That’s the Ariake Ferry, connecting Nagasu Port in Kumamoto Prefecture and Taira Port in Nagasaki Prefecture! Today, I’ll tell you all about the charm of this 45-minute short trip surrounded by the ocean breeze and the sound of seagulls. I’ll also share what it’s like inside the ship, great discount info, and some secret tips!

From 2.5 Hours on Local Roads to Just 45 Minutes! What is the Ariake Ferry?

▲ Here’s how it looks on Google Maps! You can easily see how taking the land route is a huge detour.

▲ You will definitely pass by another ferry going the opposite way during your ride!

The Ariake Ferry ride takes about 45 minutes. If you were to drive around the Ariake Sea from Nagasu to Shimabara (Taira Port) using local coastal roads, it would take about 2.5 hours!
Taking the ferry cuts that down to just 45 minutes, making it a super strong ally for campers and road trippers who want to save their driving energy.

By the way, you’ll pass by a ferry heading in the opposite direction halfway through the trip!
My kids were waving at it so hard, saying, “Heeey! Will they wave back?” It was so cute! lol

If you’re worried and thinking, “Can I only board with a car?” don’t worry! Foot passengers, bicycles, motorcycles, and even large camper vans are totally welcome!

Relaxing and Comfortable! Let’s Take a Look Inside the Ship

I’ll show you what the inside of the ferry looks like with some photos! It’s very spacious and comfortable.

The ship is fully equipped with a small shop, restrooms, and vending machines, so even if you’re traveling with small children, you can relax and enjoy your time on the water.

【The Main Event】 Get Up Close and Personal! Seagulls & Wildlife of the Ariake Sea

▲ The view from the observation deck is fantastic!

As the ship leaves the port, seagulls gather out of nowhere, crying “Pee-hyororo!” Yes, the biggest thrill of this ferry ride is feeding the seagulls!!

What should you feed the seagulls?

▲ The “Kamome Pan” (Seagull Bread) sold at the onboard shop (130 JPY)! The packaging is adorable.

• The exclusive “Kamome Pan” (130 JPY) sold at the onboard shop.
  Believe it or not, it’s about the size of a Japanese Melon Pan (a large sweet bun)! You can tear it into pieces and feed them plenty, so it’s super satisfying!
• “Kappa Ebisen” (Shrimp crackers) which you can buy at supermarkets or convenience stores (Many people bring this!)

Pinch a piece of bread or a shrimp cracker with your fingers, reach your hand into the sky, and a seagull will glide through the cold sea breeze and snatch it right from your hand with its beak! Even adults will get super excited and shout “Whoa!”

When you go out on the observation deck, be sure to look down at the sea surface too. I’ve used the Ariake Ferry dozens of times since I was a little kid, and the Ariake Sea is truly full of surprises!

• Tidal Fronts: You can see a mysterious sight where slightly murky seawater and clear blue seawater collide!
• Giant Jellyfish: Rarely, you might spot some pretty large jellyfish bobbing around.
• Finless Porpoises: A small type of dolphin/whale. If they pop their heads out of the water, you’re super lucky!
• Hammerhead Sharks: Sharks with T-shaped heads. When I was a kid, we’d scream “Hammerhead Shark!” in excitement. Even though I’ve ridden the ferry dozens of times, I’ve only seen them twice in my life—they are super rare characters!!

Onikky’s Epic Fail & Tips to Avoid Seasickness

Some of you might be thinking, “The ferry sounds fun, but I’m worried about getting seasick.” The Ariake Sea is an inland sea, so the waves are generally calm. But let me teach you the “trick to not getting seasick” that I realized after riding it dozens of times!

The secret is: You are less likely to get seasick if you stay outside on the deck rather than inside the cabin!!
You feel the engine vibration and the swaying of the ship much more inside the cabin. I found that I didn’t get seasick at all when I was outside, feeling the sea breeze and looking out at the distant scenery.

