period A). A bicycle is ¥1,250, a motorcycle up to 125 cc ¥1,810, under 750 cc ¥2,710 and 750 cc and over ¥3,620, plus the passenger fare. Online booking runs from 9:00 three months before boarding to 23:59 two days before, with 10% off. Phone booking runs from 9:00 three months before boarding until 4 hours before departure.

Pets can use the Dog Room (¥1,040) or a Private Dog Room (¥12,570), or stay in the car. The Dog Room takes small and medium dogs up to 20 kg; the First (dog-friendly room) and Private Dog Room take dogs up to 30 kg.

Cancellations and timetable changes (checked October 13, 2026): for statutory ship inspections, some sailings are cancelled and times change from January 14 to February 27, 2027 (notice dated October 13). On January 14, sailing 22 from Hakodate (20:15) does not run; from January 15 to February 26, sailing 22 from Hakodate and sailing 13 from Aomori (14:20) do not run; on February 27, sailing 13 from Aomori does not run. Some sailings also have days off over the New Year period (December 29 to January 5).

Getting to the port: the Aomori ferry terminal is about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Shin-Aomori Station or the west exit of JR Aomori Station. A fixed-fare taxi for ferry passengers costs ¥1,200 from either station and must be booked by phone in advance. From Hakodate port, a connecting shuttle bus runs from stop 11 at JR Hakodate Station, about 30 minutes, ¥320. A fixed-fare taxi from Hakodate port to JR Hakodate Station (booked in advance) is ¥1,800. From Hakodate to Sapporo, the fastest JR limited express Hokuto takes 3 hours 29 minutes (JR Hokkaido’s announcement for the March 2025 timetable change).

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel 腰人.こしんちゅの休日

Seikan Ferry (from Aomori Port, Aomori Prefecture): Aomori to Hakodate Port, Hokkaido

Seikan Ferry runs 8 round trips a day from both Aomori and Hakodate, between 2:00 and 23:30, taking about 3 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours. An adult in second class pays ¥2,700 (October to May; ¥3,200 June to September), one way. Cars are ¥17,200 under 4 m, ¥19,100 under 5 m and ¥20,700 under 6 m (October to May, including the second-class fare for one driver).

SectionTimes (same from Aomori and Hakodate)
Aomori → Hakodate / Hakodate → Aomori2:00 → 5:50 / 4:30 → 8:30 / 8:10 → 12:10 / 11:35 → 15:25 / 14:35 → 18:25 / 18:00 → 21:50 / 20:30 → 0:20 / 23:30 → 3:20

Children (elementary school) pay ¥1,350. A State Room is ¥6,500 per room. A bicycle is ¥810, a motorcycle up to 125 cc ¥1,620, under 750 cc ¥2,440 and 750 cc and over ¥3,260 (October to May), plus the passenger fare. Phone booking opens at 9:00 on the same date 2 months before boarding; web booking runs from 9:00 on the same date 2 months before until 23:59 two days before. Pets cannot go into passenger cabins; if you travel by car, they wait in the car.

Cancellations (checked October 13, 2026): for the statutory inspection and maintenance of the Hayabusa III, from November 9 to 18, 2026, sailings 5 (8:10) and 13 (20:30) from Aomori and sailings 2 (2:00) and 10 (14:35) from Hakodate do not run. At Aomori port, car park construction inside the ferry pier area continues until early December.

Getting to the port: the Aomori terminal (2-11-1 Okidate, Aomori) is about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Aomori Station or from Shin-Aomori Station. You can also take a city bus from stop 6 at the east exit of Aomori Station to “Nitta” (新田), about 15 minutes, and walk 10 minutes. The Hakodate terminal (5-11 Asano-cho, Hakodate) is about 10 minutes by taxi from Hakodate Station.

Video from the official Seikan Ferry channel about the new ship Hayabusa III

Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry (from Oma Port, Aomori Prefecture): Oma to Hakodate Port, Hokkaido

Oma to Hakodate takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, with 2 round trips a day: from Oma at 6:50 and 13:40, from Hakodate at 9:10 and 16:00. An adult in Standard pays ¥2,520 (period A, one way). Cars are ¥13,650 for a kei car and ¥17,000 under 6 m.

SectionTimes (regular timetable)Fare (period A)
Oma → Hakodate6:50 → 8:20 / 13:40 → 15:10Standard ¥2,520
Hakodate → Oma9:10 → 10:40 / 16:00 → 17:30First Seat ¥3,190

Over the New Year (departures December 31 to January 3), there is only one sailing each way: Hakodate 16:00 and Oma 8:10. A bicycle is ¥840, a motorcycle up to 125 cc ¥1,250, under 750 cc ¥1,670 and 750 cc and over ¥2,100. The Dog Room is ¥840. Booking conditions are the same as for Aomori to Hakodate above.

From Tokyo: no railway reaches Oma. The shinkansen to Shin-Aomori takes about 3 hours 14 minutes (JR East), and the Shimokita Kotsu bus from Shimokita Station on the JR Ominato Line takes about 2 hours (adult ¥2,090), so shinkansen plus bus takes more than 5 hours. By car, Oma is about 3 hours 10 minutes from the Aomori-higashi IC. Whether you can leave Tokyo in the morning and catch the 13:40 sailing the same day depends on the timetables; check each company’s.

From Hakodate port into town: the same as for Aomori to Hakodate above.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel 栗山フウフ

Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry (from Aomori Port, Aomori Prefecture): Aomori to Muroran Port, Hokkaido

The ship leaves Aomori at 10:40 and reaches Muroran at 17:25, about 7 hours. An adult in Standard pays ¥5,590 (period A, one way). From Muroran it leaves at 20:50 and reaches Aomori at 3:50 the next day. There is one round trip a day.

CabinPeriod APeriod B (Dec 27 to Jan 3)
Standard¥5,590¥6,100
View Seat¥6,870¥7,500
Comfort¥8,140¥8,900
First¥10,690¥11,700
Suite¥13,230¥14,500

Cars are ¥20,990 for a kei car and ¥26,450 under 6 m, including the Standard fare for one driver. A bicycle is ¥2,730 and a motorcycle up to 125 cc ¥5,450. Over the New Year, there are no sailings from Muroran from December 29 to January 3, or from Aomori from December 30 to January 4.

From Muroran to Sapporo: Muroran Station is about 15 minutes on foot from the Muroran ferry terminal. In the JR Hokkaido timetable (revised March 14, 2026), the limited express Suzuran 11 leaves Muroran Station at 18:13 and reaches Sapporo at 19:58.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel エンイチぶらり旅。

Heart Land Ferry (from Wakkanai Port, Hokkaido): Wakkanai to Rishiri and Rebun

Wakkanai to Rishiri Island (Oshidomari) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, and an adult in second class pays ¥3,590. Wakkanai to Rebun Island (Kafuka) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes and costs ¥3,950 (2026, one way). In October, there are 3 round trips from Wakkanai to Oshidomari, at 6:45, 10:10 and 14:30; from November 1 to December 31, there are 2.

Section2nd class1st classCar (under 3 m to under 6 m)
Wakkanai to Oshidomari (Rishiri)¥3,590¥6,610¥16,540 to ¥34,450
Wakkanai to Kafuka (Rebun)¥3,950¥7,270¥18,610 to ¥38,580
Oshidomari to Kafuka¥1,800¥3,290¥6,070 to ¥12,590

October times (1st to 31st): Wakkanai to Oshidomari 6:45 → 8:25, 10:10 → 11:50 and 14:30 → 16:10; Oshidomari to Wakkanai 8:55 → 10:35, 14:35 → 16:15 and 16:40 → 18:20. Wakkanai to Kafuka 6:30 → 8:25 and 14:45 → 16:40; the 10:10 sailing goes via Oshidomari and arrives at 13:00. Kafuka to Wakkanai 8:55 → 10:50 and 17:05 → 19:00; the 13:25 sailing goes via Oshidomari and arrives at 16:15. Oshidomari to Kafuka 12:15 → 13:00, and Kafuka to Oshidomari 13:25 → 14:10. From November 1 to December 31, Wakkanai to Oshidomari leaves Wakkanai at 6:55 and 14:00, and Oshidomari at 9:05 and 17:30.

Children (elementary school) pay half. One driver rides in second class on the vehicle fare. A bicycle is ¥3,300 and a motorcycle ¥7,000 (¥12,000 for 750 cc and over). Booking opens on the same date 2 months before boarding, including web booking. For pets, contact the branch in advance. Pets must be in a cage, and on board you follow the cabin crew’s instructions.

Latest service information (checked October 13, 2026): whether ships sail is decided at about 5:30 that morning. The Boreas Soya retires on October 31, 2026, after 23 years in service. The on-board shop closes for the season on October 31, and the restaurant in the Wakkanai port ferry terminal closed on October 1.

From Tokyo: ANA flies direct from Haneda to Wakkanai Airport (the route appears on ANA’s fare search page). From Wakkanai Airport to the Wakkanai port ferry terminal, the bus takes about 35 minutes (¥800) and a taxi about 30 minutes. The terminal (2-7-1 Kaiun, Wakkanai) is about 15 minutes on foot from JR Wakkanai Station, or about 2 minutes by taxi.

Video from the Heart Land Ferry channel introducing the Rishiri and Rebun route, its ships and its work

Okushiri Island Ferry (from Esashi Port, Hokkaido): Esashi to Okushiri

Esashi to Okushiri takes about 2 hours 10 minutes, and an adult in second class pays ¥3,490 (October 1 to December 31, 2026, one way). From October 1 to November 30, there is one round trip a day: Esashi 13:00, arriving Okushiri 15:10, and Okushiri 7:00, arriving Esashi 9:10.

SectionTimes (Oct 1 to Nov 30)Times (December)2nd classCar (under 3 m to under 6 m)
Esashi → Okushiri13:00 → 15:1013:00 → 15:20¥3,490¥16,530 to ¥33,120
Okushiri → Esashi7:00 → 9:107:30 → 9:50¥3,490¥16,530 to ¥33,120

A first-class Island View Seat is ¥6,420, and a second-class reserved seat is ¥4,150. Children pay half. Booking opens on the same date 2 months before boarding, for the special room, first class, second-class reserved seats and vehicles. Second-class free seating cannot be booked; buy your ticket at the counter on the day. Motorcycles and bicycles cannot be booked.

Esashi port (checked October 13, 2026): because of quay improvement work, boarding moved to the Shin-Kita pier from October 1, 2026. A free shuttle bus is planned from the Esashi ferry terminal to the pier until February 28, 2027 (check in at the terminal at least 40 minutes before departure). Because of the work, you may not be able to park at the Esashi car park until about March 31, 2028.

From Tokyo: take the shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (the Hayabusa 5 arrives at 12:15) or to Kikonai, then change to a bus to Esashi. To catch the 13:00 sailing from Esashi on the same day, the earliest shinkansen from Tokyo is the Hayabusa 1 at 6:32 (Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto 10:53). From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto or Kikonai Station to Esashi, you change buses (the official guide has an access map).

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel nagomi view

Routes not running

  • Scheduled passenger ferries direct from Tokyo ports (Ariake, Takeshiba) to Hokkaido: not on any operator’s official route list. The gateway from the Tokyo area is Oarai port.
  • Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen (Silver Ferry) routes linking Muroran and Miyako: the only route on the official site is Hachinohe to Tomakomai.
  • The former ship Akashia on Shin Nihonkai Ferry’s Maizuru to Otaru route: the official route page lists the Keyaki and Hamanasu as the ships in service (checked October 13, 2026).

2.2 From ports in Kansai, the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku (Osaka, Hyogo, Wakayama, Kagawa, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi and Ehime Prefectures)

Depends on the provider

By car from Tokyo Station, Osaka Nanko, Osaka Prefecture and Kobe Port, Hyogo Prefecture are about 5 hours 30 to 50 minutes by expressway (about 510 to 530 km); take an evening ferry from there and you reach Beppu Port or Oita Port in Oita Prefecture, Shinmoji Port in Fukuoka Prefecture, Shibushi Port in Kagoshima Prefecture, Miyazaki Port in Miyazaki Prefecture or Toyo Port in Ehime Prefecture the next morning. For these routes, you travel from Tokyo to ports in Osaka, Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima and other cities and board there. Takamatsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture, Hiroshima Port in Hiroshima Prefecture, Yanai Port and Tokuyama Port in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and Matsuyama Kanko Port, Yawatahama Port and Misaki Port in Ehime Prefecture are about 650 to 890 km from Tokyo by expressway. If you are taking your car to Shikoku or Kyushu, also compare the ferries from Ariake and Yokosuka in Part 1. By train, take the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen (train table).

