FerryConnect

Japan

Esashi → Okushiri Island

Heart Land Ferry’s route from Esashi, the old herring-trade town on Hokkaido’s south-west coast, to Okushiri Island, known for its seafood, the Nabetsuru rock and its recovery from the 1993 tsunami.

⏱ 2h 10m – 2h 20m🚢 1 operator📅 One round trip daily most of the year; two in peak summer and on selected weekends🚗 Vehicles accepted
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Esashi to Okushiri Island ferry at a glance

The ferry from Esashi to Okushiri Island takes 2h 10m – 2h 20m across the Sea of Japan, operated by Heart Land Ferry. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: one round trip daily most of the year; two in peak summer and on selected weekends.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: heartlandferry.jp · heartlandferry.jp · How we verify

Return crossing: Okushiri Island to Esashi

Heart Land Ferry also sails Okushiri Island to Esashi, taking 2h 10m – 2h 20m. The ferry is based on Okushiri, so the first sailing of the day is from the island (07:00) and the mainland departure is in the afternoon.

Esashi to Okushiri Island ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Okushiri 07:00 → Esashi 09:10 and Esashi 13:00 → Okushiri 15:10 most of the year; a second round trip in July–August and some September weekends

Winter (December–March) sailings take 2h 20m

Published departure times

  • 07:00 from Okushiri
  • 13:00 from Esashi

Return: The ferry is based on Okushiri, so the first sailing of the day is from the island (07:00) and the mainland departure is in the afternoon.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Heart Land Ferry timetable →Check prices & book on Heart Land Ferry →

Source: Heart Land Ferry timetable (Esashi–Okushiri). Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Esashi and Okushiri Island

📐 33 Nautical Miles
Esashi⇄Okushiri Island
⏱ 2h 10m – 2h 20m · 📐 33 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Heart Land Ferry2h 10m – 2h 20mKaranse Okushiri

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

33 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Esashi terminal is about 5 minutes on foot from the Ubagami-cho Ferry-mae bus stop
  • Okushiri terminal is about 30 minutes by taxi from Okushiri Airport; parking is available next to each terminal

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Esashi to Okushiri Island?
The crossing typically takes 2h 10m – 2h 20m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Esashi to Okushiri Island ferry sail?
Okushiri 07:00 → Esashi 09:10 and Esashi 13:00 → Okushiri 15:10 most of the year; a second round trip in July–August and some September weekends. Winter (December–March) sailings take 2h 20m. This is the pattern published in the Heart Land Ferry timetable (Esashi–Okushiri) (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Esashi to Okushiri Island?
Heart Land Ferry operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Esashi to Okushiri Island ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Esashi to Okushiri Island ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Esashi to Okushiri Island ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Esashi from Okushiri Island by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 33 nautical miles (roughly 61 km).