Recently, I took a little ferry trip to Mojiko using the Hankyu Ferry. Just to be clear — I wasn’t sponsored by them at all! This is totally my honest impression of the trip.
- How It All Started — From Backpacker Memories
- Wanting to Ride the Ferry Again
- Deciding on a Ferry Through the Seto Inland Sea
- What About the Suite Room on “Yamato”?
- The Ferry Food Was Delicious
- Viewing the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge from Below
- The Large Bath Has Both Indoor and Outdoor Sections
- Even the Sunrise from the Ferry Was Spectacular
- Arrival at Mojiko
- Night Ferry Q&A
How It All Started — From Backpacker Memories
Back when I was a student with no money at all, I traveled cheaply with a Seishun 18 Ticket and guesthouses. That’s when I randomly found night ferries.
You could sleep on them AND travel — and most importantly, travel + sleep for only ¥4,940!? (back then) — total travelers’ dream!!! So I tried it out. The first ferry trip had great food and a big communal bath — I honestly thought it was paradise.
At that time, I rode in the cheapest second class room — like a big sleep-over room — with just enough space for one futon. I planned my next destination while lying there.
I even remember there were almost no women booking the second class ladies’ room — so it was basically just me and another woman in there. Good memories!
Wanting to Ride the Ferry Again
Several years after my first solo ferry trip, one day my husband happened to be watching a YouTube video about traveling from Osaka to Hokkaido by ferry.
Ferries look fun… the rooms are clean… I want to try one too.
え！！！今なんて！！！フェリー乗りたいだって？！
WHAT!? You want to ride a ferry!?
Let’s go!! I’ll show you how amazing they are!!
And just like that, the night ferry trip was decided!
Deciding on a Ferry Through the Seto Inland Sea
Once the ferry trip was on the table, the next step was which route to pick.
Because I had once experienced a terrifying stormy ferry to Hokkaido, this time I seriously wanted a comfortable trip. That’s why we chose a ferry that goes through the Seto Inland Sea.
We ended up taking the same Kobe → Mojiko Hankyu Ferry route that I’d been on before.
Since this was my husband’s very first overnight ferry experience, I really wanted him to fully enjoy how great ferry travel can be.
I thought starting out in a shared sleeping room might be a bit too harsh for a first-timer… so we decided to book a private room this time.
But when I checked, all the private rooms were already fully booked.
The only room left was the suite, so we ended up reserving that — and just like that, our trip turned into an unexpectedly luxurious ferry journey. (So fancy…!)
Alright then, let me show you what the room was actually like ☺
What About the Suite Room on “Yamato”?
We boarded the ship called Yamato.
Wow… it had a restaurant AND a big bath with an outdoor hot spring section. Heaven!!!
Tickets Online Are Easy
If you buy your ticket online ahead of time, you can just scan the QR e-ticket at the gate and get on board.
Back in the day, we had to fill out forms by hand, so now it’s way easier!
The QR code also works as your room key.
The Suite Room Itself
he suite room was on the top deck (7F).
When I opened the door — holy cow — it felt like a hotel room!!
There was a proper bed, blankets, snacks, toilet and shower, towels, toothbrushes, slippers — everything you need. It was super clean and comfortable.
The Ferry Food Was Delicious
The food onboard was also delicious. You pick your favorite sides on a tray, cafeteria style — kind of like Marugame Udon style. And of course, you can have beer too!
Viewing the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge from Below
While we were still on the ferry before lights-out, we passed under the huge Akashi Kaikyō Bridge.
Slowly gliding beneath it was truly breathtaking.
The Large Bath Has Both Indoor and Outdoor Sections
Yamato’s big public bath had both indoor and outdoor hot baths!
Yes, even on a ferry!
That’s luxury. Although the wind was crazy that day because of winter winds, it was still a fun experience.
Even the Sunrise from the Ferry Was Spectacular
Watching the sunrise from an overnight ferry is one of the highlights.
Unfortunately this day was cloudy and we didn’t see it — but we still watched the sky slowly brighten and the seagulls start flying.
By the way, this is what the sunrise looks like on a perfectly clear day ↓
This photo was taken the very first time I ever rode an overnight ferry.
Since I was traveling solo, it became a really lovely memory to watch the sunrise together with strangers, chatting and saying things like “It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” as we looked at the sky.
Next time I take a ferry trip, I’d love to try again and catch that sunrise once more ☺
Arrival at Mojiko
Before we knew it, we arrived at Mojiko — that dreamy port city in Kyushu.
After arriving, there’s a free shuttle bus to JR Mojiko Station and Kokura Station. Make sure not to miss it — otherwise a taxi is your only option.
We booked the suite room on a long weekend, and it cost about ¥18,000 per person.
It’s more expensive than the cheap second class room, but considering you get comfort, meals, bath, travel, and accommodation all together, I personally think it’s not bad at all!
Night Ferry Q&A
- QDid you get seasick? Was it wavy? Could you sleep?
- A
At first it felt wavy, but I quickly got used to it. I didn’t really get seasick — the gentle motion felt like a cradle, and I slept amazingly well.
- QWas the engine noise loud?
- A
A little, but not annoying. It’s kind of like having a circulating fan at home.
- QWas the room dry?
- A
Yes. But regular hotel-style countermeasures worked fine. In fact, there was even a humidifier in the room!
- QCan you use your smartphone?
- A
Some rooms have Wi-Fi — the suite had Starlink with limited time. But honestly, I think unplugging and just enjoying the view is a great experience too.
If you want the English version formatted nicely for a blog or postcard to your friends, I can help polish it further! 😊
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