The 4 Best Japan Ferry Trips

1.Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Trip with Itsukushima Shrine & Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 378 reviews · from $45Our pick

Travel from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima by bus and ferry, visit Itsukushima Shrine, meet free-roaming deer, and explore Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The $45 tour includes transport, ferry fare, and shrine admission, with English and Spanish guidance. Guides such as Alan and Allen have led the route, though bilingual commentary and limited museum time may not suit everyone.

“The trip provided exactly what my friend and I wanted to experience! It saved logistic stress and we learned a lot of new things with our guide. And of course thank you to our bus driver taking us around the city :)”

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2.From Naha: Snorkeling Tour to Kerama by Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 151 reviews · 7 hours · from $75

Travel from Naha to Tokashiki Island, ride the Sea Friend shuttle to Aharen Beach, then take a boat to a clear-water snorkeling site. An instructor stays with you in the water, making this suitable for first-timers and cautious swimmers. You also get beach time, lunch from April to October, equipment, showers, and round-trip ferry travel.

“Really nice snorkling spot they showed us! Went out with a boat for about 10 minutes to the spot. All equipment was good quality. However I think it could be even better if they prioritized the activity a bit more. Was a lot of waiting before we went to the boat. Was also too much free time after the snorkling. Instead I would have started the day by taking the ferry from Okinawa at 9, then go straight to the boat where all equipment could have been located. I also think lunch could have been served on the boat to maximise the time on the boat. However the guides were…”

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3.Hiroshima to Miyajima: Private Custom Tour with Ferry Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 77 reviews · 6 hours · from $293

Travel from Hiroshima to Miyajima by ferry with a private local host such as Yuka, Ken, Kaori, or Aya. Your six-hour outing can focus on shrine history, food, photography, temples, backstreets, or Mount Misen. The host plans around your pace, though meals, attraction admission, and some local transport cost extra.

“Tom was an excellent guide while visiting Hiroshima and Miyajima island. Not only he has knowledgeable and interesting, he was also fun and respectful. We had a great tour with the best guide!”

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4.Fukuoka: Cat Island, Ainoshima Guided Tour with Ferry Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 3 hours · from $111

Meet your English-speaking guide at Nishitetsu Shingu Station, then take a 40-minute boat ride to Ainoshima, 8 kilometers off Fukuoka. Walk through the island port, see cats resting around the harbor, and learn about local life. Guides such as Tadashi also offer Fukuoka dining tips. Feeding cats is not allowed.

“Tadashi was very happy to show us around Ainoshima and was also gave recommendations for dining in Fukuoka.”

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