This detailed travel vlog documents the final days of Japan’s oldest operational overnight ferry, the Matsuyama-Kokura line, before its route closure in June 2025. Viewers are invited aboard the ferry ‘Kurushima,’ a ship with over 50 years of service, for its last cruise covering 184 kilometers between Ehime’s Matsuyama Sightseeing Port and Fukuoka’s Kokura Port. The journey takes about seven hours and is recognized for its nostalgic, retro interior that requires all onboard movement via stairs, as there are no elevators—a unique aspect of this aging vessel.

The video explores the blend of cabin choices, including the women-only second-class capsule-style room, highlighting a quiet and comfortable overnight experience. The host takes viewers through a tour of the ship’s six different room types and showcases some rare features like the bathhouse, which has been in operation for over 36 years. The bath provides an opportunity to relax in privacy, complete with amenities such as shampoo and hairdryers.

Onboard, the ferry’s shop offers local souvenirs, cup noodles, and notable items such as goods related to the Shikoku Pilgrimage and the famous Ichiroku Tart from Ehime. One of the visual highlights is the moment when the vessel passes under the iconic Kanmon Bridge—a scene unique to this ferry route and not available on any other domestic line. The journey ends at Kokura Port in Fukuoka around 22 minutes into the video.

The shutdown of this ferry marks the end of an era, driven by declining passenger numbers following the pandemic, rising fuel costs, and the ship’s age. For those interested in retro transport experiences and ferry travel within Japan, this is an insightful look at a historic form of domestic transportation. Along the way, the video also serves as a quiet guide for solo or female travelers seeking distinctive and tranquil ways to journey between Shikoku and Kyūshū.