Side trip

Ferries & jetfoils

Some of Japan's best side trips start where the rails end: the shrine island of Miyajima, the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Sado, Yakushima and the volcano across the bay from Kagoshima. Here's how the boats work.

Ship

ふなのりば

のりば

Ferry terminal

駅Station

島Island

関東

Kanto (Tokyo)

Jetfoil

東海汽船東京（竹芝）～伊豆大島高速ジェット船

Tokai Kisen: Tokyo (Takeshiba) ⇄ Izu Oshima jet ship

Tokyo (Takeshiba) ⇄ Izu Oshima

A volcanic island from central Tokyo in 1 h 45 min: Tokai Kisen's jet ship leaves Takeshiba at 8:35 and 13:25 (¥9,980). All seats are reserved — book ahead — and the arrival port on Oshima is decided on the day.

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中部・北陸

Chubu & Hokuriku

Ferry & high-speed boat

佐渡汽船新潟～両津航路（ジェットフォイル・カーフェリー）

Sado Kisen: Niigata ⇄ Sado (jetfoil & car ferry)

Niigata ⇄ Ryotsu (Sado Island)

Sado Island from Niigata: the jetfoil takes 1 h 07 min (¥8,310), the car ferry 2 h 30 min (2nd class ¥3,630). Book online for a QR ticket, or buy at the port if seats remain — IC cards work at the counter.

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中国

Chugoku (Hiroshima)

Ferry

JR西日本宮島フェリー

JR Miyajima Ferry

Miyajimaguchi ⇄ Miyajima

Ten minutes across the water to Itsukushima Shrine, every 15 minutes (every 10 at weekend peaks). ¥200 one way, IC cards work at the gate, the JAPAN RAIL PASS is valid — and daytime boats sail close to the Great Torii.

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四国

Shikoku

Ferry & high-speed boat

四国汽船直島航路（高松・宇野⇔宮浦／本村）

Ferries to Naoshima (art island)

Takamatsu / Uno ⇄ Naoshima (Miyanoura, Honmura)

Boats to the art island from Takamatsu (ferry ¥680, ~50 min; high-speed boat ¥1,590, ~30 min) or Uno near Okayama (¥370, 15–20 min). No reservations — buy at the port and board first come, first served.

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九州

Kyushu

Ferry

桜島フェリー

Sakurajima Ferry (Kagoshima)

Kagoshima Port ⇄ Sakurajima

A 15-minute crossing to the active volcano across Kagoshima Bay, up to every 15–20 minutes from early morning to late evening. ¥250 — and you pay only on the Sakurajima side, by cash, IC card or contactless card.

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Jetfoil

種子屋久高速船トッピー＆ロケット（鹿児島～屋久島）

Jetfoil to Yakushima (Toppy & Rocket)

Kagoshima ⇄ Yakushima (Miyanoura, Anbo)

The fastest way to Yakushima's cedar forests: about 1 h 50 min direct from Kagoshima (2½–3 h via Tanegashima), ¥14,000 one way. Book ahead, check in 20 minutes early, and keep hand luggage under 15 kg.

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Before you ride