By 鈴木優香
This video documents an extensive 40-hour ferry journey from Nagoya to Tomakomai in Hokkaido, covering Japan’s longest domestic ferry route. The host boards the Taiheiyo Ferry ‘Kiso’, opting for a first-class Japanese-style room, and details the entire travel experience, from boarding to arrival. The journey traverses the length of Japan from central Honshu to the northern region, presenting a comprehensive take on long ferry travel in the country.
Throughout the voyage, viewers are treated to insights into the onboard facilities, amenities, and the realities of living at sea for nearly two days, including the food, accommodations, and entertainment options. The host candidly speaks about both the pleasures and difficulties of the extended trip, emphasizing just how demanding such a long ferry ride can be, particularly compared to other forms of domestic travel.
Special attention is given to the first-class (1等室) Japanese-style room, adding a layer of comfort and privacy that is contrasted with the duration and isolation of the journey. The video also covers pricing – the fare for a one-way ticket was 43,400 yen – and provides useful information for prospective travelers, including a link to the Taiheiyo Ferry’s official website. As one of the longest ferry rides available in Japan, this trip offers a rarely-seen perspective on inter-island transportation and the physical geography linking Honshu and Hokkaido.
Nagoya, the departure city, is a major transportation and industrial hub in Aichi Prefecture, while Tomakomai in Hokkaido is a key port city for freight and passengers heading to and from Japan’s northernmost island. For travelers considering alternative ways to traverse the country, this video serves as a practical guide to one of Japan’s epic, lesser-known travel experiences.