Kanmon Ferry
A quick, scenic, and incredibly affordable ferry ride across the Kanmon Strait, offering stunning views of the Kanmon Bridge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Best views of the strait
Kanmon Ferry
Best Time
Best views of the strait
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quick, scenic, and incredibly affordable ferry ride across the Kanmon Strait, offering stunning views of the Kanmon Bridge.
"It's a 5-minute trip, but you can see Kanmon Bridge from the boat!"
💰 Affordable Fares
One-way tickets are incredibly cheap, around ¥400, making it a budget-friendly way to travel.
🚢 Frequent Departures
Ferries to Karato Market depart every 20 minutes, so you won't have to wait long.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kanmon Bridge Views
From the ferry
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Kanmon Bridge as you glide across the strait.
Mojiko Retro District
Mojiko side
Explore the charming historic port area with its European-style buildings and the Mojiko Retro Observation Room.
Karato Market
Shimonoseki side
A vibrant seafood market offering fresh catches and local delicacies. A must-visit for foodies!
Ganryujima Island
Accessible by ferry from Shimonoseki
Visit the legendary island where the famous duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro took place.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick & Scenic Crossings
Ferry Schedules & Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Affordable Fares
One-way tickets are incredibly cheap, around ¥400, making it a budget-friendly way to travel. 
🚢 Frequent Departures
Ferries to Karato Market depart every 20 minutes, so you won't have to wait long.
🤢 Motion Sickness Alert
The strong currents can cause the ferry to shake. If you're prone to motion sickness, take precautions.
📸 Bridge Photo Ops
The ferry offers fantastic vantage points for capturing photos of the Kanmon Bridge.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Affordable Fares
One-way tickets are incredibly cheap, around ¥400, making it a budget-friendly way to travel.
🚢 Frequent Departures
Ferries to Karato Market depart every 20 minutes, so you won't have to wait long.
🤢 Motion Sickness Alert
The strong currents can cause the ferry to shake. If you're prone to motion sickness, take precautions.
📸 Bridge Photo Ops
The ferry offers fantastic vantage points for capturing photos of the Kanmon Bridge.
🗺️ Clover Ticket
Consider the 'Clover Ticket' for a comprehensive Kanmon Strait experience, including trolley and bus.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers praise the Kanmon Ferry for its incredible affordability and scenic beauty, especially the views of the Kanmon Bridge. It's a quick, convenient, and highly recommended way to travel between Mojiko and Shimonoseki, with frequent departures making spontaneous trips easy. Some users note that the strong currents can cause motion sickness.
"A quick and inexpensive ferry to Shimonoseki and its adjacent island where Miyamoto Mushashi and Sasaki Kojiro fought. There's a nice waiting area for you to sit at while you wait and they make it annoyingly apparent that your ship is bound to leave. There's a bathroom and museum as well."
Khiem Nguyen
"Kind of best way to the fish market"
Steven Yuen
"It's a 2-3 minute walk from JR Moji Station.
The ferry to Karato Market on the Shimonoseki side of the river is about 5 minutes.
Moji to Karato Market (Shimonoseki): 400 yen
Moji to Ganryujima: 900 yen
1000 yen for Moji, Shimonoseki, and Ganryujima.
Payment is by cash at the ticket machine.
The ferry to Karato Market (Shimonoseki) departs three times per hour, once every 20 minutes, so you don't have to worry about the time.
Also, a separate ticket is the "Clover Ticket," which allows you to travel around the Kanmon Strait.
Take the trolley from Kyushu Railway Museum to Moji-Kaikyo Mekuri Station, walk along the pedestrian path under the Kanmon Strait, take the bus to Karato Market, and take the ferry from Karato Market (Shimonoseki) to Moji for 900 yen. It can be purchased on the trolley.
It's a bit of a detour, but it's also an interesting experience with lots to see."
まこりん。
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mojiko ferry terminal is a short 2-3 minute walk from JR Moji Station. It's easily accessible and a convenient starting point for your journey across the Kanmon Strait.
The main route connects Mojiko (Kitakyushu) to Karato Market in Shimonoseki. You can also take a ferry to Ganryujima Island from Shimonoseki.
Yes, it's a quick and scenic option. While trains are an alternative, the ferry offers unique views of the Kanmon Bridge and strait.
Absolutely! The ferry operates in both directions. You can purchase a new ticket at Shimonoseki Station for your return trip.
