- Review of Hankyu Ferry Settsu | Japan’s Overnight Ferry Experience | Fukuoka – Kobe
Hankyu Ferry SETTSU began service on the Shinmoji-Kobe route, connecting Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka ...
- Peach Aviation Review! How to Japan’s Low-Cost Airlines
Peach Aviation is a popular low-cost airline that offers the cheapest flights in Japan. Peach Aviati...
- Tottori and Shimane to Oki Island – Review of FERRY OKI!
Ferry OKI is operated by Oki Kisen and connects Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture (Sakai Port) - Chio ...
- 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 Meim...
- Review of Ferry Yakushima2 | Orita Kisen | Japan’s Overnight Ferry Experience | Yakushima – Kagoshima
Ferry Yakushima 2 (フェリー屋久島2) is operated by Orita Kisen (折田汽船) and began service on the Miyanoura Po...
Review of Ferry Kyoto | Meimon Taiyo Ferry | Japan’s Overnight Ferry Experience | Osaka – Fukuoka
FERRY KYOTO is a ferry operated by City Line Meimon Taiyo Ferry, connecting Fukuoka to Osaka and Osaka to Fukuoka.
The ferry began service on December 16, 2021, on the route between Shinmoji Port in Fukuoka Prefecture and Osaka Nanko in Osaka Prefecture. It replaced the previous vessel, FERRY KYOTO II, which operated from September 3, 2002, to January 14, 2022.
This time, I boarded “FERRY KYOTO” and took a 12-hour and 30-minute voyage from Osaka Nanko in Osaka Prefecture to Shinmoji Port in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
・Don’t know what “FERRY KYOTO” is!
・Want to ride “FERRY KYOTO” but don’t know how?
・Want to know how to board “FERRY KYOTO”, the fare, and the facilities on board!
・Want to learn everything you need to know before boarding “FERRY KYOTO”!
In this article, we introduce the basics of travel, how to plan your trip, and how to start your journey.
By reading this article, you will learn all about “FERRY KYOTO”.
We will also share tips to make your trip more enjoyable.
If you are interested in sea travel or want to know how to enjoy traveling by ship, please refer to this article.
What’s the difference between “FERRY KYOTO” and “FERRY FUKUOKA”?
The difference between “FERRY KYOTO” and “FERRY FUKUOKA” lies in the concept of the interior design, although the facilities and cabins are exactly the same.
The concept of “FERRY KYOTO” is “The Atmosphere of an Ancient Capital“, while the concept of “FERRY FUKUOKA” is “The Sparkle of a Bayside City“.
Article on the sister ship “FERRY FUKUOKA”
Costs for a Sea Voyage with Meimon Taiyo Ferry
From Osaka Station to the Ferry Terminal Station (Train) | ¥170 |
Ferry Fare (Cheapest room “Tourist” fare) | ¥8,800 (¥7,040 with Web discount) |
Breakfast/Dinner at the Observation Restaurant | ¥2,600 |
From Kokura Station to Hakata Station (Train) | ¥1,310 |
Total | ¥13,170 (¥11,140 with Web discount) |
When boarding “FERRY KYOTO” or “FERRY FUKUOKA”, a minimum of ¥13,170 is required, so be sure to have extra spending money for the trip.
How to Save ¥2,000 on Your Fare
With “FERRY OSAKA 2” or “FERRY KITAKYUSHU 2”, the cheapest room is a large room in the economy class, costing ¥7,480 (¥5,240 with Web discount), allowing you to save ¥2,000 on your fare!
The first ferries “FERRY OSAKA 2” and “FERRY KITAKYUSHU 2” are also recommended!
Fares for Traveling by Meimon Taiyo Ferry
Train from Osaka Station to Ferry Terminal Station | 460 yen |
Ferry fare (lowest room “Tourist” rate) | 8,800 yen (7,040 yen with web discount) |
Breakfast/Dinner at the Observation Restaurant | 2,600 yen |
Train from Kokura Station to Hakata Station | 1,310 yen |
Total | 13,170 yen (11,140 yen with web discount) |
For “FERRY KYOTO” and “FERRY FUKUOKA,” you will need at least 13,170 yen, so make sure to prepare additional money for personal use on board.
There Is Also a Way to Ride for 2,000 Yen Less
For “FERRY OSAKA II” and “FERRY KITAKYUSHU II,” you can choose the cheapest large room in the economy class for 7,480 yen (5,240 yen with web discount), which is 2,000 yen less!
