Ferry Chikushi Travel Experience! How to Book

Ferry Chikushi
Hakata, Fukuoka - Tsushima / Iki Island: Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Experience! 5 hr Review of Japan's Ferry

▼ Kyushu Yusen “Umiterashi” article

Departure Port & Access Information

Fukuoka Prefecture Hakata Port

Hakata Port 2nd Terminal illuminated
Hakata Port 2nd Terminal illuminated
Hakata Port 2nd Terminal illuminated
photo by mitemil

Departure Port – Hakata Port 2nd Terminal
Bus – Hakata Pier (Bus Stop), about a 1-minute walk

From Hakata Station West Japan City Bank F (Bus Stop) to Hakata Pier (Bus Stop), about 15 minutes by bus (240 yen)

Important Tip for Bus Ride

Both Bus Lines 88 and 99 go to Hakata Port, but for Kyushu Yusen ferries, make sure to take Line 99. If you take Line 88, it will go to the Hakata Port International Terminal instead, so be careful!

Iki Island Ashibe Port

Ashibe Port on Iki Island
Ashibe Port on Iki Island
Ashibe Port on Iki Island
photo by mitemil

Departure Port – Ashibe Port Terminal Building
Bus – Ashibe Port (Bus Stop), about a 1-minute walk

Departure Port – Syonoura Port Terminal
Bus – Syonoura Port (Bus Stop), about a 1-minute walk

Iki Kotsu Bus Timetable

https://iki-kotsu.com/regular-route-bus/

Tsushima Izuhara Port

photo by mitemil

Departure Port – Izuhara Port New Domestic Terminal Building
Bus – Izuhara Domestic Terminal (Bus Stop), about a 1-minute walk

Tsushima Traffic Bus Timetable

http://tsushima-traffic.com/bus/11

Departure Times & Duration

Kyushu Yusen timetable posted above the reception at Hakata Pier
Departure Times (Hakata Port → Izuhara Port) toggle icon

Duration

Hakata → Iki: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Hakata → Izuhara: About 4 hours 40 minutes

Departure Hakata Port 00:05 10:00 20:35
Arrival Iki 02:15 (Ashibe Port) 12:20 (Syonoura Port) 22:55 (Syonoura Port)
Departure Iki 02:25 (Ashibe Port) 12:35 (Syonoura Port)
Arrival Izuhara Port 04:45 14:45

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Departure Times (Izuhara Port → Hakata Port) toggle icon

Duration

Izuhara → Iki: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Izuhara → Hakata: About 4 hours 40 minutes

Departure Izuhara Port 08:50 15:25
Arrival Iki 11:05 (Ashibe Port) 17:30 (Syonoura Port)
Departure Iki 07:00 (Syonoura Port) 11:15 (Ashibe Port) 17:45 (Syonoura Port)
Arrival Hakata Port 09:25 13:25 20:10

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The times may vary depending on the season, so please check the official website before boarding.

▼ Official Kyushu Yusen Website
https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/route/#timetable

Fare, Ticket Prices

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi boarding ticket
Ticket Price List toggle icon

*(Prices in parentheses are adjustment fees)*

Hakata ⇔ Iki

1st Class 4,000 yen (440 yen)
2nd Class Reserved Seat 3,480 yen (440 yen)
2nd Class 2,960 yen (440 yen)

Hakata ⇔ Izuhara

1st Class 7,580 yen (840 yen)
2nd Class Reserved Seat 6,530 yen (840 yen)
2nd Class 5,490 yen (840 yen)

Iki ⇔ Izuhara

1st Class 3,890 yen (400 yen)
2nd Class Reserved Seat 3,360 yen (400 yen)
2nd Class 2,840 yen (400 yen)

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Ticket prices may vary depending on the season, so please check the official website before boarding.

▼ Official Kyushu Yusen Website (Price List)
https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/price/

Onboard Wi-Fi

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi onboard Wi-Fi instructions

There is free Wi-Fi on board.

A connection guide, published in December 2016, even included instructions for connecting to the “PS Vita,” a popular game console at the time (laughs).

I tested the connection, and the signal was somewhat unstable. However, when it did connect, it was stable enough for browsing the web without issues!

Latest Information & Operation Status

The operational status and cancellation rate of the Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi can be checked on the official website operated by Okikisen or through the website “Kyushu Transportation Info.com.”

▼ Kyushu Yusen Ferry Operation Status on Kyushu Transportation Info.com
http://www.norimono-info.com/frame_set.php?disp=group&type=ship

▼ Kyushu Yusen Official News
https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/whatsnew/

Sleep Until 7 AM on the Overnight Ferry to Tsushima!

九州郵船フェリーちくし船内で乗務員さんと話している様子

When I boarded the night ferry, the crew asked if I wanted to rest aboard the ship until 7 AM after arrival at Izuhara Port. I gladly said yes!

