Review of Ferry Kitakyushu II | Meimon Taiyo Ferry | Japan’s Overnight Ferry Experience | Osaka – Fukuoka

Ferry Kitakyushu II (フェリーきたきゅうしゅうII) is a ferry that connects Fukuoka to Osaka aboard City Line Meimon Taiyo Ferry (名門大洋フェリー) co. ltd.

The ferry started service on the Shin Mojiko – Osaka Nanko route in Fukuoka Prefecture on November 29, 2015, and is the successor to the ferry Kitakyushu, which operated from April 17, 1992 to November 27, 2015.

This time, we boarded the prestigious Taiyo Ferry “Ferry Kitakyushu II” and experienced a 12-hour and 30-minute boat trip!

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This article is recommended for the following people:

– I don’t know what the “Ferry Kitakyushu II” is!
– I want to ride the “Ferry Kitakyushu II,” but how do I do that?
– I want to know about the boarding process, fares, and onboard amenities of the “Ferry Kitakyushu II”!
– I want to learn everything I should know before boarding the “Ferry Kitakyushu II”!

This article introduces topics such as basic travel knowledge, how to plan, and how to start your trip.

By reading this article, you can learn in detail about the “Ferry Kitakyushu II”.
We will also share tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

If you are interested in traveling by ship or want to know how to enjoy traveling by ship, please refer to this article.

What are the differences between “Ferry Osaka II” and “Ferry Kitakyushu II”?

The main difference between the first ships, “Ferry Osaka II” and “Ferry Kitakyushu II,” is the concept of the interior design. The layout and facilities are exactly the same.
The concept of “Ferry Osaka II” is Natural Tone, while “Ferry Kitakyushu II” is Cool Tone.

Interior of Meimon Taiyo Ferry Osaka II showing Natural Tone
Interior of Meimon Taiyo Ferry Osaka II showing Natural Tone
photo by mitemil

You can enjoy a cool and elegant space inspired by the two major cities, Kitakyushu and Kansai, on board.

The interior design reflects the two major cities, with panoramic photos of the Moji Port area of Kitakyushu displayed on the staircase walls in the entrance area.

▼ Article on the sister ship “Ferry Osaka II”

Costs for Traveling on the Ferry Kitakyushu II

From Osaka Station to Ferry Terminal Station (train)460 yen
Boarding fee (cheapest room “Economy” rate)7,480 yen (5,240 yen with web discount)
Observation restaurant breakfast/dinner2,200 yen
From Kokura Station to Hakata Station (train)1,310 yen
Total11,450 yen (9,210 yen with web discount)

For “Ferry Osaka II” and “Ferry Kitakyushu II”, the cheapest room is the large room Economy Class at 7,480 yen (5,240 yen with web discount).

For “Ferry Osaka II” and “Ferry Kitakyushu II”, it is advisable to prepare at least 11,450 yen as a guideline, so also keep some extra money for onboard use.

The second ships, “Ferry Kyoto” and “Ferry Fukuoka,” are also recommended!

Daily Schedule for a Ship Trip with Meimon Taiyo Ferry

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Traveling by Meimon Taiyo Ferry is easy to schedule since the departure and arrival times are the same from both Osaka and Shimonoseki!

Osaka Nanko to Fukuoka Shin-Moji Port

1st Departure: Osaka Osaka Nanko (17:00) → Fukuoka Shin-Moji (05:30) toggle icon

15:08 JR Osaka Station
Osaka Loop Line West-Kujo direction Kishuji Rapid (Wakayama bound)
■Transfer at Bentencho Station
Osaka Metro Chuo Line (Cosmo Square direction)
■Transfer at Cosmo Square
Osaka Metro New Tram (Suminoe Koen direction)
Ferry Terminal Station – 460 yen
15:42 Ferry Terminal Station
15:47 Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal
16:10 Boarding Begins
17:00 Osaka Nanko Departure
05:30 Shin-Moji Port Arrival
05:45 Shin-Moji Port Departure (Free Shuttle Bus)
06:05 JR Moji Station (Meimon Taiyo Ferry Shuttle Bus Stop) Arrival
06:25 JR Kokura Station (Meimon Taiyo Ferry Shuttle Bus Stop) Arrival
06:36 JR Kokura Station
Kagoshima Main Line (Kurume bound)
JR Hakata Station – 1,310 yen
08:14 JR Hakata Station

