Shikoku Region List of Participating Companies
Kagawa Prefecture
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Kokusai Ryobi Ferry Co.,Ltd.
・Kokusai Ryobi Ferry operates the following two regular routes.
・This regular service connects Takamatsu Port (Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture) and Shodoshima Ikeda Port (Shodo-gun, Kagawa Prefecture) by car ferry in approximately one hour.
Vessel Information
11th Kokusai Maru (Shimazo)
The stern mast has an elephant motif. Equipped with front and rear elevators, this ship is friendly for people going to the hospital and the elderly when boarding and disembarking at each port. On the third floor, there is a group room (Observation Lounge Horizon) with a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. Can be reserved for private use for up to 54 people (separate fee applies). A merry-go-round is installed inside the stern mast and a swing is installed nearby, providing a space where families can have fun. An electrical outlet is installed at the seat next to the window. There is a mailbox installed in each guest room, so you can send letters from the sea.
1th Kokusai Maru (Panda)
The chimney, called a funnel, has a ``panda'' motif. Equipped with an elevator, there are a variety of seats including reclining seats, box seats, and carpeted seats, making it comfortable for both individuals and groups. There is a panda seesaw on the observation deck that overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, which is very popular with children.
・This regular service connects Shin-Okayama Port (Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture) and Shodoshima-Tonosho Port (Shodo-gun, Kagawa Prefecture) by car ferry in approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Vessel Information
OLYMPIADREAM SETO
Launched on May 1, 2019. The concept is the world's first "amusement park running on the sea." In addition to a 360-degree promenade deck and a cabin that functions as a salon, this cruise ferry is packed with features that both adults and children can enjoy, such as an elegant and high-quality interior reminiscent of the lounge of an ocean-going ship, the Chuggington mini train, and seasonal events.
OLYMPIA DREAM
Launched service to Shodoshima on the day of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics (October 10). The island was named Olympia because Shodoshima and Milos, the Greek island where Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, are sister islands (in 1988). Part of the deck was renewed in July 2019, and play equipment such as a merry-go-round, swings, slides, and bouldering has been added to make your Shodoshima cruise even more enjoyable.
<Access to the ferry terminal
Takamatsu Port: 7-minute walk from JR Shikoku Takamatsu Station or Takamatsu Chikko Station on the Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railway Line.
Shin-Okayama Port: 40 minutes by bus from JR Okayama Station.
＜Nearby Sightseeing Spots
Shodoshima Island, with an area of approximately 153 square kilometers and a circumference of approximately 126 kilometers, is always crowded with tourists in search of its rich natural environment, with mild temperatures and little rain throughout the year.
On the other hand, Shodoshima has a long history of prosperity as a "strategic point of the Seto Inland Sea," and there is no shortage of attractions on the island, including theme parks, memorial halls, power spots, temples, and a zoo. The island is also blessed with an abundance of foodstuffs, and its gourmet cuisine is a major attraction.
Tokushima Prefecture
- No applicable participating company
Ehime Prefecture
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Ishizaki Kisen Co., Ltd.
・Ishizaki Kisen Co., Ltd. provides marine transportation services between Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture and Kure City and Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
Ishizaki Kisen Co., Ltd. has a long history, having been established in 1862.
<Introduction of our vessels
High-speed vessel "Super Jet
The minimum sailing time between Matsuyama and Hiroshima is 70 minutes, and 80 minutes via Kure Port in Hiroshima Prefecture.
It operates 9 times a day.
Cruise Ferry
The cruise ferry takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, which is slower than the Super Jet, and allows passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Seto Inland Sea and the beauty of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, a world-class destination.
The ferry operates 10 times a day.
<Tourist facilities around Matsuyama City
Dogo Onsen
Dogo Onsen is the oldest hot spring in Japan and is associated with the novel "Botchan" written by Soseki Natsume. It is designated as a national important cultural property.
Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle, built before the Edo period, has one of the 12 existing castle towers and 21 important cultural properties. The castle can be reached on foot, by ropeway, or by lift. From the top floor of the castle tower, visitors can enjoy a wonderful view of the Matsuyama Plain and the Seto Inland Sea.
