Comparison of all Hokkaido ferry routes! List of fares, car fares, and cheapest routes from Honshu
Table of Contents
- 1 Before Comparing All Hokkaido Ferry Routes What you need to know
- 2 List of main ferry routes between Honshu and Hokkaido
- 3 Thorough comparison of ferry fares by route! Summary of fares without and with car
- 4 Ferry from Kanto to Hokkaido What is the recommended route?
- 5 Hokkaido Ferry Points to use cheaply
- 6 Comparison of features and facilities of different ferry companies
- 7 About Hokkaido Ferry Comparison Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 8 summary
Before comparing all Hokkaido ferry routes
What you need to know
As a means of crossing from Honshu to Hokkaido,ferryhas plenty of charm that airplanes and shinkansen trains do not.
This column provides a thorough comparison of fares, car fares, and features of each company on major routes.
You will quickly find the route that is right for you!
Those who wish to compare rates and travel time for different routes.
If you want to know tips on how to book a ferry at a reasonable price, please contact us.
Those who wish to travel to Hokkaido by ferry with a car on board.
Hokkaido
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List of main ferry routes between Honshu and Hokkaido
There are several ferry routes between Honshu and Hokkaido, and the route you should choose depends on your point of departure and destination.
Broadly speaking, "Sea of Japan route"Pacific route"Tsugaru Kaikyo routeThe three systems are
Let's look at each operator and route in turn.
Shin Nihonkai Ferry
(Tsuruga, Maizuru, Niigata → Otaru, Tomakomai)
The New Nihonkai Ferry is the standard way to reach Hokkaido from the Hokuriku, Kansai, and Niigata areas.
Operates multiple routes, including Tsuruga - Tomakomai Higashi, Maizuru - Otaru, and Niigata - Otaru, sailing the Sea of Japan throughout the nightlong cruisecan be enjoyed.
Although the journey is longer, taking approximately 16 to 30 hours, the luxurious onboard facilities make it popular with those who enjoy the journey itself as a journey.
Taiheiyo Ferry Co.
(Nagoya/Sendai→Tomakomai)
Taiheiyo Ferry provides excellent access from the Chubu and Tohoku areas.
The route connects Nagoya - Sendai - Tomakomai, with three flights per week.
The ship is well-equipped with restaurants and observation bathrooms, and is highly rated for its comfort on ferry trips.
From Sendai to TomakomaiApprox. 15 hoursand relatively compact travel times are also attractive.
MOL Sunflower Ferry
(Oarai→Tomakomai)
Speaking of ferry access from the Kanto region, the MOL Sunflower FerryOarai-Tomakomai serviceis at the top of the list.
It takes approximately 17 to 18 hours from Oarai Port in Ibaraki Prefecture to Tomakomai, with two flights per day (evening and late night).
Its easy accessibility from the Tokyo metropolitan area and stable operation are the reasons for its popularity.
This route is also easy to use for those who wish to load a car and drive around Hokkaido.
Silver Ferry
(Hachinohe→Tomakomai)
The Silver Ferry is a convenient way to enter Hokkaido from the Aomori and Iwate areas of Tohoku.
Hachinohe to Tomakomai.Approx. 7-8 hoursThe short cruise connects the two cities with an overnight flight, allowing you to arrive in Tomakomai the next morning.
The short travel time and reasonable fare are attractive and recommended for those who wish to travel to Hokkaido via Tohoku.
Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry
(Oma, Aomori→Hakodate)
Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry connects Aomori and Hakodate, Hokkaido, in the shortest distance.
Aomori to Hakodate is about 3 hours and 40 minutes, and Oma to Hakodate is about 3 hours and 40 minutes.Only about 1 hour and 30 minutesand features the shortest travel time of all ferries.
This route is ideal for those who wish to use Hakodate as a base for travel in Hokkaido or combine it with sightseeing in Aomori.
Thorough comparison of ferry rates by route!
Summary of fares without and with car
In choosing a ferry, I'm concerned aboutChargeRight?
Passenger fares and vehicle fares differ from each other and vary depending on the time of year and booking method.
Compare the approximate rates for each route ◎Compare the approximate rates for each route
Comparison of rates without a car (on foot)
The cheapest way to get on a ferry on foot is by Silver Ferry or Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry, and except during peak season, a one-way trip will be available as of April 2026.3,000's of yenThe service is available from
Note, however, that due to the recent rise in fuel prices, the actual amount paid is likely to fluctuate.
Passenger fares for Shin Nihonkai Ferry and Taiheiyo Ferry are higher due to their longer voyages, with standard rooms costing around 10,000 to 20,000 yen each way.
You can save even more if you use the early bird discount.
It can be enjoyed without a car!
