On March 28, 2022, the prestigious Taiyo Ferry’s newly built ship “Ferry Fukuoka” entered service on the route between Shinmoji Port in Fukuoka Prefecture and Osaka Port in Osaka Prefecture.

It appeared as a successor to Ferry Fukuoka II, which operated from October 18, 2002 to March 27, 2022.

If you are boarding Ferry Fukuoka for the first time, you may have many questions such as “How much does it cost?”, “What time does the ferry depart?”

This time, I actually boarded the prestigious ocean ferry “Ferry Fukuoka”, so I will introduce the inside of the ship and my impressions of actually riding the ship.

Ferry Fukuoka Introduction

Total length: 195 meters
Gross tonnage: 15,025 tons
Sailing speed: 23.2 knots (42.96km/h)
Passenger capacity: 675 people
Loading capacity: 140 passenger cars, 162 trucks

Access method & Boarding Point

for Osaka

Ferry Terminal

Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal

Train

Approximately 4 minutes walk from Ferry Terminal Station

The Ferry Terminal Station is directly connected to the Meimon Taiyo Ferry waiting area by a long covered walkway, so you can head there without getting lost, even on rainy days.

Walking straight down the passageway, you will arrive at the waiting room on the second floor of Meimon Taiyo Ferry.

The boarding counter is on the first floor.

Bus

1 minute walk from Nanko Ferry Terminal Station (bus stop) by Nankai Bus

for Fukuoka

Boring Place area

Shinmojiko Ferry Terminal

Bus

Take the free liaison bus (*reservations required) from the Shinkansen Exit (North Exit) of JR Kokura Station (approx. 40 min.)

The waiting area for the Meimon Taiyo Ferry liaison bus is located at the North Exit of JR Kokura Station.

The Meimon Taiyo Ferry bus stop at Kokura Station had neither chairs nor a roof to protect it from the rain.

If there were a roof or chairs that could be used as a landmark, it would be easier to be visible from a distance.

Transfer to the free shuttle bus from Mojiko Station, about 20 minutes.

If you want to use the free shuttle bus with a wheelchair, you need to call at least one week before boarding and tell them you will be using a wheelchair.

Free Shuttle Bus Timetable

JR Kokura Station Shinkansen Exit (North Exit)	→	JR Moji Station Osato Akarenga Town Exit (North Exit)	→	Shinmojiko Terminal
15:40	→	16:00	→	16:20
18:40	→	19:00	→	19:20

Boarding fare

Suite	22,290yen
Deluxe	19,790yen
Superior	16,740yen
First J	14,140yen
First B	14,140yen
First S	11,740yen
Private S	10,740yen
Comfort	9,940yen
Tourist	8,640yen

The boarding fee for Ferry Fukuoka is included in the room charge.

Ferry Fukuoka does not have large economy-class rooms.

The minimum fare is 8,640 yen, which is slightly more expensive since all beds are beds.

If you book online, you can get a 20% discount, so I was able to board the 8,640-yen Tourist for 7,240 yen with the online discount!

Room rates vary depending on the time of year, so please check the official website in advance!

▼Meimon Taiyo Ferry official website

https://www.cityline.co.jp/english/fare_charges

Reservation method

Online and telephone reservations can be made from 9:00 a.m. on the same day two months before the boarding date.

Online reservation

In the case of online reservations, if you do not complete within 30 minutes from the start of the reservation, you will have to start over from the beginning, so be careful.

▼Prestigious ocean ferry official reservation site

https://www.cityline.co.jp/english/#booking

Telephone reservation

Reservations can be made by phone at the Passenger Reservation Center.

Reception hours for telephone reservations

Open all year round from 9:00 to 18:30

▼Prestigious Ocean Ferry Passenger Reservation Center

050-3784-9680

Time table

Departure number	Shinmoji Port → Osaka Nanko	Osaka Nanko → Shinmoji Port
1st ship(17:00)	17:00→05:30	17:00→05:30
2nd ship(19:50)	19:50→08:30	19:50→08:30

Walking passengers must complete boarding procedures 30 minutes prior to departure, and car drivers must complete boarding procedures 60 minutes prior to departure during normal periods and 90 minutes prior to departure during peak periods.

Travel Time

The one-way trip takes approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes.

Room Type

• Suite (Japanese/Western style room)
• Suite Western-style room
• Deluxe
• Superior
• First B
• First J
• First S
• Comfort
• Tourist
• Private S

There are 10 types of rooms in total.

lights out time

Only Tourist and Comfort rooms have a fixed light-on/light-off time.

There was a sticker in the aisle of the ship that read, “Please be quiet after 10:00 p.m.” Please be quiet after 10:00 p.m.” stickers were posted in the corridors.

Lights on/off hours for Tourist Comfort

Departure number	lights out time	Lighting time
1st ship(17:00)	21:30	4:00
2nd ship(19:50)	22:30	6:20

This time I booked the cheapest tourist type room on Ferry Fukuoka.

Tourist rooms are located on the 6th floor of the ship.

It is a new ship, so it is clean and beautiful( ´ ▽ ` )

The Tourist Rooms had rooms next to each other, but there were curtains to keep the space private.

