Review of Princess Wakasa | Cosmo Line | Japan’s Ferry Experience | Kagoshima – Tanegashima

The Princess Wakasa is a ship operated by Cosmo Line, and began service on the Kagoshima Prefecture-Tanegashima route on December 12, 2004.

This time, we boarded the Princess Wakasa and took a 3.5 hour voyage from Kagoshima Port in Kagoshima to Nishinoomote Port in Tanegashima.

This article is recommended for the following people!
・I don’t know what “Princess Wakasa” is!
・I want to board “Princess Wakasa”, but what should I do?
・Please tell me how to board “Princess Wakasa”, the boarding fee, and what the ship is like!
・Please tell me everything I need to know before boarding “Princess Wakasa”!

This article introduces topics such as basic travel knowledge, how to plan a trip, and how to start your journey.

By reading this article, you will gain detailed information about “Princess Wakasa”.
Additionally, I’ll share some tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

If you’re interested in traveling by ship or want to know how to enjoy traveling by ship, please use this as a reference.

What’s the Difference Between “Princess Wakasa” and “Toppy”?

“Princess Wakasa” is a large ship, while “Toppy” is a high-speed ferry. Both connect Kagoshima Port and Nishinoomote Port, but the boarding points are slightly different, so be careful!

▼ Article on High-Speed Ferries Toppy & Rocket

高速船トッピー乗船記！種子島＆屋久島へ最速で行く乗り方は？乗船料金＆予約方法

高速船トッピー＆ロケット(Toppy＆Rocket)は種子屋久高速船の高速船（ジェットフォイル）で1989年に鹿児島商船が運営する高速船が種子島・屋久島航路に就航し、2012年4月1日からコスモラインと合併し「種子屋久高 […]

For high-speed ferries, it takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes from Kagoshima to Tanegashima, which is roughly half the time of the ferry ride!

Costs for a Journey on Princess Wakasa

For the boarding fee of “Princess Wakasa”, you will need at least 5,170 yen, so be sure to have some extra cash available for purchases from the onboard vending machines.

One-Day Schedule for a Trip on Princess Wakasa

Kagoshima to Nishinoomote 08:40→12:10 Example Schedule

07:03	Kagoshima Station (JR) ■Kagoshima Ekimae Station (5-minute walk)
07:08	Kagoshima Ekimae Station (Tram)
07:14	Idzuro-dori Station (Tram)
07:30	Minami-Futou Passenger Terminal
07:40	Purchase Boarding Ticket
08:40	Kagoshima Port Departure
12:10	Nishinoomote Port Arrival

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From Nishinoomote → Kagoshima 14:00→17:30

12:50	Nishinoomote Port
13:00	Purchase Boarding Ticket
14:00	Nishinoomote Port Departure
17:30	Kagoshima Port Arrival
17:35	Minami-Futou Passenger Terminal
17:50	Idzuro-dori Station (Tram)
17:57	Kagoshima Ekimae Station (Tram) ■Kagoshima Station (5-minute walk)
18:02	Kagoshima Station (JR)

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Boarding check-in starts at 1 hour before departure. During busy seasons like the Obon holidays or New Year’s Eve, it’s a good idea to arrive by this time to avoid any issues!

Princess Wakasa Ferry Boarding Location & Access Information

Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima Port South Wharf

photo by mitemil

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Boarding Location – Minami-Futou Passenger Terminal

From Kagoshima Station

■ On Foot – Kagoshima Station → Kagoshima Ekimae Station: Approx. 7 minutes
■ By Tram – Kagoshima Ekimae → Idzuro-dori Station: Approx. 10 minutes (170 yen)
■ On Foot – Idzuro-dori Station → Minami-Futou Passenger Terminal: Approx. 17 minutes
Cost – 170 yen, Estimated Time – About 35 minutes

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Tanegashima

Nishinoomote Port

photo by mitemil

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Boarding Location – Nishinoomote Port Waiting Room
Bus – Nishinoomote Port (Bus Stop) Just get off

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Princess Wakasa Ferry Boarding Fees & Prices

