Japan · Where northern Honshu hands travellers across the strait to Hokkaido
Tohoku ferry routes & schedules
Tohoku occupies the cold, mountainous top of Japan's main island, and its ports look north across the Tsugaru Strait toward Hokkaido. Aomori and Oma send car ferries over the water to Hakodate and Muroran, while Akita and Sendai anchor longer coastal runs down and around the archipelago.
- 12
- Connections
- 3
- Operators
- 4
- Quays
About
Ferry travel in Tohoku
Crossing the Tsugaru Strait
The strait between Honshu and Hokkaido is the region's signature crossing. From Aomori ferries run to Hakodate and to Muroran, and the short northern jump from Oma, on the tip of the Shimokita Peninsula, reaches Hakodate in a fraction of the time.
These are the maritime alternative to the Seikan Tunnel, and for anyone travelling with a car they are the practical way north. Place them within Japan's ferry network to see the onward Hokkaido connections.
Long-haul coastal ferries
Beyond the strait, Tohoku is a staging post for longer voyages. Akita connects up to Tomakomai-Higashi on the Sea of Japan side, while Sendai on the Pacific coast runs both south to Nagoya and north to Tomakomai — overnight passages that trade speed for a berth and a bath.
Services are shared among Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry on the strait, Shin Nihonkai Ferry on the western routes and Taiheiyo Ferry on the Pacific runs. Check each operator's timetable, as departures are often once daily or less.
Quays
Ferry quays in Tohoku
4 quays with published connections. Open a quay for every route that calls there.
At a glance
Which Tohoku crossings run most often?
The busiest published crossings, ranked by number of listed sailings.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oma → Hakodate | 1h 30m | — | 1 |
| Aomori → Hakodate | 3h 42m | — | 1 |
| Aomori → Muroran | 7h | — | 1 |
| Akita → Tomakomai-Higashi | 11h | — | 1 |
| Sendai → Tomakomai | 15h | — | 1 |
| Sendai → Nagoya | 21h 30m | — | 1 |
Timetables
Ferry routes in Tohoku
6 routes departing Tohoku.
Aomori2 routes
Sendai2 routes
Akita1 route
Oma1 route
Operators
Who runs the ferries in Tohoku?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest ferry to Hokkaido from Tohoku?
The Oma to Hakodate crossing is the shortest strait route; Aomori also sails frequently to Hakodate. Consult the operator for current durations.
Can I take a car on these ferries?
Yes. The Tsugaru Strait crossings and the long-haul Sendai and Akita services are car ferries; reserve vehicle space ahead, especially in summer.
How long is the Sendai to Nagoya sailing?
It is an overnight coastal voyage run by Taiheiyo Ferry. Book a cabin and check the current schedule with the operator.
How many ferry routes are there in Tohoku?
Tohoku has 12 ferry and express-boat connections across 4 quays. Each route page lists the timetable, crossing time and operator.
Who operates ferries in Tohoku?
Boat and ferry services in Tohoku are run by 3 operators, including Shin Nihonkai Ferry, Taiheiyo Ferry and Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry. Most are part of Japan's county public-transport network.
Explore
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Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.