The Princess Wakasa is a ship operated by COSMO LINE and began service on December 12, 2004, on the route between Kagoshima Prefecture and Tanegashima.

While there is also a high-speed ferry called the Toppy that takes about one hour one way to reach Tanegashima, I chose to travel on the car ferry “Princess Wakasa,” which can accommodate vehicles.

For those taking the Princess Wakasa to Tanegashima for the first time, there may be many questions such as “What time does it depart?” “What does the interior of the ship look like?” “Where is the boarding area?”

This time, I had the opportunity to board the COSMO LINE’s “Princess Wakasa,” so I will introduce the interior of the ship and share my impressions of actually riding on the ship.

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa: Introduction of Specifications

1. Ship Name: COSMO LINE – Princess Wakasa
2. Length Overall: 88.93 meters
3. Gross Tonnage: 580 tons
4. Cruising Speed: Maximum 19.50 knots (36.11 km/h)
5. Passenger Capacity: 222 passengers (maximum: 350 passengers)
6. Vehicle Capacity: Approximately 43 vehicles

Onboard Introduction of the Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa

プリンセスわかさ船内紹介

Information Desk (2F)

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Information Desk (2F)

photo by mitemil

Information desk on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

While aboard the ship, if you encounter any issues, you can seek assistance at the information desk.
Located in the hall on the 3rd floor, it is easily accessible.

Before departure, the curtain was closed, but it opened once we set sail.

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Promenade Deck (2F)

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Promenade Deck (2F)

photo by mitemil

Promenade Deck on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

photo by mitemil

Monitor displaying the current location on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

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The Promenade Deck features a spacious hall with an information desk and a smoking area.
Private rooms for Deluxe A and B are also located on the Promenade Deck on the 3rd floor.

In the hall of the Promenade Deck, there was a monitor displaying the real-time location of the ship.
It also shows the ship’s speed, allowing passengers to check their current location whenever they wonder where they are.

There were also about three newspapers available.

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Entrance Deck (2F)

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Entrance Deck (2F)

photo by mitemil

Entrance Deck on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

The Entrance Deck on the 2nd floor was located near the boarding gate.
Passengers ascend the stairs to access each floor.

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Passenger Rooms (1F/2F)

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Passenger Rooms (1F/2F)

photo by mitemil

Passenger Room D on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

photo by mitemil

Pillows in the passenger rooms on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

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Passenger rooms A, C, and D on the Princess Wakasa were equipped with carpeted floors in several areas.
During the voyage, it felt like lounging and relaxing on the floor.

Rooms A and C were located on the 3rd floor, while room D was on the 2nd floor.

A few pillows for loan were placed in the corners of the rooms.

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Promenade Lounge (2F)

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Promenade Lounge (2F)

photo by mitemil

Promenade Lounge on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

This is a small resting area with small tables by the windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the view while relaxing.

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Vending Machine Corner (2F)

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Vending Machine Corner (2F)

photo by mitemil

Vending Machine Corner on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

In the vending machine corner, aside from beverages, there was also an ice cream vending machine available.
There is also a microwave, so you can warm up convenience store rice balls or bento boxes that you purchased in advance!

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Smoking Area (2F)

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Smoking Area (2F)

photo by mitemil

Smoking Area on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

Inside the smoking area, there are two sofas and windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the view while taking a smoke break.

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Toilet (2F)

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Toilet (2F)

photo by mitemil

Toilet on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

photo by mitemil

Multipurpose Toilet on the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

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It was located near the hall of the Promenade Deck.
Towards the direction of passenger room C, the left side was for females, and the right side was for males.

Although there was a multipurpose toilet, it was out of service.

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Sky Deck on the Roof (4F)

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Sky Deck on the Roof (4F)

photo by mitemil

View of Nishinoomote Port in Tanegashima from the Sky Deck of the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line

photo by mitemil

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On the rooftop sky deck, there are four benches where you can enjoy the pleasant sea breeze during the voyage.
The benches were covered by what seemed to be originally white skeletal poles, possibly indicating the presence of a roof.

When I boarded, the sky over Kagoshima was cloudy, but Tanegashima was sunny, providing an excellent view!
I recommend checking the weather forecast for Tanegashima before boarding for the best sailing experience (^-^)

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Boating Terminal & Directions for the Princess Wakasa

Kagoshima Pref.

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Kagoshima Pref.

photo by mitemil

Boarding Point – Minami Pier Passenger Terminal
Train – Approx. 16 minutes on foot from Izuro-dori Station (Tram)
Bus – Approx. 6 minutes on foot from “High-Speed Ferry Terminal (Bus Stop)”

If traveling by bus from Kagoshima Central Station

The estimated travel time from Kagoshima Central Station (Bus Stop) to the High-Speed Ferry Terminal (Bus Stop) is approximately 18 minutes and costs 180 yen.