CompanyFromToTimeAdult fare, one wayBooking
Hankyu FerryIzumiotsu Port, Osaka PrefectureShinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture (Kitakyushu)About 12 h 30 minFrom ¥8,470From 2 months before
Hankyu Ferry (cancelled until January 3, 2027)Kobe Port, Rokko Island, Hyogo PrefectureShinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture (Kitakyushu)About 12 h 30 minFrom ¥8,470From 2 months before
Meimon Taiyo FerryOsaka Nanko, Osaka PrefectureShinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture (Kitakyushu)About 12 h 30 min to 12 h 40 minFrom ¥8,580 (October; December from ¥7,700)Same date 2 months before
MOL SunflowerOsaka Nanko, Osaka PrefectureBeppu Port, Oita PrefectureAbout 11 h 50 min to 12 h 05 minFrom ¥15,390Same date 3 months before
MOL SunflowerKobe Port, Rokko Island, Hyogo PrefectureOita Port, Oita PrefectureAbout 11 h 20 min to 12 h 25 minFrom ¥15,390Same date 3 months before
MOL SunflowerOsaka Nanko, Osaka PrefectureShibushi Port, Kagoshima PrefectureAbout 15 h to 15 h 55 minFrom ¥20,550Same date 3 months before
Miyazaki Car FerryKobe Sannomiya Ferry Terminal, Hyogo PrefectureMiyazaki Port, Miyazaki PrefectureAbout 13 h 30 min to 14 h 40 minFrom ¥10,060 (Tourist, web “Fune-wari 30”). ¥14,360 by phoneSame date 2 months before
Jumbo FerryKobe Sannomiya Ferry Terminal, Hyogo PrefectureTakamatsu-higashi Port, Kagawa Prefecture; ShodoshimaAbout 4 h 15 min to 4 h 45 min¥1,990 (online ¥1,890)From 60 days before
Nankai FerryWakayama Port, Wakayama PrefectureTokushima Port, Tokushima PrefectureAbout 2 h 5 min to 2 h 20 min¥2,500Web until 3 hours before sailing
Shikoku Orange FerryOsaka Nanko, Osaka PrefectureToyo Port, Ehime Prefecture (Saijo City)About 8 hoursFrom ¥7,700Same date 2 months before
Shikoku Orange FerryKobe Port, Rokko Island, Hyogo PrefectureNiihama-higashi Port, Ehime PrefectureAbout 7 hoursFrom ¥7,700Same date 2 months before
Shodoshima FerryTakamatsu Port, Kagawa PrefectureTonosho Port, Shodoshima, Kagawa PrefectureAbout 60 min (high-speed boat about 35 min)¥700 (high-speed boat ¥1,400)Ferry from 2 months before (web only)
Shodoshima FerryOkayama Port, Okayama PrefectureTonosho Port, Shodoshima, Kagawa PrefectureAbout 70 min¥1,300Through the Kokusai Ryobi Ferry group
Shodoshima FerryHimeji Port, Hyogo PrefectureFukuda Port, Shodoshima, Kagawa PrefectureAbout 100 min¥2,100Vehicles with a booking go first
Setonaikaikisen (ferry)Hiroshima Port and Kure Port, Hiroshima PrefectureMatsuyama Kanko Port, Ehime PrefectureAbout 2 h 40 min¥6,000 (Hiroshima to Matsuyama)Vehicles by phone or email. Foot passengers buy on the day
Setonaikaikisen (high-speed boat)Hiroshima Port and Kure Port, Hiroshima PrefectureMatsuyama Kanko Port, Ehime PrefectureAbout 1 h 20 min¥9,000 (Hiroshima to Matsuyama)Booking advised for some sailings
Boyo FerryYanai Port, Yamaguchi PrefectureMitsuhama Port, Ehime Prefecture (Matsuyama)About 2 h 30 min¥5,000Vehicles from the 1st of the month 2 months before. No booking for foot passengers
Suonada FerryTokuyama Port, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Shunan City)Takedazu Port, Oita Prefecture (Kunisaki City)About 2 hours¥3,950 (plus ¥300 fuel surcharge)Cars only, on the web, from 2 months before (no booking for motorcycles)
Kyushi Orange FerryYawatahama Port, Ehime PrefectureUsuki Port, Oita PrefectureAbout 2 h 25 min¥2,900Same date 2 months before
Uwajima UnyuYawatahama Port, Ehime PrefectureUsuki Port, Oita PrefectureAbout 2 h 25 min¥4,200Phone or online
Uwajima UnyuYawatahama Port, Ehime PrefectureBeppu Port, Oita PrefectureAbout 2 h 50 min¥5,300Phone or online
Kokudo Kyushi FerryMisaki Port, Ehime Prefecture (Ikata Town)Saganoseki Port, Oita Prefecture (Oita City)About 70 min¥1,320From 59 days before

Hankyu Ferry (from Izumiotsu Port, Osaka Prefecture and Kobe Port, Hyogo Prefecture, to Shinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture)

Izumiotsu to Shinmoji leaves at 17:30 and arrives at 6:00 the next day, about 12 hours 30 minutes. An adult in a Standard Japanese-style room pays ¥8,470 (period A in October and November 2026). Period A in December 2026 is ¥8,030. Fares include the fuel price adjustment and consumption tax. Which days are periods A to D depends on direction and date, so check the official fare calendar (for sailings from Shinmoji in October 2026, the 1st to 17th are period A, the 18th to 25th period B and the 26th to 31st period C).

RouteTimesAdult fare (one way)Car (under 3 m)Booking
Izumiotsu to ShinmojiOne sailing a day each way. 17:30 → 6:00 next dayStandard Japanese-style ¥8,470 to ¥13,750 (Oct and Nov 2026, periods A to D)¥17,600 to ¥22,000 (periods A to D; over 6 m, ¥4,400 to ¥6,160 more per metre)From 2 months before. 20% online discount (not in periods C and D)
Kobe to ShinmojiSun to Thu: Kobe 18:30 → 7:00 next day, Shinmoji 18:40 → 7:10 next day. Fri and Sat: 20:00 → 8:30 next day both waysSame fare table as IzumiotsuSame as IzumiotsuSame as above

Kobe to Shinmoji is cancelled from October 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027 for maintenance on the ship Yamato. Sailings from January 4, 2027 have not been decided (official notice dated October 6, 2026). There is no refund fee for cancelling an existing booking. For sailing days during this period, check the official monthly schedule.

Pets can travel for a pet room fee (medium from ¥1,650, large from ¥2,200; the fee rises from period A to D) or a With Pet fee (¥11,000 to ¥19,800). The amounts in the fare table are the range for periods A to D in October 2026.

Video from the official Hankyu Ferry channel

Meimon Taiyo Ferry (from Osaka Nanko, Osaka Prefecture, to Shinmoji Port, Fukuoka Prefecture)

Osaka Nanko to Shinmoji has 2 sailings a day. The adult fare in Economy is ¥8,580 in period A in October 2026, ¥8,140 in November and ¥7,700 in December (including tax and the fuel price adjustment). Sailing 1 leaves at 17:00 and arrives at 5:30 the next day; sailing 2 leaves at 19:50 and arrives at 8:30 the next day. Times are the same in both directions (October 2026 schedule).

ItemDetails
Fares (adult, one way)Economy ¥8,580 (period A) to ¥12,210 (period C). Tourist from ¥9,900 (both October 2026; lower in November and December)
CarsUnder 3 m ¥17,820 to ¥22,770, under 4 m ¥22,220 to ¥29,150 (periods A to C, October 2026). Includes the Economy fare for one driver
MotorcyclesBicycle from ¥2,750, moped (under 125 cc) from ¥4,400, 750 cc and over from ¥8,580 (passenger fare separate)
BookingFrom 9:00 on the same date 2 months before boarding. Up to 14 people and 14 vehicles per booking. Web booking cannot book round trips; book each way separately
Check-inCars: arrive 60 minutes before departure (90 minutes in period C). Foot passengers: 30 minutes before
PetsThe Ferry Kyoto and Ferry Fukuoka do not accept pets (official important notice)

Check the dates of periods A to C in the official fare calendar. Fares in November and December 2026 are lower than in October.

Video from the official Meimon Taiyo Ferry channel: a drone tour inside the Ferry Kyoto

MOL Sunflower (from Osaka Nanko, Osaka Prefecture and Kobe Port, Hyogo Prefecture, to Oita and Kagoshima Prefectures)

For Osaka to Beppu and Kobe to Oita, the adult base fare in a Private Bed starts at ¥15,390 (period A). For Osaka to Shibushi (Kagoshima), it starts at ¥20,550 (October to December 2026, one way, including the fuel price adjustment). All three routes have one sailing a day, leaving in the evening and arriving the next morning.

RouteTimes (1 sailing a day)Adult base fare (periods A to D)Car (under 4 m)
Osaka to BeppuFrom Osaka: Sun to Thu 19:05, Fri and Sat 20:05; Beppu 6:55 or 7:55 next day. From Beppu: 18:45 or 19:20; Osaka 6:35 or 7:25 next day¥15,390 to ¥22,700¥36,990 to ¥48,490
Kobe to OitaFrom Kobe: Sun to Thu 19:00, Fri and Sat 19:50; Oita 6:20 or 7:20 next day. From Oita: 19:20 or 19:30; Kobe 6:40 or 7:55 next day¥15,390 to ¥22,700¥36,990 to ¥48,490
Osaka to ShibushiFrom Osaka: Mon to Sat 17:55, Sun 17:00; Shibushi 8:55 next day. From Shibushi: Mon to Fri 17:55, Sat 18:30, Sun 17:00; Osaka 7:40 next day (7:50 after a Friday departure, 8:50 after a Saturday departure)¥20,550 to ¥29,880¥47,610 to ¥61,110

Fares rise from period A to D. Higher cabin classes add a difference. The web discount is 5% (periods A and B only). Booking opens at 9:00 on the same date 3 months before boarding.

Pets can use a With Pet Room for a room fee of ¥8,700 per room (periods A and B; ¥12,800 in periods C and D), or stay in a cage in the pet room (¥2,000 per cage).

For scheduled dock work, these routes run every other day in the following periods (official notice updated July 14, 2026): Kobe to Oita from November 27 to December 12, 2026; Osaka to Beppu from January 9 to 24, 2027; and Osaka to Shibushi from January 25 to February 9, 2027.

Video from the official Sunflower channel about the new ships Sunflower Kurenai and Murasaki (entered service 2023)

Miyazaki Car Ferry (from Kobe Sannomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, to Miyazaki Port, Miyazaki Prefecture)

From Kobe Sannomiya to Miyazaki port, an adult in Tourist pays ¥14,360 (phone booking, regular season). Departures Monday to Saturday leave at 19:10 and arrive at 8:40 the next day, about 13 hours 30 minutes. There is one sailing a day; from Miyazaki the ship leaves at 19:10 and arrives at 7:30 the next day. The ships are the Ferry Takachiho and Ferry Rokko. On Sundays, the ship leaves Kobe at 18:00 and reaches Miyazaki at 8:40 the next day (about 14 hours 40 minutes; both times calculated from the official timetable).

CabinAdultChildCar (under 4 m, incl. one driver)
Tourist¥14,360¥7,180¥33,150
Dormitory¥17,660¥8,830¥36,450
Single¥20,960¥10,480¥39,750
First¥25,360¥12,680¥44,150
Premium¥30,860¥15,430¥49,650

These are phone booking fares for October 1 to December 25, 2026 and January 5 to 10, 2027 (regular season), including consumption tax and the fuel adjustment. In the peak season (December 26, 2026 to January 4, 2027), an adult in Tourist pays ¥16,010.

ItemDetails
SailingsOne a day. Some days off for dock work (see “Cancellations” below)
Booking opensPhone: the same date 2 months before boarding (the next day if the month has no such date). Web: until 4 days before departure; only the last-minute discount until the day before
Web discountsLimited seats. Adult Tourist, regular season: ¥10,060 with “Fune-wari 30” (ふね割30); ¥8,620 with the “Miyazaki Umitabi Campaign Wari 40”, only from Kobe and only if you stay at a participating hotel in Miyazaki City
Motorcycles (incl. one rider, Tourist)Bicycle ¥18,870, under 125 cc ¥20,520, under 750 cc ¥21,620, 750 cc and over ¥22,720 (phone booking, regular season)
PetsPet room ¥2,100 per cage; First With Pet Room ¥9,900 per room (no discounts; phone booking only)
CancellationWeb bookings: ¥200 up to 7 days before boarding; 10% of the fare from 6 to 2 days before; 30% from the day before until departure; 100% from departure time

Web booking fares for an adult in Tourist (regular season) are ¥10,060 with Fune-wari 30, ¥10,770 with Fune-wari 25, ¥11,490 with Fune-wari 20, ¥12,930 with Fune-wari 10 and ¥13,650 with the last-minute discount (5% off). For a car under 4 m, Fune-wari 30 is ¥23,220 and Fune-wari 10 is ¥29,850; under 5 m, Fune-wari 30 is ¥27,070. Pets can only use the First With Pet Room and the pet room, not other cabins.

