FerryConnect

Japan

Tsuruga → Tomakomai (Hokkaido)

Shin Nihonkai Ferry’s direct night ferry from Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture to Tomakomai East, the quickest sea link between the Kansai/Chubu region and southern Hokkaido. It leaves just before midnight and arrives the following evening.

⏱ About 20h 35m – 21h🚢 1 operator📅 One direct sailing daily in each direction🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Tsuruga to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Tsuruga to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) takes About 20h 35m – 21h across the Sea of Japan, operated by Shin Nihonkai Ferry. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: one direct 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: snf.jp · snf.jp · snf.jp · How we verify

Return crossing: Tomakomai (Hokkaido) to Tsuruga

Shin Nihonkai Ferry also sails Tomakomai (Hokkaido) to Tsuruga, taking About 20h 35m – 21h. Southbound sailings leave Tomakomai East at 23:30 and reach Tsuruga at 20:30 the next day.

Tsuruga to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Daily: Tsuruga 23:55 → Tomakomai East 20:30 next day; Tomakomai East 23:30 → Tsuruga 20:30 next day

Published departure times

  • 23:55 from Tsuruga
  • 23:30 from Tomakomai East

Return: Southbound sailings leave Tomakomai East at 23:30 and reach Tsuruga at 20:30 the next day.

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

Official Shin Nihonkai Ferry timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →

Source: Shin Nihonkai Ferry timetable page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Tsuruga and Tomakomai (Hokkaido)

📐 520 Nautical Miles
Tsuruga⇄Tomakomai (Hokkaido)
⏱ About 20h 35m – 21h · 📐 520 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Shin Nihonkai FerryAbout 20hSuzuran, Suisen

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

520 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • A Fukui Railway bus runs from JR Tsuruga station (west exit, stop 6) to the ferry terminal in about 15 minutes, timed for the 23:55 sailing
  • At Tomakomai East a direct Donan Bus runs to JR Minami-Chitose station in about 45 minutes after each arrival

Tips for the Tsuruga to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) Crossing

  • Tomakomai East is about 30 km from JR Tomakomai station and is not the same terminal as Tomakomai West (used by Sunflower and Taiheiyo Ferry).

Related Ferry Crossings

Onward from Tomakomai (Hokkaido)Akita → Tomakomai (Hokkaido)About 10h 30m – 12h · Shin Nihonkai FerryNearby alternative crossingMaizuru (Kyoto) → Otaru (Hokkaido)About 20h – 21h · Shin Nihonkai FerryNearby alternative crossingNiigata → Sado Island (Ryotsu)1h 07m – 2h 30m · Sado Kisen (car ferry), Sado Kisen (jetfoil)Nearby alternative crossingNiigata → Otaru (Hokkaido)About 16h 30m · Shin Nihonkai FerryNearby alternative crossingOarai (Ibaraki) → Tomakomai (Hokkaido)About 18h – 19h (overnight) · MOL SunflowerNearby alternative crossingNaoetsu (Joetsu) → Sado Island (Ogi)2h 40m · Sado Kisen
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Tsuruga to Tomakomai (Hokkaido)?
The crossing typically takes About 20h 35m – 21h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Tsuruga to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) ferry sail?
Daily: Tsuruga 23:55 → Tomakomai East 20:30 next day; Tomakomai East 23:30 → Tsuruga 20:30 next day. This is the pattern published in the Shin Nihonkai Ferry timetable page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Tsuruga to Tomakomai (Hokkaido)?
Shin Nihonkai 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 Tsuruga to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) 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 Tsuruga to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) 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 Tsuruga to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) 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 Tsuruga from Tomakomai (Hokkaido) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 520 nautical miles (roughly 963 km).