Japan Passengerboat Association

Hokkaido Prefecture

• HeartLandFerry Co., Ltd.

  This is a regular route connecting Wakkanai to Rishiri and Rebun Islands, the northernmost towns in Hokkaido, and Esashi to Okushiri Island in the southwestern part of Hokkaido. The route time is 52 km/approx. 1 hr. 45 min. from Wakkanai to Rishiri, 59 km/approx. 2 hrs. from Wakkanai to Rebun, 19 km/approx. 40 min. from Rishiri to Rebun, and 61 km/approx. 2 hrs. 20 min. from Esashi to Okushiri.
  
  The Rishiri-Rebun route is served by three vessels, the Amapola Soya, Cypria Soya, and Boreas Soya, while the Okushiri route is served by one vessel, the Caranse Okushiri.
  
  The ferry's hull design is patterned after the company's symbol mark. Each vessel has a different color scheme, using the four seasons of nature that symbolize the region as a color motif.
  
  The cabins and other common areas of the vessels not only feature universal design, but some vessels are also equipped with fin stabilizers to reduce vibration during navigation.
  
  ＜Nearby Sightseeing Spots
  Rishiri and Rebun, the northernmost islands, are famous for their natural treasures. Rishiri Island welcomes visitors with the famous Mt. Rishiri, also known as Rishiri Fuji. Rebun Island is home to a cluster of endemic plants such as the lebun atsumorisou, and beautiful flowers and grasses bloom according to the season. Both islands also boast seafood such as sea urchin, Rishiri kelp, and hokke (hokke) during the season.
  Okushiri Island is also popular for its natural beauty. Fresh seafood, the Okushiri blue sea, and the rich natural environment are the island's attractions.
  
  <Access to the boarding terminal
  Wakkanai Port: 15 minutes walk from JR Wakkanai Station.
  Oshidomari Port (Rishiri Island): 10 minutes by cab from Rishiri Airport.
  Kutsugata Port (Rishiri Island): Approx. 20 minutes by cab from Rishiri Airport.
  Esashi Port: Approx. 5 min. on foot from bus stop (Ubagamicho Ubagamicho Ferry-mae).
  Okushiri Port (Okushiri Island): Approx. 30 minutes by cab from Okushiri Airport
  
  
  
  

  

• MOL Sunflower Ltd.

  Our company operates four long course ferries.
  1.It connects Oarai Port (Oarai-cho, Ibaraki Prefecture) and Tomakomai Port (Tomakomai City, Hokkaido) in about 18 hours.
  2.It connects Osaka Port (Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture) and Beppu Port (Beppu City, Oita Prefecture) in about 11 hours and 30 minutes.
  3.It connects Kobe Port (Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture) and Oita Port (Oita City, Oita Prefecture) in about 12 hours.
  4.It connects Osaka Port (Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture) and Shibushi Port (Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture) in about 15 hours.
  
  All routes are very convenient as they are close to major Japanese cities (Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto).
  Not only Hokkaido and Osaka, which are popular with many people, but also Oita Prefecture, which is famous for its hot springs, can be reached just by taking a ferry,which is said to be a moving hotel.
  We have a variety of room types from affordable capsule hotel types to deluxe rooms and suites with private balconies and bathrooms.
  You can enjoy the buffet at the restaurant and the large bath with a view of the sea on every route.
  (* There is no restaurant only on the midnight service of Hokkaido route)
  
  < Access to the platform >
  Please visit our website.
  < Others >
  You can make a credit card payment on the internet reservation or at the procedure counter of each port.
  Each ship can enjoy other contents such as sightseeing information and movies through the dedicated communication service "SSQ."
  *There is no service on the Kobe - Oita route and the Oarai - Tomakomai route (midnight ferry). External communication is not supported.
  *Languages are available in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.
  
  In 2023, Japan's first environmentally friendly LNG ferry started service between Osaka and Beppu.
  Ships scheduled to be introduced in 2025 will also be fueled by LNG.
  By using LNG (liquefied natural gas) as a fuel, we produce almost no sulfur oxides (SOx), significantly reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and are environmentally conscious.

  

• Otaru Canal Boat LCC

  We operate cruises around the canal that is a symbol of Otaru.
  On our day cruises you can enjoy views of Otaru’s cityscape and the historical buildings around the canal. On our night cruises you can enjoy views the lights around the canal.
  
  Our cruises are leisurely 35 to 40-minute tours around the Otaru Canal and through part of Otaru's port.
  