Daily Schedule for a Ship Trip with Meimon Taiyo Ferry
Osaka Nanko to Fukuoka Shin-Moji Port
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 |
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 |
Fukuoka Shin-Moji → Osaka Osaka Nanko
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 |
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 |
Ferry Kyoto Boarding Location & Access
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 |
Ferry Kyoto Boarding Fees & Fares
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 |
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 |
▼ Meimon Taiyo Ferry Official Website Boarding Fees Page
https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare
Ferry Kyoto Special Discount Plans
Meimon Taiyo Ferry offers a variety of discount plans.
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 Kyoto
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
Ferry Kyoto 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 Kyoto Boarding Time, Schedule, and Duration
Service | Shinmoji Port → Osaka Nanko | Osaka Nanko → Shinmoji Port |
Service 1 | 17:00 → 05:30 | 17:00 → 05:30 |
Service 2 | 19:50 → 08:30 | 19:50 → 08:30 |
※ 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 Kyoto
Ferry Kyoto Interior Introduction
◇Original Snacks & Beverages◇ ■ Original Ship-Shaped Cookies – 650 yen ■ Ship-Shaped Original Shochu (Sweet Potato) 360ml (Nagashima Brewery/Satsuma Shimazou) – 2,750 yen ■ Original Tamago Boro – 540 yen ■ Hita Tenryosui Original Bottle 500ml – 200 yen |
◇Original Goods◇ ■ Ballpoint Pen – 250 yen ■ Norina Keychain – 980 yen ■ Bath Plush Toy – 1,500 yen ■ Original Stainless Bottle 300ml – 2,000 yen ■ Slim Bath Towel 34㎝×110㎝ – 1,200 yen ■ Tote Bag – 900 yen ■ Ship Seal Keychain – 500 yen ■ Block Memo Pad – 420 yen ■ Free Notebook A6 – 100 yen ■ Glass Chopstick Rest – 500 yen ■ Sticker – 100 yen ■ Universal Charger – 1,200 yen |
◇Daily Necessities◇ ■ Face Towel – 430 yen ■ Bath Towel – 1,500 yen ■ Toothbrush Set – 100 yen ■ Disposable Slippers – 110 yen ■ Other Various Daily Necessities |
◇Beverages & Food Items◇ ■ Bottle (500ml) – 160 yen~ ■ Cup Noodles – 310 yen~ ■ Sweet Bread – 190 yen ■ Ice Cream – 180 yen~ ■ Canned Beer (350ml) – 260 yen~ ■ Happoshu (350ml) – 210 yen~ ■ Canned Chu-Hi (350ml) – 190 yen~ ■ Other Beverages, Snacks, and Delicacies ※ Alcohol vending machines are available until 23:00. They are not available in the morning. |
Kyoto Ferry Onboard Observation Restaurant
Breakfast Buffet | Dinner Buffet | |
Adult | 800 yen | 1,800 yen |
Senior | 700 yen | 1,300 yen |
Child | 1,000 yen | 500 yen |
Infant (4-5 years old) | 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 Isanishiki (Sweet Potato) 200ml | 320 yen |
Kuro Isanishiki (Sweet Potato) 900ml | 1,100 yen |
Shirakabe (Raw Sake) | 740 yen |
Wine (Red/White) | 1,260 yen |
Bottle Beer (Medium) | 500 yen |
Shirotake (Rice) 900ml | 1,050 yen |
Gekkeikan (Sake) 180ml | 380 yen |
Kyoto Ferry Onboard Facility Operating Hours
Facility Name | First Sailing (17:00 Departure) | Second Sailing (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 | 21:30 | 22:30 |
Tourist Comfort Lights On | 4:00 | 6:20 |
Kyoto Ferry Bridge Passing Times
Departure | Route | Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge | Seto Ohashi | Akashi Kaikyō Bridge |
1st Sailing (17:00 Departure) | Shinmoji Port → Osaka South Port | 22:30 | 00:45 | 04:10 |
2nd Sailing (19:50 Departure) | Shinmoji Port → Osaka South Port | 01:25 | 03:40 | 07:10 |
1st Sailing (17:00 Departure) | Osaka South Port → Shinmoji Port | 23:50 | 21:35 | 18:10 |
2nd Sailing (19:50 Departure) | Osaka South Port → Shinmoji Port | 02:50 | 00:30 | 21:05 |
* Meimon Taiyo Ferry Kyoto & Meimon Taiyo Ferry Fukuoka (2nd Sailing 19:50 Departure)
Ferry Kyoto Frequently Asked Questions
For one person, the “First S” room is recommended, and for multiple people, the “First J” room is ideal! The First S room has a single bed and includes a washbasin. The First J room is a spacious Japanese-style room that can accommodate up to four people with futons.
The Meimon Taiyo Ferry has a total of 10 room types, with 9 private rooms and 1 shared room available.
