Tokyo to Hokkaido by Ferry 18 Hour Sunflower Ferry Trip with Onsen & Buffet

Tokyo to Hokkaido by Ferry 18 Hour Sunflower Ferry Trip with Onsen & Buffet

Tokyo to Hokkaido
Journey time: 18 hours
Departure 19:45 – Arrival 13:30 Hello from Tokyo! I’m now taking a train to Oarai Port. The train ride from Tokyo to Oarai Port takes about 2 hours, or longer depending on the train. I chose the cheapest option. The total train fare is around 2,610 yen (about 572 baht). It takes almost an hour longer than the express train. I’m taking the green Joban Line from Kitasenju Station. I’ll change trains at Tsuchiura Station. If you prefer speed, you can take JR from Ueno Station (around 4,400 yen or 960 baht). Leaving the city, the scenery turns into countryside views. Getting off at Mito Station to transfer to another train. Transfer at platform 8. The next train only accepts cash payment (paid at the destination). If you’re using a Suica card, don’t forget to tap your card here to deduct the fare. It’s right here on the left. Otherwise, your card won’t work later. A brightly colored train. Enjoying the rice field scenery. Just 14 minutes later, we’re here. Oarai Station is about 1.4 km from the port. You can take bus number 24 to the port. But I arrived at 15:20, and the next bus is at 16:59. So I’ll just walk. It’s only 1.4 km – easy enough. If you don’t want to walk, you can take a taxi. The weather’s nice and cool. After walking a bit, you’ll see Oarai Marine Tower. Turn left to cross the street, walk straight for a while… Then turn right to cross again. Keep going straight and you’ll see the building for check-in and boarding. Here we are. Let’s go check in. The left side is for passengers with vehicles, pets, or those needing special assistance. Self check-in kiosks are for regular passengers. Check-in complete. You’ll receive boarding information. Boarding time is 18:00. The ticket shows your room and bed number. Heading up to the 2nd floor to wait for boarding. There’s a lobby to sit and enjoy the view. There are vending machines for drinks and snacks. It’s almost boarding time – let’s wait nearby. It’s time to board! Let’s go. Tickets checked. We’ve arrived onboard. Shared cabin, hostel-style sleeping area. I’m on the upper bunk. Quite spacious. Comes with a pillow, blanket, and slippers. There’s also a TV. The fare is 15,000 yen (about 3,280 baht). They also have private and suite rooms – you can book on sunflower.co.jp. Let’s check out the bathroom. It’s clean and spacious. Coin lockers are available. There are also refrigerated lockers in case you bring your own food or drinks. Vehicles waiting to board the ferry. Let’s go explore a bit. Plenty of seating upstairs. There are cabins on the upper deck too. The dining room. They serve beer as well. I’m getting meal coupons for both dinner and breakfast. Buying them together is cheaper. About 700 baht for both meals – pretty good value. They only accept cash, so don’t forget to bring some. Got my tickets and change. The same coupon is used for both dinner and breakfast. Let’s go for a walk outside. The outdoor deck has two levels. The sun’s about to set. There’s a smoking room. Coin-operated massage chairs. Plenty of vending machines. There’s an onsen with separate baths for men and women. You can use it right after boarding. It closes at 11 p.m. and reopens at 6:30 a.m. the next day. You can rent or buy towels for the onsen at this counter. The dining room is now open for dinner. Let’s quickly grab a seat with a view. I’ll reserve my seat first, then go get food. Plenty of seating available. I’ll sit here. It’s summer, so the sun sets late. Let’s check out the food. Drinks: soft drinks, tea, coffee. Sorry for filming so fast – people are coming in now, haha. Fruits and various desserts. There’s cake too. And ice cream. Soba noodles. They also have fried chicken and takoyaki. Potato salad. Salad bar. Some kind of sashimi with sliced onions. Miso soup. Two kinds of rice. There’s pork, chicken, and various fish dishes. They even have spaghetti. I’ll try a bit of everything. Eating while enjoying the sea view. Let’s dig in. Delicious. A drink to go with it. If I remember right, it’s 600 yen per glass. Still a bit hungry – I’ll try the spaghetti. Sashimi. The clam spaghetti tastes great. Finishing off with dessert. Heading back to organize my things before going for a walk to digest. Testing out the bed. Plenty of legroom – even someone 190 cm tall could sleep comfortably. You can get headphones from the lobby counter. There’s a curtain for privacy. Stepping out for some sea breeze at night. Enjoying the breeze and moonlight. Stopping by the shop. They have souvenirs. Snacks too, in case you get hungry late at night. Plenty of ice cream options. Various drinks. For those who like alcohol, there’s a selection. Let’s check out the game room. Gotta give it a try. I’ll win a toy for my dog. 100 yen. –__– ’ One more try. Alright, that’s enough – I’ll save the money to buy dog treats at Donki instead. There’s a pet area for dogs to walk around. Two spots in total. Time for the onsen. No filming allowed inside. Inside, there are two baths by the windows. If you soak during the day while looking out at the sea – it’s pure bliss. Feeling relaxed – I’ll sleep well tonight. Someone’s sleeping in the lower bunk, so I’ll be quiet. I want to see the sunrise, but it’s at 4 a.m. 😴 That’s too early. I’ll set my vibrating alarm for 5 a.m. instead. Going to sleep now. Good night. Suddenly woke up at exactly 4 a.m. Well, guess I’m up now. Is it really 4 a.m.? It’s already so bright. The morning light. The sun is rising. Many passengers are up to watch the sunrise. Cool and refreshing breeze. The ferry is sailing close to the coast. Walking around, breathing in the fresh air. Time to get some coffee. Let’s give it a try. After relaxing and enjoying the view, it’s time for breakfast. Eating plenty of fish – good for the brain. 😅 A few fries. They have bread. Okra and seaweed. Pasta salad. Mentaiko (spicy cod roe). Tamagoyaki (sweet omelet) and natto. Yogurt and fruit. Gotta eat a lot – still growing. 😅 There’s curry too. Enjoying breakfast while watching the view. I always finish everything. At lunchtime, you can order from this menu. But I’m still really full right now, haha. We’re almost in Hokkaido. The ferry is nearing the shore. We’ve arrived at the port. It was a great experience. If you’re looking for travel ideas in Japan, try taking the ferry. The shared cabin was comfortable – everyone was mindful and quiet. There’s a bus to the city that stops at Sapporo Station. Thanks for watching! Please like, share, comment, and subscribe. See you on the next trip!

