Ferries from
Hokkaido to Japan
Ferries from
Hokkaido to Japan
There are 6 ferry routes. Ferries from Tomakomai to Oarai and Otaru to Niigata are popular ferry trips from Hokkaido to Japan. Sailing frequency can change throughout the year and often sailings increase during peak season.
Ferries from Hokkaido to Japan sail approximately 11 times per week and are operated by MOL Ferry.
Hokkaido to Japan ferry sail durations can take between 18 hours and 19 hours 15 minutes depending on the ferry operator, the route taken and weather conditions.
The fastest ferry from Hokkaido to Japan takes around 18 hours on the Tomakomai to Oarai ferry with MOL Ferry.
Yes, you can travel by car on the ferry from Hokkaido to Japan with MOL Ferry.
The distance between Hokkaido and Japan is 348 miles (560km) and 303 nautical miles.
Hokkaido to Japan ferry prices can vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Prices exclude service fees.
The Tomakomai to Oarai ferry ferry sails approximately 11 times weekly with a crossing time of 19 hours 15 minutes.
Otaru to Niigata ferry ferries sail about 5 times weekly with a sailing time of 16 hours 15 minutes.
We recommend booking in advance for the cheapest ferry prices and availability. Visit our Special Offers page to take advantage of all the latest ferry discounts.
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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.
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.
