Shin Nihonkai Ferry ferry routes
Every route operated by Shin Nihonkai Ferry at a glance, with current crossing times, timetables and ticket prices.
Shin Nihonkai Ferry is a Japanese shipping company that operates regular ferry services across the Sea of Japan between Hokkaido and the prefectures of Kyoto, Niigata and Akita. The ships are designed as floating hotels, offering a distinctive travel experience.
The ferry services depart from six terminals, including Otaru and Tomakomai (Hokkaido), Niigata, Akita and Tsuruga (Fukui). The Otaru-Niigata route covers around 497 km and takes roughly 16 hours 15 minutes. There are about 6 sailings a week, with average fares of around USD 259.
The ferries offer an extensive range of onboard facilities: an onsen (Japanese bath), karaoke, games rooms, restaurants and launderettes. Deluxe cabins are fitted out like hotel rooms, with a sofa, en-suite bathroom, two beds, a desk and a balcony. The sento bath has sea views.
In January 2022, Shin Nihonkai Ferry, working with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, demonstrated the first successful unmanned sea voyage using a fully autonomous navigation system, covering 240 km at a top speed of 26 knots. Vehicles and foot passengers can travel on all routes.
Route map
Every route operated by Shin Nihonkai Ferry at a glance