MOL Sunflower (Kansai–Beppu Route)

The new Sunflower ferries Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, which began service in 2023, connect Osaka and Beppu with overnight journeys departing in the evening and arriving the following morning. The trip itself becomes a highlight of your journey, offering a luxurious and relaxing experience.

Onboard amenities include a restaurant, observation spaces, and a panoramic public bath, providing the comfort of staying in a high-end hotel. A variety of cabins are available—including suites, deluxe Western-style rooms, and women-only rooms—accommodating everything from solo travelers to group trips. The onboard buffet-style restaurant serves delicacies from the Seto Inland Sea as well as regional gourmet dishes from across Japan. Guests can also enjoy evening entertainment such as live events and projection mapping, which are held every night.

One of the biggest advantages is the ability to bring cars, motorcycles, or bicycles onboard, allowing travelers to begin exploring freely as soon as they arrive. You can enjoy an extraordinary journey with breathtaking night views and sunrises from the observation deck, or shop for exclusive Sunflower items and Oita-made products at the onboard store.

Boarding procedures must be completed at least 60 minutes before departure (90 minutes during peak seasons). Private cabins are especially popular, so it is recommended to book early. Multilingual signage is available in English, making the ferry user-friendly for international travelers as well.