A connecting bus runs to the Kobe Sannomiya ferry terminal from bus stop 6 at Mint Kobe, near JR Sannomiya, Hankyu Kobe-sannomiya and Hanshin Kobe-sannomiya stations (adult ¥230; Monday to Saturday at 17:20 and 17:50). There is no free parking at the terminal. Check-in starts at 17:00 Monday to Saturday and 16:00 on Sundays. To Miyazaki port, connecting buses run from Miyazaki Station, Minami-Miyazaki Station and Miyako City.

Cancellations and latest information (checked October 13, 2026): because the Ferry Rokko is in dock, sailings from Kobe on October 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27 and from Miyazaki on October 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 do not run. A notice dated September 25, 2026 says that using only the ferry (boarding only) is not covered by the “Kyushu Fukko Oen-wari” (九州ふっこう応援割) travel discount. A notice dated October 6, 2026 on the official top page says credit card payment (VISA, Mastercard) for web bookings may show an error.

Video from the official Miyazaki Car Ferry channel: “Go to Sea Tomorrow”

Jumbo Ferry (from Kobe Sannomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, to Takamatsu-higashi Port, Kagawa Prefecture and Shodoshima)

Kobe to Takamatsu costs an adult ¥1,990 one way (¥1,890 online) and takes about 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes. There are 4 sailings a day, with different timetables on weekdays and on weekends and holidays. Some sailings call at Shodoshima (Sakate port), and Kobe to Shodoshima costs the same. From October 1, 2026, there is no longer an extra charge for the late-night sailing.

ItemDetails
Times (weekdays, from Kobe)1:00 → 5:15, 8:15 → 13:00 (via Shodoshima), 13:00 → 17:45 (via Shodoshima), 19:45 → 0:00 next day
Times (weekends and holidays, from Kobe)1:00 → 5:15, 8:15 → 13:00, 11:20 → 16:05, 19:20 → 0:05 next day
Fare (adult)One way ¥1,990 (online ¥1,890), round trip ¥3,790 (online ¥3,590). ¥340 more on weekends and holidays. A fuel surcharge of ¥700 one way (October to December) is added
Car (under 6 m)One way ¥4,990 (online ¥4,740). A fuel surcharge of ¥2,300 one way is added. Motorcycles 126 cc and over ¥2,000, bicycles ¥500 (passenger fare separate)
BookingOnline from 60 days before boarding until 30 minutes before departure. Phone from 1 month before until 4 hours before departure
PetsNo fee. Pets over 20 kg and some others can travel only by staying in the car (official Q&A)

Takamatsu to Shodoshima (Sakate port) is ¥700 one way for adults. In Kobe, a connecting bus runs between Sannomiya Station (for example, 23:30 the day before) and the Kobe terminal, timed with the ferries. Opening hours of the shop on board the Ritsurin 2 have changed.

Video from the official Jumbo Ferry channel about the new ship Aoi (long version)

Nankai Ferry (from Wakayama Port, Wakayama Prefecture, to Tokushima Port, Tokushima Prefecture)

Wakayama port to Tokushima port costs an adult ¥2,500 one way and takes about 2 hours 5 to 20 minutes. Since August 1, 2026, the company has been running a reduced timetable “for the time being”. The official service status page says some sailings are suspended or cancelled.

ItemDetails
Times (reduced timetable, from Wakayama port)5:30, 8:25, 10:35, 13:40, 16:20, 21:50
Times (reduced timetable, from Tokushima port)2:45, 8:00, 10:55, 13:20, 16:25, 18:55 (some arrival times differ on weekends and holidays)
Fare (adult)One way ¥2,500 (round trip ¥4,880). Child ¥1,250. Green seat: +¥500 (web booking) or +¥1,000 on board on the day
VehiclesKei car ¥11,400, standard car ¥13,400 (¥12,400 and ¥14,400 in the August 10 to 17 peak). Bicycle ¥2,600, moped ¥3,200, over 125 cc ¥4,400 (motorcycles cannot be booked on the web or by phone; first come)
BookingWeb booking from the dates shown in the boarding calendar (up to the end of next month) until 3 hours before departure. Credit card only
PetsSmall dogs in a basket can go into the passenger cabin

The first sailing is suspended all year. In bad weather, the company advises calling before you set out to check whether ships are running.

Video from the official Nankai Ferry channel: a two-hour crossing

Shikoku Orange Ferry (linking Toyo Port and Niihama-higashi Port, Ehime Prefecture with Osaka Nanko, Osaka Prefecture and Kobe Port, Hyogo Prefecture)

Toyo (Ehime) to Osaka Nanko leaves at 22:00 and arrives at 6:00 the next day, about 8 hours. An adult in a Single pays ¥7,700 (period C) to ¥9,700 (period A) (October to December 2026). From October 20 to November 2, 2026, sailings from Osaka to Toyo are suspended for a scheduled inspection. Sailings from Toyo to Osaka run as normal.

RouteTimes and daysAdult fare (one way)Car (under 3 m)
Toyo to Osaka NankoBoth ways 22:00 → 6:00 next day. One sailing a daySingle ¥7,700 to ¥9,700 (periods C to A)¥14,500 (all periods; includes the driver’s Single fare)
Niihama to Kobe (Rokko)Niihama 16:20 → Kobe 23:40; Kobe 1:20 → Niihama 8:20. No sailing from Niihama on Fri, Sat, Sun, holidays and days before holidays; none from Kobe on Sat, Sun, Mon, holidays and days after holidaysSingle ¥7,700 to ¥9,700 (periods C to A)¥13,800 (all periods)

Booking opens on the same date 2 months before boarding. Pets can use a With Pet Room (room fee ¥6,500 on top of the passenger fare) or a cage in the pet room (¥1,300). The Orange Hope on Niihama to Kobe is a casual ferry mainly for freight and trucks, and payment is cash only (no cards).

While Toyo to Osaka is suspended, Kobe to Niihama runs on a special timetable (Kobe 23:10 → Niihama 6:00, Niihama 14:50 → Kobe 21:40). There is no public transport around Kobe Rokko port or Niihama-higashi port (official notice dated August 20, 2026).

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel ぷりたび。

Shodoshima Ferry (from Takamatsu Port, Kagawa Prefecture, Okayama Port, Okayama Prefecture and Himeji Port, Hyogo Prefecture, to Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture)

Takamatsu to Tonosho (Shodoshima) takes about 60 minutes by ferry at ¥700 for adults one way, or about 35 minutes by high-speed boat at ¥1,400. Ferries to Shodoshima leave from three ports: Takamatsu, Okayama and Himeji. Shodoshima is an island route from Honshu and Shikoku, not a long-distance route from Tokyo.

RouteTime and sailingsAdult (one way)Car (under 3 m)Booking
Takamatsu to Tonosho (ferry)About 60 min. 15 sailings each way (from Takamatsu 6:25 to 20:20)¥700¥3,630Web only, from 2 months before until 4 hours before departure. 6:25 and 7:20 sailings: first come
Takamatsu to Tonosho (high-speed boat)About 35 min. 8 sailings each way (from Takamatsu 7:40 to 18:30)¥1,400No cars, motorcycles or bicyclesNo booking; first come
Okayama (Shin-Okayama) to TonoshoAbout 70 min. 8 sailings each way (from Okayama 6:20 to 18:30)¥1,300¥5,120Not on Shikoku Ferry’s web booking (book through the Kokusai Ryobi Ferry group)
Himeji to FukudaAbout 100 min. 7 sailings each way (from Himeji 7:15 to 19:30)¥2,100¥7,000Vehicles with a booking go first. Web booking: 5% off the outbound trip

On some routes, fares include a fuel price adjustment (Okayama to Tonosho added one on August 25, 2026; the official wording is that fares include the fuel price adjustment). For pets, check each route’s official page. The Takamatsu to Tonosho high-speed boat has fewer sailings, according to a notice dated April 22, 2026.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel 旅の目的を発見することが目的の旅

Setonaikaikisen (from Hiroshima Port and Kure Port, Hiroshima Prefecture, to Matsuyama Kanko Port, Ehime Prefecture)

Hiroshima to Matsuyama takes about 2 hours 40 minutes on the cruise ferry, at ¥6,000 for adults one way, or about 1 hour 20 minutes on the high-speed boat, at ¥9,000 (after the September 1, 2026 revision). The cruise ferry is a car ferry linking Hiroshima, Kure and Matsuyama, and you can also ride it on foot. The high-speed boat “Linear Jet” (リニアジェット) carries passengers only. The company does not allow its timetable to be reproduced, so check departure times on the official page.

ItemCruise ferryHigh-speed boat
TimeHiroshima to Matsuyama about 2 h 40 minHiroshima to Matsuyama about 1 h 20 min (calculated from the times of sailings from Hiroshima port). 8 round trips a day
Adult (one way)Hiroshima to Matsuyama ¥6,000, Kure to Matsuyama ¥4,900, Hiroshima to Kure ¥1,200Hiroshima to Matsuyama ¥9,000, Kure to Matsuyama ¥7,100, Hiroshima to Kure ¥2,900
CarsHiroshima to Matsuyama: under 3 m ¥7,700 to under 6 m ¥13,750 (incl. driver). Other passengers ¥5,400Not carried
BookingVehicles by phone (until 1 hour before departure) or email form (until 18:00 the day before). Foot passengers and motorcycles cannot book; buy at the counter on the dayBooking in advance is recommended for some sailings (official)

Because fuel prices have risen with the situation in the Middle East, some cruise ferry sailings are suspended on weekdays from December 1 to 25, 2026, with a special timetable. The high-speed boat runs a dock timetable (special timetable) for scheduled inspections from October 31 to November 13 and from November 30 to December 5, 2026. On October 16 and November 18, some sailings will be crowded with groups. The last sailing from Matsuyama does not connect with the tram at Hiroshima port, so the company suggests getting off at Kure port and taking JR to Hiroshima Station.

Video from the setonaikaikisen channel: concept video for the Sea Paseo

Boyo Ferry (from Yanai Port, Yamaguchi Prefecture, to Mitsuhama Port, Ehime Prefecture)

Yanai (Yamaguchi) to Matsuyama (Mitsuhama) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes and costs an adult ¥5,000 one way (after the August 1, 2026 revision). Sailings leave Yanai at 1:00, 2:00, 7:00, 9:00, 10:50, 12:25, 14:45, 16:15, 17:50, 20:25 and 22:10, and some do not run on Sundays and Mondays or on Saturdays and Sundays (regular timetable revised March 1, 2025). Some sailings call at Ihota port (Suo-Oshima).

ItemDetails
Fare (Yanai to Mitsuhama)Adult ¥5,000 (round trip ¥9,500), child ¥2,500
Cars (incl. driver)Under 3 m ¥11,500, under 4 m ¥13,000, under 5 m ¥14,500, under 6 m ¥16,000. Other adult passengers ¥4,000
BookingNo bookings for foot passengers (except groups of 15 or more). Vehicle bookings from the 1st of the month 2 months before, until 1 hour before departure. Online booking covers boarding up to December 31, 2026
OtherFoot passengers should check the timetable and service status before going to the port (official)
User video (not the official account): a video by the channel カーツー 船旅とドライブ系

Suonada Ferry (from Tokuyama Port, Yamaguchi Prefecture, to Takedazu Port, Oita Prefecture)

From Tokuyama (Shunan, Yamaguchi) to Takedazu (Kunisaki, Oita), an adult pays ¥3,950 in second class (plus a ¥300 fuel surcharge), and the trip takes about 2 hours. It is a short route from Honshu to Kyushu, from Yamaguchi to the Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita.

ItemDetails
Times (about 2 hours)From Tokuyama 2:00, 7:20, 12:00, 16:40. From Takedazu 4:20, 9:40, 14:20, 19:00
Night sailings suspendedBecause of high fuel costs, the 21:20 from Tokuyama and 23:40 from Takedazu are suspended from September 1 to December 31, 2026
Passengers (2nd class)Adult ¥3,950, elementary school ¥1,980. Fuel surcharge ¥300 each on top (October 1 to December 31, 2026)
Cars (incl. 2nd class for one driver)Under 4 m ¥13,100, under 5 m ¥15,250, under 6 m ¥17,270. Fuel surcharge ¥1,300 on top for under 6 m
Motorcycles, bicycles (rider’s fare separate)Bicycle ¥1,820, moped ¥2,540, under 750 cc ¥3,450, 750 cc and over ¥4,260. Fuel surcharge ¥300 each on top
BookingOnly cars can be booked on the web, from 2 months before until 2 days before boarding (by phone on the day of boarding). Motorcycles cannot be booked. Foot passengers just go to the port

For a round trip, cars under 6 m get 20% off the return (within 7 days; 10% in peak periods). From Takedazu port toward Beppu and Oita, after the Oita Kotsu timetable change on October 1, 2026, the ship leaving Tokuyama at 12:00 (Takedazu 14:00) connects with the 14:12 bus to Usa Station. The fare table is from the June 1, 2026 revision. The official timetable is marked “revised February 1, 2011” (平成23年2月1日改正).