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2nd Departure: Osaka Osaka Nanko (19:50) → Fukuoka Shin-Moji (08:30) toggle icon

17:57 JR Osaka Station
Osaka Loop Line West-Kujo direction Kishuji Rapid (Wakayama bound)
■Transfer at Bentencho Station
Osaka Metro Chuo Line (Cosmo Square direction)
■Transfer at Cosmo Square
Osaka Metro New Tram (Suminoe Koen direction)
Ferry Terminal Station – 460 yen
18:30 Ferry Terminal Station
18:45 Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal
19:00 Boarding Begins
19:50 Osaka Nanko Departure
08:30 Shin-Moji Port Arrival
08:45 Shin-Moji Port Departure (Free Shuttle Bus)
09:05 JR Moji Station (Meimon Taiyo Ferry Shuttle Bus Stop) Arrival
09:25 JR Kokura Station (Meimon Taiyo Ferry Shuttle Bus Stop) Arrival
09:55 JR Kokura Station
Kagoshima Main Line Local (Tosu bound)
JR Hakata Station – 1,310 yen
11:20 JR Hakata Station

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Fukuoka Shin-Moji → Osaka Osaka Nanko

1st Departure: Fukuoka Shin-Moji (17:00) → Osaka Nanko (05:30) toggle icon

13:32 JR Hakata Station
Kagoshima Main Line Express (bound for Moji)
To Kokura Station – 1,310 yen
14:50 JR Kokura Station
15:40 JR Kokura Station (Shuttle Bus Stop) Departure
(Free Shuttle Bus)
16:00 JR Moji Station (Shuttle Bus Stop) Arrival
16:20 Shin-Moji Port Ferry Terminal Arrival
(Meimon Taiyo Ferry Boarding)
16:25 Boarding Begins
17:00 Shin-Moji Port Departure
05:30 Osaka Nanko Arrival
05:35 Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal
06:04 Ferry Terminal Station
Osaka Metro New Tram (Cosmo Square bound)
■Transfer at Cosmo Square Station
Osaka Metro Chūō Line (bound for Gakken Nara-Tomigaoka)
■Transfer at Bentencho Station
JR Osaka Station – 460 yen
06:39 JR Osaka Station

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2nd Departure: Fukuoka Shin-Moji (19:50) → Osaka Nanko (08:30) toggle icon

16:54 JR Hakata Station
Kagoshima Main Line Rapid (Bound for Kokura)
1,310 yen to Kokura Station
18:02 JR Kokura Station
18:40 JR Kokura Station (Special Bus Stop) Departure
(Free Shuttle Bus)
19:00 JR Moji Station (Special Bus Stop) Arrival
19:20 Shin-Moji Port Ferry Terminal Arrival
(Meimon Taiyo Ferry)
19:25 Boarding Begins
19:50 Shin-Moji Port Departure
05:30 Osaka Nanko Arrival
05:35 Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal
05:54 Ferry Terminal Station
Osaka Metro New Tram (Bound for Cosmosquare)
■Transfer at Cosmosquare Station
Osaka Metro Chuo Line (Bound for Gakken Nara-Tomigaoka)
■Transfer at Bentencho Station
JR Osaka Station – 460 yen
06:32 JR Osaka Station

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A trip with Meimon Taiyo Ferry is convenient because the departure and arrival times are the same whether you depart from Osaka or Shin-Moji!

Ferry Kitakyushu II Boarding Location & Access

Osaka
Exterior view of Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal
ticket counter on the first floor of Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal
inside Ferry Terminal Station on the Osaka Metro New Tram line
and a bus stop for the Dream Shuttle Bus bound for USJ near Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal
Exterior view of Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal
photo by mitemil
Exterior view of Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal
ticket counter on the first floor of Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal
inside Ferry Terminal Station on the Osaka Metro New Tram line
and a bus stop for the Dream Shuttle Bus bound for USJ near Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal

Boarding Location – Osaka Nanko
Train – Approx. 4-minute walk from Osaka Metro New Tram Ferry Terminal Station
Bus – Immediate access from Nanko Ferry Terminal (Bus Stop)

About 23 minutes from Sakaihigashi Station (Bus Stop) to Nanko Ferry Terminal (Bus Stop) (Adult: 510 yen / Child: 210 yen)