厳原国内ターミナルに停車している対馬交通のバス

Izuhara Port has a bus stop called “Izuhara Domestic Terminal,” and the first bus departs at 7:03 AM. Since the ferry arrives at 4:45 AM, there is a waiting time of about 2 hours and 15 minutes before the bus departs. This is a thoughtful service that lets you rest on board until the bus arrives.

Note that this service is not available on temporary ferries. These ferries run during dry-docking periods or busy seasons such as Golden Week, and the morning stay service is available only on regular ferries.

There are two disembarkation times at Izuhara Port. After the first disembarkation, the second-floor bridge is disconnected. Passengers remaining aboard cannot disembark until the second disembarkation. The second disembarkation at around 7 AM is from a different exit, the first floor.

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Ship Information

フェリーちくし
厳原港に停泊している九州郵船フェリーちくし
厳原港に停泊している九州郵船フェリーちくし
厳原港に停泊している九州郵船フェリーちくし
photo by mitemil

Ship Name – Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi
Date of Service – April 1, 1994
Length – 97.37 meters
Gross Tonnage – 1,926 tons
Cruising Speed – 19 knots (35.18 km/h)
Passenger Capacity – 674 passengers
Vehicle Capacity – About 80 vehicles

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Room Types

First Class Room (2F)

九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の1等室客室
九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の1等室客室
九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の1等室客室の枕と毛布
九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の1等室客室の枕と毛布
九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の1等室客室
photo by mitemil
九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の1等室客室
九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の1等室客室の枕と毛布

The First Class room has 8 rooms, labeled from A to H, with names inspired by landmarks around Tsushima and Iki Islands.
Room List:
Shiratake / Asowa Bay / Manseki / Jagatani / Sakyobana / Tsutsukihama / Ishiyane / Saruiwa

The pillow is cushioned around the edges and uses a unique straw-like material in the center. The blankets were fireproof, clean, and smelled fresh!

The rooms come in 4-person and 8-person configurations. While they are private rooms, they cannot be booked as exclusive use, so other passengers may be in the room. If you’re lucky, you might have the room to yourself.

Second Class Reserved (2F)

九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の2等指定
九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の2等指定
九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の2等指定
photo by mitemil

The Second Class Reserved room has 4 rooms, labeled A to D. It’s similar to the First Class rooms but larger.

Pillows and blankets are provided.

Second Class Room (1F)

九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の2等室
九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の2等室
九州郵船フェリーちくし船内の2等室
photo by mitemil

The second floor of the ferry is almost entirely occupied by the Second Class Room. There are no blankets, but pillows are available on the wall shelves.

This is the cheapest dormitory-style room and is the most popular option.

The First Class rooms come with a power outlet, air purifier, hangers, shared slippers, a mirror, disposable paper pillow covers, semi-transparent hygiene bags, and a TV.

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Deck Map

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Deck Map

▼ Kyushu Yusen “Ferry Chikushi” Ship Information Page
https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/shipinfo/chikushi.html

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Ship Features

Main Entrance (2F)

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Main Entrance
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Main Entrance
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Passage
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Passage
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Tourist Information Boards
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Tourist Information Boards
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Miniature in Frame
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Miniature in Frame
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Flag Illustration Board
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Flag Illustration Board
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Main Entrance
photo by mitemil
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Main Entrance
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Passage
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Tourist Information Boards
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Miniature in Frame
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Flag Illustration Board

Information Desk (2F)

[custom_pp time="762" image="kyushu-yusen-ferry-chikushi-infomation" alt="Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Information Desk" label=""]

Vending Machines (2F)

[custom_pp time="616" image="kyushu-yusen-ferry-chikushi-vending-machine,kyushuyusen-ferry-chikushi-sweets-vendingmachine,kyushuyusen-ferry-chikushi-cupnoodle-vendingmachine,kyushuyusen-ferry-chikushi-hot-water-heater-map,kyushu-yusen-ferry-chikushi-water-heater" alt="Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Vending Machines, Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sweets Vending Machine, Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Cup Noodles Vending Machine, Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Hot Water Heater Location Map, Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Water Heater" label=""]

Passenger Bench Seats (1F/2F)

[custom_pp time="428" image="kyushu-yusen-ferry-chikushi-deck-chair-seat,kyushuyusen-ferry-chikushi-deck-seat-front,kyushuyusen-ferry-chikushi-side-deck" alt="Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Passenger Bench Seats, Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Bench Seat with Ashtray, Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Side Deck" label=""]

There are passenger bench seats on the outdoor decks on both the first and second floors.
Morning passengers can enjoy the vast ocean view!

Ashtrays were placed on the posts of the benches, but they were far enough from the seats, so you couldn’t smoke while sitting.

