Osaka to Fukuoka – Review of Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI! Experience a Japan’s Ferry Trip

Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI began service on April 21, 2015 on the Shin Moji – Izumiotsu route between Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture and Izumiotsu, Osaka Prefecture.
The name “HIBIKI” is said to derive from “Hibikinada,” the sea area from Kawajiri Cape in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, through the Kanmon Straits to Kanmon Cape, Jishima, and Oshima Island in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

This time we boarded the Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI!
In this article, we will introduce the know-how you need to know in advance to enjoy the boat trip, as well as our impressions of the actual boarding experience.

Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI : Introduction of Specifications

  1. Name : Hankyu Ferry – HIBIKI
  2. Date of Launch : April 21, 2015
  3. Length : 195 meters
  4. Gross Tonnage : 16,040 tons
  5. Sailing Speed : 23.5 knots (43.52km/h)
  6. Passenger Capacity : 625 passengers
  7. Cargo capacity: 188 passenger cars, 277 trucks

Onboard Introduction of the Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI

Robby(5F)

Entrance on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Entrance on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

The lobby extends from the central area of the 5th floor all the way up to the top floor, the 7th floor, creating a sense of openness. There is also a large television. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the lobby for passengers who require internet access. Please proceed to the lobby if you need to use the internet.

Inboard elevator(5F/6F/7F)

Elevator on board Hankyu Ferry Hibiki
Elevator on board Hankyu Ferry Hibiki
photo by mitemil

There is an elevator in the center of each floor.
Barrier-free ramps are available so that people in wheelchairs can easily move to each floor.

Information & Store(5F)

Information center and shop on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Information center and shop on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

They had a wide range of souvenirs and sweets from Kansai and Kyushu, as well as beverages and daily necessities. They even sold amenities such as towels, slippers, shampoo, and razors, so you can rest assured even if you didn’t bring shower goods in advance. Be sure to check out the exclusive onboard merchandise as well.

Promenade(6F)

Promenade on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Promenade on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

Promenade is located next to the restaurant on the 6th floor. With plenty of windows, you can enjoy the scenery outside during the voyage!

There are chairs and tables on the promenade, so many people were seen enjoying their packed lunches and snacks there.

Game Corner(5F)

Game corner on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Game corner on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

In the game corner, several crane game machines and slot machines were installed. Even in the potentially boring environment of the ship, having a little play area is nice.

The game corner is accessible anytime from boarding until arrival at port.

Kids Room(5F)

Kids room on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Kids room on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

There was also a play area for children. In the kids’ room, there were slides and a TV playing cartoons.

Located in front of the lobby, parents can sit in the lobby and watch over their children. The kids’ area is accessible anytime from boarding until arrival at port.

Toilet(5F/6F/7F)

Toilet on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Toilet on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

On the 5th and 6th floors, there are two sets of men’s and women’s restrooms each, while there is one set on the 7th floor.

The restrooms were very clean and well-maintained.

Multipurpose toilet(5F)

Multi-purpose toilet on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Multi-purpose toilet on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

In the multipurpose restroom on the 5th floor, there was a large diaper changing table for babies.

The space was spacious enough to maneuver comfortably, even for someone in a wheelchair.

Smoking Room(5F/6F/7F)

Smoking area on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Smoking area on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

Smoking areas are available on the 5th and 6th floors, with two locations on each floor, and one location on the 7th floor.

There were two curved poles where you could rest your back for a moment.

Hot Water Supply Room(5F/6F/7F)

Hot Water Supply Room on Hankyu Ferry Yamato
Hot Water Supply Room on Hankyu Ferry Yamato
photo by mitemil

You can drink cold water in the hot water supply room.
There are paper cups near the water dispenser, so if you’re thirsty, you can come to the hot water supply room to quench your thirst!

The maximum temperature of the water heater is 90 degrees, so you can also use hot water!

Vending machine corner(5F)

Vending machine corner on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Vending machine corner on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

In addition to drinks, the vending machines also offered cup noodles and ice cream.
The vending machine corner was equipped with machines for charging smartphones and microwaves for heating food.

It’s convenient to be able to warm up bento boxes and bread.

