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Japan

Kumamoto → Shimabara

The short cut across the Ariake Sea between Kumamoto and Shimabara on the Unzen peninsula, saving a long drive round the bay: the high-speed Ocean Arrow takes about 30 minutes, the Kyusho Ferry car ferries an hour.

⏱ 30m – 1h🚢 2 operators📅 Ocean Arrow six times a day each way (seven at weekends April–December); Kyusho Ferry eight times a day each way🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
Book with Kumamoto Ferry→

Kumamoto to Shimabara ferry at a glance

The ferry from Kumamoto to Shimabara takes 30m – 1h across the Ariake Sea, operated by Kumamoto Ferry and Kyusho Ferry. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: ocean Arrow six times a day each way (seven at weekends April–December); Kyusho Ferry eight times a day each way.

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: kumamotoferry.co.jp · kumamotoferry.co.jp · kumamotoferry.co.jp · kyusho-ferry.co.jp · How we verify

Return crossing: Shimabara to Kumamoto

Kumamoto Ferry and Kyusho Ferry also sail Shimabara to Kumamoto, taking 30m – 1h. Ocean Arrow leaves Shimabara at 08:25, 10:15, 12:05, 13:50, 15:45 and 17:30 (+19:20 at weekends April–December).

Kumamoto to Shimabara ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Ocean Arrow from Kumamoto at 07:30, 09:25, 11:10, 13:00, 14:50, 16:40 (+18:30 Sat/Sun/holidays April–December); Kyusho Ferry about eight sailings each way from 07:00

Published departure times

  • 07:30
  • 09:25
  • 11:10
  • 13:00
  • 14:50
  • 16:40

Return: Ocean Arrow leaves Shimabara at 08:25, 10:15, 12:05, 13:50, 15:45 and 17:30 (+19:20 at weekends April–December).

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

Official Kumamoto Ferry timetable →Check prices & book on Kumamoto Ferry →

Source: Kumamoto Ferry English timetable page; Kyusho Ferry English schedule page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Kumamoto and Shimabara

📐 12 Nautical Miles
Kumamoto⇄Shimabara
⏱ 30m – 1h · 📐 12 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Kumamoto to Shimabara?

Book your crossing with Kumamoto Ferry: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Kumamoto Ferry→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Kumamoto FerryAbout 30mOcean Arrow (high-speed car ferry)
Kyusho Ferry60mRainbow Kamome

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

12 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Kumamoto Port has a Sanko bus stop (Kumamotokō Ferry Noriba-mae) with buses to Kumamoto station and Sakuramachi bus terminal
  • Shimabara Port is about five minutes’ walk from Shimabara Railway’s Shimabara-Gaikō station

Related Ferry Crossings

Nearby alternative crossingSasebo → Kamigoto (Arikawa)1h 25m – 2h 35m · Kyushu ShosenNearby alternative crossingNagasaki → Goto Islands (Fukue)1h 25m – 3h 55m · Kyushu ShosenNearby alternative crossingKaratsu → Iki (Indoji)1h 45m · Kyushu YusenNearby alternative crossingFukuoka (Hakata) → Iki1h 05m (jetfoil) – 2h 20m (ferry) · Kyushu YusenNearby alternative crossingFukuoka (Hakata) → Tsushima (Izuhara)2h 15m (jetfoil) – 4h 45m (ferry) · Kyushu YusenNearby alternative crossingKagoshima → Tanegashima (Nishinoomote)1h 35m – 1h 40m (direct) · Tanegashima Yakushima Kosoku (Toppy & Rocket)
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, Ocean Arrow or Kyusho Ferry?
Kumamoto Ferry’s Ocean Arrow (1,674 tons, 60 km/h) takes about 30 minutes; Kyusho Ferry’s conventional car ferries take 60 minutes.
How long is the ferry from Kumamoto to Shimabara?
The crossing typically takes 30m – 1h. By operator: Kumamoto Ferry about About 30m; Kyusho Ferry about 60m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Kumamoto to Shimabara ferry sail?
Ocean Arrow from Kumamoto at 07:30, 09:25, 11:10, 13:00, 14:50, 16:40 (+18:30 Sat/Sun/holidays April–December); Kyusho Ferry about eight sailings each way from 07:00. This is the pattern published in the Kumamoto Ferry English timetable page; Kyusho Ferry English schedule page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Kumamoto to Shimabara?
Kumamoto Ferry, Kyusho Ferry operate this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Kumamoto to Shimabara 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 Kumamoto to Shimabara 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 Kumamoto to Shimabara 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 Kumamoto from Shimabara by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 12 nautical miles (roughly 22 km).