Kyushu, the third largest of Japan's four main islands, is located in the southwest of the country. It's considered the birthplace of Japanese civilization and is renowned for its natural beauty, rich culture, and numerous attractions. There are many ways to reach Kyushu, including flying to Fukuoka International Airport, taking the Shinkansen bullet train to Hakata Station (Fukuoka), or traveling by ferry. Today, I'll share my experience of reaching Kyushu by ferry from Osaka/Kobe.
Hankyu Ferry, one of Japan's oldest marine transportation companies, was founded in 1968. It operates two main routes connecting the Kansai region with Kyushu: from the ports of Izumiotsu (Osaka) and Kobe to the port of Shinmoji (Fukuoka).
You can purchase tickets directly at the ticket counter or online (online booking is recommended for better room selection).
Here's the link for online booking on the Hankyu Ferry website: https://www.han9f.co.jp/en/
Simply enter your information on the website, select your desired room type, and submit your reservation. You'll receive a booking code via email. On your departure date, present this code at the ticket counter, make your payment, and receive your boarding pass (arrive about an hour before departure).
This time, I chose to depart from Kobe. The ferry terminal is located on Rokko Island, so don't confuse it with Kobe Port.
Cruise embarkation port address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gTF3kfzujkbN6t8w6
You take the train to Island Kitaguchi Station, then there's a free shuttle bus from the station to the port.
The Hankyu Ferry has a total of 7 floors: 3 for cargo and vehicles, and 3 for passenger accommodation, dining, entertainment, and shopping.
Elevators and stairs connect the different floors.
The ferry boasts a spacious restaurant serving a variety of traditional Japanese dishes.
Since I boarded around 7:30 PM, I decided to have dinner before exploring and taking photos.
Some of the restaurant's dishes that I took photos of.
The menu features mainly seafood and sashimi...
I chose a set meal with Aji furai (deep-fried horse mackerel), salad, and Oden (a traditional Japanese dish with tofu, fish cakes, and daikon radish simmered in a soy-flavored dashi broth). The price was around 1000 JPY (~$7 USD), which is quite reasonable.
The ferry offers various room types, with prices varying depending on the type and travel date. Weekends and holidays are generally more expensive.
Royal and Suite rooms with ocean views from the bedroom/bathroom. Prices range from 22,000 JPY to 33,000 JPY per person.
Deluxe rooms, with options for pet accommodation. Prices range from 16,000 JPY to 20,000 JPY per person.
Standard and Deluxe bunk bed rooms. Prices range from 8,000 JPY to 16,000 JPY per person.
For detailed information on room types and prices, visit the Hankyu Ferry website: https://www.han9f.co.jp/en/
The ferry offers entertainment options like claw machines and pachinko.
If you depart from Kobe, you'll pass the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to take photos from the ferry's deck.
On the 5th floor, there's a convenience store selling souvenirs, snacks, beer, sake, and other beverages. You can purchase food and drinks here and enjoy them in the restaurant on the 6th floor. However, the store's selection is limited, so you might want to bring your own snacks.
The 7th floor features a spacious bathhouse and onsen (hot spring) with both indoor and outdoor baths offering stunning ocean views.
After exploring and taking photos, I returned to my room to rest and wake up early for the sunrise. Since I traveled in late July (summer), sunrise was quite early, around 4:30-5:00 AM.
Here's the view I woke up to around 4:30 AM.
The sun hadn't risen yet, but the horizon was already painted with beautiful golden hues.
The 7th floor of the ferry offers many great spots for photography.
And at around 5am, the sun started to rise, which was what I was looking forward to most in this experience.
Although it was mid-summer and extremely hot, the early morning hours were pleasant, thanks to the cool sea breeze and the sun's low position. It felt like autumn.
Sunrise lasts only about 15-20 minutes, so don't miss these beautiful moments. Witnessing the sunrise at sea was the main reason I chose to travel to Kyushu by ferry.
I waited until the sun had risen higher, then went down to the 5th and 6th floors to take more photos of the ferry from different angles.
The windows in the 5th-floor corridor are another favorite spot of mine. The ocean view is truly energizing.
Soon, land came into view. About 30 minutes later, we docked at Shinmoji Port.
At the end of the 6th-floor corridor, there's a room where you can enjoy breakfast with a scenic view. It's located right at the front of the ferry.
Upon arrival, proceed to the 1st floor, where a shuttle bus awaits. The bus provides free transportation from the Hankyu Ferry terminal to the nearest train station (Kokura Station).
After taking the free bus to Kokura Station, I boarded a rapid train to Hakata Station (about a 1-hour journey) to begin my Kyushu adventure.
I'll go to Hakata station Rent a self-driving car Discover the first prefecture on your Kyushu trip: Fukuoka. The next article will share my day exploring Fukuoka. Remember to follow me on social networking platforms so you don't miss new posts.
I hope this post provides you with another option for traveling from Osaka/Kobe to Fukuoka and offers a glimpse into the luxurious experience of the Hankyu Ferry.
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