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Osaka Nanko has good access as it’s directly connected to the ferry terminal!
Fukuoka
Meimon Taiyo Ferry's boarding area at Shin-Moji Port in Kitakyushu
exterior view of JR Kokura Station
and Meimon Taiyo Ferry's special bus stop at JR Kokura Station's north exit
Meimon Taiyo Ferry's boarding area at Shin-Moji Port in Kitakyushu
photo by mitemil
Meimon Taiyo Ferry's boarding area at Shin-Moji Port in Kitakyushu
exterior view of JR Kokura Station
and Meimon Taiyo Ferry's special bus stop at JR Kokura Station's north exit

Boarding Location – Shin-Moji Port Ferry Terminal
Bus – About 40 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Kokura Station (North Exit)
Bus – About 20 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Moji Station (North Exit)

If you plan to use the free shuttle bus with a wheelchair, you need to inform them by phone one week before boarding.

Free Shuttle Bus Timetable to Shin-Moji Ferry Terminal toggle icon

JR Kokura Station Shinkansen Exit (North Exit) 15:40 18:40
JR Moji Station Oosaki Red Brick Town Exit (North Exit) 16:00 19:00
Shin-Moji Port Terminal 16:20 19:20

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You can relax knowing that there’s a free shuttle bus from JR Kokura Station and JR Moji Station to the Shin-Moji Port Ferry Terminal!

Ferry Kitakyushu II Boarding Fees & Fares

Boarding Fee, Hare, Price
Boarding Ticket for Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Boarding Ticket for Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

The most expensive room is the Suite at 23,100 yen, and the cheapest rate is for the Economy room at 7,480 yen.
For boarding, if you have made a web reservation, you can board by having the QR code displayed on your smartphone scanned.

Booking online offers a 20% discount, so it’s highly recommended!
Boarding fees vary depending on the season, so please check the official website for the latest rates.

▼ Official Meimon Taiyo Ferry Website – Fare Page
https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare

Meimon Taiyo Ferry 1st Departure Boarding Fees toggle icon

Room Type Period A Period B Period C
Suite 23,100 25,520 29,150
Deluxe 20,020 22,440 26,070
First A 14,850 16,610 19,250
First J 14,850 16,610 16,250
First B 14,850 16,610 19,250
First S 12,100 13,860 16,500
Private S 11,000 12,210 14,030
Tourist 8,800 10,010 11,830
Economy 7,480 8,690 10,510
*Ferry Kitakyushu 2 & Ferry Osaka 2 (1st Departure 17:00)

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Meimon Taiyo Ferry 2nd Departure Boarding Fees toggle icon

Room Type Period A Period B Period C
Suite 23,100 25,520 29,150
Deluxe 20,020 22,440 26,070
Superior 17,050 18,810 21,450
First J 14,850 16,610 19,250
First B 14,850 16,610 19,250
First S 12,100 13,860 16,500
Private S 11,000 12,210 14,030
Comfort 10,120 11,330 13,150
Tourist 8,800 10,010 11,830
*Ferry Kyoto & Ferry Fukuoka (2nd Departure 19:50)

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Period A is considered off-peak, while Periods B and C are classified as peak seasons.

▼ Meimon Taiyo Ferry Official Website Boarding Fees Page
https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare

Ferry Kitakyushu II Special Discount Plans

Meimon Taiyo Ferry offers a variety of discount plans.

Meimon Taiyo Ferry Web-Exclusive Discount Plans Summary
Funwari Discount
City Line Card Member Discount
Easy Ferry (Passenger Cars)
Bunbun Ferry (Scooters & Motorcycles over 125cc)

There are also discounts available, such as the **Silver Discount** for those aged 60 and over, and the **Student Discount** limited to economy fares.
For more details on the discount systems available at the ticket counter, please check the Meimon Taiyo Ferry’s [official website](https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare/discount)!

▼ Meimon Taiyo Ferry Web Discounts & Plans Introduction Page
https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare/discount

How to Reserve Ferry Kitakyushu II

There are two reservation methods: online and by phone.

For online reservations, a boarding QR code will be automatically sent to the email address registered at the time of booking.
Simply present the QR code displayed on your smartphone at the boarding gate to board the ferry.
If you want to keep a memento of your boarding, you can request a paper boarding pass at the counter, so feel free to ask!

▼ Meimon Taiyo Ferry Official Website (Available 24 hours)
https://www.cityline.co.jp/reserve/operation

▼ Meimon Taiyo Ferry Passenger Reservation Center (Available from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, year-round)
050-3784-9680

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I also got a paper boarding pass as a souvenir for myself!

