Japan
Kumamoto Ferry
The high-speed Ariake Sea ferry
Est. 1991Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan
Photo: Ocean Arrow on the Ariake Sea — Olegushka / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)- 2
- Routes
- 2
- Ports
- 30m
- Avg crossing
- Ocean Arrow (high-speed car ferry)
- Vessels
- 1991
- Founded
Kumamoto Ferry is the high-speed Ariake Sea ferry, founded in 1991 and based in Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan. It operates 2 ferry routes serving 2 ports. Across its network, crossings average about 30m.
Timetables
Which routes does Kumamoto Ferry operate?
2 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kumamoto → Shimabara | 30m | — | 1 | Japan |
| Shimabara → Kumamoto | 30m | — | 1 | Japan |
Kumamoto1 route
Shimabara1 route
Network
Where does Kumamoto Ferry sail?
Kumamoto Ferry sails to 2 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- High-speed car ferry
- Vehicle & passenger decks
- Onboard café
- Online booking
- High-speed car ferry across the Ariake Sea
- Kumamoto to Shimabara in about 30 minutes
- Gateway to the Shimabara Peninsula and Unzen region
- Flagship Ocean Arrow in service since 1998
- Part of the Kyushu Sanko group, founded 1991
About
About Kumamoto Ferry
Kumamoto Ferry (熊本フェリー) runs the high-speed car ferry across the Ariake Sea in Japan, linking the city of Kumamoto on Kyushu with the Shimabara Peninsula. Founded in 1991 and part of the Kyushu Sanko group, it offers a fast marine shortcut in place of the long land route around the bay.
Kumamoto to Shimabara
Its single route connects Kumamoto Port with Shimabara Port in Nagasaki Prefecture — the gateway to the Unzen volcano and hot-spring region — in about 30 minutes, with several sailings a day. Crossing the roughly 40 km of Ariake Sea by ship saves a lengthy drive around the coast.
Fleet and fares
The route is worked by the high-speed car ferry Ocean Arrow, in service since 1998, which uses a "super slender twin hull" design for speed and carries both vehicles and foot passengers, with an onboard café. Fares are in Japanese yen, set separately for passengers and for vehicles by length, and can be booked online.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Kumamoto Ferry founded?
Kumamoto Ferry was founded in 1991, and is headquartered in Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan.
Where does Kumamoto Ferry sail?
Kumamoto Ferry operates 2 ferry routes and serves 2 ports in Japan, including Kumamoto, Shimabara.
Can I take a car on Kumamoto Ferry ferries?
Yes — Kumamoto Ferry operates vehicle-carrying ferries on some routes. Book vehicle space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific crossing for size limits.
What facilities are available on Kumamoto Ferry ferries?
Kumamoto Ferry ferries typically offer High-speed car ferry, Vehicle & passenger decks, Onboard café, Online booking. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Kumamoto Ferry ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Kumamoto Ferry departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Kumamoto Ferry.
How do I find Kumamoto Ferry ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Kumamoto Ferry route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Kumamoto Ferry before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.
Contact & booking
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.