Overnight JAPANESE FERRY | 16-Hour Ferry Crossing from OTARU to NIIGATA on the Shin Nihonkai

Dec 18, 2023 | News On Japan

Dec 18, 2023 (Samuel and Audrey) - Our time in Hokkaido has come to an end and today we are boarding an overnight Japanese ferry to travel from Otaru to Niigata. This is a 16-hour ferry crossing aboard the Shin Nihonkai ferry.

In this video, we'll share our whole experience traveling aboard a Japanese ferry for the first time. We'll show you the boarding experience, the capsule rooms we booked, give you a tour of the vessel, show you the food at the onboard restaurant and more.

Fun fact: this ferry has an onsen / sento aboard, meaning you can spend part of the journey enjoying the baths and soaking in the pools!

As we step into this enchanting journey, our video will unfold the entire boarding process, capturing the essence of the Japanese ferry experience. The highlight of our accommodation is the capsule rooms, a unique aspect of Japanese culture. We'll take you inside these compact yet ingeniously designed spaces, providing an intimate glimpse into what it's like to spend a night in these futuristic quarters.

The tour doesn't stop at our rooms. We'll take you on an extensive walk-through of the vessel, showcasing its various amenities and hidden gems. Expect to see the intricate details of the ferry's design, the communal areas, and the panoramic views it offers of the surrounding ocean and landscapes.

A pivotal part of our journey is the culinary experience. Our video includes an in-depth review of the onboard restaurant, where we'll sample a variety of dishes, giving you a taste of the local cuisine right on the high seas. We'll share our thoughts on the menu, the quality of food, and the overall dining experience.

A unique feature of this ferry that sets it apart is the onboard onsen/sento. We'll take you into this traditional Japanese bath, showcasing how you can spend part of your journey unwinding and soaking in the serene pools, a luxurious experience that blends relaxation with cultural immersion.

For those interested in undertaking this journey themselves, we provide detailed information on how to secure tickets for the Shin Nihonkai ferry. While the official ferry website (https://www.snf.jp/english/) is exclusively in Japanese, we'll walk you through the process and alternative booking methods. We explore booking through Direct Ferries, which requires at least a 14-day advance reservation. Additionally, we discuss the possibility of purchasing tickets directly at the ferry terminal, though we caution against the risks of last-minute planning. Join us as we embark on this unforgettable journey, sharing every moment and tip to make your potential trip as magical as ours.

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