The Amazing Overnight Sunflower Ferry - Beppu - Osaka - All you Need to Know
- Lani
- Jul 10, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Looking for an exciting alternative to travel from Kyushu to Osaka or vice versa? Look no further than the amazing Sunflower overnight ferry! Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
The Sunflower Ferry I will discuss departs overnight from Beppu to Osaka or Osaka to Beppu. This overnight journey lasting 12 hours offers a convenient transportation option between the two points. In this article, I will outline the ferry's features, share our personal experience, and provide helpful tips and information for booking.
Details about the Sunflower Ferry Ship
To begin, let's delve into some information about this vessel. This ship, known as the Sunflower Kurenai or Sunflower Murasaki, is relatively new and has a capacity of 716 passengers, making it quite spacious. As it is an overnight journey, boarding will take place in the afternoon around 6 PM and you will reach your destination at approximately 6 AM the next morning.
Consequently, this cruise offers a variety of accommodation options for overnight stays. The cabins include suites, deluxe and superior rooms, private bedrooms, as well as shared rooms with a capsule-like atmosphere. Certain cabin categories provide the choice between Western or Japanese design. Make sure to check out all the cabin details on their website before booking so that you are better informed about their room types. Prices are subject to variation based on the room type selected and whether it is peak or off season.
Booking
Reservations can be scheduled up to three months in advance of the departure date through their website booking system or by email. Reservations can be made for either a one way journey or a round trip. Passengers have the option to board on foot, or with a motorbike or car. Pets are permitted if they are kept in a cage or crate. Cancellations are accepted up to 7 days before departure for a fee of ¥200. If canceled after that, a percentage of the fare will be charged based on the cancellation date.
While booking online, we encountered an issue where our names had to be written in hiragana instead of katakana. I simply searched for our names in hiragana on a google search and copied and pasted it.
Finally, you need to book or reserve first, and then you will receive a separate email to complete the payment. If payment is not made within three days of the initial online reservation, it will be canceled. So make sure you follow this two-step process.
To get a more thorough and visual understanding of booking and this ship, we recommend watching our video.
Pricing for Overnight Stay
For the two of us, we spent ¥29,220 to get on board and enjoy a semi-private room. When you take into account that a one-way trip on the shinkansen lasts about 3.5 hours and costs around ¥18,000 yen per person, and that you also get one night of accommodation, this offer seems great! If you already have the JR Pass, it will be more cost-effective to opt for the bullet train. The choice ultimately depends on your budget, available time, and personal preference.
Boarding
To board the ship, you need to go to the designated terminal for check-in. The ferry terminal in Beppu is known as Beppu Kanko-ko, while in Osaka it is either Sunflower Terminal or Terminal 1 in ATC ITM Building.
In our situation, we checked in at the Beppu Kanko-ko terminal. The check-in process was efficient and quick. Having made our reservation online two months in advance, we simply presented our booking number and ID. Then, we received a paper with a QR code for room access, and stood in a line to board. Simple!
Restrooms, charging stations, bike rentals, vending machines, lockers, a pet and smoking area, and a display area were among the features found in the waiting lobby. Boarding process starts an hour before departure.
Just so you know:
Beppu is renowned as one of Japan's top hot spring destinations. Because the ferry wasn't departing until 6:45 pm or 18:45, we opted to get to Beppu early and indulge in a visit to one of their onsens, Hyotan Onsen. It was truly incredible and definitely recommended! Check out this article for more details.
Inside the Sunflower Ferry
Get ready for an exciting experience on board! Once you step out of the elevator, you'll find yourself on the ship's main floor, the vibrant heart of the vessel situated on the 6th floor. This area doubles as a lobby and offers many amenities.
The Sunflower Ferry's Main Floor:
Shop: Souvenirs, gifts, snacks, toiletries, and medicine
Delicious Buffet Restaurant: Dinner and early breakfast are available with free refills of soda, coffee, and tea
Seating Area: Cozy large area with interactive information screens
Additional Onboard Amenities on the Ferry:
Spa: Enjoy the panoramic public bath until 11 pm and from 5:15 am until arrival
Spa Essentials: Small towel, body shampoo, conditioner, and shampoo provided
Various vending machines are available offering instant ramen, snacks, drinks, ice creams, and even beer. Additionally, refrigerated lockers are provided for storing perishable items that you wish to keep fresh.
Restrooms are located on each floor. They had many vanity areas, even changing rooms.
After settling into their rooms, most guests headed to the buffet to eat since it is only available for three hours. Many wanted a table by the window to watch the boat leave. Alternatively, you could choose to go outside and wave goodbye to the staff. The buffet offered a wide variety of delicious options. I suggest having dinner there; we missed breakfast, it was just too early for us.
The spa was situated on the 7th floor. Our room offered a small towel along with amenities like slippers, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. The hot bath had a sea view, but since it was pitch black outside and the windows were fogged up, the view was not clear. Perhaps the early morning would provide a better view. Additionally, there were massage chairs on this floor, which I highly recommend trying after visiting the spa.
Our room was situated on the 6th floor and was a semi-private room within a larger area containing four similar rooms. Access to this larger room was restricted to those with a QR code, and once inside, guests could locate their specific room. The individual rooms could only be locked from the inside, meaning they would remain open when unoccupied.
To address this, lockers were provided throughout the ship for guests to store their belongings. Due to limited space in the room, large luggage could be stored in the hallways using locker straps, offering a convenient solution while still ensuring easy access throughout the ship.
If you are looking for suggestions on where to stay before sailing, be sure to read this blog post.
Conclusion
Beppu and the ferry were absolutely amazing and a highlight of our trip! What an incredible way to journey to Osaka! It wasn't just a means of transportation from point A to point B - it was a unique hotel experience and an adventure we'll never forget. Totally worth it!
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