Princess Wakasa Fare Table

Type	Adult	Child
Special Room A (Private Room for 10 people)	8,000 yen	8,000 yen
Special Room B (Private Room for 10 people)	6,000 yen	6,000 yen
Standard (2nd Class Fare)	5,000 yen(300 yen)	2,500 yen(150 yen)
Disabled Standard	2,650 yen(300 yen)	1,330 yen(150 yen)
Disabled Care Standard	2,650 yen(300 yen)
Discount for Residents of Border Islands*	3,270 yen(300 yen)	1,690 yen(150 yen)
Disabled Discount for Residents of Border Islands*	1,800 yen(300 yen)	950 yen(150 yen)
Student Discount	4,060 yen(300 yen)
General Group	3,800 yen(300 yen)	1,900 yen(150 yen)
Student Group	3,600 yen(300 yen)

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Except for deluxe type rooms, all rooms are shared accommodations.
Onboard, there are four rooms labeled A through D and a promenade lounge.

Rooms A, C, and D are seating areas, while Room B has chair seating.
Room A is the only one with priority seating for people with disabilities.

How to Purchase Princess Wakasa Ferry Tickets

The reception is located inside the Minami-Futou Passenger Terminal building.

As soon as you enter the building, you will find the reception on the right.

Since this is a ferry to Tanegashima, you can simply ask for a Princess Wakasa ticket to purchase it.

When purchasing the boarding ticket, fill out the designated form with your address and other details located near the counter and submit it to get your ticket.

Since I was going to Tanegashima, I filled out the Tanegashima boarding list shown on the left in the photo and submitted it at the reception.

Note that the boarding ticket will be handed over to the crew at the boarding gate, so it will ultimately be taken from you.

Princess Wakasa Vehicle Boarding & Carry-On Fees

If you’re planning to enjoy surfing on Tanegashima, you might bring a surfboard. Note that it is handled as special luggage and incurs an additional 520 yen per board beyond the boarding fee.

As only cash is accepted, please ensure you bring cash if you plan to bring a folding bicycle or surfboard.

Vehicle Boarding Fees (Cars)

(Adjustment fees in parentheses)

Type	Vehicle Fare
Under 3m	14,500 yen(900 yen)
3m to under 4m	18,000 yen(1,200 yen)
4m to under 5m	22,000 yen(1,500 yen)
5m to under 6m	27,500 yen(1,800 yen)
6m to under 7m	38,000 yen(2,100 yen)
7m to under 8m	47,000 yen(2,400 yen)
8m to under 9m	53,500 yen(2,700 yen)
9m to under 10m	60,000 yen(3,000 yen)
10m to under 11m	67,000 yen(3,300 yen)
11m to under 12m	73,500 yen(3,600 yen)
Per additional meter	6,700 yen(300 yen)

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Vehicle Boarding Fees (Motorcycles)

(Adjustment fees in parentheses)

Motorcycle Displacement	Fare
Motorized Bicycle	2,000 yen
125cc or less	2,000 yen
Under 750cc	2,500 yen
750cc or more	3,500 yen

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Vehicle Boarding Fees (Bicycles)

(Adjustment fees in parentheses)

5,000 yen (300 yen)

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How to Reserve Princess Wakasa

Reservations can only be made by phone, as online booking is not available.

The ship starts boarding reception one hour before departure, so you can board without making a reservation. However, reservations are required if you’re traveling in a deluxe room A or B or if more than 15 people are traveling, as it will be treated as a group booking.

Princess Wakasa Ticket Issuing Counters & Agencies

Princess Wakasa Ticket Counter List

Cosmo Line Minami-Futou Counter (Passenger)

Phone: 099-226-6628

Cosmo Line Nishinoomote Counter (Passenger)

Phone Number	0997-22-1011
Address	〒891-3111 Kagoshima Prefecture, Nishinoomote City, Nishimachi 49-1
Business Hours	11:30~14:00

Kyusho Port Service Co., Ltd. (Vehicles & Cargo)

Phone Number	099-222-8271
Address	〒892-0812 Kagoshima Prefecture, Kagoshima City, Hamamachi 35-5
Business Hours	09:00~17:30 (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays)

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Princess Wakasa Timetable

The sailing time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes one way.

Princess Wakasa operates only one round trip per day, so be careful not to miss it.

Arrival times may be delayed due to weather and sea conditions.

