Japan
Nankai Ferry
The Wakayama–Tokushima Kii Channel ferry
Est. 1975Wakayama, Japan
Photo: Nankai Ferry at Wakayama Port with the Nankai 'Sazan' express — Yanachan Tokushima / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)- 2
- Routes
- 2
- Ports
- 2h 15m
- Avg crossing
- Ferry Katsurugi (1999) & Ferry Ai (2019)
- Vessels
- 1975
- Founded
Nankai Ferry is the Wakayama–Tokushima Kii Channel ferry, founded in 1975 and based in Wakayama, Japan. It operates 2 ferry routes serving 2 ports. Across its network, crossings average about 2h 15m.
Timetables
Which routes does Nankai Ferry operate?
2 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokushima → Wakayama | 2h 15m | — | 1 | Japan |
| Wakayama → Tokushima | 2h 15m | — | 1 | Japan |
Tokushima1 route
Wakayama1 route
Network
Where does Nankai Ferry sail?
Nankai Ferry sails to 2 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Car & passenger ferry
- Rail-and-ferry through tickets
- Online booking discounts
- 24-hour service
- Car-and-passenger ferry across the Kii Channel
- Wakayama (Honshu) to Tokushima (Shikoku) in about 2 hours
- Wholly owned by the Nankai Electric Railway group
- The maritime leg of a rail-and-ferry route from Osaka
- 24-hour operation, about 8 round trips a day
About
About Nankai Ferry
Nankai Ferry (南海フェリー) runs the car-and-passenger ferry across the Kii Channel in Japan, linking Honshu with the island of Shikoku. Wholly owned by the Nankai Electric Railway group and founded in 1975, it forms the maritime leg of a combined rail-and-ferry route from Osaka into Shikoku.
Wakayama to Tokushima
The single "Nankai Shikoku Line" route connects Wakayama Port on Honshu with Tokushima on Shikoku in about two hours, running around the clock with roughly eight round trips a day. The Wakayama Port terminal sits beside the Nankai railway terminus, so passengers can buy through rail-and-ferry tickets from Osaka.
Fleet and fares
Two ferries work the crossing — the Katsurugi (1999) and the newer Ai (2019) — carrying cars, motorcycles and foot passengers. Fares are in Japanese yen (around ¥2,500 per adult one-way), with online discounts for advance and same-day booking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Nankai Ferry founded?
Nankai Ferry was founded in 1975, and is headquartered in Wakayama, Japan.
Where does Nankai Ferry sail?
Nankai Ferry operates 2 ferry routes and serves 2 ports in Japan, including Tokushima, Wakayama.
What facilities are available on Nankai Ferry ferries?
Nankai Ferry ferries typically offer Car & passenger ferry, Rail-and-ferry through tickets, Online booking discounts, 24-hour service. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Nankai Ferry ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Nankai Ferry departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Nankai Ferry.
How do I find Nankai Ferry ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Nankai Ferry route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Nankai Ferry before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.
Contact & booking
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