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel スーツ / Suit Channel

Kyushi Orange Ferry (from Yawatahama Port, Ehime Prefecture, to Usuki Port, Oita Prefecture)

Yawatahama (Ehime) to Usuki (Oita) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes, and an adult in second class pays ¥2,900 (October to December 2026, including the fuel adjustment). From Tuesday to Friday, 7 sailings leave Yawatahama, at 1:15, 2:50, 8:30, 12:45, 14:30, 18:45 and 21:00, and 7 leave Usuki, at 4:45, 7:40, 11:30, 15:50, 17:35, 22:20 and 23:55. The timetable differs by date (for example, some sailings do not run on some Saturdays), so check the official timetable for your date.

ItemDetails
Fare (2nd class)Adult ¥2,900, child ¥1,450. Cabins are charged per room (1st-class room ¥10,200, 1st-class pet room ¥11,400, special room ¥12,600)
Cars (incl. 2nd class for the driver)Under 3 m ¥9,000, under 4 m ¥11,600, under 5 m ¥14,100, under 6 m ¥16,800
MotorcyclesBicycle ¥1,300, moped ¥2,500, under 750 cc ¥3,700, 750 cc and over ¥4,900 (passenger fare separate)
BookingFrom the same date 2 months before boarding. Cancellation: ¥200 up to 1 week before, 10% up to 2 days before, 30% until departure
PetsThere is a “1st-class pet” room (6 people, ¥11,400)
User video (not the official account): a video by the channel 横浜五郎のひとりじょうず

Uwajima Unyu (from Yawatahama Port, Ehime Prefecture, to Usuki Port and Beppu Port, Oita Prefecture)

Yawatahama to Usuki costs an adult ¥4,200 in second class (about 2 hours 25 minutes), and Yawatahama to Beppu costs ¥5,300 (about 2 hours 50 minutes) (October to December 2026, including the fuel adjustment). On the Usuki route, some sailings do not run on Sundays and Mondays, and this has been extended to March 29, 2027 (notice dated February 24, 2026). From November 30 to December 9, 2026, some Usuki sailings are suspended while the ship is in dock (notice dated October 7, 2026).

RouteTimesAdult (2nd class, one way)Car (incl. driver)
Yawatahama to UsukiFrom Yawatahama 5:50, 9:40, 11:45, 15:35, 17:40, 22:00 (not Sat), 23:50 (not Sun). From Usuki 0:55, 2:40, 8:50, 12:40, 14:40, 18:30, 20:40¥4,200 (fare ¥2,900 + adjustment ¥1,300)Under 3 m ¥11,600, under 4 m ¥14,200, under 5 m ¥16,700
Yawatahama to BeppuFrom Yawatahama 0:20, 6:20, 10:15, 13:00, 17:25, 20:30. From Beppu 6:25, 9:45, 14:00, 16:45, 20:50, 23:50¥5,300 (fare ¥4,000 + adjustment ¥1,300)Under 3 m ¥12,700, under 4 m ¥15,600, under 5 m ¥18,400

The Beppu route timetable still carries an old date, “from February 1, 2020”, so call the company to check before you book. Children from age 1 up to school age ride free in second class, one per adult.

Video from the official Uwajima Unyu channel (UUFERRIES) about the new ship Reimei Maru

Kokudo Kyushi Ferry (from Misaki Port, Ehime Prefecture, to Saganoseki Port, Oita Prefecture)

Misaki (Ehime) to Saganoseki (Oita) takes about 70 minutes, and an adult in a regular seat pays ¥1,320 one way (fare ¥1,200 plus a ¥120 fuel price adjustment, October 2026). Ships run every hour: from Saganoseki on the hour from 7:00 to 23:00, and from Misaki at half past the hour from 7:30 to 23:30 (16 sailings each way). Extra sailings (Saganoseki 12:00, Misaki 13:30) run on October 10 and 12 and November 21 and 23, 2026.

ItemDetails
Fare (passengers)Regular seat: adult ¥1,200, child ¥600 (adjustment on top). Observation seat +¥500; private room ¥3,000 per room (up to 6 people)
Cars (incl. the driver’s regular seat)Under 3 m ¥5,700, under 4 m ¥7,900, under 5 m ¥9,800, under 6 m ¥11,700. In October 2026, an adjustment of ¥1,200 (under 6 m) is added
MotorcyclesBicycle ¥700, moped ¥1,500, under 750 cc ¥2,200, 750 cc and over ¥2,900 (passenger fare and a ¥600 adjustment on top)
BookingOnline from 59 days before boarding until 23:00 the day before. Phone from the same date the previous month until 18:00 the day before. Motorcycles online only
DiscountsOnline discount 3%, prepayment discount 6% (round-trip purchase: 10% on both legs)
PetsCats and small dogs (such as Chihuahuas and Maltese) can go into the cabin if they stay in a carrier

On weekdays from October 13 to 30, 2026 (not weekends), the Ozu–Yawatahama Expressway is fully closed from 9:00 to 17:00. This is a road closure, not a ferry change.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel カーツー 船旅とドライブ系

Routes not running

In Kansai, the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku, these routes are not carrying passengers now.

RouteStatus
Matsuyama to KokuraMatsuyama Kokura Ferry ended service on June 30, 2025; the route was closed
Sukumo to SaikiSukumo Ferry: suspended
Takamatsu to UnoSuspended

Official sources checked: for Matsuyama to Kokura, the Kitakyushu City Transportation Bureau announcement of June 17, 2025. For Sukumo to Saiki, the Kyushu District Transport Bureau list of medium and long-distance ferry routes to and from Kyushu (updated October 30, 2025) and the Shikoku District Transport Bureau route map (as of April 1, 2023). For Takamatsu to Uno, the same Shikoku route map.

As of October 13, 2026, no restart notice could be found on the operators’ official pages.

2.3 From ports in Kagoshima Prefecture to Amami, Okinawa and Yakushima

Depends on the provider

From Kagoshima Shin-ko Port, Kagoshima Prefecture (Kagoshima City) to Naha Port, Okinawa Prefecture, an adult pays ¥14,880 in second class (plus a ¥2,520 fuel surcharge), and the trip takes about 25 hours. The official information does not show any passenger ferry from Tokyo to Naha, Okinawa (listed at the end of this section). The only routes from Tokyo to Kyushu by boat alone are the two to Shinmoji Port in the Kanto section of Part 1. Miyazaki Car Ferry from Kobe Sannomiya, Hyogo Prefecture and Suonada Ferry from Tokuyama Port, Yamaguchi Prefecture to Takedazu Port, Oita Prefecture are in the section above, on Kansai, the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku.

The routes in this section start after you travel from Tokyo to Kagoshima, for example by plane. By expressway, Tokyo Station to Kagoshima IC is about 1,355 km and about 15 hours (an estimate without traffic); to take your car to Kyushu, there are the Part 1 ferries to Shinmoji Port. The boarding points differ: Marue Ferry and Marix Line use Kagoshima Shin-ko Port, Amami Kaiun uses Kagoshima North Pier, and the Yakushima ferry uses the South Pier in the Kagoshima Main Port area.

CompanyFromToTimeAdult fare, one wayBooking
Marue FerryKagoshima Shin-ko Port, Kagoshima PrefectureAmami islands, Kagoshima Prefecture; Naha Port, Okinawa PrefectureKagoshima to Naha about 25 hoursKagoshima to Naha ¥14,880, 2nd class (plus fuel surcharge)From 8:30, same date 1 month before
Marix LineKagoshima Shin-ko Port, Kagoshima PrefectureAmami islands, Kagoshima Prefecture; Naha Port, Okinawa PrefectureKagoshima to Naha about 25 hoursKagoshima to Naha ¥14,880, 2nd class (plus fuel surcharge)From 8:30, same date 1 month before
Amami KaiunKagoshima North Pier, Kagoshima PrefectureKikaijima, Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Kagoshima PrefectureKagoshima to Naze about 13 h 30 min (3 sailings a week)Kagoshima to Naze ¥9,220, 2nd class (plus fuel surcharge)By phone (weekdays). Start date not stated
Orita KisenKagoshima Port, Main Port area, Kagoshima PrefectureYakushima, Kagoshima PrefectureAbout 4 hours¥7,000 (fuel included)Not needed for individuals (vehicles, private rooms: from 9:00, 2 months before)

Marue Ferry / A-Line Ferry (from Kagoshima Shin-ko Port, Kagoshima Prefecture, to the Amami islands and Naha Port, Okinawa Prefecture)

From Kagoshima Shin-ko port to Naha, an adult pays ¥14,880 in second class (plus a ¥2,520 fuel surcharge). The ship leaves at 18:00 and arrives at 19:00 the next day, about 25 hours. It calls at Naze (Amami Oshima), Kametoku (Tokunoshima), Wadomari (Okinoerabu), Yoron, Motobu (Okinawa main island) and Naha, on the Ferry Akebono and Ferry Naminoue. Marix Line and Marue Ferry take turns on the Amami and Okinawa route. Check which company sails on your date in the annual schedule.

Southbound: Kagoshima Shin-ko 18:00, Naze 5:00 next day (dep. 5:50), Kametoku 9:10 (dep. 9:40), Wadomari 11:30 (dep. 12:00), Yoron 13:40 (dep. 14:10), Motobu 16:40 (dep. 17:10), Naha 19:00. Northbound: Naha 7:00, Motobu 9:00 (dep. 9:20), Yoron 11:50 (dep. 12:10), Wadomari 14:10 (dep. 14:40), Kametoku 16:30 (dep. 17:00), Naze 20:30 (dep. 21:20), Kagoshima Shin-ko 8:30 the next day.

From Kagoshima to2nd class1st classSpecial class2nd class, student
Naze¥9,220¥18,440¥23,050¥7,380
Kametoku¥11,420¥22,840¥28,550¥9,140
Wadomari¥12,570¥25,140¥31,430¥10,060
Yoron¥13,620¥27,240¥34,050¥10,900
Motobu¥13,930¥27,860¥34,830¥11,150
Naha¥14,880¥29,760¥37,200¥11,910

The table shows adult one-way fares from the fare table revised on September 1, 2026 (the official table notes that approval has been applied for). Children pay half. A fuel price adjustment is charged on top: between Kagoshima Shin-ko and the Amami Islands or Okinawa, ¥2,520 per passenger (child ¥1,260), for boarding from September 2, 2026 (Marix Line notice dated July 29, 2026).

ItemDetails
Booking opens8:30 on the same date 1 month before boarding. Closes 1 day before for southbound sailings, and at 17:00 two days before for northbound sailings (16:00 on the day the sailing starts from Kagoshima, for departures from the islands)
Car (Kagoshima to Naha, incl. 2nd class for one driver)Under 3 m ¥53,100, 3 to under 4 m ¥70,800, 4 to under 5 m ¥88,500, 5 to under 6 m ¥106,200. Fuel surcharge ¥12,600 per car on top
Motorcycles, bicycles (Kagoshima to Naha)Bicycle ¥2,900, moped ¥5,810, motorcycle over 125 cc ¥7,250. Passenger fare separate
PetsNot allowed in passenger cabins. The pet room is ¥1,570 from Kagoshima to Naha (bring your own cage or basket)
Cancellation¥200 up to 7 days before boarding; 10% of the ticket from 6 to 2 days before; 30% from the day before until departure; 100% after departure

Latest information (checked October 13, 2026): in the service status updated on October 12, 2026, the northbound sailing from Naha on October 13 (Ferry Akebono) was running with conditions because of rough weather. It might skip Yoron and Wadomari ports or change ports. From boarding on November 1, 2026, the discount system changes. New discounts such as an online discount start, and the general round-trip and island round-trip discounts end with boarding on October 31 (Marix Line and Marue Ferry notices dated September 30, 2026; check each company’s notice for the amounts).

Video from the “Ferry de Bon Voyage” series about the Kagoshima, Amami and Okinawa route (shown on the Marue Ferry official site)

Marix Line (from Kagoshima Shin-ko Port, Kagoshima Prefecture, to the Amami islands and Naha Port, Okinawa Prefecture)

From Kagoshima Shin-ko port to Naha, an adult pays ¥14,880 in second class (plus a ¥2,520 fuel surcharge). The ship leaves at 18:00 and arrives at 19:00 the next day, about 25 hours. Times and fares are the same as Marue Ferry’s. The ships are the Queen Coral Cross and Queen Coral Plus, with the same ports of call as Marue Ferry. Marix Line’s fare table effective September 2, 2026 shows the same fares as the table above.