By the way, there was also a vending machine dedicated to alcohol! (mostly beer)

Relax Room(5F)

Massage chair in the relaxation room on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Massage chair in the relaxation room on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

In the relaxation room, there were three massage chairs available.
The massage chairs can be used for 15 minutes for 200 yen each.

The relaxation room is available for use anytime from boarding until arrival at port!

Karaoke Room(5F)

Karaoke room on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Karaoke room on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

There were two karaoke rooms, labeled A and B, located near the onboard parking on the 5th floor.
Each room is available for use from boarding until lights out for 3,000 yen per room.

Observation Room(6F)

Observation room inside Hankyu Ferry Yamato
Observation room inside Hankyu Ferry Yamato
photo by mitemil

The view from the observation room at the bow of the ship was excellent.
During the voyage, the calm atmosphere created by the downlights allows passengers to experience a resort-like feeling.

There was a completely different sense of tranquility compared to the public spaces onboard.

Grand Bath(7F)

Noren of open-air bath and large communal bath on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Noren of open-air bath and large communal bath on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

In the large communal bath, separate areas are designated for men and women, distinguished by blue curtains for men and red curtains for women.
From the bath, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the open sea during the voyage.

Shower Room(7F)

Shower room on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Shower room on Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

The shower rooms are located within the large communal bath area, with separate areas designated for men and women, distinguished by blue curtains for men and red curtains for women.

Inside the shower rooms, guests will find rinse-in shampoo and body soap provided.

As part of water conservation efforts, the duration of hot water flow varies depending on the strength of the faucet press. During my experience, I measured the maximum continuous flow of hot water to be approximately 20 seconds.

The shower rooms are available for use anytime from boarding until arrival at port.

Observation Deck(7F)

Observation deck inside Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
Observation deck inside Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI
photo by mitemil

You can enjoy various views such as the starry sky over the Seto Inland Sea, illuminated bridges and cityscapes, as well as the vast ocean in the early morning.

On the observation deck, there were small chairs and tables available. There are also times when passengers gather to enjoy the bustling atmosphere, especially when passing through the three major bridges or during departure.

The restaurant aboard the Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI (5F)

Onboard Restaurant

Interior of the Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI Restaurant
Interior of the Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI Restaurant
photo by mitemil

The restaurant is very spacious with plenty of seating!

There are also tables for four by the windows, so even groups can enjoy their meal while taking in the outside scenery.

One of the highlights of being on a ship is dining while gazing at the sea. When boarding the ship, I recommend the window seats (^-^).

The Hankyu Ferry restaurant operates on a cafeteria-style basis, with prices set for each dish. You simply place the items you want on a tray and take them to the cashier to pay.

Drinks such as water, hot water, and tea are complimentary and refillable.

Dinner Menu

Plate of dinner offerings at the Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI Restaurant
Plate of dinner offerings at the Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI Restaurant
photo by mitemil

Popular Dishes

– Steak Teppanyaki ¥1,200
– Daily Teppanyaki ¥850
– Steak Donburi ¥1,250

Delicacies from Kyushu

– Plate Udon ¥690
– Chicken Nanban ¥560
– Grilled Chicken ¥410

Chinese & Steamed Dishes

– MaBo Tofu ¥510
– Eight Treasures ¥510

Simmered & Boiled

– Oden ¥120
– Simmered Beef Tendon ¥410
– Recommended Simmered Dish ¥310

Grilled & Fried

– Ginger Pork ¥460
– Karaage (Fried Chicken) ¥500

Fresh Fish from Kyushu

– Kurose Yellowtail Sashimi ¥460
– Kanmon Octopus Sashimi ¥460
– Miyabi Sea Bream Sashimi ¥460

Salads & Small Plates

– Vegetable Salad ¥260
– Vinegared Offal ¥320
– Spicy Cod Roe ¥310

Desserts

– Fruit Punch ¥310
– Coffee Jelly ¥260

Rice Dishes

– White Rice ¥200
– Six-Grain Rice ¥200
– Pickled Mustard Leaf Rice Ball ¥260
– Curry Rice ¥650

Soups

– Miso Soup ¥150
– Pork Miso Soup ¥260
– Clam Soup ¥260
– Seasonal Soup ¥250

Breakfast Menu

Plate of breakfast offerings at the Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI Restaurant
Plate of breakfast offerings at the Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI Restaurant
photo by mitemil

– Toast ¥210
– Bacon and Eggs ¥280
– Fried Egg ¥180
– Grilled Fish ¥210
– Vegetable Salad ¥260
– Cold Tofu ¥150
– Spicy Cod Roe ¥310
– Fermented Soybeans (Natto) ¥90
– Morning Udon or Soba ¥400
– Miso Soup ¥150
– Rice ¥200

Ferry Terminal and Access Information for Hankyu Ferry

Osaka Pref.