Yes, you can explore the Kanmon Strait via the trolley from Kyushu Railway Museum to Moji-Kaikyo Mekuri Station, walk under the strait, or take a bus. The 'Clover Ticket' can combine these options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The one-way fare from Moji to Karato Market (Shimonoseki) is approximately 400 yen.
Tickets are purchased using cash at ticket machines located at the ferry terminals.
Generally, no. Ferries run frequently, and you can usually get on the next available one without a reservation, especially for the Mojiko-Shimonoseki route.
The 'Clover Ticket' is a special pass that allows for travel around the Kanmon Strait, often including trolley rides, bus access, and the ferry. It's a good option for exploring the area more extensively.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the base fare is already very affordable. The 'Clover Ticket' offers a bundled value for multiple modes of transport.
🎫 🚢 Onsite Experience
The ferry ride between Mojiko and Shimonoseki is very short, typically around 5 minutes.
You'll get excellent views of the Kanmon Bridge, the fast-moving currents of the Kanmon Strait, and the coastlines of both Kyushu and Honshu islands.
Yes, there are restrooms available on the ferry. Some reviews mention a waiting area with a museum as well.
The strong currents can cause significant shaking and waves, which might affect those prone to motion sickness. It's advisable to take precautions if you are sensitive.
Daytime offers clear views of the strait and bridge. Sunset provides a beautiful golden hour experience, though it might be slightly more crowded.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities on the ferry itself. However, you can enjoy fresh seafood at Karato Market on the Shimonoseki side after your ride.
In Mojiko, explore the Mojiko Retro area for cafes and restaurants. In Shimonoseki, Karato Market is the prime spot for delicious seafood.
Ganryujima Island is primarily a historical site and doesn't have extensive dining options. It's best to eat before or after your visit.
Karato Market is famous for its fresh sushi, sashimi, grilled seafood, and other local delicacies. It's a great place to sample a variety of Japanese seafood.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring snacks or drinks onto the ferry for personal consumption during the short ride.
📸 📸 Photography
The Kanmon Bridge is the star attraction, offering stunning photographic opportunities from various angles. The coastline and the strait's dynamic waters are also great subjects.
Yes, the ferry is a stable platform for photography, though the movement of the boat might require a slightly faster shutter speed.
Daytime provides clear visibility, while sunset offers dramatic lighting and colors. Consider both for different moods.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, so you should be free to take photos and videos.
Mojiko Retro District offers charming architecture, and Karato Market provides vibrant scenes of fresh seafood.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider a trip to Karato Market on the Shimonoseki side, where kids can marvel at the variety of seafood. 💰 Budget Travelers
+1 It offers incredible value, providing stunning views of the Kanmon Bridge and a unique perspective on the strait for a minimal cost. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for daytime for clear shots or sunset for dramatic lighting. +1 The bustling Karato Market also offers vibrant scenes of fresh seafood and local life, perfect for street photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Kanmon Strait
Beyond the ferry, the area around the strait is rich in history and natural beauty. Mojiko, on the Kyushu side, boasts the charming Mojiko Retro District, a preserved port area with European-style architecture that transports visitors back in time. On the Honshu side, Shimonoseki is home to the bustling Karato Market, a paradise for seafood lovers, and the legendary Ganryujima Island, famous as the site of the duel between samurai Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro.
For those looking to explore more comprehensively, the 'Clover Ticket' offers a unique way to experience the Kanmon Strait. This ticket often includes access to the local trolley, allowing you to reach the Kyushu Railway Museum and walk through the pedestrian path beneath the Kanmon Strait. It can also incorporate bus travel and the ferry itself, providing a multi-modal adventure that showcases the diverse attractions of the region.
The Kanmon Ferry Experience
+1 Passengers are treated to panoramic views of the Kanmon Bridge, a majestic structure that dominates the skyline. The ferry's proximity to the water allows you to truly appreciate the power of the Kanmon Strait's currents, which can create a noticeable sway. Travelers often highlight the affordability of the ferry, with one-way tickets costing around 400 yen, making it an accessible activity for all budgets.
+1 The frequent departures, typically every 20 minutes, mean you rarely have to wait long to board, adding to the convenience. +1For those who enjoy a bit of history, a ferry trip to Ganryujima Island is also available from Shimonoseki. This island is steeped in legend, being the site of the legendary duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro.
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