＜Ehime's local cuisine
Tai-meshi (sea bream rice)
There are two types of tai meshi.
One is to cook sea bream with rice, season it with salt, soy sauce, kelp, etc., and when it is finished cooking, break off the meat of the sea bream and mix it with the rice.
The other is Uwajima tai meshi, which is made with sea bream sashimi. The sea bream fillet is marinated in a sauce made of soy sauce, raw egg, dashi broth, and other seasonings, and the marinated sea bream is served on top of rice.
Jako-ten (fish cake)
Jako-ten is a type of fish paste made by grinding small fish, skin and bones, flattening and deep frying. It has a rich flavor of small fish and is healthy and rich in calcium and other nutrients.
<Services
WI-FI service is available on board both Super Jet and Cruise Ferry.
Credit card payment is available at the ticket booths in each port. Onboard stores and vending machines accept cash only.
<Access
Matsuyama Kanko Port: 3 minutes by bus from Iyo Railway Takahama Station, or 10 minutes on foot.
Hiroshima Port: Approximately a 1-minute walk from Hiroshima Electric Railway Hiroshima Port Station.
Kure Port: 5-minute walk from JR Kure Station
Ishizaki Kisen Co., Ltd. will continue to provide "safe" and "secure" services to our customers.
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SETONAIKAIKISEN Ink.
We operate a regular service between Hiroshima Port/Kure Port-Matsuyama Kanko Port. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by high-speed passenger ship or 2 hours and 40 minutes by car ferry. We also offer a sightseeing route from Hiroshima Port to Mihara Port (Hiroshima Prefecture), which includes about 4.5 hours of cruising and land-based sightseeing.
The SEA PASEO and SEA PASEO2, which started service on the Hiroshima/Kure-Matsuyama route in 2019 and 2020 respectively, are new car ferries inspired by the concept of parks. They offer a spacious and relaxing space to keep passengers entertained during the long ferry journey.
SEA SPICA, which entered service in 2020, is a high-speed ferry designed for sightseeing. It features comfortable seating, an open-air deck, and even transported heads of state and government during the G7 Hiroshima Summit.
<Nearby Sightseeing Spots>
Itsukushima Island (Hiroshima Prefecture): Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site, is located on this island. It is an island rich in nature with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall.
Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima Prefecture): The A-bomb Dome was the first building to be hit by a nuclear weapon used in human history at the end of World War II. It is a World Heritage site that remains almost exactly as it was at the time of the bombing.
Dogo Hot Springs (Ehime Prefecture): The oldest hot spring in Japan, mentioned in the "Chronicles of Japan. The Japanese-style inns and shopping streets are also attractive.
<Access to the bus stops>
Hiroshima Port: 1 minute walk from Hiroshima Port Station on Hiroshima Electric Railway
Kure Port: 5-minute walk from JR Kure Station
Matsuyama Kanko Port: 10-minute walk from Iyotetsu Takahama Station
Mihara Port: 5-minute walk from JR Mihara Station
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Shikoku Kaihatsu Ferry Co., Ltd.
Shikoku Kaihatsu Ferry is nicknamed "Orange Ferry,
It operates both the "Kansai Passage" between Toyo Port (Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture) and Osaka Nanko (Osaka Prefecture), and the "Kyushi Passage" between Yawatahama Port (Yawatahama City, Ehime Prefecture) and Usuki Port (Usuki City, Oita Prefecture).
On the Kansai Passage, each passenger can spend a relaxing evening in a completely private room. There is also an onboard restaurant where you can enjoy seasonal dishes made with the finest ingredients. The luxurious entrance is like a moving maritime hotel. Enjoy a unique cruise on the Seto Inland Sea.
The Kyushu-Yono-Kyusyu route is convenient for travel between Shikoku and Kyushu, and operates day and night.
<Access
Toyo Port: 10 minutes by bus or cab from JR Mibugawa Station. There is a connecting bus for Matsuyama (for a fee). There is also a connecting bus for Imabari and Niihama (free of charge).