Hankyu Ferry Izumiotsu Port Terminal
Hankyu Ferry Izumiotsu Port Terminal
photo by mitemil

Boarding Point – Izumiotsu Port
Bus – Approx. 1 minutes on foot from Hankyu Ferry Izumiotsu Port(Bus Stop)

The bus stops right in front of the terminal.

Hyogo Pref.

Hankyu Ferry Kobe Port Terminal
Hankyu Ferry Kobe Port Terminal
photo by mitemil

Bording Point – Kobe Rokko Island Port
Bus – Approx. 1 minutes on foot from Hankyu Ferry Kobe Port (bus stop)

The bus stops right in front of the terminal.

Fukuoka Pref.

Hankyu Ferry Kitakyushu Shinmoji Port Terminal
Hankyu Ferry Kitakyushu Shinmoji Port Terminal
photo by mitemil

Ferry terminal for Hyogo,Kobe – Shin Moji Port (Terminal 1)
Ferry terminal for Osaka,Izumiotsu – Shin Moji Port (Terminal 2)

Bus – You can take a free connecting bus from Bus stop for Hankyu Ferry

Hankyu Ferry Bus Schedule

Osaka Pref. toggle icon

A fee is charged for the connecting bus from JR Izumifuchu Station (bus stop) (270 yen for adults, 140 yen for children).
No charge if you take the bus from Nankai Izumiotsu Station (bus stop).

Ferry departs at 17:30(Daily)

Bus Stop Time
JR Izumifuchu Station (bus stop) 16:05
Nankai Izumiotsu Sta.(bus stop) 16:30
Izumiotsu Ferry Terminal 16:45

閉じる
Hyogo Pref. toggle icon

A fee is charged for the connecting bus from Hanshin Electric Railway’s Mikage Station bus stop(230 yen for adults).
Free of charge when boarding from Island Kitaguchi Station (bus stop).

Ferry departs at 18:30

Hanshin Mikage Station 16:28 16:55 17:23
Hankyu Mikage Station 16:35 17:02 17:30
JR Sumiyoshi Station 16:43 17:10 17:38
Island Kitaguchi Station
(Rokko Liner)
16:58 17:25 17:05
Ferry Sunflower boarding area
Kobe Ferry Terminal 17:05 17:32 18:00

Ferry departs at 20:00

Hanshin Mikage Station 16:28 16:55 17:23 17:55 18:25 18:45
Hankyu Mikage Station 16:35 17:02 17:30 18:02 18:32 18:52
JR Sumiyoshi Station 16:43 17:10 17:38 18:10 18:40 19:00
Island Kitaguchi Station
(Rokko Liner)
16:58 17:25 17:05 18:25 18:55 19:15
Ferry Sunflower boarding area
Kobe Ferry Terminal 17:05 17:32 18:00 18:32 19:02 19:22

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Fukuoka Pref. toggle icon

The port is approximately 35 minutes from JR Kokura Station and 20 minutes from JR Moji Station. A free connecting bus service is available.

Ferry to Izumiotsu departs at 17:30(Daily)

JR Kokura Station, Shinkansen Guchi (North Exit) 16:10
JR Moji Station 16:25
Shin Moji Terminal 2 16:45

Ferry to Kobe departs at 18:40 (Sun.~Thu.)

JR Kokura Station, Shinkansen Guchi (North Exit) 17:20
JR Moji Station 17:35
Shin Moji Terminal 1 17:55

Ferry to Kobe departs at 20:00 (Fri./Sat.)