  We have staff members who can speak English and Chinese.
  Our boats are equipped with an audio guidance system that provides information in English, Chinese and Korean. +Earphones for this system are provided free for free.
  
  It is about 75 minutes by train from New Chitose Airport to JR Otaru Station via the JR Hakodate Line. Our ticket center and boarding area are about a 10 minute-walk from JR Otaru Station. Look for the big blue tent located by the canal.
  
  Tickets can be paid for by credit card. We have a number of pamphlets and maps in foreign languages at our ticket center, and Otaru’s main information center, which has staff who can speak English, Chinese and Korean is a 1-minute walk away.
  
  Otaru’s main information center
  https://otaru.gr.jp/kankokyokai/guide

  

• Shinnihonkaiferry Co.,Ltd

  Maizuru Port (Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture) and Otaru Port (Otaru City, Hokkaido),
  Tsuruga Port (Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture) and Tomakomai East Port (Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido)
  Niigata Port (Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture) and Otaru Port (Otaru City, Hokkaido)
  Tsuruga Port (Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture)-Niigata Port (Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture)-Akita Port (Akita City, Akita Prefecture)-Tomakomai East Port (Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido) *Only one service to Tsuruga Port per week
  Four routes are operated by large car ferries.
  Each route offers a variety of accommodations, from budget-priced cabins to suites with private terraces and bathrooms with sea views,
  The Grill, Restaurant, and Café offer a variety of dining options.
  
  <Access to the terminal
  Maizuru Port: 7 minutes by cab from JR Higashi Maizuru Station
  Tsuruga Port: 10 minutes by cab from JR Tsuruga Station
  Niigata Port: 15 minutes by cab from JR Niigata Station
  Akita Port: Approx. 20 minutes by cab from JR Akita Station
  Tomakomai East Port: Approx. 45 min. by liaison bus from JR Minami Chitose Station (reservation required)
  Otaru Port: Approx. 10 min. by cab from JR Otaru Station or JR Otaru Chikko Station.

  

• Taiheiyo Ferry

  ・Discover a unique and irresistible way of traversing Japan with Taiheiyo Ferry!
  Commute between the vibrant city of Nagoya in Tokai, the picturesque views of Sendai in Tohoku, and the stunning landscapes of Tomakomai in Hokkaido in a way you've never experienced before.
  Being garlanded with multiple victories in the Ferry Division of the Cruise Ship of the Year Awards, we stand tall in our commitment to offer unsurpassed facilities, extraordinary customer service, and mouth-watering cuisine that leaves our passengers craving more.
  
  Moreover, we give paramount importance to the safety of our passengers.voluntary ISM certification testifies our pledge to foster a secure environment.
  
  Imagine boarding a ferry and waking up at your next destination, feeling as relaxed as if you spent the night in a luxurious hotel.
  This seamless travel experience is crafted to amplify your travel plans and make the most of your precious time in Japan.
  
  Add a dash of thrill and adventure to your journey in Japan with Taiheiyo Ferry.
  Get ready to carve memories that will last a lifetime with us. Your unforgettable Japanese escapade begins here!
  
  Access
  ◆Nagoya Port
  1.Meitetsu Bus from Nagoya Station to Taiheiyo Ferry Liaison Bus (17:20 departure from Meitetsu Bus Center, 4th floor, Bus Stop No. 22) *Nagoya Station to Ferry Terminal only
  2.From Noseki station on the Aonami Line, take the Nagoya City Bus bound for Ferry Pier (approx. 15 min.).
  3.From Tsukijiguchi Station on the Subway Meiko Line, take the Nagoya City Bus bound for Ferry Pier (approx. 25 min.).
  
  ◆Sendai Port　
  【Tokyo Station to Sendai Station, take the SHINKANSEN about 90 minutes!】
  1.From Sendai Station, take Miyagi Kotsu Bus bound for Sendai Port Ferry Terminal(approx. 45 min.).
  2.From JR Senseki Line Nakanosakae Station, take Miyagi Kotsu Bus bound for Sendai Port Ferry Terminal(approx. 15 min.).
  
  ◆Tomakomai Por
  1.From Sapporo Station, take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus "Kosoku Tomakomai-go" bound for the Tomakomai Ferry (approx. 120 min.).
  2.From Tomakomai Station, take the Donan Bus bound for Tomakomai Ferry(approx. 15 min.).