A new “Comfort Room” has been introduced as a replacement for the old economy rooms. Due to increased demand for private rooms during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Comfort Room offers private space instead of shared carpeted rooms.
Private Rooms
– Suite (Japanese-Western Style) – Suite (Western Style) – Deluxe – Superior – First B – First J – First S – Private S (Driver Room)
Shared Rooms
– Comfort – Tourist (including Ladies)
Prices vary depending on the season, so please check the official website for details.
▼ Details on Meimon Taiyo Ferry Discounts https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare/discount
The “Tourist” room is a capsule hotel-style shared room, while the “Comfort” room is slightly taller, allowing you to stand up on the bed. The Tourist room is too narrow to stand up on the bed, but the Comfort room offers more space for standing.
Prices vary depending on the season, so please check the official website for details.
▼ Meimon Taiyo Ferry Fare Details https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare
The “Web Discount” and “Easy Ferry” discount programs are recommended.
The Meimon Taiyo Ferry offers various discount programs, but I frequently use the “Web Discount” or the “Easy Ferry” discount, which is available for reservations made more than a week in advance. These options are usually cheaper.
Booking online is essential as it is cheaper than buying tickets at the counter.
▼ Details on Meimon Taiyo Ferry Discounts https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare/discount
The Silver Discount is available for those aged
Please note that the Silver Discount applies to boarding, but the senior rate for the onboard restaurant is for those aged
▼ Details on Meimon Taiyo Ferry Discounts https://www.cityline.co.jp/fare/discount
It depends on the location, but you might get some signal on the observation deck.
The ferry provides free Wi-Fi in public areas such as the lobby, which can be used for 30 minutes per session, up to three times a day. However, since the Wi-Fi relies on ground-based signals, the connection can be unstable.
The Wi-Fi session count resets after midnight. There is no password required; just an email address is needed to access the internet, so those who need connectivity should definitely give it a try!
Pets are allowed under certain conditions.
The Meimon Taiyo Ferry does not have facilities to care for pets, so only passengers traveling by car can leave their pets in the vehicle.
Passengers wishing to travel with pets must sign a consent form and present it at the terminal’s reception counter at least 90 minutes before departure. However, during the summer season (June 1 to September 30), pet travel is not allowed on the “Ferry Kyoto” and “Ferry Fukuoka” due to high temperatures in the vehicle deck, which could be dangerous for pets.
■ Meimon Taiyo Ferry Summer Precautions https://www.cityline.co.jp/archives/6984
Yes, there are budget tours available.
Cityline Travel offers various ferry travel packages, including tours to the Seto Inland Sea. Popular options include the “Universal Studios Japan 2-Night, 3-Day Cruise Plan” which includes round-trip ferry and shuttle bus, and is about 800 yen cheaper than booking independently.
Other popular options include plans with lunch at Saeki Sushi and viewing Kawazu cherry blossoms on Tsukumi Shira Peninsula, as well as seasonal tours with bathing. These tours are recommended for those looking to enjoy a ferry trip affordably.
◇ Cityline Travel Meimon Taiyo Ferry Tour Details ◇ ■ Osaka Departure Plans https://clt-co2.jp/plan/osaka/ ■ Kyushu Departure Plans https://clt-co2.jp/plan/kyushu/
Pros, Cons, and Reviews of the Ferry Kyoto
Things I liked about the trip
Things that might be a bit inconvenient
Ferry Kyoto Boarding Experience Summary
This time, I boarded the Meimon Taiyo Ferry “Ferry Kyoto”.
Here’s a brief summary of the article!
▼ Related Article on the Sister Ship ‘Ferry Fukuoka’
※The content on this site is created solely for the purpose of providing information. We strive to provide accurate information, but we do not guarantee that the information is complete, accurate, or up-to-date. Use the information at your own risk.
※Current details, plans, or prices may differ, so please check the official website for the latest information before making any travel plans.
※The information on this site is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or other advice. Please consult the appropriate professionals if you need specific advice.
※This site contains links to other websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of those sites. Please review the terms of use and privacy policies of those sites before using them.
※All content on this site is protected by copyright law unless otherwise noted. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or copying is prohibited. Please obtain permission before using the content.
※This site reserves the right to change the disclaimer without notice. The revised disclaimer will be effective once posted on this blog.
※The blog assumes no responsibility for any damages or disadvantages resulting from the use of the content on this site. Users assume full responsibility for using the content and any resulting consequences.
※Technical issues or interruptions may occur during the operation of the site or provision of content. The blog assumes no responsibility for any damages that users may incur as a result.
※This site respects all religions and beliefs and does not intend to discriminate against any religion. Our aim is to respect diverse perspectives and provide a safe space for all readers to obtain information.