Ferries from Japan to Hokkaido

Ferry from Japan to Hokkaido

There are numerous ferry crossings operating from Japan to Hokkaido. Ferries currently connect 5 Ports in Japan with 3 Ports in Hokkaido.

There are a combined number of 35 ferry crossings each week across a selection of 6 ferry routes which are operated by 2 ferry companies including MOL Ferry & Shin Nihonkai Ferry with the shortest crossing taking around 10 hours 30 minutes (Tomakomai Higashi).

This is a general summary of the services on offer between Japan and Hokkaido, for live information select from our Fare Search.

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About Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia, divided into 47 prefectures and 8 regions in the Pacific Ocean.

With over 6,000 islands in total, Japan is defined by many different landscapes ranging from cherry blossom-clad hills and iconic volcanoes to ultra-modern cities showcasing the latest technological advances.

Tokyo, the capital, claims the most Michelin stars of any city in the world, so an exquisite sushi feast is never too far away. It also boasts a superb transportation system, an endless amount of bars and awe-inspiring structures, helping it become one of the most visited cities in Asia.

Travelling by ferry is a useful way to get around Japan, as it offers a substantial amount of routes within its many islands and prefectures, which are all operated by a wide range of excellent ferry operators. You can also sail to numerous international destinations including South Korea, China and Russia.

About Hokkaido

Hokkaido, formerly known as Ezo, is the second largest island in Japan and the northernmost prefecture.

As it was only settled by the Japanese in the last 100 years, compared to the millennia-old history found in the rest of the country, Hokkaido has both vast areas of unspoilt beauty and large, modern cities.

It claims 20% of Japan’s land area but only 5% of its population, which makes Hokkaido a favoured destination amongst hikers, skiers and nature lovers. It has spectacular national parks speckled with hot springs known as ‘onsen’, dramatic mountains and diverse wildlife, whilst the bustling capital, Sapporo has everything you would expect from a well-developed city.

From the Tomakomai ferry terminal on the south coast, approximately 70 kilometres south of Sapporo on the Hokkaido Expressway, there are frequent crossings to Oarai on the east coast of Ibaraki Prefecture, a town known for its lovely sandy beaches.

Ferries from Japan to Hokkaido