From Osaka to Beppu Onsen! A Hotel-Like Voyage Aboard the Sunflower Ferry
Osaka is a popular destination visited by tourists from both Japan and abroad. With Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai approaching, the city is attracting even more attention.
After enjoying everything Osaka has to offer, why not take a ferry trip to Beppu in Kyushu aboard the newly built Sunflower Kurenai or Sunflower Murasaki? Departing Osaka at night and arriving in Beppu the next morning, this relaxing journey allows you to travel while enjoying the comforts of a hotel-like environment.
Let us introduce a new style of travel with the Sunflower—far more than just a way to get from point A to point B!
The Sunflower Beppu Route: A Comfortable Ferry Trip That Combines Travel and Accommodation
The Osaka–Beppu ferry route is one of Japan’s oldest, established in 1912. Today, the Sunflower operates this route daily, making it a popular means of travel for both domestic and international tourists.
The ability to combine travel and lodging in a single journey is a major appeal. It’s also a great starting point for exploring Beppu Onsen and other parts of Kyushu.
Your Hotel on the Sea: The New Sunflower Kurenai and Murasaki, Launched in 2023
This route is served by the newly built Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, launched in 2023. With a calm atmosphere like that of a hotel and quiet sailing enabled by the latest technology, they offer a comfortable travel experience. The Seto Inland Sea, known for its gentle waves, makes for a smooth voyage. It's like a “mobile hotel” where even the travel time becomes an enjoyable part of the trip!
Wake Up and Start Sightseeing! A Classic Route That Runs Daily
Because you can travel while you rest, ferry travel lets you make the most of your valuable time. With daily departures, it’s easy to plan your itinerary—perfect for weekend getaways as well!
*Note: Departure and arrival times may vary depending on the day of the week and the season. Please check the official website for details.
Spend the night on board, explore Beppu in the morning, and return to the ship in the evening. This “0-night stay” option is unique to the Beppu route. If you choose the same cabin for both legs, you can leave your luggage in the room while you explore.
Please note that after booking online, a confirmation call (Japanese only) is required.
Drive-Friendly: Expand Your Travel Possibilities
One of the key advantages of ferry travel is the ability to bring your car, motorcycle, or bicycle on board. Whether you're planning a road trip, a motorcycle tour, or a cycling adventure, you’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace without worrying about local transportation. It’s also ideal for families and groups with lots of luggage.
Versatile Cabin Options to Suit Every Kind of Trip
From simple accommodations to balcony suites, the Sunflower offers a wide range of cabins to match your travel style. Whether you want a luxurious trip, a relaxing space, a fun time with friends, or a more affordable option, there’s a cabin for you. Here’s a look at the cabin lineup that meets every need!
Peaceful Luxury by the Sea: “Suite & Semi-Suite” Cabins
These “Suite” and “Semi-Suite” cabins let you relax in hotel-like comfort while feeling the sea up close.
Each room comes with a private balcony—your own personal ocean view! The Suite features a bathtub and toilet, while the Semi-Suite includes a shower and toilet. Both can accommodate up to three guests. Enjoy a luxurious space that makes you forget you’re even on a ship.
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A spacious suite with separate bedroom and living areas, just like a hotel
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An open-concept semi-suite with a continuous layout of bedroom and living space
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Welcome drinks are served in the suite and semi-suite rooms.
Perfect Comfort in a Private Room: “Deluxe & Superior” Cabins
If you want your own space to relax without any interruptions, the “Deluxe” and “Superior” cabins are ideal. The Deluxe cabin offers a spacious layout with a private sink area, while the compact yet functional Superior cabin is perfect for solo travelers or couples. Japanese-style tatami rooms are also available, ideal for those who want to stretch out and relax.
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The Deluxe Japanese-style room offers a relaxing space reminiscent of a traditional inn.
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The superior single room provides a cozy, private space perfect for solo travelers.
Designed for Group Travel: “Connecting” Cabins
The “Connecting” cabins consist of two rooms joined by an interior door, allowing for easy conversation and movement while maintaining privacy. This cabin type is available in both “Suite” and “Deluxe” categories. It’s perfect for families or groups who want to enjoy their own space while staying together during the journey.
A Wide Range of Cabins — Great for Casual Travelers Too
Casual travelers who want to enjoy a ferry trip at a more affordable rate will find plenty of cabin options to choose from. Compact “Private Single” rooms and capsule-style “Private Beds” offer a comfortable personal space to unwind. For group travel, the “Group Japanese-style room” is a great option for spending time together with family or friends.
All cabins prioritize privacy—there’s even a women-only section, offering peace of mind for solo female travelers.
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Private singles offer the feel of a private room despite their simple partitions, with twin options available.
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Private beds are ideal for budget-friendly stays, with shared changing areas available in the room.
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Group Japanese-style rooms are perfect for traveling with friends or a girls’ trip.
