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Affordable ferry travel between the Greater Tokyo Area and Hokkaido, turning the journey itself into a memorable part of your trip.
Operated by MOL Sunflower Ltd., the Sunflower ferry offers affordable travel between the Greater Tokyo Area and Hokkaido. The newly built ferry, which entered service on the evening route in 2017, features luxurious suites and relaxing Japanese-style rooms. It provides an easy way to experience a sea voyage, with late-night departures also available.
With an elegant restaurant, an observation bath offering spectacular views, and a spacious interior, the ferry feels almost like a hotel. More than simply time spent in transit, the journey becomes part of the travel experience, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean outside and a variety of events on board.
Take in the Pacific Ocean at a leisurely pace
Photogenic views of the night sky and sunrise
Experience a casual sea voyage from approximately ¥15,000 one way
Tourist berths are separated by curtains, and every berth has a power outlet
The spacious interior feels almost like a hotel
Premium Western-style rooms with private balconies for a more private voyage
The onboard observation bath is available free of charge in the morning and evening
An observation bath with spectacular views
Hair dryers are provided in the changing room
A bright, spacious restaurant
The restaurant serves a wide selection of dishes
An onboard musical event
A diaper-changing and nursing area for babies
Kids’ Land, where young children can play
A variety of onboard events
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are there any safety concerns?
According to MOL Sunflower, which operates the ferry, decisions on whether to sail or cancel services during typhoons and other severe weather are made carefully based on weather information concerning low-pressure systems and typhoons.
For safety reasons, a sailing may be canceled immediately before departure. In the event of a cancellation, passengers will apparently be offered an alternative sailing or a full refund. The website also states that passengers who are pregnant, injured, or ill should notify the company when making a reservation or completing boarding procedures, as severe weather and substantial movement of the vessel may cause unexpected situations. These measures appear to reflect careful consideration for the safety of every passenger.
Q
Are there any concerns about cleanliness or hygiene?
A newly built ferry entered service in 2017, allowing passengers to relax in a clean, gleaming interior.
Q
Is internet access available?
There is no wired LAN internet connection, and smartphones and other devices may have difficulty connecting while at sea. However, pocket Wi-Fi devices from docomo, SoftBank, and au have been installed on board since 2019, providing Wi-Fi access regardless of the passenger’s mobile carrier. Passengers can also use their own smartphones or tablets to access SSQ (SunFlower Smart QUEST), a dedicated onboard entertainment service offering approximately 100 movies and other content. The service is available free of charge. (For phone calls, coin-operated marine telephones are available on board.)
Some reviews are AI-translated.
How do I buy a ticket for the MOL ferry from Tokyo Station to Oarai Ferry Terminal, and then take the ferry to Tomakomai?
I usually get seasick every time I take a boat, so I was a bit nervous getting on this ferry. But to my surprise, it was really stable! This was the first time I didn’t get seasick on a boat.
Even though I'm sensitive to the cold, I still had a blast. The scenery was amazing!
This was my first time on a cruise and I was so excited! It's way more stable than the tourist boats in Taiwan—I didn't feel uncomfortable at all.
This was my first trip and I was so happy! I'll never forget seeing the snow—it really felt like something out of a drama.
