Princess Wakasa Ferry Experience! Tanegashima Trip

2025年3月4日

Boarding Locations & Access Information

Kagoshima Port, Kagoshima Pref.

Kagoshima Main Port at South Wharf, Kagoshima Prefecture Icon — Kagoshima Main Port at South Wharf, Kagoshima Prefecture

■ Boarding Location: South Wharf Passenger Terminal
■ Address: 6 Honkoshinmachi, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 892-0814, Japan

Access to Kagoshima Port

■ On Foot – Kagoshima Station → Kagoshima Ekimae Station (Approx. 7 min)
■ By Train – Kagoshima Ekimae → Izuro-dori Station (Approx. 10 min, ¥170)
■ On Foot – Izuro-dori Station → South Wharf Passenger Terminal (Approx. 17 min)
Total Cost: 170yen | Total Time: Approx. 35 min

Nishinoomote Port, Tanegashima

■ Boarding Location: Nishinoomote Port, Tanegashima
■ Address: Nishimachi, Nishinoomote City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 891-3111, Japan
■ Phone Number: 0997-22-1011

Access to Kagoshima Port

Boarding Location: Nishinoomote Port Waiting Area
Bus: Get off at Nishinoomote Port (Bus Stop), just a short walk away

How to Book

Online reservations are not available, and bookings can only be made by phone.

The boarding process begins one hour before departure, so reservations are not required for most passengers. However, for Deluxe A and B cabins or groups of 15 or more people, phone reservations are necessary as they are treated as a group booking.

Princess Wakasa Ticket Counter & Agents

Princess Wakasa Ticket Counter List

Cosmoline South Wharf Ticket Counter (Passenger)

Phone Number: 099-226-6628

Cosmoline Nishinoomote Ticket Counter (Passenger)

Phone Number	0997-22-1011
Address	49-1 Nishimachi, Nishinoomote City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 891-3111
Business Hours	11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

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

Phone Number	099-222-8271
Address	35-5 Hamamachi, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 892-0812
Business Hours	9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Sundays and Holidays)

Boarding Fees, Fares & Prices

Cosmo Line's Princess Wakasa Ferry Ticket to Tanegashima

Princess Wakasa Fare Chart

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

Except for the deluxe rooms, all rooms are shared.
There are four rooms (A to D) and a promenade lounge on board.

Rooms A, C, and D are seating areas, and Room B is equipped with chair seating.
Only Room A has priority seating for disabled passengers.

How to Purchase Boarding Tickets

Cosmo Line's reception at the Minami Pier Passenger Terminal in Kagoshima Prefecture

The ticket counter is located inside the South Wharf Passenger Terminal building.

Upon entering the building, the ticket counter is immediately on the right.

For the ferry to Tanegashima, simply tell the staff you’d like to purchase a “Princess Wakasa” ticket, and they will assist you.

Passenger manifest for Ferry Yakushima 2 to Yakushima and Princess Wakasa to Tanegashima at the Minami Pier Passenger Terminal in Kagoshima Prefecture

When purchasing a boarding ticket, you need to fill out a special form with your address and other details located near the ticket counter, and hand it to the staff to complete the purchase.

Since I was heading to Tanegashima this time, I filled out the passenger list for Tanegashima (seen on the left in the photo) and submitted it at the counter.

By the way, the boarding ticket is handed to the crew member standing at the boarding gate, so ultimately, it will no longer be in your possession.

Vehicle Boarding & Carry-On Fees

A table displaying the fare for boarding the Princess Wakasa

Surfboard	1 board: ¥1,000
Folding Bicycle	1 bicycle: ¥1,000
Pet	Small (less than 50 cm in body length): ¥2,000/each Large (50 cm or more in body length): ¥3,000/each

If you plan to enjoy surfing on Tanegashima, you may bring a surfboard. However, it will be treated as special luggage, with an additional fee of ¥520 per board, separate from the boarding fee.

Only cash is accepted, so if you plan to bring a folding bicycle or surfboard, make sure to bring cash with you.

Vehicle Freight Fares (Automobiles)

(Note: The amounts in parentheses are adjustment fees.)

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[accordion label="Vehicle Freight Fares (Motorcycles)"]
(Note: The amounts in parentheses are adjustment fees.)

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

Motorcycle Engine Displacement	Freight Fare
Motorized Bicycle	¥2,000
Up to 125cc	¥2,000
Under 750cc	¥2,500
750cc and above	¥3,500

Vehicle Freight Fares (Bicycles)

(Note: The amount in parentheses is an adjustment fee.)

¥5,000 (¥300)

Timetable & Travel Time

Route	Time
Kagoshima (South Wharf) → Tanegashima (Nishinoomote Port)	08:40 → 12:10
Tanegashima (Nishinoomote Port) → Kagoshima (South Wharf)	13:45 → 17:25

The sailing time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes one way.
Princess Wakasa operates only one round trip per day, so it’s important to be careful not to miss the ferry.

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

Latest Information & Service Status

The operation status and cancellation rates for Princess Wakasa can be checked on the official website operated by Cosmo Line: Official Website.

Passengers often call to ask, “Will the ferry operate on [date]?” However, since ferry operations are heavily affected by weather and sea conditions, accurate operation decisions cannot be made until the day of departure.

Information is promptly published on this website, so it’s best to avoid calling for updates on the operation status.

▼ Cosmo Line’s Latest Operation Status
http://cosmoline.jp/category/today/

Internet Access on Princess Wakasa

I opened my PC to check for Wi-Fi, but there were no access points available, so there was no Wi-Fi connection.