Latest Information & Operation Status of Princess Wakasa

The operation status and cancellation rates of Princess Wakasa can be checked on the official website managed by Cosmo Line.

There are inquiries from passengers before boarding like “Will it operate on a specific date?” However, since the ship’s operation is greatly affected by weather and sea conditions, accurate operation decisions cannot be made until the day of the trip.

Information is updated on our website as soon as possible, so it is best to avoid calling to check the operation status.

▼ Latest operation status of Cosmo Line

http://cosmoline.jp/category/today/

Princess Wakasa’s Internet Environment

I tried opening my PC and searching for Wi-Fi, but there were no access points available, so there is no Wi-Fi environment on board.

Within 2 hours after departure, while still near Kagoshima Prefecture’s Ibusuki and Minami-Okuma areas, I could receive a slight signal on my smartphone carrier line, allowing for internet browsing.

Once out at sea, there was no signal until we arrived at Tanegashima.

Princess Wakasa Onboard Introduction

Princess Wakasa

Princess Wakasa docked at Nishinoomote Port

photo by mitemil

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■ Ship Name: Cosmo Line – Princess Wakasa
■ Length: 88.93 meters
■ Gross Tonnage: 580 tons
■ Maximum Speed: 19.50 knots (36.11 km/h)
■ Passenger Capacity: 222 (Maximum: 350)
■ Vehicle Capacity: Approximately 43 vehicles

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It’s a large ship with a yellow line on a blue hull and a red funnel mark with the number “1” on it!

Information Desk (3F)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa information desk onboard

photo by mitemil

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If you have any issues during the voyage, you can consult the information desk.
It is located in the hall on the 3rd floor, so it is easy to find.

It was closed with a curtain before departure, but the curtain was opened once we set sail.

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Initially, it was closed with a curtain

Promenade Deck (3F)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Promenade Deck and location monitor onboard

photo by mitemil

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The Promenade Deck has a large hall with the information desk and a smoking room.
Deluxe rooms A and B are also on the 3rd floor Promenade Deck.

There is a monitor on the Promenade Deck that shows the real-time location of the ship.
It also displays the ship’s speed, so you can check where we are at any time.

There are also about three newspapers available.

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The ceiling is designed to resemble a sparkling starry sky.

Entrance Deck (3F)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa entrance deck

photo by mitemil

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The entrance deck on the 2nd floor is near the boarding area.
Stairs lead up to the various floors.

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The 2nd floor full-flat seating rooms also have doors leading to the deck.

Passenger Rooms (2F/3F)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Room D and pillow

photo by mitemil

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Passenger rooms A, C, and D on Princess Wakasa have several carpeted areas.
You can relax and lie down on the floor during the voyage.

Rooms A and C are on the 3rd floor, and room D is on the 2nd floor.

There are a few pillows available for loan in the corners of the rooms.

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Full-flat shared rooms are free seating and on a first-come, first-served basis!

Promenade Lounge (3F)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Promenade Lounge

photo by mitemil

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The Promenade Lounge is a small resting area with a small table by the window, allowing you to enjoy the view while relaxing.

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The Promenade Lounge is narrower and smaller than expected, so it doesn’t accommodate many people.

Vending Machine Corner (3F)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa vending machine corner

photo by mitemil

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The vending machine corner offers drinks and an ice cream machine.
There is also a microwave, so you can warm up rice balls or bento purchased in advance from convenience stores.

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There used to be a bento vending machine here, but recently it only offers drinks.

Smoking Room (3F)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa smoking room

photo by mitemil

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The smoking room has two sofas and windows, allowing you to enjoy the view while smoking.

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It is located in a noticeable place right in front of the central entrance deck.

Toilets (3F)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa toilet and multipurpose toilet

photo by mitemil

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The toilets are near the Promenade Deck hall.
The women’s toilet is on the left facing room C, and the men’s toilet is on the right.

There is also a multipurpose toilet, but it was marked as out of service.

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The toilets were very clean and well-maintained!

Sky Deck (4F)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa's Sky Deck view of Nishinoomote Port on Tanegashima

photo by mitemil

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The Sky Deck on the roof has four benches where you can enjoy a pleasant sea breeze during the voyage. The benches are covered with what seems to be a white-framed roof, though it may not have originally had one.