You can take the Kagoshima Kotsu [26] Karasomachi Line (Toso Line) towards Kagoshima Port [High-Speed Ferry Terminal] from Bus Stops 5 or 6 at Kagoshima Central Station to reach the High-Speed Ferry Terminal (Bus Stop).

A crucial point to keep in mind is that you must catch the first bus to the High-Speed Ferry Terminal, or you may miss the ferry. The bus departing from Kagoshima Central Station at 6:50 AM is the earliest one. If you miss this bus, the next one isn’t until 8:40 AM, which could cause you to miss the Ferry Yakushima. So, please be mindful of the bus schedule.

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Tanegashima

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Tanegashima

photo by mitemil

Boarding Point – Nishinoomote Port Waiting Area
Bus – Right after getting off at Nishinoomote Port (Bus Stop)

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How much is the fare/fee/price for boarding Princess Wakasa

All rooms except for the Deluxe type are the same. There are four rooms (A to D) and a promenade lounge onboard.

Rooms A, C, and D have seats, while Room B has only chairs. Room A is designated as priority seating for persons with disabilities.

As for purchasing Princess Wakasa ferry tickets

There is a reception desk inside a building called the Minami Futo Passenger Terminal.

As soon as you enter the building from the entrance, the reception desk is immediately to the right.

Since you’re taking the ferry to Tanegashima this time, you can purchase Princess Wakasa tickets by requesting them.

When I informed the receptionist that I wanted to purchase tickets, I was guided to fill out a dedicated form nearby with details such as my address and then submit it at the reception.

Since I was traveling to Tanegashima this time, I filled out the boarding list for Tanegashima, which can be seen on the left side of the photo, and submitted it at the reception.

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

Princess Wakasa Vehicle Boarding & In-flight Carry-on Fees

For those planning to enjoy surfing in Tanegashima, bringing a surfboard is common. However, please note that there is an additional charge of 520 yen per board for special baggage handling, separate from the boarding fee.

Since only cash is accepted, if you plan to bring a folding bicycle or a surfboard, please make sure to bring cash along.

Reservation Method for Princess Wakasa

Online reservations are not available, and reservations are only accepted by phone.

While boarding is possible without a reservation, as boarding reception begins one hour before departure on the day of, reservations by phone are required for deluxe rooms A and B, and for groups of 15 or more, as they are treated as group bookings.

Reservation inquiries can be made at the Princess Wakasa ticket counter or through authorized agents.

Princess Wakasa ticket counter or authorized agents

Cosmo Line Princess Wakasa’s Timetable & Travel Time

The sailing time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes one way.
Since Princess Wakasa operates only one round trip per day, it is important to be mindful not to miss it.

Arrival times may be delayed due to weather and sea conditions.
For the latest information and operational status of Princess Wakasa, please check.

Princess Wakasa Latest Information and Operational Status

You can check the operational status and cancellation rate of Princess Wakasa on the official website operated by Cosmo Line.

We receive inquiries from passengers before boarding asking, ‘Can you operate on [specific date]?’ However, since vessel operations are greatly influenced by weather and sea conditions, precise operational decisions cannot be made until the day of sailing.

We promptly update information on this website, so please refrain from calling to inquire about the status of operations.

▼Latest operational status by Cosmo Line

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

I looked into the internet environment on Princess Wakasa.

Initially, I opened my laptop and tried to find Wi-Fi, but there were no access points available, indicating that there was no Wi-Fi environment.

Within the first two hours after departure, while still navigating around areas like Ibusuki or Minamiosumi in Kagoshima Prefecture, I managed to get some reception using my smartphone’s carrier network, allowing me to browse the internet to some extent.

However, once we sailed further offshore, I experienced a period of poor reception, and there was no signal until we approached Tanegashima.

My impressions of the Princess Wakasa

This time I boarded the Princess Wakasa of the Cosmo Line and headed from Kagoshima Prefecture to Tanegashima Island.

While I was on my way to Tanegashima this time, I got drunk due to the rough seas and had to use the restroom several times (laugh).

If you have a weak semicircular canal, be sure to remember where the restroom is located!

It was a large car ferry that took 3 hours and 30 minutes one way, but you can also take a high-speed boat called “Toppy” from Kagoshima to Tanegashima in about an hour.

The one-way fare is 4,370 yen for Princess Wakasa and 10,300 yen for the high-speed boat Toppy.

If you want to enjoy a relaxing voyage at a reasonable price, take the Princess Wakasa, and if you are in a hurry, take the high-speed boat at twice the price!

If you are going to Tanegashima on Princess Wakasa, please be careful.

Have a nice cruise!(^-^)