ItemDetails
Sailing days from Kagoshima (October, Marix Line)14, 17, 20, 23, 26 and 30. No sailing on the 28th because the Queen Coral Cross is in dock
Booking opensWeb from 8:30 on the same date 1 month before boarding. Phone from the same day (099-225-1551; weekdays 8:30 to 17:00, Saturdays 8:30 to 12:00, closed Sundays and holidays)
Vehicles not booked on the webVehicles 5.0 m or longer, or 3.2 m or taller: book by phone
Check-in at KagoshimaUp to 1 hour before departure (1 hour 30 minutes if you have checked or special baggage or use the pet room)
PetsUse the pet room. ¥1,570 from Kagoshima to Naha

Cancellations and latest information (checked October 13, 2026): the Queen Coral Cross’s dock period was extended to October 16 to 30, 2026. The southbound sailing from Kagoshima Shin-ko on October 28 and the northbound sailing from Naha on October 30 are cancelled. Service is planned to restart with the sailing from Kagoshima Shin-ko on November 1 (notice dated September 30, 2026). In November, the Queen Coral Plus sails on the 3rd and 7th and then not again until the 20th (dock period shown in the annual schedule). Check sailing days in the annual schedule before you travel.

Video from the “Ferry de Bon Voyage” series: a tutorial on the ferry trip around the Amami islands (shown on the Marix Line official site)

Amami Kaiun (from Kagoshima North Pier, Kagoshima Prefecture, to Kikaijima, Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima)

From Kagoshima to Naze (Amami Oshima), an adult pays ¥9,220 in second class (plus a ¥2,520 fuel surcharge). The ship leaves at 17:30 and arrives at 7:00 the next morning, about 13 hours 30 minutes. With the Ferry Amami out of service, the Ferry Kikai sails 3 times a week. The route is Kagoshima, Kikai, Naze, Koniya and Hetono (Tokunoshima). Sailings to China port (Okinoerabu) have been suspended since June 2025. In the table, times at ports of call are arrival / departure.

PortSouthbound (Mon, Wed, Fri)Northbound (Tue, Thu, Sat)
KagoshimaDep. 17:30Arr. 8:30 next day
Kikai4:30 next day / 5:0020:30 / 21:00
Naze7:00 / 7:3017:50 / 18:20
Koniya9:40 / 10:0015:10 / 15:30
HetonoArr. 12:20Dep. 12:50
From Kagoshima to2nd class1st class2nd class, student
Kikai¥9,220¥18,440¥7,380
Naze¥9,220¥18,440¥7,380
Koniya¥10,580¥21,160¥8,470
Hetono¥11,420¥22,840¥9,140

The table shows adult one-way fares from the fare table revised on September 1, 2026 (it notes that approval has been applied for). Children pay half. A fuel price adjustment of ¥2,520 per passenger is charged on top between Kagoshima North Pier and the Amami Islands. Book by phone (099-222-2338; weekdays 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00) or on the WILLER TRAVEL website. Vehicles need a booking on every section. Pets can use only the pet room on the Ferry Kikai. The fee is by enquiry; the official pages do not state an amount.

Cancellations and latest information (checked October 13, 2026): the Ferry Amami has been out of service since an engine failure on May 16, 2026, and no restart date has been set (service status updated May 22, 2026). A notice dated June 10, 2026 says the three-a-week Ferry Kikai service will continue “for the time being”.

Video from the “Ferry de Bon Voyage” series about the Kikai route

Orita Kisen, Ferry Yakushima 2 (from Kagoshima Port, Kagoshima Prefecture, to Yakushima)

From the South Pier in the Kagoshima Main Port area to Miyanoura port on Yakushima, an adult pays ¥7,000 in second class (fuel included). The ship leaves at 8:30 and arrives at 12:30, about 4 hours. The return leaves Miyanoura at 13:30 and reaches Kagoshima at 17:40. First class is ¥9,500 for adults, and a child pays ¥3,450 in second class. For peak periods (April 27 to May 7, August 10 to 16, December 28 to January 6), check the official fare table.

ItemDetails
BookingNot needed for individual passengers only (fewer than 12). Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, groups and private rooms: book by phone from 9:00, 2 months before boarding (099-226-0731)
TicketsSold on the day only, at the check-in counter (cash or credit card). Check in 1 hour before departure
PetsAllowed with a cage or lead. A pet fare is charged (check the amount in the official fare table)

Planned days with no sailing (checked October 13, 2026): Friday, January 1, and otherwise Sundays: in 2026, October 18 and 25, November 8, 15 and 29, and December 6, 13 and 20; in 2027, January 1, 3, 10, 17 and 24. On these Sundays, cargo and vehicles are not accepted all day either.

Video from the Ferry Yakushima 2 channel (official)

Routes not running (passenger ferry from Tokyo to Okinawa)

The official information does not show any passenger ferry from Tokyo to Okinawa. Marue Ferry’s Tokyo route (Tokyo, Nagoya, Aburatsu, Shibushi, Naha) is listed under “cargo ships” on its official site. Ryukyu Kaiun says on its official domestic routes page that it links Naha, Kagoshima, Hakata, Osaka and Tokyo with RORO ships (cargo ships). Neither official site mentions carrying passengers. To go to Okinawa, fly from Haneda to Kagoshima and take Marue Ferry or Marix Line from Kagoshima Shin-ko port.

2.4 To the Sea of Japan islands (Sado and Awashima in Niigata Prefecture, Tobishima in Yamagata Prefecture, Oki in Shimane Prefecture)

Depends on the provider

Niigata Port, Niigata Prefecture (Niigata City) is about 4 hours by expressway from Tokyo Station, and Naoetsu Port, Niigata Prefecture (Joetsu City) about 3 hours 40 minutes; the car ferry from Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port on Sado takes 2 hours 30 minutes and costs ¥3,630 in second class. Sakata Port, Yamagata Prefecture (for Tobishima) is about 6 hours, Iwafune Port, Niigata Prefecture (for Awashima) about 4 hours 40 minutes, and Shichirui Port, Shimane Prefecture (for Oki) about 8 hours 50 minutes (expressway estimates; see the car table). Fares and times were checked on each company’s official pages on October 13, 2026 and change by month and season.

CompanyFromToTimeAdult fare, one wayBooking
Sado Kisen (jetfoil)Niigata Port, Niigata PrefectureRyotsu Port, Sado, Niigata Prefecture1 h 07 min¥8,310Online from 0:00, same date 2 months before
Sado Kisen (car ferry)Niigata Port, Niigata PrefectureRyotsu Port, Sado, Niigata Prefecture2 h 30 min¥3,630 (2nd class)Online from 0:00, same date 2 months before
Sado Kisen (Kogane Maru)Naoetsu Port, Niigata Prefecture (Joetsu City)Ogi Port, Sado, Niigata Prefecture2 h 40 min¥3,870 (2nd class)Online from 0:00, same date 2 months before
Sakata City ferry TobishimaSakata Port, Yamagata PrefectureTobishima, Yamagata Prefecture (Sakata City)75 min¥2,140Booking required for every sailing, all year (online, phone)
Awashima KisenIwafune Port, Niigata Prefecture (Murakami City)Awashima, Niigata Prefecture (Awashimaura Village)1 h 35 min¥2,840Buy at the counter (phone for same-day questions)
Oki Kisen (ferry)Shichirui Port, Shimane Prefecture (Matsue City); Sakaiminato, Tottori PrefectureOki, Shimane Prefecture (Saigo Port, Dozen)About 2 h 25 min (Shichirui to Saigo)¥3,870 (2nd class)Bookable except 2nd class
Oki Kisen (Rainbow Jet)Shichirui Port, Shimane Prefecture (Matsue City)Oki, Shimane Prefecture (Saigo Port, Dozen)About 1 h 10 min (Shichirui to Saigo)¥7,360Booking required

Sado Kisen (from Niigata Port, Niigata Prefecture), jetfoil and car ferry: Ryotsu Port, Sado

Niigata to Ryotsu takes 1 hour 07 minutes by jetfoil at ¥8,310 for adults, or 2 hours 30 minutes by car ferry at ¥3,630 in second class (October 1 to December 31, 2026). Tokyo Station to Niigata Station is about 2 hours on the Joetsu Shinkansen, and Niigata Station to Niigata port about 15 minutes by bus (¥260). By shinkansen and jetfoil, the whole trip takes about 3 hours 30 minutes including connections (according to JR East).

ServiceFrom Niigata (Oct 13 to Dec 31)From RyotsuAdult fare (one way)
Jetfoil (1 h 07 min)7:55, 9:40, 11:30, 13:35, 15:307:20, 9:40, 11:15, 13:45, 15:30¥8,310 (round trip ¥16,620)
Car ferry (2 h 30 min)6:00, 9:25, 12:35, 16:05, 19:305:30, 9:15, 12:45, 16:05, 19:302nd class ¥3,630, 1st class ¥6,070, special class ¥8,670

On the car ferry, vehicle fares include the second-class fare for one driver: ¥13,990 under 3 m, ¥17,250 under 4 m, ¥20,470 under 5 m and ¥24,270 under 6 m. Motorcycles are ¥6,970 for 750 cc and over, ¥5,540 under 750 cc and ¥4,120 for 125 cc or less. Pets are ¥1,100 each; on the jetfoil, only small pets in a carrier are allowed.

Online booking (membership registration needed) opens at 0:00 on the same date 2 months before boarding. It closes 30 minutes before departure for foot passengers, and at 21:00 the day before for vehicles and motorcycles. Phone bookings (cars under 3 m, unaccompanied vehicles, suite rooms and so on) go through the “AI Sakura” line, 025-245-7001 (10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00, closed Sundays and holidays). Niigata port is at 9-1 Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Niigata; vehicles must be in the waiting area 1 hour before departure. Sado Kisen’s news page had no notice of cancellations or timetable changes on October 13, 2026 (the check date).

Video from the official Sado Kisen channel: jetfoil and car ferry

Sado Kisen (from Naoetsu Port, Niigata Prefecture), car ferry Kogane Maru: Ogi Port, Sado

Naoetsu to Ogi takes 2 hours 40 minutes, at ¥3,870 in second class (October 1 to December 31, 2026). There is no service from November 24 to December 31. The route runs 2 round trips a day from March 20 to November 23.

ItemDetails
From Naoetsu7:10 → Ogi 9:50, 14:00 → Ogi 16:40
From Ogi10:35 → Naoetsu 13:15, 17:25 → Naoetsu 20:05
Fares (adult, one way)2nd class ¥3,870, 1st class ¥6,070, special class ¥9,440. Cars: under 3 m ¥14,980, under 4 m ¥18,540, under 5 m ¥22,090, under 6 m ¥26,270
Pets¥1,210 each. A 1st-class With Dog Room is ¥23,000 per room (private; up to 3 passengers and 3 pets)

Naoetsu port is at 1-9-1 Minato-machi, Joetsu. From Joetsumyoko Station, the connecting bus takes about 30 minutes (¥730), and a standard taxi costs ¥4,500. For the evening sailing from Ogi (arriving 20:05), a booking-only “Eki Liner” bus runs from March 20 to November 23: Naoetsu port 20:15, Naoetsu Station 20:25, Takada Station 20:45, Joetsumyoko Station 21:00 (book by phone, 025-543-3791, by 17:00 the day before). From Tokyo to Joetsumyoko Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel 日本ふみふみ散歩(WAI !)

Sakata City (from Sakata Port, Yamagata Prefecture), ferry Tobishima: Tobishima

Sakata to Tobishima takes 75 minutes (Sakata port 9:30, Tobishima 10:45) and costs an adult ¥2,140 one way. From October to March, there is one sailing a day (fiscal 2026 timetable). The return leaves Tobishima at 13:45 and reaches Sakata at 15:00.

Service status (checked October 13, 2026): after engine parts broke, the ferry Tobishima was replaced by another ship for a long time. On September 29, 2026, Sakata City announced that the regular ferry would return to service from September 30. Limits on hand baggage and cargo have been lifted, but vehicle transport is still limited for now, with priority for islanders’ vehicles.

ItemDetails
FaresAdult (junior high and over) ¥2,140 one way, ¥4,280 round trip. Child (elementary school and younger) ¥1,070 one way, ¥2,140 round trip
BookingRequired for every sailing, all year. Online, or by phone 0234-22-3911 (10:00 to 17:00)
TicketsBuy on the day at the pier, from 1 hour to 10 minutes before departure (self-service machine or counter)
PierSakata port ferry terminal (Chokaisan-Tobishima Geopark Port). The ferry office is at 2-5-6 Sencho, Sakata

From Tokyo, the Joetsu Shinkansen takes about 2 hours to Niigata, and the limited express Inaho takes about 2 hours from Niigata to the Shonai area (approximate), plus time to change trains. To catch the 9:30 ship, plan to arrive in Sakata the day before.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel YBC NEWS

Awashima Kisen (from Iwafune Port, Niigata Prefecture), Ferry New Awashima: Awashima

Iwafune to Awashima takes 1 hour 35 minutes on the regular ship Ferry New Awashima and costs an adult ¥2,840 one way (fare table revised July 1, 2026). Iwafune port is in Murakami, Niigata. The basic sailings are 8:00 from Iwafune and 15:00 from Awashima.

