Osaka Ferry Service

Japan is naturally home to an extensive network of domestic ferry routes. It consists of several thousand islands. Japan's four major islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, are connected with each other by bridges and tunnels. But the small islands can only be reached by ship. Ferries can also be an interesting between the major four islands, if not particularly fast alternative to trains, buses and airplanes. Osaka Ferry Service is one of the major modes of transport in the area.

Most domestic ferries transport people, vehicles and cargo. The shorter routes are served by small ships, able to carry a couple of cars and a few dozens of passengers, large liners are employed on longer routes. Larger ferries can carry hundreds of vehicles and passengers and are usually equipped with a range of amenities such as public baths and restaurants. Some come close to being luxury liners.

Boarding a ferry

There are some points you need to keep in mind while getting on a ferry . These include:

• Passengers can choose from three classes, 2nd class, 1st class and special class.
• The 2nd class ferries offer rides at reasonable prices. The ships offer common space with a carpet or tatami mats to rest and relax. These ferries do not offer beds. The 2nd class ferries which offer beds are more costly. Theses ferries are well equipped with dormitories consisting of four-twelve beds.
• The first class ferries are twice the price of 2nd class ferries with beds. The well-furnished rooms offer two to four beds.
• The special class ships are thrice the cost of 2nd class ferries without beds. The rooms are well equipped with 2 beds.
• Ferries also carry bicycles.
• Ferry tickets can be bought from the ferry companies on phone, online at the ferry terminal or from travel agencies.

Ferry tickets can be reserved and purchased through the ferry companies directly (by phone, online or at the ferry terminal) or through travel agencies. Ferry schedules are subject to seasonal changes and may also vary according to the weather. It is best to confirm schedule details with the relevant ferry company or at local tourist information centers within Japan.

Osaka to Shanghai Ferry

Shanghai and the Japanese city of Osaka are connected by regular international ferries. The Shanghai Ferry Company operates a weekly service between Osaka and the Chinese port city of Shanghai. The ferry service is provided by The Shanghai Ferry Company. The Japan-China International Ferry Company also connects Osaka and Kobe with Shanghai The ship departs on a weekly basis, alternating each week between Osaka and Kobe.