Travelling on a Luxury Japan Ferry

By Direct Ferries Team
June 20, 2024
Japan Ferry

Looking for a new adventure this year? Why not cruise around Japan on a luxury ferry? With everything from spas to cinemas, these ships are like staying in floating five-star hotels. Whether you are bringing the family or having a romantic getaway, travelling around Japan is perfect for any occasion. Intrigued? Find out what surprises await you onboard.

What’s onboard a luxury Japan ferry?

Prepare to climb aboard the boat of your dreams when you visit Japan. Each long-distance ferry offers a range of upscale facilities that you might expect to find on a luxury cruise ship. Enjoy your journey from an open-air bath with majestic sea views or sing the night away in a private karaoke room. Whatever your preference, there is never a dull moment when you sail on a luxury ferry around Japan. 

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Other facilities include movie theatres, gyms, restaurants and cafes to keep you entertained throughout your journey. These are available on many of the longer ferry routes that connect Japan.

Japan Overnight Ferry

There are up to 15 ferry routes from Hokkaido to Kyushu that currently operate throughout the year, transporting passengers in style between the cities of Japan. Book your luxury ferry today. We promise that you won’t be disappointed. With so many to choose from, you should have no trouble finding one that suits your travel plans. 

Maizuru to Otaru Ferry

If you are searching for luxury travel, then look no further than the Maizuru to Otaru ferry route. This service is available with Shin Nihonkai Ferry and departs up to 7 times every week. As this journey takes approximately 21 hours, you have plenty of time to relax in the sauna or enjoy your favourite films in a private video room. Follow this up with a delicious plate of local cuisine in one of the excellent restaurants onboard including the barbecue garden which opens during the summer.

Oarai to Tomokomai Ferry

If you are in Tokyo, set sail for the northern region of Tomokomai with MOL Ferry. Pick from up to 13 weekly sailings and experience a comfortable voyage in a luxury cabin, with your very own balcony to admire Japan’s eastern coastline. Better yet, you can let your hair down in the spa room before having a drink in the Promenade, a two-storey atrium lounge with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Oaroi Tomokomai ferry takes approximately 18 hours, giving you plenty of time to take advantage of the amenities onboard. If you’re bringing the whole family along, there is also a playroom to keep the children occupied.

Niigata to Otaru Ferry

Catch the ferry from Niigata to Otaru for the trip of a lifetime. The vessel operating this route is the epitome of luxury, with everything from game rooms to an open-air bath. The journey takes around 16 hours and 30 minutes, which almost isn’t enough time to appreciate all the incredible facilities onboard. Make yourself at home in the massage corner and then watch the sunset on the open deck located at the rear of the ship. 

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Japan Ferry Operators

There are currently 9 ferry companies providing luxury transport across Japan. These include Shin Nihonkai Ferry, MOL Ferry, Taiheiyo Ferry, Hankyu Ferry, Toyko Kyushu Ferry and many more. Each operator has impressive fleets of modern vessels capable of transporting hundreds of passengers to many popular destinations. They are also designed with luxury in mind, flaunting a range of modern facilities that you wouldn’t expect on a typical ferry.

Luxury Japan Ferry Routes

Do you want to take a lap of luxury? Here is a list of some the most impressive ferries in Japan. 

  • Otaru to Niigata Ferry
  • Otaru to Maizuru Ferry
  • Tomakomai to Oarai Ferry
  • Tomakomai to Higashi Akita Ferry
  • Tomakomai to Higashi Niigata Ferry
  • Tomakomai to Higashi Tsuruga Ferry
  • Yokosuka to Shinmoji Ferry
  • Maizuru to Otaru Ferry
  • Kobe to Shinmoji Ferry
  • Shinmoji to Yokosuka Ferry

Can you bring your car on a luxury Japan ferry?

Those planning on driving will be pleased to know that you can bring your vehicle onboard a luxury Japan ferry. As these ferries are quite large, they have more than enough space to accommodate cars and trucks. The ‘Hamanasu / Akashia’ ferry can transport up to 158 trucks and 65 cars in a single journey from Maizuru to Otaru. But hurry! Tickets are selling fast. Book your vehicle now and make sure that you don’t miss out. 

How much is a Japan Overnight Ferry?

You don’t have to break the bank when it comes to booking luxury ferries in Japan. Get all the remarkable facilities that you would on a cruise ship but at half the price. You can travel on a luxury ferry for as little as $73. However, prices can range anywhere from $73 to $1,103. This can vary depending on the time of year and whether you are taking a car. 

What is the most popular ferry route in Japan?

With over 50 ferry ports in Japan, there is a host of routes that are favoured among tourists. One of the most popular ferry routes is from Tokyo to Hokkaido via the Oarai to Tomokomai ferry. This regularly attracts a great deal of passengers, because it not only connects mainland Japan to Hokkaido, but it also provides a unique experience of travel which you would otherwise miss on a bullet train.

Don’t deprive yourself of the best travel experience aboard the luxury ferries of Japan. Start planning your trip now and visit all the most beautiful destinations in comfort and style. 

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