Within the first two hours after departure, while still near Kagoshima Prefecture, including areas like Ibusuki and Minami-Ookuma, I was able to receive some signal on my mobile carrier, so I was able to browse the web.

Once we got further out to sea, I lost signal until we reached Tanegashima.

Princess Wakasa Vessel Information

Princess Wakasa

Princess Wakasa docked at Nishinoomote Port

photo by mitemil

■ 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 passengers (Maximum: 350 passengers)
■ Cargo Capacity: Approximately 43 vehicles

Princess Wakasa Map

▼Cosmo Line Official Website – Princess Wakasa Vessel Introduction Page
https://cosmoline.jp/ship-guide/ferry-princess-wakasa

Princess Wakasa Interior Tour

Information Desk (3rd Floor)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Interior Information Desk

photo by mitemil

Promenade Deck (3rd Floor)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Interior Entrance Deck

photo by mitemil

Passenger Cabins (2nd Floor/3rd Floor)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Interior Passenger Cabin D

photo by mitemil

Promenade Lounge (3rd Floor)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Interior Promenade Lounge

photo by mitemil

Vending Machine Corner (3rd Floor)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Interior Vending Machine Corner

photo by mitemil

“Smoking Room (3rd Floor)”

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Interior Smoking Room

photo by mitemil

Toilets (3F)

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Interior Multipurpose Toilet

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa Interior Toilet

photo by mitemil

Sky Deck (4F)

Sky Deck of Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa with View of Nishi-no-Omote Port on Tanegashima

photo by mitemil

Princess Wakasa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the ferry prices and fares from Kagoshima to Tanegashima?

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

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)
Inhabitant Discount (Legal Boundary Islands)	3,270 yen (300 yen)	1,690 yen (150 yen)
Inhabitant Disability Discount (Legal Boundary 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)

Are there other ferries from Kagoshima to Tanegashima?

Cosmo Line’s “Princess Wakasa” and Kagoshima Shoko Shipping’s “Ferry Hibiscus” are the two options.

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

Ferry Hibiscus – No reservation is required for passengers (tickets sold only on the day).
Princess Wakasa – Reservations are accepted only for private rooms, groups, and vehicle ferrying.

Cosmo Line Minato Wharf Counter (Passenger)

Phone Number	099-226-0731 (Switchboard, Orita Kisen Co., Ltd.)
Address	6-1 Honkō Shinmachi, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima 892-0814, Orita Kisen Co., Ltd. Minato Wharf Ferry Terminal
Business Hours	8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Cosmo Line Nishinoomote Counter (Passenger)

Phone Number	0997-22-1011
Address	49-1 Nishimachi, Nishinoomote City, Kagoshima 891-3111
Business Hours	11:30 AM to 2:00 PM

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

Phone Number	099-222-8271
Address	35-5 Hamamachi, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima 892-0812
Business Hours	9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Sundays and Holidays)

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

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

How many minutes before departure can I check in for Princess Wakasa?

Check-in for boarding starts 1 hour before departure.

What is the cancellation rate for Princess Wakasa?

There can be cancellations, especially when typhoons approach or due to “rough seas” caused by unstable weather.
You can check the operational status of Princess Wakasa on the Cosmo Line official website’s announcement page.

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

Can I bring pets on the Princess Wakasa ferry?

Yes, you can!

However, **pets are not allowed inside the cabin or passenger rooms**.
Princess Wakasa has a designated pet room, which is a great option!

There are built-in cages available, and they are suitable for small dogs. However, for medium to large dogs, the space might be a bit tight, so you may need to spend time with your pet on the outdoor deck.

**Pet Fees (One-way fare) – Cash only**
Small (less than 50cm in length): 2,000 yen per pet
Large (50cm or more in length): 3,000 yen per pet

Boarding Experience & Review

Suitcase placed in a second-class passenger room on Princess Wakasa

Boarded the Cosmo Line “Princess Wakasa” from Kagoshima Port to Nishinoomote Port on Tanegashima.
Departed from Kagoshima Port at 8:40 AM and arrived at Nishinoomote Port at 12:10 PM.

Since this time was in the cheapest second-class passenger room, securing a seat was the first priority upon boarding.
Before departure, J-pop music was playing inside the ship.

There was no designated luggage storage on the ship, so other passengers also brought their suitcases and bags into the room.
Placed my luggage against the wall of the secured space.

Location information monitor inside the Princess Wakasa ferry

Since there was no internet access on board, there wasn’t much to do after departure. Spent time checking the location monitor or reading a book brought along.

As the ship moved further offshore, it started to sway. Moved to the observation deck and lay down on a bench.

Ramp being set up for disembarkation at Nishinoomote Port from Princess Wakasa

Disembarked using a ramp, just like at Kagoshima Port.
A bus departs from Nishinoomote Port, so if heading towards Nakatane Town or Minamitane Town, be sure to take advantage of it!

Pros & Cons

メリット

Affordable fare for a 3-hour and 30-minute ferry ride

Convenient access to Nakatane Town and Minamitane Town even for pedestrians, thanks to the bus stop at Nishinoomote Port

Spectacular view of Sakurajima from the Sky Deck when departing from Kagoshima

デメリット

Takes longer than flying

Over 30 minutes from Kagoshima Station to the port, making it a bit far

Prone to seasickness due to waves, especially for those with weak vestibular systems

No Wi-Fi available

No online reservation system

* The information posted is based on the publication date: 2025年3月4日.
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