Ferry Kitakyushu II Latest Information & Operation Status

The final decision on whether the Meimon Taiyo Ferry will operate is made around noon on the day of departure based on sea and weather conditions.

You can check the operation status and cancellation rates of the Meimon Taiyo Ferry on the official website operated by Meimon Taiyo Ferry.

▼ Meimon Taiyo Ferry Latest Operation Status
https://www.cityline.co.jp/

Ferry Kitakyushu II Boarding Time, Schedule, and Duration

ServiceShinmoji Port → Osaka NankoOsaka Nanko → Shinmoji Port
Service 117:00 → 05:3017:00 → 05:30
Service 219:50 → 08:3019:50 → 08:30
※ Ferry Kitakyushu 2 & Ferry Osaka 2 (Service 1 at 17:00)
※ Ferry Kyoto & Ferry Fukuoka (Service 2 at 19:50)

The one-way trip takes about 12 hours and 40 minutes.
If you are on foot, please complete the boarding procedure at least 30 minutes before departure. For those with a car, the procedure must be completed 60 minutes before departure during regular seasons and 90 minutes before departure during peak seasons.

The type of ship may vary depending on the boarding date, so make sure to check the ship in advance on the official website!

▼ Meimon Taiyo Ferry Official Website
https://www.cityline.co.jp/

Free Wi-Fi Available on Ferry Kitakyushu II

Board detailing how to connect to the free Wi-Fi onboard the Ferry Kitakyushu II
Board detailing how to connect to the free Wi-Fi onboard the Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

Available Locations – Public Spaces Only
Usage – 30 minutes per session, up to 3 times a day, reset at midnight

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The inconvenient thing about this Wi-Fi is that you need to reconnect every 30 minutes, three times a day (30 minutes each time). It’s a bit of a hassle (~_~ ; )

Introduction to Ferry Kitakyushu II

Ferry Kitakyushu II
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II docked at Kitakyushu Shin-Monori Port
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II docked at Kitakyushu Shin-Monori Port
photo by mitemil

Ship Name – Meimon Taiyo Ferry Ferry Kitakyushu II
Length – 183 meters
Gross Tonnage – 14,920 tons
Cruising Speed – 23.2 knots (42.96 km/h)
Passenger Capacity – 713 people
Loading Capacity – 105 passenger cars, 146 trucks

Entrance (6F)
Entrance of Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Entrance of Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

The entrance features a distinctive open space with a symmetrical design.
It is located right in front of the boarding area.

Information & Shop (6F)
Information and shop inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Information and shop inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

The shop offers a wide range of items including souvenirs and snacks from Kansai and Kyushu, as well as drinks and daily necessities.
There is also a good selection of amenities like towels, slippers, shampoo, and razors, so you don’t need to worry if you didn’t bring shower supplies.
Don’t forget to check out the exclusive original goods available only on the ship.

Promenade (6F)
Promenade on Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Promenade on Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

The promenade has many windows, rotating fixed chairs, and long tables.
Many passengers were seen eating their food here during the voyage.

TV Lounge (6F/7F)
TV Lounge inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
TV Lounge inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

The TV lounge is a relaxation area with a large LCD TV.
A few passengers were seen spending time in the TV lounge during the trip.

It is also located next to the observation lounge on the 7th floor.

Kids' Room (6F)
Kids' Room inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Kids' Room inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

There is a play area for children.
The kids’ room includes a slide and a TV showing cartoons.

There are sofas where parents can sit and watch their children.
The kids’ area is accessible from boarding until arrival.

Toilets (6F/7F)
Toilets inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Toilets inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

There are two men’s and two women’s toilets on both the 6th and 7th floors.
The toilets are very clean and well-maintained.

Barrier-Free Toilet (6F)
Barrier-free Toilet inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Barrier-free Toilet inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

The barrier-free toilet is spacious enough to move around in comfortably while in a wheelchair.
It also includes a large changing table for babies.
In addition, there is a shower room with shampoo, conditioner, and body soap available, as well as a hair dryer for free use.

Game Corner (6F)
Game Corner inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Game Corner inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

The game corner features several crane games and slot machines.
It’s a nice little diversion for the often monotonous time on board.

The game corner is accessible from boarding until arrival.

Coin Lockers (6F)
Coin Lockers inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Coin Lockers inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

Coin lockers are convenient for storing valuables or large items like souvenirs!