Cabins Designed to Meet Special Needs
Barrier-free cabins are available to ensure a comfortable stay for guests using wheelchairs. These cabins are designed with spacious interiors, and the sink and toilet areas are thoughtfully arranged for ease of use. Universal design considerations are applied throughout the ship and terminal, so everyone can travel with peace of mind.
The “With-Pet Room” comes with a private entrance, allowing you to enjoy your stay without worry. There is also a dedicated pet room accessible 24 hours a day, so you can keep your pet there while you relax in your own cabin. A dog park is also available, giving you and your pet a space to play together during the trip.
A “Moving Resort” — Onboard Facilities for a Comfortable Voyage
Sunflower ferries offer a level of comfort that makes you forget you’re on the sea.
With spacious panoramic public baths and a variety of dining and shopping options, your travel time becomes part of the fun.
Here’s a look at the facilities that enhance your onboard stay.
Refresh Yourself — Comfortable Facilities for Body and Mind
The panoramic public bath lets you soak and unwind in preparation for the day ahead.
There are also 24-hour shower rooms available, so you can freshen up whenever you like.
For guests using cabins with limited space for changing clothes, there’s a women-only Powder Room complete with mirrors, sinks, and dressing areas — so you can get ready with peace of mind.
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Stretch out and refresh in the spacious bath, even on the ship.
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The powder room is designed for ease of use, with thoughtful touches for changing and makeup.
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The powder room and women’s large bath are both equipped with high-performance hair dryers.
Secure Storage with Coin Lockers
For guests staying in cabins with limited storage like Private Bed, coin lockers (coin return type) are provided outside each room.
These lockers let you store your belongings safely and enjoy the ship freely.
There are also refrigerated coin lockers (paid) in shared areas, so you can safely store perishable souvenirs.
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Coin lockers in the hallway outside guest rooms are highly convenient.
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Souvenirs that require refrigeration can be stored in refrigerated lockers.
Great for Kids Too! Family-Friendly Onboard Facilities
Families traveling with small children will appreciate the kid-friendly amenities.
The Kids’ Room is stocked with mats, toys, and picture books, providing a space where children can play freely. There’s also a Baby Care Room for diaper changes and nursing, so families can travel comfortably together.
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The kids’ room offers books and a TV, keeping children entertained during the trip.
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The ship features kid-friendly toilets designed for easy use by young children.
Equipped for Cyclists — Cycle Stands Onboard
The ship includes dedicated cycle stands, allowing you to bring your bicycle onboard. If you’re planning to enjoy cycling in Kyushu, you can travel with peace of mind. Your valuable bike can be securely fastened and stored, so you can travel worry-free.
Dining and Shopping Onboard
Both dinner and breakfast are served buffet-style in the restaurant, featuring local specialties like the famous Sunflower Curry and other dishes made with ingredients from Osaka and Kyushu. Takeout options are also available, perfect for those who prefer to eat in their room.
The onboard shop offers exclusive Sunflower items and a wide selection of souvenirs, including goods from Oita Made.
You’ll also find drinks, snacks, and even alcoholic beverages available from vending machines throughout the ship, although alcohol sales end at 11:00 p.m.
Booking and Check-In Guide for a Smooth Ferry Experience
Reservations for Sunflower can be made via the official website. Select the number of passengers, room type, and whether you’ll be using a round-trip, then pay by credit card. (The reservation screen supports both Japanese and English.)
You will receive a QR code or reservation number upon completion—be sure to keep this information, as it’s required for check-in. For bookings made from outside Japan, you’ll receive a reservation number. Present your passport at the check-in counter to complete the process.
Check-in is generally recommended at least 90 minutes before departure. During busy seasons, the terminal may become crowded, so it’s best to arrive early. If you’d like to use the same room for your return trip, make sure to select “round-trip same room” when booking. After completing your online reservation, be sure to call in advance to confirm (Japanese only).
Where to Board the Sunflower Ferry — Access to Osaka Nanko Port
Boarding takes place at the Sunflower Terminal. From Osaka Metro’s Cosmosquare Station on the Chuo Line, transfer to the Nanko Port Town Line (New Tram) and get off at Trade Center-mae Station, then walk about 5 minutes.
It’s also conveniently located near the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo site (Yumeshima)—just one stop away by train from Cosmosquare Station.
In addition, a direct bus (paid, reservation required) is available from JR Osaka Station.
If you’re driving, access is easy from the Hanshin Expressway Bayshore Route, via the Nanko-kita Exit or Nanko-minami Exit.
Summary
How about taking the Sunflower Beppu Route—a hotel-like ferry trip that combines travel and lodging in one?
It’s not just a way to get from one place to another; it’s a new style of travel.
For more tips and details, don’t forget to check out our related article:
“Explore Kansai and Kyushu in Comfort — A Complete Guide to the Sunflower Ferry”
