Shin Nihonkai Ferry
Shin Nihonkai Ferry runs long-distance car ferries on the Sea of Japan between Maizuru, Tsuruga, Niigata and Akita on Honshu and Otaru and Tomakomai East in Hokkaido. Ships include Hamanasu, Keyaki, Suzuran, Suisen, Lavender, Azalea, Lilac and Yukari.
Shin Nihonkai Ferry Routes
| Route | Crossing Time | Vehicles | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maizuru (Kyoto) → Otaru (Hokkaido) | 20h – 21h | Cars & foot passengers | Book |
| Tsuruga → Tomakomai (Hokkaido) | About 20h | Cars & foot passengers | Book |
| Niigata → Otaru (Hokkaido) | About 16h 30m | Cars & foot passengers | Book |
| Akita → Tomakomai (Hokkaido) | About 11h | Cars & foot passengers | Book |
Shin Nihonkai Ferry sailing patterns
- Tsuruga → Tomakomai (Hokkaido)
Daily: Tsuruga 23:55 → Tomakomai East 20:30 next day; Tomakomai East 23:30 → Tsuruga 20:30 next day
Source: Shin Nihonkai Ferry timetable page, checked 2026-09-29
- Niigata → Otaru (Hokkaido)
Niigata 12:00 → Otaru 04:30 next day (Tuesday–Sunday); Otaru 16:45 → Niigata 09:15 next day (Monday–Saturday)
Source: Shin Nihonkai Ferry timetable page, checked 2026-09-29
- Akita → Tomakomai (Hokkaido)
From 1 October 2026: Akita 06:15 → Tomakomai East 16:45 (Tue, Thu, Sat); Tomakomai East 19:30 → Akita 07:35 next day (Tue, Thu, Sat)
Timetable revised on 1 October 2026; until 30 September the ship called six days a week.
Source: Shin Nihonkai Ferry timetable page, checked 2026-09-29
Vessels on these routes: Long-distance car ferries, Suzuran, Suisen, Lavender, Azalea, Lilac, Yukari
Shin Nihonkai Ferry Network Map
4 routes on FerryConnect; 4 carry vehicles.
Ports Shin Nihonkai Ferry Sails From
🚗 Vehicles
Cars, motorbikes and bicycles are carried; unaccompanied car shipment ended in 2026.
🐕 Pets
Pets can travel; the operator publishes a guide for passengers with pets.