SHIN NIHONKAI FERRY

Shin Nihonkai Ferry is one of the largest ferry companies in Japan. It is part of SHK Line, which is itself a joint venture between Kanko Kisen, Japan Cruise Line (Venus Cruise), Hankyu ferry, Kanpu Ferry, etc. "Nihonkai" means "the Japan Sea". I show you a traveling by Shin Nihonkai Ferry.

MAIZURU-OTARU

JR HIGASHI MAIZURU STATION

Maizuru is a town which consists of two areas, Nishi (West) Maizuru and Higashi (East) Maizuru. There is a ferry terminal in Higashi Maizuru, where had an ex-emperial Japanese naval base. The ferry terminal lies about 2 km north of JR Higashi Maizuru Station.

MAIZURU FERRY TERMINAL

This is the ferry terminal. You can see Ferry Lilac behind it.

FERRY LILAC

SPECIAL CLASS

There are 5 different types of accommodation: suites, special class, 1st class, 2nd berth class and 2nd class. This ia a special class cabin. You can enjoy a decent cruising when you book 1st class cabin or above. If you don't mind taking something less expensive, I recommend you 2nd berth class.

Special class cabins have private balcony like this.

FORWARD SALON

This is an inside of sister ship Ferry Lavender. 19,904 G/T. This ship has many facilities like cruise ships.

You can enjoy decent (luxury?) cruising without paying a lot of money. Services for beverages and food around the open decks (in summer).

LOUNGE

Maizuru (23:30) - Otaru (04:00) (28:30 hrs)

Otaru (10:00) - Maizuru (17:00) (27:00 hrs)

FERRY LILAC

TSURUGA-OTARU

JR TSURUGA STATION

If you go to Hokkaido from Kansai (West Japan), Tsuruga is conveniently situated. A ferry terminal lies about 6 km from here. I advise you to ride in a bus or a taxi.

SUISEN

Two sister ships, Suzuran and Suisen ply between Tsuruga and Otaru.

ENTRANCE LOBBY

PROMENADE

Suzuran (or Suisen) is a fast ship (29.4 knots). So, you must stand a strong wind on deck. I like sitting here and seeing the sea.

VIDEO THEATER

GYM

This ship has many facilities such as gym, shower stalls, sauna, jacuzzi, game room, children room, video room, forward saloon, shop, beverage machines, grand baths, laundromats, etc.

BREAKFAST

Tsruga (23:30) - Otaru (20:00) (20:30 hrs)

Otaru (23:30) - Tsruga (20:00) (20:30 hrs)

SUISEN

NIIGATA-OTARU

JR NIIGATA STATION

This is JR Niigata Station. Niigata is famous as the home of rice.

NIIGATA FERRY TERMINAL

If you live in Japan, maybe you know the most economical (cheapest) way to go to Hokkaido from Tokyo. This is the answer! When you take a bus from Tokyo (Ikebukuro) to Niigata and go on board a ferry, you can save (a lot of ?) money. I hear a discoverer is a person from other country.

NEW HAMANASU

1ST CLASS

This is a 1st class cabin. It has a washbasin, TV, VCR, closets, etc. But these beds are too small (narrow) for me! Not comfortable.

LOUNGE

RESTAURANT

Breakfast. This is a Japanese & Western (mixed) style breakfast. I saw some European (eg., Russian, American, Canadian, etc) aboard this ship. Varied menus maybe appeal to you.

Goods printed LOGO are sold at shop. Postcards, china, mugs or cups, sweat shirts, jackets, caps, etc.

OKUSHIRI ISLAND

You can see Okushiri Island. You arrive at Otaru (Hokkaido) soon.

PORT OF OTARU

Niigata (10:30) - Otaru (04:10) (17:40 hrs)

Otaru (10:30) - Niigata (05:30) (18:00 hrs)

FERRY SHIRAKABA

OTARU

OTARU FERRY TERMINAL

MUSEUM OF YUJIRO ISHIHARA

This is a museum of Yujiro Ishihara. Maybe you don't know him. He is an actor (1934-1987). He was born in Kobe and lived in Otaru in his childhood. His brother ia the Governor of Tokyo Metropolis, Shintaro Ishihara.

MYCAL OTARU -SHOPPING CENTER & HOTEL

CRYSTAL OF THE SEA

(NEW SHIRAYURI & FERRY LILAC

This music is downloaded from Our MIDI Jukebox download archives.

01/07/08