When it comes to traveling from Osaka to Fukuoka, most people usually think of flying or taking the Shinkansen. However, there is actually a cruise that sails through the Seto Inland Sea. You can sleep comfortably on the ship and arrive at Shin-Moji Port in Kyushu after a 12-hour journey.
This Osaka to Fukuoka ferry route is a truly unique way to travel. Below, I will introduce how to book tickets, provide an onboard tour, and share my personal experience. If you’re interested in taking a ferry from Osaka to Fukuoka, keep reading!
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Osaka to Fukuoka Ferry Overview
The Osaka to Fukuoka ferry service is primarily operated by the “Meimon Taiyo Ferry” company. The journey takes approximately 12.5 hours. Since the ships depart in the evening and arrive in the morning, you basically spend the night sleeping on board and wake up at Shin-Moji Port in Kyushu. Departure times are either 17:00 or 19:50, with arrivals at 05:30 or 08:30 the next morning.
Where to Board the Osaka to Fukuoka Ferry
If you are departing from Osaka, you will board at Osaka Nanko (South Port). Take the Nanko Port Town Line (New Tram) from the city center and get off at Ferry Terminal Station. It’s just a 5-minute walk from there! Before my departure, I went to soak in the Spa Suminoe. It is only one station away from the ferry terminal, making it very convenient!
Osaka to Fukuoka Ferry Tickets
While Meimon Taiyo Ferry accepts walk-in purchases, it can be risky if the overnight cabins are fully booked. Therefore, it is highly recommended to book online in advance. Reservations open two months before the departure date. Here is the information you will need:
- Name (English)
- Email Address
- Phone Number (For emergency contact during your stay in Japan)
- Nationality
- Departure Date (Reservations open 2 months in advance)
- Departure Port (Osaka or Kyushu)
- Departure Time (17:00 or 19:50)
- Cabin Type (Refer to the “Rooms and Beds” section)
- Number of Passengers
Please note that submitting the form does not mean the reservation is complete. The ferry company will check availability and send a confirmation email. The booking is only finalized once you receive that confirmation! If your preferred date or cabin is full, you can contact them directly via email for final confirmation. No deposit is required upfront; simply bring your confirmation letter and passport to the check-in counter. They accept cash or major credit cards like VISA and MASTER.
Osaka to Fukuoka Ferry Cost
Below are the general fares for the Osaka to Fukuoka ferry. However, prices vary depending on the season (low vs. high season). It is recommended to check the official website for the latest fare information before planning your trip.
Cabin Types on the Osaka to Fukuoka Ferry
Meimon Taiyo Ferry operates several different vessels. I took the “Ferry Osaka II.” You can refer to the photos below! Generally, cabins are divided into private rooms or “Tourist Class” (which is like a hostel dormitory). The price difference between a private cabin and a shared one isn’t massive, so if you have the budget, I recommend upgrading to a private cabin for a more comfortable stay.
In the Economy/Tourist class, passengers are generally very respectful of privacy and silence. Although multiple people share a room, it is very quiet at night (though there might be some snoring 😅). I found it quite comfortable, and they provide essentials like hangers and charging ports. I originally wanted to book a private cabin, but they were sold out a month in advance, leaving only Economy. If you definitely want your own room, be sure to book early.
Onboard Facilities Tour
The onboard facilities are excellent—pretty much everything you’d find in a standard hotel is available here! The restaurant serves a buffet for an extra fee, with prices as follows:
- Adults: 1,800 JPY (approx. $12 USD) / Children: 1,000 JPY (approx. $7 USD) / Seniors (70+): 1,300 JPY (approx. $9 USD)
The dinner price includes all-you-can-drink soft drinks (and sometimes beer specials). However, after reading some reviews saying it wasn’t the best value, I decided to bring my own food and buy cup noodles from the ship’s convenience store.
Convenience Store
Although the convenience store isn’t huge, it has everything you need. Besides toiletries (towels, toothbrushes, etc.), they sell cup noodles, beer, snacks, and simple hot foods. While the selection isn’t as vast as a store on land, it’s perfect for emergencies or late night cravings (they even have draft beer!).
Lounge Area
The lounge area offers beautiful ocean views. With comfortable sofas and vending machines, it’s a great spot to enjoy a beer before bed or a cup of coffee in the morning.
Observation Deck
This is an outdoor space for watching the sea. I traveled in August, and even then, it was quite cold with the strong winds. I imagine it might be too cold to use in the winter. However, when the weather is good, the view of the endless horizon is breathtaking, and the sea breeze is very refreshing.
Game Room
There is a small amusement area with claw machines and arcade games. They are coin-operated and a good way for families with children to pass the time.
Public Bath (Sento)
Isn’t it amazing that you can soak in a hot tub on a cruise? Meimon Taiyo Ferry has separate male and female public baths. While they aren’t massive, if you go during the day, you can soak while watching the ocean — a million-dollar experience! There is only one large tub, but since they control the number of people entering, it doesn’t feel crowded. Bathing while sailing is a true luxury.
Transportation from Shin-Moji Port to Fukuoka
If you take the Osaka to Fukuoka ferry, once you arrive at Shin-Moji Port in Kyushu, there is a free shuttle bus that takes you to JR Kokura Station. From there, you can transfer to the Shinkansen or a JR limited express train to reach the Tenjin or Hakata areas in Fukuoka very easily.
That concludes my guide to the Osaka to Fukuoka ferry. This trip was truly a memorable experience. It’s hard to imagine being able to enjoy a buffet and a hot spring bath on a ship while traveling to your next destination. While the ship can be a bit bumpy at times, causing me to wake up once or twice during the night, it wasn’t a major issue. I highly recommend everyone try this unique journey at least once!
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