Coin Locker Small 100 yen (39cm x 35cm x 45cm)
Medium 200 yen (53cm x 35cm x 45cm)
Large 300 yen (80cm x 35cm x 51cm)
Safety Box Free (with PIN code)
Mobile Phone Charger 100 yen for 30 minutes (compatible with iPhone and smartphones)
Public Phone Satellite Public Phone
Initial call (34 seconds) 100 yen
Additional (60 seconds) 100 yen
Smoking Room (6F/7F/8F)
Smoking Room inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Smoking Room inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

There is a smoking room on each floor.

It is simple inside, with no chairs, just ashtrays and a trash can.

There is a narrow ventilation duct in the ceiling.

Vending Machine Corner (6F)
Vending Machine Corner inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Vending Machine Corner inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

The vending machines offer not just drinks but also cup noodles and ice cream.
The corner also includes a water dispenser, a device for charging smartphones, and a microwave for warming up food.

You can heat up bento or bread, which is very convenient.
By the way, there is also a vending machine for alcohol! (mostly beer)

Shower Room (7F)
Shower Room inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Shower Room inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

The shower rooms are located inside the large bath area.
There are separate areas for men and women, with blue curtains for men and red curtains for women.

The shower rooms are equipped with conditioner, shampoo, and body soap.

There are no amenities like towels or toothbrushes provided, so be sure to bring your own!

The shower room has a water-saving feature where the duration of the hot water depends on how hard you press the faucet.
When I used the shower, I found the maximum duration of continuous hot water to be about 20 seconds.

Observation Bath (6F)
Observation Bath inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Observation Bath inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

From the bath in the large bath area, you can enjoy a view of the vast ocean during the voyage.
The large bath has separate areas for men and women, with blue curtains for men and red curtains for women.

It’s great that you can check the congestion level on a monitor in the hallway!

Observation Lounge (7F)
Observation Lounge inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Observation Lounge inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

The observation lounge is a relaxation spot with large windows for enjoying the view from inside.

The lounge is furnished with sofas and chairs.

It has fewer lights compared to other areas, creating a calm atmosphere.

Observation Deck (7F/8F)
Observation Deck inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
Observation Deck inside Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II
photo by mitemil

You can see various views including the starry sky over the Seto Inland Sea, illuminated bridges and cityscapes at night, and the vast ocean in the early morning.

The deck can get crowded when passing through three major bridges in the Seto Inland Sea.

There are three large, free-standing chairs on the deck, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the view.

Ferry Kitakyushu II Observation Restaurant

Observation Restaurant (6F)
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II pricing
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II observation restaurant interior
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II pricing
photo by mitemil
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II pricing
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II observation restaurant interior

The observation restaurant is spacious, and there are sofa seats further inside. If you buy breakfast and dinner together, it’s 2,400 yen instead of the usual 2,600 yen, saving you 200 yen!

▼ Details about Meimon Taiyo Ferry Observation Restaurant
https://www.cityline.co.jp/attraction/restaurant

Observation Restaurant Pricing toggle icon

Breakfast Buffet Dinner Buffet
Adult 800 yen 1,800 yen
Silver 700 yen 1,300 yen
Child 1,000 yen 500 yen
Infant (4-5 years) Free Free

Alcohol

Draft Beer (medium, vending machine) 500 yen
Kuro Kirishima (Sweet Potato, 200ml) 320 yen
Kuro Kirishima (Sweet Potato, 900ml) 1,100 yen
Kuro Isashiki (Sweet Potato, 200ml) 320 yen
Kuro Isashiki (Sweet Potato, 900ml) 1,100 yen
Shirakabe (Unfiltered Sake) 740 yen
Wine (Red/White) 1,260 yen
Bottle Beer (medium) 500 yen
Shirokage (Rice, 900ml) 1,050 yen
Gekkekan (Sake, 180ml) 380 yen

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Dinner Menu
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II dinner
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II dinner
photo by mitemil

Dinner had a wide variety of dishes. There were Chinese dishes, fried foods, stews, and everything was delicious.

The katsuo tataki (seared bonito) was available for unlimited helpings, and the boiled shrimp was particularly good!

Some people peeled the shrimp, but I ate them with the shells on. The shells had a slight salty flavor. Highly recommended!