If you’re still anxious, I highly recommend taking some motion sickness medicine before boarding!

▼ Click below to check out our recommended motion sickness medicine! ▼

No Drones Allowed, but…

Seeing the beautiful scenery of the Ariake Sea and the seagulls flying around might make some campers think, “I want to shoot drone footage!” However, flying drones on or around the ferry is strictly prohibited.

But don’t worry! Even without a drone, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the trip, like using binoculars to search for the “tidal fronts” or aiming your camera for the perfect shot of the seagulls!

▼ Click to see a list of recommended items! ▼

A Memento of Your Trip! Collect the Trending “Gosen-in” (Ship Stamp)

Have you heard of “Gosen-in”? It’s the ship version of the “Goshuin” (shrine and temple stamps) you can collect in Japan!
The Ariake Ferry participates in the “Gosen-in Meguri Project” (Ship Stamp Tour Project), and you can buy them at the terminal shops at both ports and the shops on each ship. It’s the perfect new collectible for campers to commemorate their trip!

What About Fares? Check Out Great Discount Info Too!

Here is a summary of the regular fares for the Ariake Ferry, as well as great discount information that campers and groups will love!

Standard Regular Fares

Passengers (Foot)	Adults: 500 JPY / Children: 250 JPY *1 infant travels free per adult (excluding groups).
Motorcycles & Bicycles	Adult Bicycle: 1,000 JPY / Mopeds (under 50cc): 1,100 JPY / 126cc and above: 1,500 JPY
Vehicles (Includes 1 Driver)	Under 3m: 1,800 JPY / Under 4m: 2,500 JPY / Under 5m: 2,900 JPY Under 6m: 3,300 JPY / Under 7m: 4,000 JPY / Under 8m: 5,000 JPY *An additional fee applies for each extra meter.

👉 For Repeaters & Groups! See other discount info (Tap here!)

■ Vehicle 4-Ticket Pack (For personal use only)
e.g., Under 4m: Regularly 10,000 JPY → 9,000 JPY / Under 5m: Regularly 11,600 JPY → 10,400 JPY

■ 12-Ticket Vehicle Coupon Book
Get 12 rides for the price of 10! (For personal use only. Valid for 3 months)

■ Group & Club Activity Discounts
– Groups of 15 or more: 10% off (School trips: 30% off)
– Groups of 15 or more motorcycles: 10% off (with a single lump-sum payment)
– Club Activity Discount (Advance phone reservation required): Approx. 20% off vehicle boarding for tournaments or expeditions.

■ Discounts for Persons with Disabilities
Discounts available by presenting a disability certificate (No discount for vehicles). An exemption application is required when using the terminal facilities.

Must-See for Students and Foot Campers! Convenient Tickets & Access

① High School Student Exclusive TAG Ticket

A super-value ticket set that includes a Ferry Passenger Ticket + Taxi Ticket (Nagasu Port ↔ Greenland) + Greenland Amusement Park Admission Ticket (with Unlimited Rides Pass)!
(For 2 people: 15,600 JPY / For 3 people: 21,350 JPY / For 4 people: 27,100 JPY)
*Buy this at the shop inside the ship, not at the ticket machine before boarding!

② Unzen-Ariake Slow Line Ticket A

Recommended for those who want to take a relaxing trip using public transportation.

③ Nagasu Port ↔ JR Nagasu Station: Reservation-Based Shared Taxi

Great news for foot campers! There is a reservation-based shared taxi running between Nagasu Port and JR Nagasu Station in the early morning and evening. (To reserve, call “Nagasu Taxi” at 0968-78-0011)

Let’s Take the Ferry for Your Next Camping Trip!

Instead of just driving straight to your destination, it’s a 45-minute ride where you can interact with seagulls and feel the ocean breeze. If you take the Ariake Ferry, your “travel time” turns into an “extraordinary outdoor experience”!