JR Kokura Station, Shinkansen Guchi (North Exit) 18:40
JR Moji Station 18:55
Shin Moji Terminal 1 19:15

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The Departure Time Schedule for Hankyu Ferry

Sea routeDeparture time
Shinmoji → Izumiotsu17:30 → 06:00 (Daily)
Izumiotsu → Shinmoji17:30 → 06:00 (Daily)
Shinmoji → Kobe18:40 → 07:10 (Sun ~ Thu)、20:00 → 08:30 (Fri. / Sat.)
Kobe→ Shinmoji18:30 → 07:00 (Sun ~ Thu)、20:00 → 08:30 (Fri. / Sat.)

The one-way trip takes about 12 hours and 30 minutes for all flights.

The type of ship differs depending on the boarding date, so please check the official website in advance for the ship you will be boarding!

▼Hankyu Ferry official website

https://www.han9f.co.jp/en/

How much is the fare/fee/price for boarding Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI

Hankyu Ferry has four periods: A, B, C, and D.

The busyness level increases in order from A to D. Period D is set during the Golden Week and Obon seasons.

Boarding Fares, Fees, Prices toggle icon

Class A Period B Period C Period D Period
Royal 26,400 yen 28,600 yen 28,600 yen 30,800 yen
Suite 20,020 yen 22,220 yen 22,220 yen 24,420 yen
Deluxe Japanese&Western Style Room 14,740 yen 16,500 yen 16,500 yen 18,260 yen
Deluxe Western-style room for 2 14,740 yen 16,500 yen 16,500 yen 18,260 yen
Deluxe Japanese style room 14,740 yen 16,500 yen 16,500 yen 18,260 yen
Deluxe Single 12,100 yen 13,860 yen 13,860 yen 15,620 yen
Deluxe 4-person room 10,560 yen 12,320 yen 12,320 yen 14,080 yen
Standard Single 10,120 yen 11,440 yen 11,440 yen 12,760 yen
Standard Western-style room 8,580 yen 9,900 yen 9,900 yen 11,220 yen
Standard Japanese-style room 7,480 yen 8,800 yen 8,800 yen 10,120 yen
Refer to Hankyu Ferry’s tariffs for January-March 2024.

閉じる

There are a total of 10 room types.

The rooms on board are almost the same as those in hotels. It is like being able to move around with only the cost of lodging.

Boarding fees vary depending on the time of year, so please check the official website for details.

▼Hankyu Ferry official website

https://www.han9f.co.jp/en/#top-fare

The Booking Process for Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI

Reservations can be made from 9:00 a.m. on the same day two months in advance.

Phone reservation – Shin-Monji platform(093-481-6581)
– Kobe platform(078-857-1211)
-Izumiotsu platform(0725-22-7171)
Book online
(20% OFF discount!)
https://www.han9f.co.jp/en/reservations/input

Hankyu Ferry: Cancellation and charges for cancellations in the event of typhoons

Cancellation of reservations (including cancellation of reservations made on the day of embarkation) will incur a separate fee.

Refund and cancellation toggle icon

Refund conditions Cancellation charges
vehicle passenger
(Guest rooms other than standard Japanese-style rooms)
passenger
(standard Japanese-style rooms)
Up to 7 days prior to the departure date 200 yen 200 yen 200 yen
Up to 2 days prior to the departure date 10% 10% 200 yen
From 7 days prior to the departure date until the departure time 30% 30% 200 yen
After departure 100% 100% 100%

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Trip to USJ (Universal Studios Japan) by Hankyu Ferry

There is a tour product offered by Hankyu Transportation Company that takes you from Fukuoka to Osaka by Hankyu Ferry, enjoy a day at USJ, and quickly return by Shinkansen.

I did the usual calculations and found that the fare was -780 yen compared to the tour fare, which is thousands of yen less! It was not the case.

However, it is a good deal because it eliminates the process of arranging every single ride and the price is less than 800 yen (lol)

Comparison of prices between self-arranged and tour packaged tours

Standard Western-style room (with Online discount)7,200 yen
Osaka to Hakata Shinkansen Nozomi15,280 yen (if getting off at JR Kokura Station – 1,000 yen)
USJ Studio Pass (weekday fare) 8,900 yen
Tour fee 30,600 yen (weekday rate)Total 31,380 yen

The more people you have, the more difficult and flaky the arrangements tend to be in preparing for a trip, so if you plan to travel to USJ with more than one person, it is recommended that you apply for a travel package from Hankyu Kotsu-sha for peace of mind + lower prices!

