Shichirui Port Oki Ferry
The main ferry terminal connecting mainland Japan to the scenic Oki Islands, offering regular and high-speed boat services.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Secure parking & best seats
Shichirui Port Oki Ferry
Best Time
Secure parking & best seats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The main ferry terminal connecting mainland Japan to the scenic Oki Islands, offering regular and high-speed boat services.
"Arrive early to secure parking and a good seat, or consider upgrading for a more comfortable journey."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially during holidays. Arrive 2+ hours before departure to guarantee a spot.
💺 Upgrade for Comfort
Regular second-class is crowded. Special second-class or higher offers more space to relax.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oki Ferry Terminal
Shichirui, Mihonoseki-cho, Matsue City
Gateway to the Oki Islands, offering regular and high-speed boat services.
Oki Ferry (Regular Boat)
Connecting Shichirui Port to Okinoshima
A larger vessel offering different seating classes for your island journey.
High-Speed Boat
Connecting Shichirui Port to Okinoshima
A quicker option for reaching the Oki Islands, reservations recommended.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking & Seats
Consider Seat Upgrades
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially during holidays. Arrive 2+ hours before departure to guarantee a spot.
💺 Upgrade for Comfort
Regular second-class is crowded. Special second-class or higher offers more space to relax.
🏷️ Mark Your Luggage
Suitcases are stored together at the entrance; marking them helps with easy identification.
⏳ Check Ferry Schedules
Routes can change seasonally. Plan your trip in advance as plans may need adjustments.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially during holidays. Arrive 2+ hours before departure to guarantee a spot.
💺 Upgrade for Comfort
Regular second-class is crowded. Special second-class or higher offers more space to relax.
🏷️ Mark Your Luggage
Suitcases are stored together at the entrance; marking them helps with easy identification.
⏳ Check Ferry Schedules
Routes can change seasonally. Plan your trip in advance as plans may need adjustments.
💊 Motion Sickness Prep
The boat shop sells motion sickness medicine, but it's wise to bring your own.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Shichirui Port Oki Ferry to be a functional, albeit basic, gateway to the Oki Islands. While parking and seating can be challenging during peak times, the availability of different ferry types and seating classes offers options for various budgets and comfort levels. Planning ahead is key to a smooth experience.
"I used this ferry to head to Saigo Port on Ushiroshima Island, Oki Island. Apparently, if you're carrying a motorcycle as luggage, you need to call in advance. Once there, I filled out the motorcycle paperwork. The 9:00 a.m. ferry started accepting passengers at 8:00 a.m. Apparently, I needed my vehicle registration certificate at the reception, but they didn't ask me for it (perhaps because I'd called in advance). After checking in, I was told to go to the waiting area for vehicles as they would be boarding the ferry immediately, and then I boarded. I was in my cabin by 8:15 a.m. After this, I took two more ferry trips: Saigo → Beppu (Nishinoshima) → Sakai (mainland), but I couldn't complete all the paperwork here at once."
清水惇史
"I used this when heading to the Oki Islands by ferry.
I wanted to get a student discount on my ticket, so I inquired in advance and they were very helpful.
Tickets are sold one-way only, and there are various seating classes, but the cheapest is class 2, which offers a spacious seating area where you can lie back and relax on a pillow. The student discount is only available for class 2, but I highly recommend it, as you can get a one-way ticket for just 2,810 yen, instead of the usual 3,510 yen! ✨You don't need a student discount card; just your student ID is fine. Cards and cash are accepted.
Tickets can be purchased early, but the gate opens 30 minutes before departure, allowing you to board."
nacocy
"This is the ferry terminal for the Okinoshima islands.
You will need to use this ferry terminal when boarding ferries such as the Oki and Kuniga, which connect Dozen and Dogo with the mainland.
I don't know about weekdays or regular weekends or holidays, but I used it on the first day of the Obon holiday and arrived at the ferry terminal just after 7am, but the surrounding parking lots were almost full.
I was lucky enough to find a space available so I was able to park, but if you want to park near the ferry terminal, I recommend coming early.
During the summer holiday season, a temporary parking lot is set up a little further away."
柴山浩
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Shichirui Port by car, with free parking available. Buses also run from Matsue Station and Sakaiminato Station.
Yes, there are free parking lots. During busy periods like Obon holidays and summer, temporary parking lots are also set up further away.
The roads near Nanarui Port can be narrow and challenging for passing, especially for larger vehicles.
Yes, you can take camper vans on the Oki ferry. Cars are typically backed onto the ferry.
Shichirui Port is pronounced 'Shichiruikou'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's recommended to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure, especially if you need to purchase tickets on the day, as lines can form early.
You can purchase tickets on the day if they are available, but reservations are recommended for high-speed boats and special seating on regular boats.
The Oki Ferry offers regular second-class (general) seating, which is cheaper but can be very crowded. Special second-class and higher seating options provide more comfort and assigned seats.
Yes, you can make reservations for the high-speed boat and for special second-class or higher seating on the regular boat.
If you board late, it can be difficult to find a place to sit in the regular second-class cabins, as they fill up quickly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The terminal has restrooms and drink vending machines. There is no place to eat within the terminal itself.
The waiting room can be dim and warm due to energy-saving measures, with lighting and air conditioning not fully on until closer to departure.
The ferry trip to Saigo Port in Okinoshima takes approximately two and a half hours. The return trip can vary, with some routes taking around four hours.
There is a small shop on the boat that sells snacks like bread, sweets, and souvenirs, but no lunch boxes are available.
The boat shop sells motion sickness medicine, but it's advisable to bring your own if you are prone to seasickness.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the ferry itself has a small shop with snacks, it's wise to pack your own kid-friendly food and drinks, as lunch boxes are not available. The waiting room at the terminal can be basic, so bringing entertainment for children while waiting is a good idea. The journey itself offers views of the sea, which can be engaging for kids, but be prepared for potential motion sickness by packing necessary remedies.
🚗 Road Trippers & Camper Van Travelers
Securing a parking spot is paramount, so aim to arrive well in advance, especially during peak seasons. The ferry journey itself can be lengthy, so consider the special seating options if you need to rest comfortably or have specific needs for your vehicle's occupants during the voyage. Planning your ferry route in advance is also crucial, as schedules and routes can change seasonally.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Oki Islands Ferry Experience
When it comes to boarding, the experience in regular second-class can be quite intense. Many visitors note that these cabins become packed, making it difficult to find a comfortable place to sit or lie down for the duration of the journey. For those who value comfort and a more relaxed travel experience, upgrading to special second-class or higher is highly recommended. These upgraded seats offer assigned seating and more personal space, making the 2-3 hour journey significantly more pleasant.
Remember to mark your luggage, as suitcases are often stored together at the entrance of the ferry. This simple step can save you time and hassle when disembarking. While the ferry terminal itself has basic amenities like restrooms and vending machines, there are no dining facilities, so plan accordingly for meals.
Choosing Your Ferry Seat: Comfort vs. Cost
For a more comfortable journey, consider the special second-class or higher. These options provide assigned seating, ensuring you have a dedicated spot for the entire trip. This is particularly beneficial for longer ferry rides or for travelers who may have physical limitations, such as back pain, making prolonged sitting in a cramped space difficult. While these seats are more expensive, the added comfort and peace of mind are often considered well worth the investment, especially when factoring in the travel time.
Reservations are strongly advised for high-speed boats and for these premium seating options on the regular ferry. While tickets may be available on the day, securing your spot in advance guarantees your preferred seating and avoids potential disappointment, particularly during peak travel periods.
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