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Ferries in Japan

THE 10 BEST Japan Ferries

Ferries in Japan

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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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What travelers are saying

  • karenpammy2016
    San Francisco, CA1,271 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you arrive early in the morning, the first ferry ride over to Miyajima that passes directly in front of the Great Torii starts at 9:10a.m., otherwise if you go earlier than that, it will just be a ferry ride over. You may purchase your round-trip tickets through the machines at the station and then head over to the gate when it is close to boarding time. The JR Miyajima Ferry ride is a very timely departure for the 10 minute ride over to Miyajima. There is no need to grab a seat if you would like to photograph the Great Torii as you the ride over is very short. Cars are also allowed on board and are boarded first. Make sure you check the time schedule for departures later in the day when you return. It is a very convenient and efficient ferry service.
    Written September 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • HENRYTCT
    Singapore, Singapore535 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We arrived at Sakurajima ferry port just in time before the Ferry embarked on its journey over to Kagoshima port. It was heavily raining but the approx 20 minutes journey was seamless and smooth. As this was the first time travelling on a car ferry, we went ahead to explore the various decks of the ship. The car deck was packed but the passenger decks were relatively empty. As it was still raining, we didn’t step outside much. The indoor cabin was pleasantly clean and comfortable, with well cushioned seats and options of vending machines. Disembarking was as smooth and well guided as the embarking. Short journey but a really cool experience !
    Written July 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chris l
    YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK480 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    great boat rides around the bay at a fair price for the area. lots of great views form the boat, see the city from the sea. great staff
    Written September 22, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NyaNya24
    Melbourne, Australia290 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Seats were comfy and the ride was quick. On the way there was a bit choppy and was quite a thrill. The staff at the ferry terminal was also very helpful when I needed help to contact the ryokan.
    Written December 30, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kbmv
    Sapporo, Japan16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My husband and I just returned from two weeks traveling around Hokkaido. We used the ferry from Wakkanai to Rishiri where we stayed for three nights, then back. Also took it for a day trip to Rebun Island. This ferry service is super convenient, clean and ran on time. I’d suggest paying a bit more for the first or second class tickets since you’re assured of a seat that way. We paid up for the first class seats between Wakkanai and Rishiri, which is about an hour and a half ride, but used economy for the 40 minute ride between Rishiri and Rebun, which was fine. We got lucky with a warm day, so could sit outside on seats. The inside areas were mostly nonsmoking.
    Written July 17, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Morten Marthin
    Copenhagen, Denmark244 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quite a long ferry ride +20 hours but with plenty of time to relax. I recommend booking a cabin with a balcony. The cabins are of a good size and very nice and the ferry offers a sento bath with an ocean view.
    Written November 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ronald S
    44 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The ferry and onboard services are comfortable and clean. There is little in English but the staff are helpful and things are relatively easy to figure out. The tourist class bunks are much like a capsule hotel and better than the tatami mat rooms. If you have family recommend getting a private room. Now on to the food. Overpriced and low quality. Breakfast and lunch are ¥1000 and dinner is ¥2000. Choices are mostly low-grade Japanese. If you can survive on the salad bar with only shredded cabbage and one choice of dressing you’re okay. Bring your own food!
    Written November 21, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris M
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Took two different routes, Osaka to Beppu, and Kagoshima/Shibashi to Osaka. The Japan Inland Sea route was smooth and gentle, barely felt the swells; the route in the Pacific along southern Shikoku was turbulent enough to make walking a bit difficult. I am very sensitive to seasickness but I was OK all the same...wasn't quite severe enough to make anyone sick that I noticed. Loved the buffet dinner on both ships. Well worth the cost with lots of tasty options. I booked private single room, the kind with an accordion sliding door separating it from the corridor. OMG really cramped.
    Written November 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ankur Gupta
    Yokohama, Japan341 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I took the ferry from Beppu to Osaka. Best part was the timing of the ferry 18:45 (dep) and 06:30 (arr) at Osaka. Took the 8 person sharing cabin with descent space. Staff is polite and courteous. The highlights of the ferry were the onsen (public bath) and the upper deck on 5th floor. Smoking areas were on the 3rd and 4th floor. Overall I was very happy since I was able to give myself some rest from driving and carry my car from beppu to Osaka in this ferry. Also I would like to mention that sunflower website is very convenient to make booking for passengers and your vehicle. They make the reservation and provide a reservation number online and payment can be done 2 hours prior departure at the counter.
    Written May 7, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pasherry
    United States1,150 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We happened upon this paddle boat cruise so decided to take it. Being from the US, the idea of cruising on a paddle boat named Michigan would be novel. The cruise took 80 minutes, cost 2780 yen. We spent the time exploring the boat and taking pictures of the mountains, lake and Otsu City. The interior of the ship is beautiful, there is a cafe/bar and an area for reserved lunch or dinner. Our cruise did not offer a meal. You can sit inside or on the deck. The crew was lively; a live show was hilarious with the performers singing in English to Japanese senior citizens. We joined right in! It would be nice to do a dinner cruise to see the fireworks on Lake Biwa. Maybe next time.
    Written November 1, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kimitaka S
    Taichung, Taiwan15,240 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I took the newly constructed ferry “Yamato” from Kobe to Shin-Moji. It was much comfortable than I thought. What I especially appreciated was the open-air bath, which was available for free. After the arrival in Shin-Moji, there was a free bus service to Kokura station.
    Written July 14, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LightPacker308286
    Rockville, MD784 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    In additional to visit Kumamoto Castle we also went to see Cave of Miyamoto Mushashi (1584-1645) or Reigando Cave, the west of Kumamoto.
    Written January 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Walker
    Lancashire, UK11 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Short trip on the canal. Yo-yo was a great guide - didn’t understand a word he was saying but very entertaining nonetheless !
    Written April 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mike W
    Kyoto, Japan170 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    You would think, but they have restricted access to (better) half of the ferry for those paying an additional charge.
    The trip from Toba to Irago takes 1 hour. If you go on the last or second last trip, there is a great sunset to watch out the back. Just bring a gas mask as you’re downwind from the diesel fumes.
    Written October 12, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vidhu s
    Bengaluru, India57 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If I was to evaluate all the possible ways in which you could get from Kansai to Kobe, including the bullet train ride, undoubtedly this stands out. Multiple reasons- its not very expensive, it is fast, its convenient and it offers great views of the city. Need I say more. Just buy a ticket.
    Written July 9, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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