It looks small, but it is enough to lie down, so there was no problem.

However, since there is only one curtain, you may hear other people snoring, so I recommend bringing earplugs if this bothers you.

The snoring problem depends on your luck, so pray for good luck (laugh).

Between the two beds, there was space for a suitcase.

Facilities inside the beds

There were hangers, retractable shelves, lights, outlets, vents, and safety vests.

There was absolutely no air coming in or out of the vents.

Baggage such as backpacks can be placed on the large shelf at the feet, so this was very helpful! ( ´∀｀)

There is only one outlet hole, so it is recommended to bring an item that can be expanded.

I have one on hand just in case, so I expanded it and used it.

If it is a small power tap, there is a lighting switch on the right side, so it seems better to use octopus wiring because it can only be expanded to two.

Since the power is up to 100V560W, it seems that you can use a small octopus wire with three openings sold at 100 yen shops without any problems.

Power reference example

Classification	Wattage (W)
Type C quick charger for cell phones	100W
Normal type charger for cell phones	20~30W
Hair iron	150W~240W
Hot curler	45W~70W
Electric shaver	10W
Single lens reflex camera	3~4W
Notebook PC (MacBook Pro)	67W

Onboard Introduction

Entrance

The entrance hall is located on the 6th floor of the ship, right in front of the boarding gate.

Even during lights-out hours, the lights are always on except in the rooms, so if you can’t sleep, you can spend some time in the entrance hall.

There is a staircase in the center of the entrance.

It offers a great view and easy access to each floor!

Wi-Fi is also available on board in the entrance and other public spaces!

Free Wi-Fi

There was free Wi-Fi on board.

Free Wi-Fi is available only in public spaces.

When I went back to my room with the Wi-Fi connected, the connection was interrupted.

The free Wi-Fi is available for 30 minutes at a time, up to three times a day, and resets at midnight.

The inconvenient thing about this Wi-Fi is that you can only use it for a maximum of 1 hour and 30 minutes in a day, and you have to reconnect every 30 minutes.

A bit of a hassle ( ´ ▽ ` ; )

Information desk & shop

Information office & shop opening hours

Departure number	Business hours
1st ship(17:00)	16:00~22:00／4:30 ~ to the port of entry
2nd ship(19:50)	18:30~24:00／6:40 ~ to the port of entry

The information desk and store are located on the 6th floor near the boarding gate.

If you have any problems on board, please ask at the information desk.

There is also a store next to the information center.

The store sold souvenirs of Fukuoka, instant ramen noodles, snacks, and other food items.

There is a water heater in the vending machine corner, so there were a few people who bought instant ramen noodles at the store and had a quick meal on the promenade.

Promenade

The Promenade is located on the 6th floor.

The Promenade is a place to eat or take a short rest.

It is equipped with windows so that you can enjoy the view outside the next morning.

Restaurant with a view

Opening hours of the observation restaurant

Departure number	Dinner	Breakfast
1st ship(17:00)	17:00〜20:00	4:30~Up to 20 minutes before port arrival
2nd ship(19:50)	19:00〜21:30	6:40~Up to 20 minutes before port arrival

The observation restaurant is located on the 6th floor.

Breakfast and dinner are served in the observation restaurant on board.

The restaurant is buffet style, all you can eat if you pay first!

You will get a paper to keep your seat when you pay for breakfast and dinner, so make sure you get a seat before you go to get your food!

The restaurant is spacious, and if you get a window seat, you can dine with a view of the outside during the voyage( ´∀｀)

Dinner

• Tataki of bonito
• Chikuzen-ni
• Salad bar
• Fried bean curd
• Various side dishes
• Dessert
• Rice and Miso Soup

Breakfast

• Boiled Wiener
• Grilled mackerel with salt
• Rice & Bread
• Curry
• Scrambled Eggs
• Mixed salad
• Various drinks

Observation Restaurant Rates

Classification	Adult	Child	Infant (4-5 years old)
Breakfast buffet	300yen	300yen	free
Dinner buffet	1,600yen	1,100yen	500yen

By the way, if you purchase breakfast and dinner as a set, the regular price of 2,350 yen becomes 2,150 yen, a savings of 200 yen.

Alcohol

Draft beer medium *Vending machine	500yen
Kurokirishima (Sweet potato Shochu) 200ml	320yen
Kurokirishima (Sweet potato Shochu) 900ml	1,100yen
Kuroisanishiki (Sweet potato Shochu) 200ml	320yen
Kuroisanishiki (Sweet potato Shochu) 900ml	1,100yen
Shiroshika (Nama Sake)	740yen
Wine (red and white)	1,260yen
Bottled beer (medium)	500yen
Hakudake (rice Shochu) 900ml	1,050yen
Gekkeikan (Sake) 180ml	380yen

TV Lounge

The TV Lounge is located on the 6th floor.

It is a rest area with a large LCD TV.

There were several people who spent time in the TV lounge during the embarkation.

Kids room

The kids’ room is located on the 6th floor.

The kids’ room is great for those with small children.