Fishing Gear Storage Box (2F)

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Fishing Gear Storage on Outdoor Deck
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Fishing Gear Storage on Outdoor Deck
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Fishing Gear Storage on Outdoor Deck
photo by mitemil

Game Corner (6F)

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Game Corner
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Game Corner
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Game Corner Door
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Game Corner Door
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Game Corner
photo by mitemil
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Game Corner
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Game Corner Door

Restrooms (1F/2F)

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Restroom
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Restroom
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Restroom
photo by mitemil

Sky Lounge (2F)

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Lounge
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Lounge
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Deck Stairs
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Deck Stairs
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Lounge Deck
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Lounge Deck
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Lounge Cup Noodles
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Lounge Cup Noodles
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Lounge
photo by mitemil
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Lounge
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Deck Stairs
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Lounge Deck
Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi Sky Lounge Cup Noodles

Kyushu Yusen Ferry Chikushi FAQs

What’s the difference between 1st class and 2nd class on Kyushu Yusen Ferries? toggle icon

The difference between 1st and 2nd class is that 1st class rooms are private, while 2nd class rooms are shared.

I booked a 1st class room for my trip, but the booklet in the room mentioned that “if there are many passengers, it could become a shared room.” Indeed, there were 4 sets of pillows and blankets in my room, which surprised me (laughs).

If it turns out to be a shared room, I questioned whether it was worth paying extra for a private room, but since the maximum capacity of the 1st class rooms is 4 people, it’s a great option for those who dislike crowds, even in shared settings.

The overnight ferry I took had few passengers, so I ended up having the room to myself!

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Can I book a Kyushu Yusen Ferry online? toggle icon

Online booking is only available for Jetfoils. Membership registration is required.

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How do I book a Kyushu Yusen Ferry? toggle icon

Reservations for 2nd class reserved, 1st class, and vehicles (for 15 or more people) can be made by phone from 1 month before to the day before departure.
*2nd class free seating is available on a first-come-first-served basis (tickets are sold 1 hour before departure at each port).

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Are there any discounts for Kyushu Yusen Ferries? toggle icon

There are no special discounts for phone or online reservations.

Kyushu Yusen’s discount system is limited to high-speed ferries.

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How early should I book a Kyushu Yusen Ferry? toggle icon

You might not be able to board even with a reservation if you book too late.

If you’re bringing a vehicle, make sure to complete the boarding procedure at least 1 hour 30 minutes before departure.

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How early should I book a Kyushu Yusen Ferry for a vehicle? toggle icon

Reservations for vehicles must be made by phone 1 month in advance, and you need to confirm the vehicle’s length with the vehicle registration certificate beforehand. Special items (motorcycles, bicycles, etc.) cannot be reserved.
*When reserving a vehicle, you can also reserve the accompanying passengers.

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How early can vehicles board Kyushu Yusen Ferries? toggle icon

Up to 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure!

If you arrive just before departure, even if you have a reservation, vehicle boarding might not be allowed.

For those wishing to bring vehicles aboard, be sure to complete boarding procedures by 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure, and arrive early at the port.

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Can I bring pets on Kyushu Yusen Ferries? toggle icon

Small dogs and cats are allowed in passenger rooms only if they are in a cage or bag with the lid closed.
Large dogs are only allowed on the ferry’s deck.

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Passenger Experience & Feedback

Night view of Ikishima Ashibe Port

We boarded Kyushu Yusen “Ferry Chikushi” from Hakata Port to Izuhara Port. Departing at 00:15, we arrived at Izuhara Port after 4 hours and 55 minutes.

On the overnight ferry, we made a stop at Ashibe Port on Ikishima Island.

1st class cabin on Ferry Chikushi

At around 04:55, we arrived at Izuhara Port and the first round of disembarkation began. Passengers with vehicles or local islanders disembarked.

We disembarked during the second round at 07:00 and spent time relaxing on the ship until then.

When the first round of disembarking finished, the ship’s power was cut off and restarted. Even the air purifier that was running in our room stopped, and everything became very quiet.

Boat arriving at Izuhara Port in the morning

Izuhara Port was very quiet, and we enjoyed the view from the outdoor deck. We had cup noodles from the vending machine on the ship for breakfast before disembarking.

The Hakata-Tsushima route is known for being very rocky, but the ship wasn’t that rough, and I didn’t experience seasickness.

Pros & Cons

メリット
There is a bus from Hakata Station to Hakata Port, making it easy to access the departure point.
Overnight service is available, which is great for fishermen looking to reach the morning hours.
Outdoor deck features a fishing tackle storage area.
The ship has hot water dispensers and cup noodle vending machines for meals.
The sky lounge, accessible only to 1st class passengers, offers great views.
デメリット
The cup noodle vending machine is on the 2nd floor, but the hot water dispenser is on the 1st floor, so getting hot water is a bit of a hassle.
On rough days, the ship can be so rocky that you can’t stand up.
Even though 1st class rooms are private, they can become shared when crowded, making the price not as worthwhile.
The electricity in the ship is turned off after arriving at Tsushima, and all the air purifiers and other devices stop working.
* The information posted is based on the publication date: 2025年3月4日.
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