Click here to see the popularity ranking of sightseeing buses
Car available (loaded with passenger cars)
Rate Comparison of
Vehicle fares for carrying passenger cars (less than 5 meters) vary widely from route to route.
Oarai - Tomakomai (MOL Sunflower Ferry) in off-seasonApprox. 35,000 yenThe New Nihonkai Ferry from Maizuru to Otaru costs approximately 40,000 yen.
The Silver Ferry and Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry are relatively inexpensive due to their short distances, and may be available for less than 20,000 yen.
You can load your car on the Hokkaido Ferry.
Cheap? Expensive?
Compared to airplanes + rental cars, the total cost of putting a private car on a ferry varies from case to case.
Family or group travelThen, ferry + private car is often less expensive.
In addition, considering the comfort of being able to move freely within Hokkaido, taking a ferry with your car is a very cost-effective option.
Ferry from Kanto to Hokkaido
What is the recommended route?
If you live in the Kanto region and want to take a ferry to Hokkaido, your options are limited, but eachattractionThere are
Choose the route that best suits your point of departure and travel style.
From Kanto, Oarai to Tomakomai is convenient!
Check MOL Sunflower Ferry
The most popular ferry from the Kanto region to Hokkaido is the MOL Sunflower Ferry departing from Oarai Port in Ibaraki.
From Tokyo to Oarai PortApproximately 2 hours by carThe Joban Expressway provides easy access to the area!
With a late night flight, you can arrive in Tomakomai the next morning and start sightseeing in Hokkaido in the morning.
A short trip from Sendai is also an option.
Another popular route is to take the Shinkansen bullet train or expressway from Tokyo to Sendai, and then take the Taiheiyo Ferry from Sendai Port to Tomakomai.
If you combine your trip with sightseeing in Sendai, you can expand your travel range. If you have a carNorthward on the Northeast RoadIt is also recommended to board the ship in Sendai while
Hokkaido Ferry.
Points for cheap use
Ferry fares are significantly lower if you know just a few tricks.savingCan be done.
Use it wisely and get the best value for your money!
Take advantage of early-bird and online discounts!
Many ferry companies offer a boarding date of30-90 days beforeWe offer an early bird discount that applies to reservations made by
The name varies from company to company, but it can be about 5 to 151 TP3T less than the regular rate.
Planning ahead and making reservations early is the quickest way to the lowest price.
Aim for off-season to get close to the lowest price.
Hokkaido Ferry Co.Summer (July-August) and year-end and New Year holidaysis the busy season, and the price jumps.
Conversely, spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are off-season months, when fares are calm and you have the opportunity to ride at near-lowest prices.
If you can shift the time of year, please try to do so during off-peak periods.
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Choosing a late-night flight is an easy way to keep prices down.
MOL Sunflower Ferry and Shin Nihonkai Ferry operate daytime and late-night services,Late night flights are less expensive.It may be set up.
Late night flights that depart at night and arrive in the morning kill two birds with one stone by saving on lodging costs!
This is a great option to consider for those who want to lower their overall travel costs.
Comparison of features and facilities of different ferry companies
Not just fees,Onboard Facilitiesand comfort are also important factors in the selection process.
The following is a brief summary of the features of each company.
Facilities and Services of Shin Nihonkai Ferry
The New Nihonkai Ferry Co.Luxurious facilities of large cruise ship classis attractive.
A restaurant, store, observation bathroom, and screen room are all available to keep visitors occupied during long cruises.
There are a variety of room types, including private rooms, twin rooms, and suites, and they are popular with couples and families.
Pacific Ferry Facilities and Services
Pacific Ferry is the only ferry company in theThe most luxurious ferry in JapanThe facilities are so well equipped that they are sometimes referred to as "the best in the world.
The restaurant is of high quality, and on some days there is a live stage.
It is especially recommended for those who want to fully enjoy long-distance ferry travel.
Mitsui O.S.K. Shipping Co.
Ferry Facilities and Services
The MOL Sunflower Ferry is not only convenient from the Kanto region, but is also comfortable and well-equipped on board.
Public baths, restaurants, andPet RoomThe hotel is also equipped with a pet-friendly system to accommodate travelers with pets.
Many passengers take late-night flights, allowing them to arrive refreshingly in Hokkaido the next morning.
Hokkaido Ferry Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
summary
Ferries from Honshu to Hokkaido have their own unique routes, rates, and facilities.
If you're from the Kanto region...Mitsui O.S.K. Sunflower Ferry from Oarai to TomakomaiThe Shin Nihonkai Ferry is convenient from Hokuriku and Kansai, and the Silver Ferry and Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry are convenient from Tohoku.
We hope you will take advantage of our early bird and off-season rates to save money on your Hokkaido cruise!
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