Japan
Photo: Tatitutetoma / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)- 8
- Routes
- 7
- Ports
- 14h
- Avg crossing
- 15
- Vessels
- 1972
- Founded
MOL Sunflower is Japan's Sunflower overnight ferries, founded in 1972 and based in Tokyo, Japan. It operates 8 ferry routes serving 7 ports. Across its network, crossings average about 14h.
Timetables
Which routes does MOL Sunflower operate?
8 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kobe → Oita | 11h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Oita → Kobe | 11h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Beppu → Osaka (Nanko) | 12h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Osaka (Nanko) → Beppu | 12h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Osaka (Nanko) → Shibushi | 15h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Shibushi → Osaka (Nanko) | 15h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Oarai → Tomakomai | 18h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Tomakomai → Oarai | 18h | — | 1 | Japan |
Osaka (Nanko)2 routes
Beppu1 route
Kobe1 route
Oarai1 route
Oita1 route
Shibushi1 route
Tomakomai1 route
Network
Where does MOL Sunflower sail?
MOL Sunflower sails to 7 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Overnight cabins & suites
- Restaurants & observation baths
- Pet-friendly
- Vehicle decks
- LNG ships
- One of Japan's largest long-distance ferry operators, owned by MOL
- The 'Sunflower' brand has sailed since 1972; unified as MOL Sunflower in 2023
- Overnight Kansai–Kyushu routes: Osaka–Beppu, Kobe–Ōita, Osaka–Shibushi
- Kantō–Hokkaido on the Ōarai–Tomakomai route
- Sunflower Kurenai & Murasaki (2023) were Japan's first LNG ferries
About
About MOL Sunflower
MOL Sunflower — the "Sunflower" (さんふらわあ) ferry brand — is one of Japan's largest long-distance ferry operators, wholly owned by shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). The sunflower livery has sailed Japanese waters since 1972; the present company was formed in October 2023 by merging MOL Ferry and Ferry Sunflower into a single MOL Group ferry line.
Overnight crossings, Kansai to Kyushu and beyond
Its cruise-style overnight ferries link the Kansai region with Kyushu — Osaka–Beppu, Kobe–Ōita and Osaka–Shibushi (Kagoshima) — and connect the Kantō region with Hokkaido on the Ōarai–Tomakomai route. Onboard the ships carry private cabins, restaurants, observation baths and pet-friendly, universal-design facilities.
LNG pioneer
On the Osaka–Beppu run, the sister ships Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, in service from 2023, were Japan's first LNG-fuelled ferries. Accommodation ranges from suites and deluxe cabins to standard and economy berths, priced in yen and varying by route and season.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was MOL Sunflower founded?
MOL Sunflower was founded in 1972, and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
Where does MOL Sunflower sail?
MOL Sunflower operates 8 ferry routes and serves 7 ports in Japan, including Beppu, Kobe, Oarai, Oita, Osaka (Nanko), Shibushi, Tomakomai.
Can I take a car on MOL Sunflower ferries?
Yes — MOL Sunflower 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 MOL Sunflower ferries?
MOL Sunflower ferries typically offer Overnight cabins & suites, Restaurants & observation baths, Pet-friendly, Vehicle decks, LNG ships. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
Are pets allowed on MOL Sunflower ferries?
MOL Sunflower accommodates pets on many sailings, though rules vary by route and vessel. Check pet policies and any cabin or kennel requirements with MOL Sunflower before booking.
How early should I arrive for a MOL Sunflower ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a MOL Sunflower departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with MOL Sunflower.
How do I find MOL Sunflower ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every MOL Sunflower route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with MOL Sunflower 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.