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After the restaurant closed, it was available as a free space!
Breakfast Menu
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II breakfast
Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kitakyushu II breakfast
photo by mitemil

Breakfast wasn’t a buffet like dinner but a light meal. There were two types of bread: butter rolls and sliced bread. There was a conveyor oven near the bread area, so you can toast the bread yourself. If you put the bread on the conveyor for a while, it comes out from the back. The bread got burnt if you put it on the conveyor twice, so one time is enough.

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For those who want to enjoy a meal while looking at the scenery, I recommend the first ferry for dinner and the second ferry for breakfast!

Ferry Kitakyushu II Onboard Facility Hours

Onboard Facility Hours toggle icon

Facility Name First Ferry (17:00 Departure) Second Ferry (19:50 Departure)
Information Desk 16:00 – 22:00 / 4:30 – until arrival 18:30 – 24:00 / 6:40 – until arrival
Shop 16:00 – 21:30 / 4:30 – until arrival 18:30 – 22:30 / 6:40 – until arrival
Restaurant 17:00 – 20:00 / 4:30 – 20 minutes before arrival 19:00 – 21:30 / 6:40 – 20 minutes before arrival
Observation Bath 16:00 – 22:00 (Closed in the morning) 18:30 – 24:00 / 06:00 – 10 minutes before arrival
Shower Room 16:00 – 10 minutes before arrival 18:30 – 10 minutes before arrival
Tourist Comfort
Lights Out Time
21:30 22:30
Tourist Comfort
Lights On Time
4:00 6:20
* Ferry Kitakyushu II & Ferry Osaka II (First Ferry 17:00 Departure)
* Ferry Kyoto & Ferry Fukuoka (Second Ferry 19:50 Departure)

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Ferry Kitakyushu II Bridge Passage Times

FerryRouteKurushima Kaikyo BridgeSeto OhashiAkashi Kaikyo Bridge
First Ferry (17:00 Departure)Shinmoji Port → Osaka Nanko Port22:3000:4504:10
Second Ferry (19:50 Departure)Shinmoji Port → Osaka Nanko Port01:2503:4007:10
First Ferry (17:00 Departure)Osaka Nanko Port → Shinmoji Port23:5021:3518:10
Second Ferry (19:50 Departure)Osaka Nanko Port → Shinmoji Port02:5000:3021:05
* Ferry Kitakyushu II & Ferry Osaka II (First Ferry 17:00 Departure)
* Ferry Kyoto & Ferry Fukuoka (Second Ferry 19:50 Departure)
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
photo by mitemil

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, connecting Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture and Awaji Island
Bridge Length – Total Length 3,911m

Opened in 1995, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is currently the second longest suspension bridge in the world (the longest is the Çanakkale 1915 Bridge in Turkey at 4,608m). Known for its striking beauty and advanced technology, it is a famous landmark both domestically and internationally. It is also an important transportation infrastructure connecting Honshu and Awaji Island.

Seto Ohashi
Seto Ohashi
Seto Ohashi
photo by mitemil

A suspension bridge connecting Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture and Sakai City in Kagawa Prefecture
Bridge Length – Total Length 12,300m

Opened in 1988, the Seto Ohashi functions as a crucial transportation infrastructure connecting Shikoku and Honshu by land. It is a collection of six connected bridges.

– Shimo-Tsui Seto Ohashi (Okayama – Hitsui Island)
– Hitsui Island Bridge (Hitsui Island – Iwaguro Island)
– Iwaguro Island Bridge (Iwaguro Island – Hasa Island)
– Yoshi Bridge (Hasa Island – Yoshi Island)
– Kita Bisan Seto Ohashi (Yoshi Island – Mitsugo Island)
– Minami Bisan Seto Ohashi (Yoshi Island – Ban no Shima)

Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
photo by mitemil

A suspension bridge connecting Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture and Oshima
Bridge Length – Total Length 4,105m

The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is the world’s first three-tower suspension bridge connecting Oshima and Imabari. It was designed considering the fast and complex tidal currents, incorporating the experience from the Seto Ohashi and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge with the latest technology.

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During midnight, when passing the Seto Ohashi and Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, I was the only one on the observation deck (laughs)

FAQ about the Ferry Kitakyushu II

What are the recommended rooms on Meimon Taiyo Ferry? toggle icon

For single travelers, “First S” is recommended, and for multiple people, “First J” is ideal!
The First S room has one bed and a washbasin in the room. The First J room is a spacious Japanese-style room where you can spread out futons for up to four people.