Sail from Tokyo to Hokkaido in style aboard the Sunflower Ferry—one of Japan’s most scenic and relaxing travel options. This 18-hour overnight ferry journey offers so much more than just transportation:
🍽 Buffet Dining – Enjoy a delicious dinner buffet and breakfast buffet featuring Japanese and international dishes.
🛁 Onsen with Sea View – Relax in a hot spring bath while gazing out at the endless ocean.
🛌 Comfortable Cabins – Sleep peacefully in cozy rooms while the ferry glides through the night.

Whether you’re planning a Japan trip, seeking unique travel experiences, or looking for an alternative to flying, this ferry ride between Tokyo and Hokkaido is an unforgettable way to see Japan from the sea.

📍 Route: Tokyo (Oarai Port) → Hokkaido (Tomakomai Port)
⏱ Duration: 18 Hours
🛳 Company: Sunflower Ferry (フェリーさんふらわあ)

✨ Why take the ferry?

Avoid airport hassle and security lines
Enjoy slow travel with scenic ocean views
Experience traditional Japanese onsen onboard
📹 Watch until the end for a full tour of the ferry, dining experiences, and the onsen view!

📍 Content :
00:00 – Introduction
00:47 – How to get to Oarai Port
05:31 – Oarai Port and check in
09:09 – Boarding time / Cabin tour
14:01 – Dinner/Breakfast ticket
18:52 – Dinner Buffet
23:54 – Bed review and walking around
26:48 – Game Corner
29:11 – Onsen and bed time
30:38 – Sunrise at 4 AM
34:42 – Breakfast Buffet
37:47 – Sea View, Arriving Hokkaido