Ferry

The appoximately 1,700 routes for ships that run between the four main islands of Japan--Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku--along with the many small islands of the nation, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, play an important role as a means for conducting daily life, tourism and for the distribution of goods. There are various types of ships, such as large vessels outfitted with extravagant equipment and capable of carrying hundreds of vehicles at once, state-of-the-art high-speed ships, and leisurely sightseeing boats for enjoying the scenery, to suit various areas and roles. Using these on a trip, you can get a different feel from other means of transportation. Aside from the many short-distance ferries, rest assured that your reservation will be served. Schedules change with the season, so make sure to check in advance. Rooms on boats are typically divided into special, first and second class, and there are also communal sleeping areas set up. You must fill out your boarding application form and complete boarding procedures between 30 and 60 minutes before departure on the day of your journey.