Information on Lines in Japan
Some of the advantages of cruises
A romantic sea route that connects the metropolitan area to the northern land of Hokkaido Evening ferries offer a variety of functions to enrich the cruising experience.
The Sunflower, operated by MOL Ferry Co., Ltd., provides up to two services a day in the evening and at night via the shortest sea passage from the Tokyo metropolitan area to Hokkaido.
A variety of onboard facilities, such as baths with views and a sauna, an Internet corner, a lounge that offers panoramic ocean views and a shop selling unique Sunflower goods, help to make the cruise even more relaxing and enjoyable.
A wide range of onboard facilities to enrich the cruising experience
The evening ferry (a 19-hour ride) offers a variety of cabin options ranging from economy rooms to suites in order to meet the needs of travelers.
Passengers can watch movies free of charge at the Marine Theater.
The restaurant on the top floor serves ample buffets for breakfast and dinner and a curry buffet for lunch, and offers magnificent views of the space outside its windows.
Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes made from seasonal ingredients from the mountains and the sea.
Careful consideration given to a relaxing cruise experience
The night ferry (a 17-hour ride) provides cabin rooms furnished with single beds exclusively.
With vending machines selling a variety of food and beverages 24 hours a day, the night ferry is recommended for those who prefer casual sea travel.
The Sunflower Sapporo cutting through the ocean
On the evening ferry, passengers can enjoy movies free of charge.
A spacious bath.
Enjoying ocean views while soaking in the bathtub provides a memorable experience!
At the restaurant, passengers can enjoy meals while looking out over the horizon.
A spacious play area for children
Helpful information to make cruising even more enjoyable
Take advantage of the opportunity to encounter marine wildlife and enjoy magnificent views from the ferry in a laid-back, slow-paced atmosphere.
The 19-hour ferry ride (17 hours for the night ferry) offers plenty of must-see sights.
Passengers may have a chance to see dolphins and seals (called tokkari in the Ainu language) swimming alongside the ferry and schools of flying fish leaping out of the water and skimming the surface.
It is also fun to get to know other passengers while spending time on the deck in an open, relaxed atmosphere.
From the ferry, passengers can enjoy the following views:
Shiriyazaki Lighthouse (Shimokita-gun, Aomori) – mainland Japan’s northernmost lighthouse
Samekado Lighthouse (Hachinohe, Aomori) – one of the top 50 lighthouses in Japan
Kinkasan (Ishimaki, Miyagi) – an island in the ocean to the southeast of the Oshika Peninsula
Shioyazaki Lighthouse – known for its beautiful appearance
Todogasaki (Miyako, Iwate) – the easternmost cape of mainland Japan
The different views of Japan from the Pacific Ocean give a range of impressions.
A cruise is a luxurious way of spending time on a ship traveling slowly to its destination.
Passengers can forget the passage of time and relax while enjoying the scenery changing before their eyes and feeling the sea breeze.
Todogasaki Cape (partially covered with clouds) located in the easternmost part of mainland Japan
A beautiful sunrise seen from on board
Kinkazan in the ocean off the Oshika Peninsula
A school of seals (called tokkari in the Ainu language) swimming alongside the ferry
Flying fish skimming the water
Ferries operated on this line
Sunflower Sapporo
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Total length: 192 m (629.9 ft.) |
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This ferry departs in the evening. A variety of cabin types ranging from economy rooms to suites are available. The restaurant on the top floor offers fine meals as magnificent views unfold outside the windows. |
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Passengers can watch satellite programs and DVDs on TVs provided in cabin types from suites to standard rooms. DVDs are recommended for those who prefer in-cabin relaxation, and can be rented (400 yen) at the information desk onboard. |
Sunflower Furano
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Total length: 192 m (629.9 ft) |
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This ferry departs in the evening. As with the Sunflower Sapporo, a range of cabin types (from economy rooms to suites) are available to meet passenger needs. A variety of onboard facilities allow passengers to enjoy their time on the ferry to the fullest. |
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A single suite is available on each ferry, providing a luxurious well-furnished space to make guests feel comfortable and pampered. |
Sunflower Shiretoko
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Total length: 190 m (623.4 ft) |
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This ferry departs late at night. Cabins furnished with single beds and vending machines stocked with food and beverages are provided on each ferry. Recommended for those who prefer more economical sea travel. |
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Vending machines sell a variety of beverages and food (including curry and rice, rice balls and French fries) 24 hours a day in the hall. |
Sunflower Daisetsu
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Total length: 190 m (623.4 ft) |
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This ferry departs late at night. As with the Sunflower Shiretoko, cabins including single beds are available. There is a vending machine area and a shop selling unique Sunflower goods. |
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Casual rooms with single beds are available. Each bed is fitted with a luggage rack. Cabins are comfortable, clean and designed to safeguard privacy. |
For reservations and inquiries about the above line and ferries
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MOL Ferry Co., Ltd. http://www.sunflower.co.jp/english/ |
Ferry reservations |