Japan
Shin Nihonkai Ferry Schedules 2026
Kansai and northern Honshu to Hokkaido, up the Sea of Japan
Est. 1969Osaka, Japan
Photo: SNF / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)- 0
- Routes
- 6
- Ports
- 10
- Vessels
- 1969
- Founded
Shin Nihonkai Ferry is a ferry operator, founded in 1969 and based in Osaka, Japan. It operates 0 ferry routes serving 6 ports.
Timetables
Which routes does Shin Nihonkai Ferry operate?
0 routes with live schedules.
No routes listed yet.
Network
Where does Shin Nihonkai Ferry sail?
Shin Nihonkai Ferry sails to 6 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Sea-view bathing on board
- Restaurants and onboard entertainment
- Pet travel guidance
- Official app launched August 2026
- Maizuru, Tsuruga, Niigata and Akita to Otaru and Tomakomai-higashi
- New vessel Hamanasu joining the fleet
- Publishes terminal bus and expressway closure warnings for arriving drivers
- Part of the SHK Line Group
- Booking by web, phone, counter or travel agent
About
About Shin Nihonkai Ferry
Shin Nihonkai Ferry works the Sea of Japan side of the country, linking Maizuru and Tsuruga in Kansai, and Niigata and Akita on the northern Honshu coast, with Otaru and Tomakomai-higashi in Hokkaido. It is part of the SHK Line Group.
Long crossings, built for it
These are overnight and multi-night sailings, and the ships are equipped accordingly: the site gives bathing its own section alongside dining and onboard entertainment, because a sea-view bath is standard on Japanese long-haul ferries rather than a luxury extra. There is dedicated guidance for first-time passengers and for those travelling with pets.
New ship, new app
A new vessel, the Hamanasu, is entering the fleet — the company opened a registered waiting list for it in July 2026 and published booking arrangements for the vessel changes that follow. An official app launched in August 2026.
Getting to and from the terminal
The operator posts the things that catch drivers out: a seasonal extra bus from Otaru Ferry Terminal to JR Otaru Station, and warnings about overnight expressway closures affecting passengers landing at Maizuru and Tsuruga. Booking runs through the web, by phone, at the counter or via travel agents, with convenience-store, bank ATM, card and net-banking payment.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Shin Nihonkai Ferry founded?
Shin Nihonkai Ferry was founded in 1969, and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan.
Where does Shin Nihonkai Ferry sail?
Shin Nihonkai Ferry operates 0 ferry routes and serves 6 ports in Japan, including Akita, Maizuru, Niigata, Otaru, Tomakomai-Higashi, Tsuruga.
How do I contact Shin Nihonkai Ferry?
You can reach Shin Nihonkai Ferry via their official booking site.
What facilities are available on Shin Nihonkai Ferry ferries?
Shin Nihonkai Ferry ferries typically offer Sea-view bathing on board, Restaurants and onboard entertainment, Pet travel guidance, Official app launched August 2026. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
Are pets allowed on Shin Nihonkai Ferry ferries?
Shin Nihonkai Ferry accommodates pets on many sailings, though rules vary by route and vessel. Check pet policies and any cabin or kennel requirements with Shin Nihonkai Ferry before booking.
How early should I arrive for a Shin Nihonkai Ferry ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Shin Nihonkai Ferry departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Shin Nihonkai Ferry.
How do I find Shin Nihonkai Ferry ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Shin Nihonkai Ferry route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Shin Nihonkai Ferry before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.
Contact & booking
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