ItemDetails
Times (October 2026 to February 2027)Iwafune 8:00 → Awashima 9:35; Awashima 15:00 → Iwafune 16:35. On some days of the week, sailings around 10:00, around 13:00 and at 15:10 are added. From December 29 to February 28, only this one round trip runs each day. Extra sailings on some days
Fares (one way)Adult ¥2,840, child ¥1,420. Bicycles and small animals ¥520. Up to 2 pieces of hand baggage free
Cars, motorcyclesNot accepted from general passengers. Use the free car park at Iwafune port
ContactAwashima Kisen 0254-55-2131 (phone on the day)

To Iwafune port from Murakami Station: about 15 minutes by taxi (about ¥2,000), about 20 minutes by shared taxi (¥700; book at least 30 minutes before the first departure) or about 20 minutes by the Iwafune loop bus (¥200). From Tokyo to Murakami Station, you change trains via Niigata; check the time in the JR timetable.

Service status (checked October 13, 2026): on December 7, 2025, the Hokuriku Shinetsu District Transport Bureau issued Awashima Kisen an “order to ensure transport safety”. It followed an accident on June 27, 2025, when the Ferry New Awashima left Iwafune port without removing the passenger gangway and damaged it. Awashima Kisen submitted an improvement report on January 20, 2026 and published it on July 10, 2026. The current official page on ships in service lists only the Ferry New Awashima.

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel 志羽しば旅々Ch.

Oki Kisen (from Shichirui Port, Shimane Prefecture and Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture), ferry: Dozen and Dogo, Oki

From the mainland to Oki, the ferry costs ¥3,870 in second class, for example Shichirui port 9:00 to Saigo 11:25 (timetable for October 14, 2026). Ferries leave Shichirui port (Matsue, Shimane) and Sakaiminato (Tottori) for Dozen (Hishiura, Beppu, Kurii) and Dogo (Saigo). From Tokyo, you first travel to Shichirui or Sakaiminato by air, rail or bus. Oki Airport (Oki Geopark Airport) has direct flights from Izumo Airport and Itami Airport (Shimane Prefecture’s guide).

Section2nd classSpecial 2nd1st class
Mainland to Oki (one way)¥3,870¥4,990¥7,000
Dozen to Dogo¥1,760¥2,340¥3,210
Beppu to Hishiura¥440¥680¥690

Fares are after the June 1, 2026 revision (tax included). Cabins other than second class can be booked; second class does not need a booking. Elementary school children pay half. Pets cost ¥930 from the mainland to Oki and ¥670 between Dozen and Dogo. Cars (including second class for one driver) cost ¥13,750 under 3 m from the mainland to Oki after the November 1, 2026 revision, and vehicle fare discounts are suspended from the same day. Oki Kisen published a “reduced service timetable” in 2026, so check the official timetable for your date (checked October 13, 2026).

To Shichirui port, the Ichibata Bus from Matsue Station takes about 40 minutes (¥1,200; for example the bus arriving at 8:30). A bus from Matsue Station to Sakaiminato also takes about 40 minutes (¥1,200).

User video (not the official account): a video by the channel うさおチャンネル

Oki Kisen (from Shichirui Port, Shimane Prefecture), high-speed boat Rainbow Jet: Oki

The high-speed boat Rainbow Jet leaves Shichirui port at 15:45 and reaches Saigo at 16:54, about 1 hour 10 minutes. The mainland to Oki costs ¥7,360 (including the special express charge) (timetable for October 14, 2026). Booking is required. Only the ferry carries cars.

Dozen to Dogo is ¥3,360, and Beppu to Hishiura ¥440. Baggage is limited: fishing gear, cooler boxes and bait are not allowed, so use the ferry for those. Only small pets in a carrier that holds the whole body are allowed. Another example in the timetable is Beppu 8:00 → Saigo 8:45 → Shichirui 10:03. The individual student fare (one way) from the mainland to Oki is ¥5,890. Checked October 13, 2026.

3. How do you get from Tokyo to the port?

Depends on the provider

This section assumes you take your car on board: for each region, a table shows the expressway route and estimates from Tokyo Station to an interchange (IC) near each port. If you are not driving, see the tables for travelling by train or bus below.

The starting point is Tokyo Station. The figures were taken from the Shuto Expressway’s Takaracho entrance (ETC only), near Tokyo Station, to the IC in each table, using NEXCO East’s expressway toll and route search (Drive Plaza): departure at 10:00 on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, standard-size car, first route in order of time (checked October 14, 2026). Times are estimates without traffic. Tolls are the ETC rate for a standard-size car and do not include weekend, late-night or other discounts. All figures are estimates, so check the route and toll for your travel date in NEXCO’s toll search. The route from the IC to the port, the check-in deadline, the address for car navigation and parking for cars that stay behind come from each company’s official information; where the official information does not say, the table says so. The search site and the companies’ pages are in Japanese.

3.1 By car: ports in Kanto and Shizuoka (Part 1)

By car from Tokyo Station, Ariake, Tokyo is about 11 minutes on the Shuto Expressway (ETC ¥470), Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture about 58 minutes (ETC ¥2,560), and Oarai Port, Ibaraki Prefecture about 1 hour 20 minutes (ETC ¥3,880). Ariake, Yokosuka Port and Oarai Port have no parking for leaving your car while you travel on foot (each company’s official information; at Oarai Port, the guide asks you not to park for more than a day).

PortExpressway route and estimate (from Takaracho)Check-in deadlineAddress for car navigationParking for a car you leave behind
Ariake, Tokyo (Koto Ward)Shuto Expressway Inner Circular Route, No. 9 Fukagawa Route and Bayshore Route to the Ariake exit: 8.6 km, about 11 min, ETC ¥470. The official guide says about 2.6 km (about 10 min) from the Bayshore Route’s Ariake exit (westbound, coming from the Chiba side), or about 3 km (about 10 min) from the No. 11 Daiba Route’s Daiba exitCars: 1 hour before departure (about 90 minutes at New Year, Golden Week and other busy times). On foot: 30 minutes before4-8-6 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo. The official guide says to enter the site office phone number, 03-3528-1011, in your car navigationNo parking of its own; the guide points to coin parking nearby
Takeshiba, Tokyo (Minato Ward)Shuto Expressway Inner Circular Route to the Shiodome exit: 11.6 km, about 16 min, ETC ¥590 (the exit used in the search; there is no official driving route)Tokai Kisen: be at the pier about 1 hour before departure for large passenger ships and about 30 minutes before for jet ships1-12-2 Kaigan, Minato-ku, TokyoNo parking at the pier; the guide points to paid car parks such as Times New Pier Takeshiba (North Tower, South Tower)
Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa PrefectureShuto Expressway Bayshore Route and Yokohama-Yokosuka Road to Yokosuka IC: 68.8 km, about 58 min, ETC ¥2,560. About 5.2 km (about 15 min) from the IC to the port (official)60 minutes before departure (90 minutes at Golden Week, summer holidays and New Year)11-4 Shinkocho, Yokosuka-shi, KanagawaYou cannot leave a car there
Kurihama Port, Kanagawa Prefecture (Yokosuka)Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route and Yokohama-Yokosuka Road to Sawara IC: 75.3 km, about 1 h 3 min, ETC ¥2,680. About 4 km, about 15 min from the IC to the port (official)No deadline stated (no booking; first come, first served)8-17-20 Kurihama, Yokosuka-shi, KanagawaPaid, 100 spaces (¥1,000 per entry per day)
Kanaya Port, Chiba Prefecture (Futtsu)Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route, Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, Tateyama Expressway and Futtsu-Tateyama Road to Futtsu-Kanaya IC (ETC only): 77.6 km, about 1 h 1 min, ETC ¥2,930 (Aqua-Line tolls change by time of day). About 3 km, about 5 min from the IC (official)No deadline stated (no booking; first come, first served)4303 Kanaya, Futtsu-shi, ChibaPaid, 60 spaces (¥600 per entry per day)
Atami Port, Shizuoka PrefectureShuto Expressway No. 3 Shibuya Route, Tomei Expressway and Odawara-Atsugi Road to Odawara-nishi IC: 86.1 km, about 1 h 16 min, ETC ¥2,690. Hatsushima Resort Line’s official guide says about 60 min from Atsugi IC via the Odawara-Atsugi Road, Manazuru Shindo, Atami Beach Line and Route 135 (tolls on the toll roads past the IC are not included above)Hatsushima boats need no booking; no deadline stated. Tokai Kisen jet ships: be at the pier about 30 minutes before departureTokai Kisen: 6-11 Wadahamaminamicho, Atami-shi, Shizuoka. Hatsushima Resort Line says to enter the phone number of the Atami port ferry pier, 0557-81-0541, in your car navigationCity-run paid car parks next to the port (Rinko car park, 54 spaces; Wadahama car park, 105 spaces)
Ito Port, Shizuoka PrefectureSame as Atami Port up to Odawara-nishi IC (86.1 km, about 1 h 16 min, ETC ¥2,690). Local roads after that; the time to the port is not stated officiallyTokai Kisen jet ships: be at the pier about 30 minutes before departure1-17-9 Wada, Ito-shi, ShizuokaCity-run Nagisa Kanko car park (up to ¥1,500 a day), city-run Okawabashi car park (up to ¥850 a day)
Shimizu Port, Shizuoka Prefecture (Shizuoka City)Shuto Expressway No. 3 Shibuya Route and Tomei Expressway to Shimizu IC: 167.2 km, about 1 h 57 min, ETC ¥4,670. 3.3 km, about 10 min from the IC to the port (official)Same-day counter sales until 5 minutes before departure. Bicycles: arrive 45 minutes before departure149 Shimazakicho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka (the address the official guide gives for car navigation)No dedicated parking stated; the guide points to the Shimizu Station East Exit car park nearby
Shimoda Port, Shizuoka PrefectureShuto Expressway No. 3 Shibuya Route, Tomei and Shin-Tomei Expressways to Nagaizumi-Numazu IC: 120.9 km, about 1 h 34 min, ETC ¥3,740. The Izu-Jukan Expressway and other roads beyond are outside the toll search, and the time to the port is not stated officiallyWith a car or motorcycle: by 8:00 (from the islands, 1 hour before departure). Passengers only: 30 minutes before3-18-22 Shimoda-shi, Shizuoka (Shinshin Kisen Shimoda office)Free prefectural car park, 17 spaces (first come, first served; Tokai Kisen’s guide says you cannot park for 2 days or more)
Oarai Port, Ibaraki Prefecture (Oarai Town)Shuto Expressway No. 6 Mukojima Route, Central Circular Route and No. 6 Misato Route, then the Joban Expressway, Kita-Kanto Expressway and Higashi-Mito Road to Mito-Oarai IC: 115.9 km, about 1 h 20 min, ETC ¥3,880At the terminal by about 17:30 with a car for the evening sailing, or by about 22:45 for the late-night sailing2 Minato-chuo, Oarai-machi, Higashiibaraki-gun, IbarakiTemporary parking for drop-off and pick-up; the guide asks you not to park for more than a day

3.2 By car: ports for Hokkaido and the Sea of Japan islands (Part 2)

By car from Tokyo Station, Sendai Port, Miyagi Prefecture is about 4 hours 2 minutes (ETC ¥8,730) and Niigata Port, Niigata Prefecture about 3 hours 58 minutes (ETC ¥8,450); these are the closer of the ports for crossing to Hokkaido. Hachinohe Port, Aomori Port and Oma Port in Aomori Prefecture and Akita Port, Akita Prefecture take more than 7 hours, and for Tsuruga Port, Fukui Prefecture and Maizuru Port, Kyoto Prefecture you head west on the Tomei and Meishin Expressways. You cannot drive from Honshu to Wakkanai Port or Esashi Port in Hokkaido; cross to Hokkaido by ferry first.

