FERRIES in SETONAIKAI

When you spread a map of Japan, you can notice there are many islands in West Japan. Especially there are so many islands in Setonaikai (Inland Sea). Thus, there are a lot of ferry lines in Setonaikai, too.

Well, I'll show you many ferries in Setonaikai.

MOJI

Let's go on a journey to Osaka from Moji (Kyushu)! This is a rock (monument?) in front of the Moji station. Moji is a part of Kita Kyushu City.

Translation: Welcome to Moji, Kita Kyushu City.

FERRY OSAKA

Setonaikai is a very calm inland sea. For that reason, holds of ferries in this area have many large open windows.

This is "Ferry Osaka". She is operated by "Meimon Taiyo Ferry". She plies between Shin Moji and Osaka Nanko (south port). Many tourists from Taiwan were on board this ship.

FERRY SUOU

This ia "Ferry Suou". She is operated by "Hankyu Ferry" and plies between Shin Moji and Kobe.Hankyu Ferry is the oldest car ferry company in Japan.

YUFU

At port of Kure

Suite room

Unfortunately, we can't go aboard this ship. This is "Yufu". She was operated by "Hirobetsu Kisen" and plied between Kure, Hiroshima and Beppu. But this ferry company was dissolved in 1999.

MISEN-MARU

MISEN MARU

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

Do you know "Itsukushima Shinto Shrine"? Shrines are buildings dedicated to the gods of Shinto. Itsukushima Shinto Shrine (Hiroshima) is one of World Heritage in Japan. When you go to Itsukushima (shima means island), you must go on board this ship. "Misen-Maru" is operated by "JR Nishi Nihon".

IYO

This is a typical ferry of island lines. She is "Iyo"and plies between Takehara (Honshu) and Omishima (island).

TAKEHARA

Maybe you can notice the shape of this ship is very unique. In Japan, a ship of this type is called "Ryoutou Car Ferry". "Ryoutou" means double heads. She has two bows and two bridges.

KINSEI

Unfortunately, we can't go aboard this ship now. This is "Kinsei". "Kinsei" means Venus. She plied between Imabari (Shikoku) and Onomichi (Honshu). Out of services in 1999.

ONOMICHI

Onomichi Ferry

Onomichi town

Kishimoto Line

Mrs. Fumiko Hayashi, novelist (1904-1951)

Onomichi is a unique town in Japan. It's like a labyrinth. Most streets are very narrow. Small ferries plies between Onomichi and Mukaishima (island). Mrs. Fumiko Hayashi is one of famous novelists in Japan, she lived in this town in her teens.

No.87 TAMATAKA-MARU

At port of Takamatsu

This is "No.87 Tamataka Maru". She plies between Takamatsu (Shikoku) and Uno (Honshu). The photo below is a poster of movie "Independence Day"on deck. Do you like movies?

K-JET

Port of Kobe. As you know, in 1995, there was a big earthquake in Kobe. But the reconstruction of Kobe is remarkable. "K-Jet" plies between Kansai International Airport and Kobe.

ORANGE 7

At port of Osaka, you can see many ferries. This is "Orange 7". She is operated by "Orange Ferry"and plies between Niihama (Shikoku) and Osaka.

OSAKA

OSAKA FERRY TERMINAL

Port of Kure

Of course luxury cruising is nice, but I prefer small ferries to cruise ships. There are many small ferries I like in Setonaikai. Which do you like better?

01/06/15