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MOL Sunflower (Kansai–Beppu Route)

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MOL Sunflower (Kansai–Beppu Route)

A popular route connecting Osaka and Beppu, combining “transportation and accommodation” in one hotel-like experience.

4.07 2

Last update :
Head Editor : MOL Sunflower Ltd.

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.

Highlights

  • Well-equipped with facilities such as a restaurant, observation spaces, and a panoramic public bath—offering a hotel-like stay.
  • A wide range of cabin types, from suites and deluxe rooms to capsule-style accommodations.
  • A range of onboard entertainment including nightly events and projection mapping.
  • Onboard shop offers exclusive Sunflower items and regional goods like Oita Made products.
  • Cars, motorcycles, and bicycles can be loaded onto the ferry, offering greater travel flexibility.

Photos

  • A passenger ferry connecting Osaka and Beppu in about 12 hours

    A passenger ferry connecting Osaka and Beppu in about 12 hours

  • An atrium that feels like a hotel entrance

    An atrium that feels like a hotel entrance

  • A variety of cabins are available, including suites with balconies and bathtubs.

    A variety of cabins are available, including suites with balconies and bathtubs.

  • Projection mapping introduces the highlights of the route.

    Projection mapping introduces the highlights of the route.

  • At the restaurant, enjoy a buffet featuring Sunflower’s famous curry.

    At the restaurant, enjoy a buffet featuring Sunflower’s famous curry.

  • A panoramic public bath where you can fully stretch out and relax, even while at sea.

    A panoramic public bath where you can fully stretch out and relax, even while at sea.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Are brochures or signs available in foreign languages? (If yes, which languages?)
A

Yes. Brochures are available in English and Traditional Chinese. Please ask the staff if needed.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available?
A

Yes, but signal strength can be weak while at sea.

Q

When do I need to reserve my ticket by?
A

Online reservations are available until 2:00 p.m. on the day of departure. After that, please contact the reservation center.

Q

Are there smoking areas onboard?
A

Yes, designated smoking areas are available.

Q

Can guests with tattoos use the panoramic public bath?
A

Guests with tattoos are not allowed to use the panoramic public bath. Showers are available instead.

Reviews

2
  • YIyi

    像在搭小型郵輪一樣，船上設施舒服又乾淨，可以邊看海邊放空，隔天一早就到別府，超chill的移動方式！

  • Chun Liu

    清晨入港看到別府噴煙，整個超有到九州感。

Details

Name in Japanese
商船三井さんふらわあ（関西〜志布志航路）
Schedule
Osaka to Beppu:
・Sunday to Thursday: Departs at 19:05 / Arrives at 6:55 the next morning
・Friday and Saturday: Departs at 20:05 / Arrives at 7:55 the next morning
Beppu to Osaka:
・Sunday to Thursday: Departs at 18:45 / Arrives at 6:35 the next morning
・Friday and Saturday: Departs at 19:20 / Arrives at 7:25 the next morning
Please check in at least 60 minutes before departure (90 minutes during peak periods).
Fares
Fare Table
Access
・Osaka Nanko (Sunflower Terminal): About a 5-minute walk from “Trade Center-mae” Station on the New Tram / About 20 minutes from “Nanko-kita” or “Nanko-minami” exits on the Hanshin Expressway Bayshore Route
・Beppu Port: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Beppu Station. Get off at “Sunflower Terminal Beppu Mae” / About 15 minutes by car from Beppu IC on the Oita Expressway
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)

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