FerryConnect

Japan

Kobe → Oita (Kyushu)

MOL Sunflower’s nightly ferry from Kobe’s Rokko Island through the Seto Inland Sea to Oita, the gateway to Beppu, Yufuin and eastern Kyushu. The ships Sunflower Gold and Sunflower Pearl have observation baths and a restaurant.

⏱ About 11h 20m – 12h 25m🚢 1 operator📅 One overnight sailing daily in each direction🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Kobe to Oita (Kyushu) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Kobe to Oita (Kyushu) takes About 11h 20m – 12h 25m across the Seto Inland Sea, operated by MOL Sunflower. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: one overnight sailing daily in each direction.

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: ferry-sunflower.co.jp · ferry-sunflower.co.jp · How we verify

Return crossing: Oita (Kyushu) to Kobe

MOL Sunflower also sails Oita (Kyushu) to Kobe, taking About 11h 20m – 12h 25m. Eastbound ferries leave Oita at 19:20 (19:30 on Fridays and Saturdays) and arrive in Kobe early the next morning.

Kobe to Oita (Kyushu) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Kobe 19:00 → Oita 06:20 (Sun–Thu) or 19:50 → 07:20 (Fri–Sat); Oita 19:20 → Kobe 06:40 (Sun–Thu) or 19:30 → 07:55 (Fri–Sat)

Published departure times

  • 19:00 from Kobe (Sun–Thu)
  • 19:50 from Kobe (Fri–Sat)
  • 19:20 from Oita (Sun–Thu)
  • 19:30 from Oita (Fri–Sat)

Return: Eastbound ferries leave Oita at 19:20 (19:30 on Fridays and Saturdays) and arrive in Kobe early the next morning.

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

Official MOL Sunflower timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →

Source: MOL Sunflower Kobe–Oita timetable page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Kobe and Oita (Kyushu)

📐 190 Nautical Miles
Kobe⇄Oita (Kyushu)
⏱ About 11h 20m – 12h 25m · 📐 190 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
MOL Sunflower11h 20m – 12h 25mSunflower Gold, Sunflower Pearl

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

190 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • A Kobe Port ferry bus runs to the terminal from Hanshin and Hankyu Mikage, JR Sumiyoshi and Rokko Liner Island Kitaguchi stations
  • A bus to Oita station waits outside the Oita terminal after arrival (about 20 minutes)

Tips for the Kobe to Oita (Kyushu) Crossing

  • Foot passengers should complete check-in 60 minutes before departure; passengers with pets 90 minutes before.

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from KobeKobe → Kitakyushu (Shin-Moji)About 12h 30m · Hankyu FerryNearby alternative crossingOsaka → Beppu (Kyushu)About 11h – 12h (overnight) · MOL SunflowerNearby alternative crossingIzumiotsu (Osaka) → Kitakyushu (Shin-Moji)About 12h 30m · Hankyu FerryNearby alternative crossingOsaka → Kitakyushu (Shin-Moji)About 12h 30m (overnight) · Meimon Taiyo FerryNearby alternative crossingTokushima (Shikoku) → Kitakyushu (Shin-Moji)About 14h · Ocean Tokyu FerryNearby alternative crossingTakamatsu → Naoshima (Miyanoura)30m (high-speed) – 50m (ferry) · Shikoku Kisen
⚓ Kobe Port Ferry Terminals (Rokko Island) guide⛴ All ferries from Kobe🗺 All ferries in Japan🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Kobe to Oita (Kyushu)?
The crossing typically takes About 11h 20m – 12h 25m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Kobe to Oita (Kyushu) ferry sail?
Kobe 19:00 → Oita 06:20 (Sun–Thu) or 19:50 → 07:20 (Fri–Sat); Oita 19:20 → Kobe 06:40 (Sun–Thu) or 19:30 → 07:55 (Fri–Sat). This is the pattern published in the MOL Sunflower Kobe–Oita timetable page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Kobe to Oita (Kyushu)?
MOL Sunflower operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Kobe to Oita (Kyushu) 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 Kobe to Oita (Kyushu) 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 Kobe to Oita (Kyushu) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Kobe from Oita (Kyushu) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 190 nautical miles (roughly 352 km).