PortExpressway route and estimate (from Takaracho)Check-in deadlineAddress for car navigationParking for a car you leave behind
Sendai Port, Miyagi PrefectureShuto Expressway, Joban Expressway and Sendai-Tobu Road to Sendai-ko IC: 345.8 km, about 4 h 2 min, ETC ¥8,730. About 10 min from the IC (official)With a car: 90 minutes before departure. Without a car: 60 minutes before3-7-1 Minato, Miyagino-ku, Sendai-shi, MiyagiTemporary parking for check-in and drop-off only; no parking where you can keep a car
Hachinohe Port, Aomori PrefectureShuto Expressway, Tohoku Expressway and Hachinohe Expressway to Hachinohe IC: 661.8 km, about 7 h 8 min, ETC ¥14,230. About 10 km from the IC to the port (official)Cars and motorcycles: 90 minutes before departure. On foot: 60 minutes before25 Kaigan, Kawaragi, Hachinohe-shi, AomoriNot stated officially
Aomori Port, Aomori PrefectureShuto Expressway and Tohoku Expressway to Aomori IC: 709.9 km, about 7 h 38 min, ETC ¥15,130. About 15 min from the IC (Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry and Seikan Ferry official)Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry: 40 minutes before departure (70 minutes from July 20 to August 20). Seikan Ferry: 30 minutes before (motorcycles and bicycles 60 minutes)Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry: 2-12-1 Okidate, Aomori-shi, Aomori. Seikan Ferry: 2-11-1 Okidate, Aomori-shi, AomoriSeikan Ferry: you can leave a car free of charge (the company is not responsible for accidents or theft). Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry: not stated officially
Oma Port, Aomori PrefectureShuto Expressway, Tohoku Expressway and Aomori Expressway to Aomori-higashi IC: 723.4 km, about 7 h 49 min, ETC ¥15,330. The official guide says about 140 km, about 3 h 10 min from Aomori-higashi IC to Oma40 minutes before departure (70 minutes from July 20 to August 20)10 Nedanai, Oma, Oma-machi, Shimokita-gun, AomoriNot stated officially
Akita Port, Akita PrefectureShuto Expressway, Joban Expressway, Sendai-Tobu Road, Tohoku Expressway and Akita Expressway to Akita-kita IC: 598.6 km, about 7 h 13 min, ETC ¥13,650. About 8 km, about 15 min from the IC (official)60 minutes before departure (90 minutes at Golden Week, summer holidays and New Year)1-13-13 Tsuchizakiminato-nishi, Akita-shi, AkitaYou cannot leave a car and board
Niigata Port, Niigata PrefectureShuto Expressway, Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, Kan-Etsu, Hokuriku and Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressways to Niigata-Kameda IC: 335.9 km, about 3 h 58 min, ETC ¥8,450. Shin Nihonkai Ferry’s terminal (Yamanoshita Pier) is about 7.5 km, about 30 min from the IC (official)Shin Nihonkai Ferry: 60 minutes before departure (90 minutes at busy times). Sado Kisen car ferry: cars at the waiting area 1 hour before departureShin Nihonkai Ferry: 2-20 Furuminatocho, Higashi-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata. Sado Kisen: 9-1 Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, NiigataShin Nihonkai Ferry: you cannot leave a car. Sado Kisen: paid multi-storey car park next door (up to ¥1,500 a day; ¥800 for Sado route passengers)
Naoetsu Port, Niigata Prefecture (Joetsu City)Shuto Expressway, Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, Kan-Etsu, Joshin-Etsu and Hokuriku Expressways to Joetsu IC: 319.3 km, about 3 h 41 min, ETC ¥8,140 (the IC used in the search; the route from the IC to the port is not stated officially)Not stated on the port guide page1-9-1 Minatomachi, Joetsu-shi, NiigataPaid open-air car park (small cars ¥50 an hour)
Iwafune Port, Niigata Prefecture (Murakami City)Past Niigata-Kameda IC, the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway to Kamihayashi-Iwafuneko IC: 386.4 km, about 4 h 41 min, ETC ¥9,270. About 5 min from the IC (official)Not stated officiallyThe official boarding guide does not give the port’s addressThe guide points to the free car park at Iwafune Port
Sakata Port, Yamagata PrefectureShuto Expressway, Tohoku, Yamagata and Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressways to Sakata-minato IC: 505.9 km, about 5 h 58 min, ETC ¥11,230 (the IC used in the search)Tickets are sold from 1 hour to 10 minutes before departure. For now, islanders’ vehicles have priority for vehicle transportSakata City’s boarding page does not give the pier’s addressNot stated officially
Tsuruga Port, Fukui PrefectureShuto Expressway, Tomei, Shin-Tomei, Isewangan, Meishin and Hokuriku Expressways to Tsuruga IC: 460.2 km, about 4 h 51 min, ETC ¥10,570. About 4.2 km, about 6 min from the IC (official)60 minutes before departure (90 minutes at busy times)95-4 Mariyama, Tsuruga-shi, FukuiYou cannot leave a car and board
Maizuru Port, Kyoto PrefecturePast Tsuruga, the Hokuriku and Maizuru-Wakasa Expressways to Maizuru-higashi IC: 533.9 km, about 5 h 53 min, ETC ¥11,950. About 7 km, about 15 min from the IC (official). From October 13 to 23, 2026, except Saturdays and Sundays, Maizuru-nishi IC to Obama IC is closed from 20:00 to 6:00 the next morning (Shin Nihonkai Ferry notice)60 minutes before departure (90 minutes at busy times)2025-1 Hama, Maizuru-shi, KyotoYou cannot leave a car and board
Shichirui Port, Shimane Prefecture (Matsue City)Shuto Expressway, Tomei, Meishin, Chugoku, Yonago and San’in Expressways to Matsue-Tamatsukuri IC: 764.8 km, about 8 h 46 min, ETC ¥16,870 (the IC used in the search; the route from the IC to the port is not stated officially)Ferry check-in opens 1 hour before departure. High-speed boat: 20 minutes before departure3246-1 Shichirui, Mihonoseki-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane (Oki Kisen Shichirui office)Parking available (at Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, up to 8 days including the first day)

3.3 By car: ports in Kansai (Part 2)

By car from Tokyo Station, Osaka Nanko, Osaka Prefecture is about 5 hours 36 minutes (ETC ¥13,620), Kobe Port, Hyogo Prefecture about 5 hours 40 minutes (ETC ¥12,790 to ¥14,170), and Wakayama Port, Wakayama Prefecture about 6 hours 12 minutes (ETC ¥14,650). To take your car to Kyushu or Shikoku, you can board an evening ferry here, or take the ferries from Ariake or Yokosuka in Part 1.

PortExpressway route and estimate (from Takaracho)Check-in deadlineAddress for car navigationParking for a car you leave behind
Osaka Nanko, Osaka Prefecture (Suminoe Ward, Osaka City)Shuto Expressway, Tomei, Shin-Tomei, Isewangan, Shin-Meishin and Meishin Expressways, Daini-Keihan Road, Kinki Expressway and Hanshin Expressway to the Nanko-kita exit: 511.3 km, about 5 h 36 min, ETC ¥13,620. MOL Sunflower’s official guide: 10 min from the Nanko-kita exit. Meimon Taiyo Ferry’s guide gives directions from the Nanko-naka and Nanko-minami exits (to the Nanko-minami exit: 517.1 km, about 5 h 39 min, ETC ¥13,810)Meimon Taiyo Ferry: finish check-in 60 minutes before departure. MOL Sunflower: arrive 60 minutes before; you may not be able to board after 30 minutes before. Shikoku Orange Ferry: 30 minutes before at the latestMeimon Taiyo Ferry: 2-2-24 Nanko-minami, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka. MOL Sunflower: 2-1-10 Nanko-kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, OsakaMeimon Taiyo Ferry points to the paid car park in front of the terminal (about 50 spaces; up to ¥500 on the day, plus ¥500 from the second day; no booking). The same page also says the terminal has no parking of its own. MOL Sunflower says you cannot leave a car at the ATC car park while travelling
Izumiotsu Port, Osaka PrefectureShuto Expressway, Tomei, Shin-Tomei, Isewangan, Shin-Meishin and Meishin Expressways, Daini-Keihan Road, Kinki and Hanwa Expressways, Sakai-Senboku Road and Hanshin Expressway Bayshore Route to the Izumiotsu exit: 525.2 km, about 5 h 45 min, ETC ¥13,930 (the exit used in the search)Arrive 60 minutes before departure (90 minutes at busy times)1-3 Ozushimacho, Izumiotsu-shi, OsakaNot stated officially
Kobe Sannomiya Ferry Terminal, Hyogo Prefecture (Chuo Ward, Kobe)Shuto Expressway, Tomei, Shin-Tomei, Isewangan, Shin-Meishin and Meishin Expressways and Hanshin Expressway No. 3 Kobe Route to the Kyobashi exit (Jumbo Ferry and Miyazaki Car Ferry official): 525.6 km, about 5 h 39 min, ETC ¥12,790Jumbo Ferry’s ticket counter opens 1 hour before departure. Miyazaki Car Ferry check-in starts at 17:00 Monday to Saturday and 16:00 on Sunday (neither states a deadline)3-7 Shinkocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo. Miyazaki Car Ferry says to enter 078-327-3308 in your car navigation’s phone searchNo free parking; the guides point to paid car parks nearby
Kobe Port, Rokko Island, Hyogo Prefecture (Higashinada Ward, Kobe)Shuto Expressway, Tomei, Shin-Tomei, Isewangan, Shin-Meishin and Meishin Expressways, Daini-Keihan Road, Kinki Expressway and Hanshin Expressway No. 5 Bayshore Route to the Rokko Island-kita exit: 528.3 km, about 5 h 49 min, ETC ¥14,170. Turn left at the first traffic light after the exit and go about 300 m, then turn left at the next light and go about 300 m (MOL Sunflower official)MOL Sunflower: arrive 60 minutes before; you may not be able to board after 30 minutes before. Shikoku Orange Ferry: 30 minutes before at the latestMOL Sunflower: 3-1-1 Koyocho-higashi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe-shi, HyogoMOL Sunflower paid car park (¥500 for half a day, ¥1,000 a day; apply on the day; you leave your car key)
Wakayama Port, Wakayama PrefectureShuto Expressway, Tomei, Shin-Tomei, Isewangan, Shin-Meishin and Meishin Expressways, Daini-Keihan Road, Kinki and Hanwa Expressways to Wakayama IC: 564.1 km, about 6 h 12 min, ETC ¥14,650. About 15 min from the IC (official)Cars: at the ticket office 30 minutes before departure2835-1 Minato, Wakayama-shi, WakayamaPaid, 40 spaces (¥1,000 per entry; ¥2,000 at busy times)

3.4 By car: ports in Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu (Part 2)

Himeji Port, Hyogo Prefecture and the ports in the Chugoku region and Shikoku are about 570 to 890 km (6 to 10 hours) from Tokyo Station, and Kagoshima in Kyushu about 1,355 km (about 15 hours). To take your car to Shikoku or Kyushu, you can also take the Part 1 ferries from Ariake (to Tokushima Port and Shinmoji Port) or Yokosuka (to Shinmoji Port). The table shows estimates to an IC near each port chosen in the toll search; check the route from the IC to the port and the boarding procedure in each company’s section and official information. You cannot drive from Honshu to Wakkanai Port or Esashi Port in Hokkaido; cross to Hokkaido by ferry first.

PortIC used in the searchDistance, time, ETC toll (from Takaracho)
Himeji Port, Hyogo PrefectureSanyo-Himeji-higashi IC (Sanyo Expressway)568.8 km, about 6 h 1 min, ¥13,090
Tokushima Port, Tokushima PrefectureTokushima-Okinosu IC (Tokushima Nanbu Expressway)649.4 km, about 7 h 7 min, ¥16,330
Okayama Port, Okayama PrefectureOkayama IC (Sanyo Expressway)655.8 km, about 7 h 3 min, ¥14,790
Takamatsu Port, Kagawa PrefectureTakamatsu-chuo IC (Takamatsu Expressway)690.3 km, about 7 h 30 min, ¥17,310
Hiroshima Port, Hiroshima PrefectureHiroshima IC (Sanyo Expressway)804.5 km, about 8 h 42 min, ¥17,590
Matsuyama Kanko Port, Ehime PrefectureMatsuyama IC (Matsuyama Expressway)827.7 km, about 9 h 12 min, ¥21,150
Yanai Port, Yamaguchi PrefectureKuga IC (Sanyo Expressway)865.6 km, about 9 h 25 min, ¥18,860
Yawatahama Port and Misaki Port, Ehime PrefectureOzu IC (Matsuyama Expressway)869.7 km, about 9 h 48 min, ¥21,960
Tokuyama Port, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Shunan City)Tokuyama-higashi IC (Sanyo Expressway)889.6 km, about 9 h 40 min, ¥19,360
Kagoshima Port, Kagoshima PrefectureKagoshima IC (Kyushu Expressway)1,355.2 km, about 15 h 4 min, ¥26,270

The tables in this section were checked against NEXCO East’s toll and route search and these official pages (in Japanese): Ocean Tokyu Ferry Tokyo (Ariake) terminal; Ocean Tokyu Ferry FAQ; Tokai Kisen terminals and parking; Tokai Kisen FAQ; Tokyo Kyusyu Ferry terminals and access; Tokyo Kyusyu Ferry boarding flow; Tokyo Wan Ferry Kurihama and Kanaya ports; Hatsushima Resort Line access to Hatsushima; Suruga Bay Ferry terminal guide; Suruga Bay Ferry FAQ; Shinshin Kisen FAQ; MOL Sunflower Oarai port access; MOL Sunflower boarding Q&A; Taiheiyo Ferry FAQ on check-in times; Silver Ferry boarding guide; Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry boarding procedure; Seikan Ferry FAQ; Shin Nihonkai Ferry boarding and getting off; Shin Nihonkai Ferry expressway closure notice; Sado Kisen terminal guide (Niigata port); Awashima Kisen boarding guide; Oki Kisen terminal guide; Meimon Taiyo Ferry Osaka Nanko terminal guide; MOL Sunflower (from Osaka and Kobe) boarding flow; Hankyu Ferry FAQ; Jumbo Ferry Kobe terminal; Miyazaki Car Ferry terminal guide; Shikoku Orange Ferry boarding flow; Nankai Ferry Wakayama port guide.