Osaka Nanko: 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Ferry Terminal Station. About 10 minutes by car from the Nanko Minami IC.
Yawatahama Port: 25 min. walk from JR Yawatahama Station, or 5 min. by bus or cab. Approximately 25 minutes by car from the Ozu IC.
Usuki Port: Approx. 10 min. walk or 3 min. by cab from JR Usuki Sta. Approximately 8 minutes by car from the Usuki IC.
<Others
Ticket booths and inside the ship are marked in English.
Credit card payment is available at the ticket counter.
PayPay, LINEPay, and Alipay are available at restaurants on board.
Wi-Fi is available.
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SHIMANAMI Co.,Ltd.
【Content】
Kurushima Tidal Currents Experience Cruise (tidal rapids observation boat)
【Selling point】
An intense and exciting experience!
Ride the tidal observation boat on an adventure trip!
The tidal observation boat allows you to closely experience the rapids of the Kurushima Strait, one of Japan's top three fastest rapids.
Enjoy the sights of the beautiful Setouchi islands in addition to the rare experience of being able to see the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge from below (passing under the bridge) and the iconic shipyards of Imabari, Japan's largest marine city, from the bay.
You can also see historically significant islands on the Kurushima Strait, such as Kurushima, which has the castle ruins of the Murakami pirates, and Kojima, which has the artillery remnants of Geiyo fortress. This is an interactive cruise with numerous highlights that will appeal even to people who aren't history buffs.
【Course】
Shitadami Port == Mushijima == Nakatoshima == Umashima == Oshima == Kurushima == Hashihama Port == Shitadami Port (no particular order)
【Time required】
About 45 minutes
【Business hours】
Operates during the business hours of the Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) Yoshiumi ikiikikan.
【Closed】
When the Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) Yoshiumi ikiikikan is closed.
【Operations】
During business hours, it generally operates every hour.
* The departure times may vary based on the number of reservations, the date, and tidal conditions.
* Changes and cancellations could occur due to the weather.
【Boarding pass issuance and redemption】
Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) Yoshiumi ikiikikan
4520-2 Yoshiumichomyo, Imabari TEL 0897-84-3710
【Boarding location】
Shitadami Port
（The boarding location is about 200 m (3 to 5 minutes on foot) from the Yoshiumi ikiikikan.）
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Uwajima Unyu Ferry Co., Ltd.
Uwajima Unyu Ferry connects Yawatahama Port (Yawatahama City, Ehime Prefecture) with Beppu Port (Beppu City, Oita Prefecture) and Usuki Port (Usuki City, Oita Prefecture) by car ferry in approximately 3 hours.
The Reimei Maru and Akebono Maru ferries, which have been carefully designed for interior comfort, are equipped with Wi-Fi service and a barrier-free environment.
From the windows of the ship, you can see the impressive scenery of Cape Sada and the giant windmills. You will be able to relax and enjoy the scenery that changes one after another during the voyage.
This route is ideal and convenient for sightseeing in Beppu and Usuki.
【Nearby attractions】
Beppu Onsen：Beppu Onsen is a hot spring village that flows the largest amount of hot spring water in Japan. Boasting more than 2,800 hot spring sources and flowing at a rate of nearly 137,000 kiloliters per day, Beppu is considered a paradise of hot springs famous for its high therapeutic effects.This town is divided into eight major hot spring areas collectively called “Beppu Hatto,” which offers beautiful scenery and various types of waters of different qualities.
Usuki Stone Buddhas ：These are figures of Buddha carved in rock in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture that have been designated a national treasure.More than 60 figures were carved in rock face created by hardened volcanic ash and molten rock that erupted from Mt. Aso (Kumamoto Prefecture) approximately 90,000 years ago.
The Usuki Stone Buddhas have earned great international appreciation as a cultural heritage in light of the number of figures, their beauty, and remarkable carving techniques used despite the solid rock face.
【Access】
Yawatahama Port：5 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes on foot from JR Yawatahama Station.
Beppu Port：10 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes on foot from JR Beppu Station.
Usuki Port：5 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes on foot from JR Usuki Station.
Kochi Prefecture
- No applicable participating company