When I boarded, the sky in Kagoshima was cloudy, but Tanegashima was sunny, so the view was fantastic! Checking the weather forecast for Tanegashima before boarding can ensure a great sea trip (^_^)

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The Sky Deck has benches, so if you’re departing from Kagoshima, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Sakurajima!

Princess Wakasa FAQ

How much is the ferry fare from Kagoshima to Tanegashima?

The cheapest room is the second-class room, and the most expensive is Deluxe A private room.

Type	Adult	Child
Special Room A (private, capacity 10)	8,000 yen	8,000 yen
Special Room B (private, capacity 10)	6,000 yen	6,000 yen
Standard (second-class fare)	5,000 yen(300 yen)	2,500 yen(150 yen)
Disabled Standard	2,650 yen(300 yen)	1,330 yen(150 yen)
Disabled Care Standard	2,650 yen(300 yen)
Discount for Residents of Certain Islands*	3,270 yen(300 yen)	1,690 yen(150 yen)
Discount for Disabled Residents of Certain Islands*	1,800 yen(300 yen)	950 yen(150 yen)
Student Discount	4,060 yen(300 yen)
General Group	3,800 yen(300 yen)	1,900 yen(150 yen)
Student Group	3,600 yen(300 yen)

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Are there other ferries from Kagoshima to Tanegashima?

In addition to Cosmo Line’s Princess Wakasa, there is also Kagoshima Commercial Shipping’s Ferry Hibiscus.

If you prefer to arrive in Tanegashima in the morning, Princess Wakasa is recommended! For a late-night departure, the “Ferry Hibiscus” bound for Yakushima via Tanegashima departs from Taniyama Port in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Ferry Hibiscus – No reservation needed for passengers (tickets sold on the day of departure only).
Princess Wakasa – Reservations are accepted by phone for private rooms, groups, and vehicle transport only.

Cosmo Line Minami-Futou Office (Passengers)

Phone Number	099-226-0731 (Orita Kisen Co., Ltd.)
Address	〒892-08146 Kagoshima Prefecture, Kagoshima City, Honkoshinmachi 6, Orita Kisen Co., Ltd. Minami-Futou Ferry Terminal
Hours	8:00~17:00

Cosmo Line Nishinoomote Office (Passengers)

Phone Number	0997-22-1011
Address	〒891-3111 Kagoshima Prefecture, Nishinoomote City, Nishi-machi 49-1
Hours	11:30~14:00

Kusho Port Service Co., Ltd. (Vehicles & Cargo)

Phone Number	099-222-8271
Address	〒892-0812 Kagoshima Prefecture, Kagoshima City, Hamamachi 35-5
Hours	09:00~17:30 (Closed on Sundays and holidays)

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How long does it take by ferry from Kagoshima to Tanegashima?

It takes 95 minutes by high-speed boat and 3 hours and 30 minutes by ferry.

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When does check-in start for Princess Wakasa?

Check-in for boarding starts 1 hour before departure.

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What is the cancellation rate for Princess Wakasa?

Cancellations may occur, especially if a typhoon is approaching or if unstable weather causes “rough seas.” The operation status of Princess Wakasa can be checked on the Cosmo Line official website’s news page.

▼ Princess Wakasa Official Site – Cosmo Line News Page
http://cosmoline.jp/category/news/

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Can I bring pets on Princess Wakasa?

Yes, you can!

However, pets are not allowed inside the ship or in the passenger rooms. There is a pet room available on Princess Wakasa, which is recommended!

The pet room is equipped with cages; small dogs fit well, but medium to large dogs may need to stay on the outdoor deck.

Pet fee (one-way fare) *Cash only
Small (less than 50 cm in length) 2,000 yen/animal
Large (50 cm or more in length) 3,000 yen/animal

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Advantages, Disadvantages, and Reviews of Princess Wakasa

Things I liked about the trip

Things I found a bit inconvenient

I got seasick during the rough seas and had to use the toilet several times（lol）If you have a weak vestibular system, make sure to remember the location of the toilet!

Princess Wakasa Boarding Experience Summary

I took a trip on Cosmo Line’s “Princess Wakasa.”
Here’s a summary of the article!

For those boarding “Princess Wakasa” soon, have a great trip and take care! \(^O^)/