There was also a sofa for parents to sit on.

It was located near the entrance on the 6th floor, so it was rather easy to find.

Restroom

There are two restrooms, one for men and one for women, on the 6th and 7th floors of the ship.

Only one accessible toilet was located in front of the Comfort Room on the 6th floor.

It was a barrier-free restroom, and it was also equipped with a shower room for the physically challenged.

There was also a diaper changing table, so even those who boarded the ship with babies could use it.

The shower room was always equipped with three kinds of shampoo, conditioner, and body soap.

There is also a hair dryer to dry your hair after you finish showering.

Game Corner

The game corner was located on the 6th floor.

There are several UFO catchers and slot machines set up, so it looks like a good place to pass the time ( ´ ´ `).

The game corner can be used at any time from departure to disembarkation!

Vending machine corner

The vending machine area was located on the 6th floor next to the boarding gate.

Sweets, tea, alcohol, cup noodles, etc. can be purchased from the vending machines.

There are vending machines on other floors as well, but cup noodles can only be purchased at the vending machine corner on the 6th floor.

Free drinking water is available at the vending machine corner, and I was able to quench my thirst with a disposable paper cup nearby!

There was also a microwave oven, so you can heat up the convenience store lunch boxes, etc. that you brought with you.

Coin-operated lockers and refrigerated lockers

It was located on the 6th floor near the entrance.

I have heard of coin lockers, but this is the first time I have seen refrigerated lockers!

They are mainly for cooling drinks, such as juice, and for storing souvenirs that need refrigeration.

For rooms without refrigerators, refrigerated lockers are appreciated, but 200 yen just to chill a drink seems a bit expensive( ´ ▽ ` ; )

Coin-operated lockers and refrigerated lockers were charged.

Coin-operated lockers

Small 100 yen – 39 cm (L) x 35 cm (W) x 45 cm (D)
Medium 200 yen – 53 cm (L) x 35 cm (W) x 45 cm (D)
Large: 300 yen – 80 cm (L) x 35 cm (W) x 51 cm (D)

Refrigerated lockers

200 yen – 30 cm (L) x 36 cm (W) x 33 cm (D)

There was a money changer near the lockers, so you can exchange money even if you don’t have 100 yen coins, which is appreciated.

Shower room

Shower room hours

Departure number	Usage time
1st ship(17:00)	16:00~Up to 10 minutes before port arrival
2nd ship(19:50)	18:30~Up to 10 minutes before port arrival

Shower rooms were located on the 7th floor.

The shower room is recommended for those who do not want to take a long soak like in the large bathrooms, but only want to cleanse their bodies!

The washbasin was equipped with a hair dryer.

There are only two hair dryers, so if there is a crowd, it is like sharing a hair dryer.

Turn the lever on the right side toward you to release hot water.

The deeper you turn it, the longer hot water comes out.

The shower room had body soap, conditioner, and shampoo.

There are no towels or other amenities, so you will need to bring your own toothbrush, change of clothes, and towels.

Bath with a view

Hours of use of the observation bathroom

Departure number	Usage time
1st ship(17:00)	16:00~22:00 *CLOSED in the morning
2nd ship(19:50)	18:30~24:00／06:00~Up to 10 minutes before port arrival

The large bathhouse with a view will warm your body to the core.

The large bathroom has a large window, so if you enter early in the morning, you can enjoy the view outside while bathing.

Lounge with a view

The observation lounge was located on the seventh floor of the ship.

The observation lounge is a resting spot where one can view the outside scenery from inside.

The lounge was furnished with a large window and several sofas and chairs.

There were fewer lights than in other areas of the lounge, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

Smoking room

There was one smoking area on each floor.

The inside was simple, with no chairs, but only ashtrays and trash cans provided.

There was a long, narrow ventilation opening in the ceiling.

Observation Deck

The observation decks on each floor can be accessed during the voyage.

The wind is so strong that if you go out wearing a hat or something, it will be blown off.

The Shin-Mojiko ⇔ Osaka Port route passes under the bridges of each prefecture, so if you go out on the observation deck at the scheduled time of passage, you can see the bridges.

Passage times of the three bridges

Departure number	Sea route	Kurushima Straits Bridge	Great Seto Bridge	Akashi Straits Bridge
1st ship(17:00)	Shin Moji Port→Osaka Nanko	22:30	00:45	04:10
2nd ship(19:50)	Shin Moji Port→Osaka Nanko	01:25	03:40	07:10
1st ship(17:00)	Osaka Nanko → Shin-Moji Port	23:50	21:35	18:10
2nd ship(19:50)	Osaka Nanko → Shin-Moji Port	02:50	00:30	21:05

To close

This time we boarded the newly built Ferry Fukuoka of the prestigious Taiyo Ferry Co.

The new ferry was very clean and cozy inside the building!

Even with breakfast and dinner buffet included, the one-way fare was less than 10,000 yen.

If you are planning to board the Ferry Fukuoka on the Osaka ⇔ Shin-Mojiko route, please be careful!

Have a nice boat trip! Thank you very much!\( ^ω^ )/