Domestic ferries in Japan have always been a popular transportation medium since ancient times.
Japan being an island country has logically become the home to an all-embracing network of
domestic ferry routes . Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku Japan's four major islands are connected with each other by bridges and tunnels and for this reason smaller islands of Japan also can be reached by ship. In
Japan traveling between the major four islands through
domestic ferries has become a fast alternative to trains, buses and airplanes.
Most of the domestic ferries in Japan carry people, vehicles and cargo. In Japan, domestic shorter routes are served mostly by small ships, which are able to carry a couple of cars and a few dozens of passengers. On the other hand, longer domestic routes are served frequently by the large liners. These larger ferries can carry hundreds of vehicles and passengers. Moreover, these large ferries are equipped with a range of amenities such as public baths and restaurants.
In long-distance domestic ferries, you can have the choice between three classes, namely:
- 2nd class, which is the cheapest choice. This class of domestic ferries sometimes provides no bedding options .
- 1st class where the expense is usually twice the cost of 2nd class, and,
- Special class where expense is normally 2.5 to three times higher than the cost of 2nd class.
You can book and buy your domestic ferry tickets in Japan through the ferry companies directly by using telephone, internet, by visiting the ferry terminal or through travel agencies.
