Japan
Shin Nihonkai Ferry
Fast overnight ferries across the Sea of Japan
Est. 1969Osaka & Otaru, Japan
Photo: SNF / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)- 8
- Routes
- 6
- Ports
- 17h 30m
- Avg crossing
- 10
- Vessels
- 1969
- Founded
Shin Nihonkai Ferry is a ferry operator, founded in 1969 and based in Osaka & Otaru, Japan. It operates 8 ferry routes serving 6 ports. Across its network, crossings average about 17h 30m.
Timetables
Which routes does Shin Nihonkai Ferry operate?
8 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akita → Tomakomai-Higashi | 11h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Tomakomai-Higashi → Akita | 11h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Niigata → Otaru | 17h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Otaru → Niigata | 17h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Maizuru → Otaru | 21h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Otaru → Maizuru | 21h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Tomakomai-Higashi → Tsuruga | 21h | — | 1 | Japan |
| Tsuruga → Tomakomai-Higashi | 21h | — | 1 | Japan |
Otaru2 routes
Tomakomai-Higashi2 routes
Akita1 route
Maizuru1 route
Niigata1 route
Tsuruga1 route
Network
Where does Shin Nihonkai Ferry sail?
Shin Nihonkai Ferry sails to 6 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Overnight cabins & suites
- Restaurants
- Observation lounges
- Vehicle decks
- High-speed vessels
- Long-distance Sea of Japan ferries linking Honshu and Hokkaido
- Founded 1969; part of the SHK Line Group
- Routes from Maizuru, Tsuruga, Niigata and Akita to Otaru and Tomakomai
- Operates some of Japan's fastest large ferries (~30 knots)
- Ran Japan's first fully autonomous coastal ferry test voyage (2022)
About
About Shin Nihonkai Ferry
Shin Nihonkai Ferry (新日本海フェリー) runs the long-distance overnight ferries across the Sea of Japan, linking the main island of Honshu with Hokkaido. Founded in 1969, it is part of the SHK Line Group and operates some of the fastest large ferries in Japan.
Across the Sea of Japan
Its routes run from the Honshu ports of Maizuru, Tsuruga, Niigata and Akita to Otaru and Tomakomai in Hokkaido — overnight crossings that spare drivers the long haul north. The Tsuruga–Tomakomai and Maizuru–Otaru lines are the backbone of the network.
Fast ships and comfort
The fleet includes high-speed vessels such as Hamanasu and Akashia rated up to around 30 knots, alongside comfortable cruise-ferries like Lavender and Azalea. Cabins range from tourist grades to Deluxe suites, priced in yen by route and season. In 2022 the company completed Japan's first fully autonomous coastal ferry test voyage.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Shin Nihonkai Ferry founded?
Shin Nihonkai Ferry was founded in 1969, and is headquartered in Osaka & Otaru, Japan.
Where does Shin Nihonkai Ferry sail?
Shin Nihonkai Ferry operates 8 ferry routes and serves 6 ports in Japan, including Akita, Maizuru, Niigata, Otaru, Tomakomai-Higashi, Tsuruga.
Can I take a car on Shin Nihonkai Ferry ferries?
Yes — Shin Nihonkai 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 Shin Nihonkai Ferry ferries?
Shin Nihonkai Ferry ferries typically offer Overnight cabins & suites, Restaurants, Observation lounges, Vehicle decks, High-speed vessels. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
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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