How long is the ferry from Tokyo to Hokkaido?

Sailing North: Ferry Travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, beckons with its stunning natural landscapes, powdery ski slopes, and unique culinary delights. While flying is the quickest option, taking a ferry offers a different kind of journey, one steeped in a slower pace and the romance of sea travel. But how long does this maritime adventure take from Tokyo?

The journey isn’t a direct one. There’s no ferry terminal in Tokyo itself that services Hokkaido. Instead, the voyage begins at Oarai port, located in Ibaraki prefecture. Reaching Oarai from Tokyo requires a train journey of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This adds an important segment to the overall travel time and should be factored into your plans.

From Oarai, the Sunflower Ferry operates the connection to Tomakomai, a port city on Hokkaido’s southern coast. This leg of the journey is the most time-consuming, clocking in at around 18 hours. The extended duration allows passengers to settle in, enjoy the onboard amenities, and soak in the expansive views of the Pacific Ocean.

Sunflower Ferry offers two daily departures from Oarai, typically one in the evening and another overnight. This allows for some flexibility in scheduling, accommodating those who prefer to spend their daylight hours exploring either their departure or arrival city. The overnight sailing maximizes time at your destination, allowing you to wake up already in Hokkaido.

So, while the ferry crossing itself takes 18 hours, the entire journey from Tokyo to Hokkaido, factoring in the train travel to Oarai, takes approximately 20 hours. This makes it a considerably longer trip than flying, but it provides a unique travel experience, allowing for a different perspective on the journey. Choosing between speed and the scenic route depends entirely on your priorities and travel style.