▼Hankyu Express – Outbound ferry! Return trip by Shinkansen! Trip to Universal Studios Japan 2 days (1 night on board) Standard Western-style room

https://www.hankyu-travel.com/tour/detail_d.php?p_course_id=Y6FJ132&p_hei=60

Hankyu Ferry: Latest Information and Operating Status

The final decision on the operation of Hankyu Ferry in case of stormy weather will be made by noon of the same day, depending on the sea and weather conditions.

You can check the operation status and cancellation rate of Hankyu Ferry from the official website operated by Hankyu Ferry.

▼Latest operation status of Hankyu Ferry

https://www.han9f.co.jp/en/

Free Wi-Fi available on board Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI

Hankyu Ferry Yamato Paper with instructions for operating the free Wi-Fi on board

The paper listing the free Wi-Fi service on board indicated that it was available in the lobby.

The SSID is assigned the letters “HANKYUFERRY” followed by a number from 16 to 18, so please select the one that seems to have a good signal and try connecting.

By the way, Wi-Fi is available for 30 minutes for logging in on the first floor, and up to 4 floors per day, which is about 2 hours per day.

The count is reset at midnight.

The passing times of the three bridges that the Hankyu Ferry crosses.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
photo by mitemil

Suspension bridge connecting Kobe City and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture

Length of bridge – 3,911m

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge opened to traffic in 1998.
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is known as a tourist attraction in Japan and abroad for its striking beauty and advanced technology.

It is also an important piece of regional transportation infrastructure connecting Honshu and Awaji Island.

Great Seto Bridge

Seto Ohashi
Seto Ohashi
photo by mitemil

Suspension bridge connecting Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture and Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture

Bridge Length – 12,300m

The Seto Ohashi Bridge opened in 1988 and serves as an important transportation infrastructure connecting Shikoku and Honshu by land.

The Seto Ohashi Bridge is also known as a tourist attraction due to its beautiful scenery and technical aspects.

Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge

Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
photo by mitemil

Suspension bridge connecting Imabari City and Oshima Island in Ehime Prefecture

Bridge Length – 4,105m

The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is the world’s first triple suspension bridge connecting Oshima and Imabari.
Because the bridge spans a complex sea area with high tidal current speeds, it was designed with marine navigation in mind, bringing together the experience of the Seto and Akashi Kaikyo bridges and the latest technology.

Shinmoji – Izumiotsu

Sea routeKurushima Kaikyo BridgeGreat Bridge SetoAkashi Kaikyo Bridge
Shinmonji ⇒ Izumiotsuabout 23:00about 01:00about 04:40
Izumiotsu ⇒ Shinmonjiabout 00:00about 21:40about 18:35

Shinmoji – Kobe

Sea routeKurushima Strait BridgeGreat Bridge SetoAkashi Kaikyo Bridge
Shinmoji ⇒ Kobe(Sun ~ Thu)about 00:15about 02:20about 05:50
Shinmoji ⇒ Kobe(Fri and Sat)about 01:25about 03:35about 07:10
Kobe ⇒ Shinmoji(Sun ~ Thu)about 01:05about 22:45about 19:30
Kobe ⇒ Shinmoji(Fri and Sat)about 02:35about 00:15about 21:00

The Hankyu Ferry passes under three large bridges while underway.

It is usually difficult to see the bridges directly under the water, isn’t it?

Please take advantage of the good timing to go and see them!

My impressions of the Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI

In this article, I would like to introduce my experience aboard the Hankyu Ferry “Hibiki”!

The journey from Fukuoka (Shin Moji Port) to Osaka (Izumiotsu Port) took about 12 hours and 30 minutes, but unlike an overnight bus, I was able to stretch out and sleep, walk around the ship, and take a bath, so it was a very comfortable experience.

It takes about 2 hours in total to get from the city of Fukuoka to the port by train or bus for the lowest fare, so it is a bit far, but if you consider the physical burden, I recommend taking the boat!

If you are planning to take the Hankyu Ferry Hibiki, please be careful.

Have a nice boat trip!(^-^)/

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