Meimon Taiyo Ferry offers a total of 10 types of cabins on the “Ferry Kitakyushu II” and “Ferry Osaka II”.
There are 8 types of private rooms and 2 types of shared rooms.

Private Rooms

– Suite (Japanese-Western Style)
– Suite (Western Style)
– Deluxe
– First A
– First B
– First J (Japanese Style)
– First S
– Private S (Driver Room)

Shared Rooms

– Tourist (with Ladies’ Room)
– Economy (Barrier-Free Available)

Fares vary depending on the season, so please check the official website for details.

▼ Details of Meimon Taiyo Ferry’s Various Discount Programs
https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare/discount

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What are the differences between 'Economy' and 'Tourist' on Meimon Taiyo Ferry? toggle icon

“Economy” is a large shared room, while “Tourist” is a semi-private capsule hotel-type shared room.

Fares vary depending on the season, so please check the official website for details.

▼ Details of Meimon Taiyo Ferry’s Fares
https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare

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How can I get a discount on Meimon Taiyo Ferry? toggle icon

Discount programs like “Easy Ferry” and “Web Discount” are recommended.

Meimon Taiyo Ferry has various discount programs, but I often use “Web Discount” or “Easy Ferry,” which is available for reservations made more than a week in advance. (It’s cheaper!)

You can purchase tickets online at a lower price compared to buying them at the counter, so online reservations are a must.

▼ Details of Meimon Taiyo Ferry’s Various Discount Programs
https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare/discount

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What age qualifies for the Senior Discount on Meimon Taiyo Ferry? toggle icon

The Senior Discount applies to passengers who are 60 years or older.

Additionally, while the Senior Discount for the ferry applies to those 60 and older, the senior pricing for the onboard restaurant applies to those 70 years or older.

▼ Details of Meimon Taiyo Ferry’s Various Discount Programs
https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare/discount

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Can I get a signal during the voyage on Meimon Taiyo Ferry? toggle icon

It varies by location, but you can get a slight signal on the observation deck.

There is also free onboard Wi-Fi available for up to 30 minutes (3 times a day) in public spaces like the lobby.
However, since the Wi-Fi uses land-based signals, it may become unstable.

The Wi-Fi connection count resets after midnight.
There is no password required, and you can use it if you have an email address, so if you need an internet connection, give it a try!

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Are there cheap tours available for Meimon Taiyo Ferry? toggle icon

Yes, there are.

City Line Travel, which operates Meimon Taiyo Ferry, offers ferry trips in the Seto Inland Sea. They have various plans including guided tours and individual travel plans, with popular options like the “Universal Studios Japan Trip – 2 Nights 3 Days Plan.”

This tour includes a round-trip ferry and shuttle bus, and is about 800 yen cheaper than arranging it yourself.

Other popular plans include lunch at Saiki Sushi and cherry blossoms at Tsukumi Shiura Peninsula, as well as seasonal tours with bathing options. These are recommended for those looking to enjoy a ferry trip affordably!

▼ Details of City Line Travel’s Meimon Taiyo Ferry Tours
https://clt-co2.jp/

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Pros, Cons, and Reviews of the Ferry Kitakyushu II

What was great about the trip

メリット
The onboard buffet food is delicious
Excellent access as the ferry terminal and station are directly connected in Osaka
Discounts available through web discounts
Free Wi-Fi available
Cheap combined accommodation and travel cost

Things that were a bit inconvenient

デメリット
Travel time is longer compared to flying
A bit far from Kokura Station to the port (40 minutes by bus)
In winter, it gets dark early and light late, so on the first ferry, the outside may be dark and you can’t enjoy the scenery from inside the ship

Summary of the Ferry Kitakyushu II Boarding Experience

This time, I boarded the Meimon Taiyo Ferry “Ferry Kitakyushu II.”
Here’s a summary of the article!

Summary
Booking ferry tickets in advance online is 20% cheaper
There are various types of cabins available, including private rooms and capsule-type rooms
The calm route through the Seto Inland Sea means the ship doesn’t sway at all
Among the three bridges, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge offers the best view
The buffet meal ticket is 200 yen cheaper if you buy the breakfast and dinner set
mitemilのプロフィール画像
For those who will be boarding the “Ferry Kitakyushu II” in the future, have a safe trip and enjoy your journey! \(^O^)/

▼ Article about the sister ship “Ferry Osaka II”

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