About Otaru Ferry Terminal
Otaru Ferry Terminal is the northernmost long-distance ferry terminal in Japan. Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, has two ferry contact points: Otaru Port on the Sea of Japan side and Tomakomai Port on the Pacific side. The distance between Sapporo and Otaru is approximately 30 minutes by JR train. The nearest stations are Minami Otaru Station or Otaru Chikko Station. There are few public transportation or connecting buses to this ferry terminal, and boarding on foot requires a 20-minute walk (when there is no snow accumulation) or use of a cab. Please take special care during the winter season. There are two ferry berths for two vessels, each of which is served by a humanitarian bridge.
How to get there
Otaru Chikko Station⇔Otaru Port Ferry Terminal
A 20-minute walk from the nearest station, Otaru Chikko Station on the JR Hakodate Line, to the ferry terminal. From Otaru Chikko Station, walk approximately 2 km west along Chikko Bayshore Street. If using a cab, it is approximately 5 minutes from Otaru Chikko Station.
If you want Whole Japan Rail Pass, first make a ticket reservation!
If you have a discount coupon, you can make a reservation and purchase tickets online at a discount price.
By Connecting Bus
A connecting bus runs from Otaru Station and Otaru Chikko Station to Otaru Port Ferry Terminal. The bus service is available throughout the year (some days are closed). Please note that if you wish to board the bus from Otaru Port Ferry Terminal, you must inform the information desk by 8:00 p.m. on the day of disembarkation.
Otaru Station ⇔ Otaru Port Ferry Terminal
Travel time: approx. 30 minutes
Fare: 220 yen one way
Number of buses: 2-3 departures per day from Otaru Station / 1 departure per day from Otaru Port Ferry Terminal
Hokkaido Chuo Bus:http://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/city_route/course/otaru/
Otaru Chikko Station⇔Otaru Port Ferry Terminal
Travel time: approx. 10 min.
Fare: 220 yen one way
Number of buses: 2-3 departures per day from Otaru Chikko Station / 1 departure per day from Otaru Port Ferry Terminal
Hokkaido Chuo Bus:http://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/city_route/course/otaru/
Tips
There is also a waiting area space on the 2nd floor of the terminal. The view is nice on a clear day.
The escalator from here to the 3rd floor is one-way, and the boarding gate is on the 3rd floor.
Website
https://www.snf.jp/guide/embark/otaru/