3.5 By train or bus (without a car)

Without a car, take the Tohoku, Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen to the ports for Hokkaido, and the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen or a plane to the ports for Kyushu and Shikoku. Travel times are examples from the companies’ and JR’s official guides and change with the train or flight you take.

By train: ports in Kanto and Shizuoka

PortFrom Tokyo (each company’s official guide)
Ariake, Tokyo (Koto Ward)JR Bus Kanto runs a route bus from Tokyo Station to the Tokyo Port Ferry Terminal via Kokusai-tenjijo Station on the Rinkai Line and Tokyo Big Sight. The official page does not give the time or fare.
Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa PrefectureAbout 1.2 km from Yokosuka-chuo Station on the Keikyu Line: about 15 minutes on foot or about 6 minutes by taxi. The official page does not give the time from Tokyo.
Kurihama Port, Kanagawa PrefectureFrom Keikyu Kurihama Station, Keikyu Bus from stop 2 (“Ku 7, for Tokyo Wan Ferry”), about 10 minutes. From JR Kurihama Station, stop 5 (for Nobi Kaigan), about 10 minutes (¥280).
Atami Port, Shizuoka PrefectureFrom Tokyo Station, about 37 minutes on the Hikari shinkansen, about 50 minutes on the Kodama, or about 110 minutes on the JR Tokaido Line. From Atami Station to Atami port, about 10 minutes by taxi or 15 minutes by bus (Hatsushima Resort Line official guide).
Shimizu Port, Shizuoka PrefectureThe ticket office is inside the Shimizu Fish Market Kashi-no-Ichi Ichiba-kan, connected to JR Shimizu Station. The official page does not give the time from Tokyo.
Ito Port and Shimoda Port, Shizuoka PrefectureThe companies’ official pages do not give the nearest station or the time from Tokyo. Check a route planner.
Takeshiba, Tokyo (Minato Ward)About 1 minute on foot from Takeshiba Station (Yurikamome), about 8 minutes from the north exit of JR Hamamatsucho Station, and about 10 minutes from Daimon Station on the subway (Tokai Kisen official guide).

By train: ports for Hokkaido

Shinkansen times are examples of trains in JR East’s October 2026 weekday timetable. Each train runs on different days.

PortFrom Tokyo
Oarai Port, Ibaraki PrefectureHighway bus from the Yaesu South exit of Tokyo Station to Mito Station, then a bus from Mito Station to Oarai port (¥650). By train, about 110 minutes from Shinagawa
Sendai Port, Miyagi PrefectureHayabusa 51: Tokyo 6:56, Sendai 8:29 (about 1 h 33 min)
Hachinohe Port, Aomori PrefectureHayabusa 7: Tokyo 8:37, Hachinohe 11:26 (about 2 h 49 min). Hayabusa 73: 10:26, arriving 13:17
Aomori Port, Aomori PrefectureHayabusa 7: Tokyo 8:37, Shin-Aomori 11:51 (about 3 h 14 min). Hayabusa 73: 10:26, arriving 13:42
Niigata Port, Niigata PrefectureToki 305: Tokyo 7:48, Niigata 9:51. Toki 309: 8:48, arriving 11:06 (about 2 h to 2 h 18 min)
Akita Port, Akita PrefectureKomachi 1: Tokyo 6:32, Akita 10:24 (about 3 h 52 min)
Tsuruga Port, Fukui PrefectureKagayaki 511: Tokyo 16:24, Tsuruga 19:37 (about 3 h 13 min). Kagayaki 501: 6:16, arriving 9:34
Maizuru Port, Kyoto PrefectureShinkansen to Shin-Osaka, fastest 2 h 21 min. Then the connecting bus from Kobe Sannomiya or Osaka Namba (booking required)
Hakodate, Hokkaido (by shinkansen)Hayabusa 5: Tokyo 8:18, Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto 12:15 (about 3 h 57 min), then the Hakodate Liner, 15 to 22 minutes
Wakkanai Port, HokkaidoANA flies direct from Haneda to Wakkanai

Buses from Mito Station to Oarai port leave from stop 3 at the north exit; on weekdays they include 17:06 (arriving 17:45) and 21:15 (arriving 21:43) (MOL Sunflower official guide, as of October 2026). JR Bus Kanto has suspended some “Mito-go” highway buses between Tokyo Station and Mito Station from October 5, 2026, for the time being. The Hakodate Liner from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Hakodate takes about 15 to 22 minutes (Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry’s access guide for Hakodate port).

By train: ports in Kansai, the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku

This table lists ports you can reach from Tokyo by shinkansen, and the connections to the port that could be confirmed officially. Shinkansen times depend on the train, so check the timetable for your day.

PortFrom Tokyo (approx.)To the port
Osaka Nanko, Osaka PrefectureTokyo Station to Shin-Osaka about 2 h 30 min on the Nozomi (JR Tokai Tours)Meimon Taiyo Ferry’s official guide: Shin-Osaka about 55 minutes from Ferry Terminal Station on the Osaka Metro
Kobe Sannomiya Ferry Terminal, Hyogo PrefectureFrom Tokyo Station via Shin-Kobe or Shin-Osaka. To Shin-Osaka about 2 h 30 min on the NozomiConnecting bus from Sannomiya and Kobe-sannomiya stations, about 10 minutes, ¥230 (Jumbo Ferry official). Miyazaki Car Ferry uses the same terminal
Izumiotsu Port, Osaka Prefecture; Kobe Port (Rokko Island), Hyogo PrefectureTo Shin-Osaka as aboveCheck the “terminal and access” and “connecting bus” pages of Hankyu Ferry and MOL Sunflower
Takamatsu Port, Kagawa PrefectureTokyo to Okayama averages about 3 h 16 min (JR West, spring 2023 timetable change). Okayama to Takamatsu about 55 min on the Marine Liner rapid (JR Shikoku)A free shuttle bus runs from Takamatsu Station to Jumbo Ferry’s Takamatsu-higashi port (official)
Hiroshima Port, Hiroshima PrefectureAbout 3 h 50 min on the Nozomi (example from the JR West timetable)Hiroshima port connects with Hiroden trams (Setonaikaikisen official)
Matsuyama Kanko Port, Ehime PrefectureHaneda to Matsuyama Airport, about 1 h 25 to 30 min by air (calculated from the Matsuyama Airport timetable)Iyotetsu limousine bus to Matsuyama Kanko port (Setonaikaikisen official)

The time from Tokyo by train to Yawatahama Port, Ehime Prefecture, Misaki Port, Ehime Prefecture, Tokuyama Port, Yamaguchi Prefecture and Yanai Port, Yamaguchi Prefecture is not given on the companies’ official pages, so this guide cannot give figures. Tokuyama port is near JR Tokuyama Station (Suonada Ferry official), and Yanai port is 5 minutes on foot from JR Yanaiminato Station (Boyo Ferry official).

By train or plane: ports in Kagoshima Prefecture

From Tokyo to Kagoshima, fly or take the shinkansen. Travel times depend on the flight or train.

Marix Line’s official guide explains how to reach Kagoshima Shin-ko Port, Kagoshima Prefecture (Marue Ferry, Marix Line). From Kagoshima Airport, a bus to central Kagoshima takes about 50 minutes to stops such as Kagoshima-Chuo Station (fare ¥1,400). From Kagoshima-Chuo Station to Kagoshima Shin-ko port, it is about 20 minutes by bus or about 15 minutes by taxi. Amami Kaiun uses Kagoshima North Pier, and the Yakushima ferry uses the South Pier in the Main Port area; these are different boarding points.

By train: ports for the Sea of Japan islands

PortFrom TokyoTo the port
Niigata Port, Niigata Prefecture (Sado)Tokyo Station to Niigata Station about 2 hours on the Joetsu ShinkansenBus from Niigata Station, about 15 min (¥260)
Naoetsu Port, Niigata Prefecture (Sado)Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsumyoko StationConnecting bus from Joetsumyoko Station, about 30 min (¥730)
Sakata Port, Yamagata Prefecture (Tobishima)Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata about 2 hours, then the Inaho limited express to the Shonai area about 2 hours (approx.)For the 9:30 ship, arrive in Sakata the day before
Iwafune Port, Niigata Prefecture (Awashima)Train via Niigata to Murakami Station (check the JR timetable for the time)From Murakami Station: taxi about 15 min (about ¥2,000), Iwafune loop bus about 20 min (¥200)
Shichirui Port, Shimane Prefecture, and Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture (Oki)By air, rail or bus toward Matsue. Oki’s airport has direct flights from Izumo and Itami airportsIchibata Bus from Matsue Station to Shichirui port, about 40 min (¥1,200)

4. What should you check about booking and service changes?

Depends on the provider

Booking opens anywhere from 1 month (Ocean Tokyu Ferry, Marue Ferry, Marix Line) to 3 months (Shin Nihonkai Ferry, Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry, MOL Sunflower from Osaka and Kobe) before sailing, depending on the company. Tokyo Wan Ferry and Hatsushima Resort Line need no booking, and for the Aogashima boat and the Hahajima Maru you buy tickets at the pier on the day. On Orita Kisen to Yakushima, individual passengers do not need to book.

Fares change by season (periods A to E and so on) and cabin, and some routes add a fuel surcharge. Once your date is set, check seats and fares on each company’s booking screen. Pet rules also differ by company; Meimon Taiyo Ferry does not accept pets on the Ferry Kyoto and Ferry Fukuoka.

The table lists cancellations, reduced service and other changes confirmed on each company’s official pages on October 13, 2026. These change day to day, so check each company’s service status page before you travel.

RouteDetails (checked October 13, 2026)
Tokyo Kyusyu FerryEngine maintenance on the Soleil: sailings from Yokosuka on October 14, 16 and 19 and from Shinmoji on October 13, 15 and 17 cancelled
Tokai KisenOrder to stop using the Tachibana-Maru, Seven Island Yui and Seven Island Tomo: replacement timetable from October 9 to 28. The Tachibana-Maru is out of service with a propeller problem; no restart date announced
Hankyu Ferry (Kobe)Kobe to Shinmoji cancelled from October 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Miyazaki Car FerryFerry Rokko in dock: no sailings from Kobe on October 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27, or from Miyazaki on October 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28
Shikoku Orange FerryNo sailings from Osaka to Toyo from October 20 to November 2
Nankai FerryReduced timetable from August 1, 2026, for the time being
Marix LineSouthbound sailing from Kagoshima Shin-ko on October 28 and northbound sailing from Naha on October 30 cancelled
Amami KaiunFerry Amami out of service since May 2026, restart date not set. Ferry Kikai sails 3 times a week
Tokyo Wan FerrySome sailings planned not to run on October 18
Hatsushima Resort Line7 round trips a day from November 4 to December 24, 2026 and January 5 to February 10, 2027
Suruga Bay Ferry3rd sailing cancelled on October 24; no sailings January 12 to 29, 2027
Seikan FerrySome sailings cancelled November 9 to 18
Tsugaru Kaikyo FerrySome Aomori to Hakodate sailings cancelled January 14 to February 27, 2027
Ferry TobishimaBack in service on September 30. Vehicle transport gives priority to islanders’ vehicles for now
Unaccompanied vehiclesTokyo Kyusyu Ferry and Shin Nihonkai Ferry end the service for sailings from December 1, 2026

The table was checked against these official notices: Tokyo Kyusyu Ferry cancellation notice, October 7, 2026; Tokai Kisen replacement timetable notice, October 5, 2026; Hankyu Ferry cancellation notice, October 6, 2026; Miyazaki Car Ferry fiscal 2026 sailing schedule; Shikoku Orange Ferry notice on Kansai route suspensions; Nankai Ferry service status page; Marix Line cancellation notice, September 30, 2026; Amami Kaiun service status page; Tokyo Wan Ferry sailing schedule; Hatsushima Resort Line official top page; Suruga Bay Ferry cancellation notice; Seikan Ferry notice on Hayabusa III cancellations; Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry sailing schedule notice, October 13, 2026; Sakata City notice on the ferry Tobishima’s return; Shin Nihonkai Ferry notice on ending unaccompanied vehicles; Tokyo Kyusyu Ferry notice on ending unaccompanied vehicles. All are in Japanese.

The ferry’s strength is less about price and more that you can travel with your car, motorcycle, bicycle or pet, and make the journey part of your trip. Compare train and air fares and times for your travel date with the ferry. Sea conditions can cause cancellations or delays, so leave some slack before your return.

A note on language: Ocean Tokyu Ferry’s English page says its web booking is in Japanese only, and that terminal staff, crew and phone operators speak Japanese only. Tokyo Kyusyu Ferry’s English page links to its online booking with English selected. For other companies, this guide does not cover language support.

Sources

Fares, times and conditions were checked on official pages on October 13, 2026, and driving distances, times and tolls on October 14, 2026. The pages are in Japanese unless the title says “English page”.

Checked on October 14, 2026 (Japan time). Fares and times may change.

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